Real "North Coast" Living

Boardwalk Business Owners are Expanding Their Put-in-Bay Footprint!

2012-01-16T01:38:00.007-06:00

Axel and Harry's Waterfront Grill and the adjacent marina has new owners! New dining in "The Keys Island Grille" will add some new experiences for visitors to Put-in-Bay this year.

Many will know the marina and docks as the boarding area for the Jet Express and the Goodtime vessels. The Bookers are a class act and this is sure to be a well run business venture.

For info on the new marina visit: http://www.parkplaceboatclub.com

or call 419-285-3695.

Mid-American Boat Show: IX Center, Cleveland, Ohio

2012-01-15T09:30:00.007-06:00

Plenty of time to catch the Mid-American Boat Show

at the IX Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

January 13th to the 22nd
www.ClevelandBoatShow.com
Make sure to visit the Put-in-Bay area!

New Liberty Aviation Museum at Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport

2012-01-03T15:23:00.008-06:00

I recently stopped at the Lake Erie Islands & Shores visitor center at 770 S. E. Catawba Rd off State Route 53. This is a fantastic facility for visitors to the area, and provides a wide range of information and resources. Executive Director Larry Fletcher and I spoke about the "happenings" around our favorite area - Ohio's "Vacation Land" and he mentioned the new Liberty Aviation Museum building under construction just around the corner.

I stopped and shot some pictures and was amazed at the size of the structure being built and the amount of activity at the construction site. The centerpiece will be a B-25 Bomber manufactured in 1945. The George V. Woodling Jr. Foundation has provided $2 million of the #3.5 million project. The museum will also feature a PT boat, and will be the workshop for "Tin Goose" project workshop for the Experimental Aircraft Association. There are plans for many other attractions at the facility - stay tuned!

Follow the construction daily with their "Live" cam:

http://www.trimotorheritagefoundation.org/camera/camera1.html

Ohio's Northcoast Gardening Clubs & Organizations

2012-01-01T01:49:00.001-06:00

Ohio is truly a hotbed of gardening activity during the growing season. All of the pent-up energy, garden catalog browsing (of which I am a participant) and planning are released within our region by individuals and groups. Here are just a few links to help you plan for your gardening and garden experiences:

Cleveland Botanical Garden An amazing group of gardens - and a fantastic program.

GardenWalk Cleveland GardenWalk Cleveland is a free, self- guided tour of some of the Cleveland, Ohio's lovely gardens, urban farms, vineyards and orchards. Their website for more info on the 2012 tour planned for July 21st and 22nd.

Ohio City Farm This farm is located near the Westside Market and within the growing Ohio City neighborhood. I drove around it several times this summer and it is much larger and nicer than I expected. A truly wonderful project and one of the largest urban farms in the U.S. Check out the website for additional info.

Bay Village Garden Club Bay Village is filled with beautiful gardens in lovely established neighborhoods. Check out their website for more info or to become involved.

Schoepfle Garden A wonderful 70 acre jewel in Northern Ohio. It's unfortunate more people don't stop and enjoy this lovely garden along the beautiful Vermilion River. I've been going there for years, and several times sat with Otto Schoepfle on his bench near the Magnolia tree discussing gardening. Take the time to visit this Birmingham, Ohio garden located just off of Route 113. The garden features collections of rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hostas, shade plants, and varieties of shrubs, topiary and trees.

Put-in-Bay Garden Club The third annual Garden Walk will be held on Wedneday, July 18th from 10 am to 2 pm. The tour will include 4 or 5 Island Gardens with a luncheon included. Mail for info (if anyone has an email please post it) at P.O. Box #814, PIB Ohio 43456. The next tour isn't until 2014 so get your tickets.

Do you have a garden club in counties along Ohio's shores and islands? Please let me know so we can highlight your events, meetings and membership info!

Residential Sales v.s. Listings in Vermilion, Ohio 44089 for 2011

2011-12-27T16:11:00.003-06:00

Here is a general picture of the Vermilion, Ohio situation based on stats to date. Not something to applaud - but real estate is still moving. Contact me at leehisey@howardhanna.com for more detailed analysis or for info on selling your home.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-15T06:16:00.003-06:00

Some Holiday Spirit! Check it out for a little "feel good" break:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH8FvERQHtM&fea

Aren't there some amazing things happening in downtown Cleveland, Ohio! From the medical mart to the flats and the lakefront plan to the casino - there is positive energy flowing again. Treamont and Ohio City are developing and growing with their unique style and flavor. Downtown is feeling invigorated again, and conversations I've overheard in the surrounding communities (and I hear a great deal driving 30,000 miles a year almost all in the northern half of four counties) is once again becoming hopeful and optimistic.

We still have some recovery time in front of us - but things are looking up. Spring is a time of new energy and growth and Northern Ohio is ripe for a burst of new life next spring.

How We Market - And Our New Facebook Page!

2011-12-07T16:57:00.001-06:00

New Designs for Multigenerational Households?

2011-12-05T02:22:00.000-06:00

Some old/new again homes are coming into the marketplace. Remember when it was assumed the older generation would move in with the younger generation at some point? No – I don’t either. But that was the case in most families.

Builders are once again building homes to accommodate multiple generations. Increasingly a parent or parents may move in with their kids. Young college graduates are staying home longer while they look for work – or just because they have student loans to pay-off. According to the U.S. Census Bureau the category “multigenerational households” increased by 30% from 2000 to 2010 and the major home builders are taking notice.

Some features:

Second Master Bedroom Suites
Kitchenettes
Larger Ranch Models
Separate Entrances
Additional “Living/Sitting Rooms w/ Second Master Bedroom
Perhaps a Move Away From Senior Communities? (restrictions)
Stand-Alone Guest Houses/Flex Space

Additional changes – pets are becoming more and more “Part of the Family”. This is certainly true in our home where are children are older and moving on. We have several times in the last year listed and sold homes with multiple “cat doors” allowing the cat(s) to move freely throughout the home. They also included litter box closets with cat doors.

Home buyers needs change and the home building market changes to meet their needs. Are your needs changing? Contact me at the Hisey Group w/ Howard Hanna: Lee Hisey 440-315-6000 or leehisey@howardhanna.com.

Some Interesting Changes in Real Estate

2011-12-04T14:03:00.000-06:00

There has been a great deal of “Not Negative” news regarding real estate in the last several weeks. It has been a refreshing change.

I’ve read numerous stories in real estate trade magazines, Bloomberg Businessweek Magazine, Barons, local newspapers and various business e-newsletters covering the changing demographics of buyers and renters. Some cover the actual event and you needed to ask “Why?” to realize the difference in the incentives behind the deal. Others covered studies or surveys.

Observations:

The size of homes being built is continuing to shrink. (less seldom used space for space)
More and more emphasis on energy efficiency – people are realizing energy in not going to get less expensive over the long haul .
More renters – particularly among younger consumers.
More in-law suites being included in new homes.
Often small homes – but increased quality. (good – I’m so tired of poor quality McMansions built for square foot and not long term durability and quality of features)
More outdoor features/usable living areas.
More “walking” neighborhood alternatives. More younger buyers asking “How far to the nearest public transportation”.

I personally find these changes refreshing. It seems common sense is once again working it’s way into the home market.

ARE THERE ANY ADVANTAGES TO LISTING YOUR HOME DURING OHIO'S WINTER WEATHER?

2011-11-23T13:46:00.003-06:00

Reasons to List Your Home During the Holidays

• Fewer Showings ~ Yes there are fewer buyers, but those buyers that are left are usually very serious about making a purchase. You may have fewer showings but great prospects!

• Less Competition ~ Most people wait until spring and summer to list their home, which means during the winter you will have far less competition than any other time of the year.

• Homes Show Better During the Holiday ~ Buyers love homes that can tell a story. The holidays are a great time to show homes because the home is usually dressed up for the holiday season.

• January is the Biggest Transfer Month ~ Did you know that more corporate moves happen during January than any other time of the year? This may be a great reason to list you home during the holiday season!

• Timing ~ By putting the home on the market during the winter you may be able to more easily hit your moving goals.

• More Time to Get Top Dollar ~ By starting to market your home early you may be able to secure a higher price.

• Great Time to Shop ~ If your home sells quickly you will be able to shop for your next home during the winter. This is a great time to find a bargain.

• More Advertising ~ Because most agents and offices have less inventory during the winter, your home may be advertised more often than during the spring and summer months!

• More Attention ~ Most agents will be able to devote more specialized attention to your needs during the winter because they have less clients to manage.

• The Market ~ Today’s interest rates are at forty-year lows. This gives buyers more spending power, and will be even more important when you begin shopping for your next home.

• Tax Benefits ~ By selling now you can have a closing after the first of the year for tax purposes.

• Loan Commitment ~ During the winter months you may be able to obtain a loan commitment quicker.

• More Time ~ You may be able to look at homes during the holiday especially during vacations.

• Highest Percentage ~ We usually have the highest percentage of listings sold to listings taken during this time of the year

The Bicentennial Battle of Lake Erie - September 2013

2011-11-14T14:18:00.005-06:00

Preperations are already being made - and you can reserve a spot representing one of the soldiers that served that day! Check out the website: CLICK HERE

From their website:

The Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Celebration in late August through September 10, 2013 will bring together hundreds of thousands of people from the U.S., Canada and abroad.
The two-week Celebration will include a large fleet of Tall Ships in an historic reenactment of the Battle of Lake Erie, a grand Parade of Sail and Port Festivals in waterfront cities in the U.S. and Canada. Visitors will be able to tour the Ships, enlist as Crew Members in the reenactment, or be part of the Bicentennial Fleet or Militia. Along with Tall Ships activities, surrounding days will include a series of exciting events to commemorate the Bicentennial, including:

National Speakers
Marching bands
Fireworks
Concerts
Parade of Boaters
International Freedom Celebration
Food,
Entertainment,
Arts & Crafts
Solemn ceremonies to honor the fallen
Historical Activities

Official invitees will include representatives from the U.S., British and Canadian governments as well as Native American Indian groups. It will be an epic Celebration for Ohio, the Great Lakes region and our nation.

Plan to join us for the Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Celebration and sign up here for updates.

South Bass Island/Put-in-Bay Extended Fall Schedule 2011

2011-11-09T00:44:00.001-06:00

Miller Boat Line, Inc.

Leave Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island

08:30

09:30

10:30

02:00

03:00

04:00

Leave Catawba (Mainland)

09:00

10:00

11:00

02:30

03:30

04:30

Thanksgiving Day - November 24th

Leave South Bass Island

08:30

04:00

Leave Catawba

09:00

04:30

Always check first! Call 800-500-2421. You are strongly encouraged to leave your vehicle on the mainland.

Kelleys Island, Ohio Fall Ferry Schedule 2011

2011-11-08T17:22:00.003-06:00

KI Ferry Schedule starting on November 9th, 2011

Leave Marblehead (mainland):
8am
9am
Noon
4pm
5pm
6pm

The last boat leaves Marblehead at 6pm.

Leave Kelleys Island:
8:30am
9:30am
12:30pm
4:30pm
5:30pm
6:30pm

The last boat leaves Kelleys Island at 6:30pm.

CLOSED on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Schedule is weather permitting. Call 419-798-9763 to verify!

Miller Ferry's Late Fall MBI Schedule

2011-11-08T12:24:00.003-06:00

Middle Bass Extended Schedule

Nov. 23, Nov. 25, Nov. 27Nov. 23, Nov. 25, Nov. 27

Wendesday - November 23

Leave Middle Bass 2:45 pm

Leave Catawba 4:45 pm

Friday - November 25

Leave Middle Bass 10:45 am

Leave Catawba 11:45 am

Sunday - November 27

Leave Middle Bass 8:45 am & 2:45 pm

Leave Catawba 9:45 am & 3:45 pm

Weather Alerts will always be displayed on Home Page. PLEASE remember this schedule could change without notice and may be terminated at any time due to weather. Call 1-800-500-2421 to make vehicle reservations.

This is a Bad Time To Purchase A Home! WRONG!!

2011-11-01T17:47:00.000-05:00

You don't need to believe me! Check out these stories:

Forbes Magazine: The Next Mortgage Crisis

Wall Street Journal: It’s Time to Buy That House

MarketWatch.com: Now Might Be the Best Time Ever to Buy a Home

JP Morgan Market Insights: Housing: A Time To Buy

Considering a home in Ohio's Lake Erie waterfront communities? Contact the Hisey Group with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services today at RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com or Lee at 440-315-6000.

Real Estate is Changing! How will Northern Ohio Adjust?

2011-10-31T07:35:00.004-05:00

The real estate market will be changing - where does Northern Ohio fit it? At this point we seem to be behind the curve, but where will we stand in the future?

A report from the Urban Land Institute (click here) , as well as several other recent reports and studies show that our real estate will be increasingly driven by Generation Y. This is the group currently in their teenage years to their 30's.

What does this group want?

Smaller Homes
Purchasing Homes Later in Life
Easier Commute
Higher Quality of Lifestyle rather than Square Footage
More likely to Rent (resulting in rents rising)
More Energy Efficiency

Other changes in our real estate will include more multi-generational homes/housing situations. This will be a result of a very large aging population and Generation Y leaving home later in life.

Northern Ohio has not seen a huge population increase and tends to change very slowly, however we could see an increase in smaller, high quality downtown and "near downtown" living possibilities. I went on a Realtor sponsored tour of many of these options recently and was impressed. We have options in the Cleveland area, however those options will probably need to increase in the near future.

Will our bus/rapid/train service make commuting from the outer suburbs easier? Will former power houses like Lorain, Ohio be able to build on their river and Lake Erie assets and bring in employment opportunities? Will Sandusky, Ohio be able to capitalize on it's assets and existing businesses and create a lakefront living environment that will attract the next generation of home buyers - Generation Y?
It should be an interesting market to watch over the next decade.

Chinese Investors for Northern Ohio? Investors from China?

2011-09-18T14:41:00.000-05:00

There was an interesting article in The Plain Dealer this morning. Mr. Derek Ng is hoping to bring business investment to northern ohio and Cleveland from China. Check out their promotional video:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ahc8lrVovl8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe>

Considering Northern Ohio Real Estate? Contact the Hisey Group "Serving Cleveland's Westside to the Lake Erie Islands", 1-800-974-5184 or LeeHisey @HowardHanna.com

Kelleys Island and our Amazing Lake Erie Islands!!

2011-09-10T14:58:00.003-05:00

Great Video! The Lake Erie Islands - worth a week of vacation.
Spend a day at Cedar Point, then visit the islands. This region is filled with villages, islands, wineries, water parks, and other fantastic destinations. No longer a day trip - you can spend several days visiting the mainland areas of Sandusky, Marblehead and Port Clinton/Catawba. Then visit Kelleys Island, Middle Bass Island, and South Bass Island with the Village of Put-in-Bay. Take a tour of Gibraltar Island and enjoy ferry boat rides or a water taxi ride between your destinations. Take some time and explore! Start planning your vacation for next year today!!

OPEN HOUSE: O.S.U. Stone Laboratories - Ohio's Lake Erie Islands

2011-09-09T20:44:00.005-05:00

Curious about the Stone Laboratory on Ohio State University's Gibraltar Island? Plan to visit tomorrow at the fourteenth annual open house from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. There will be free transportation to the island from the the Research Building on South Bass Island. Activities will include tours of the laboratory, an up close view of Cooke Castle, and a tour of the 6.5 acre island.

You can register at the Ohio State University Research Building on South Bass Island beside the Aquatic Visitors Center, South Bass Island Lighthouse or Gibraltar Island.

Contact info: Office at Put-in-Bay 614-247-6500. Online at: http://stonelab.osu.edu/fosl/

2011 Middle Bass Island Town Hall Meeting Minutes: Updated and important info...

2011-09-02T18:23:00.001-05:00

From the MBI Town Hall Meeting Blog:

2011 Town Hall Meeting Minutes: Updated and important info...: We want to thank all the Middle Bass businesses and residents for their support of the Town Hall and the Advisory Board this year. Special ...

Just Stuff

2011-09-01T07:08:00.003-05:00

Another Day in Northern Ohio..

Just back from a New England vacation - yes we got trapped by the flooding. A beautiful area - not unlike the feel among our Lake Erie Islands. My wife and I noticed one major difference - and that was attitude. Everyone we talked to, and I like to talk, from business owners to residents were ambassadors for their region. They all loved to brag about where they lived. Northern Ohio has some fantastic assets - lets do some bragging!!
I picked up a copy of EcoWatch Journal at Rio Coffee Brewery in Avon Lake (where I am at the moment-a regular stop) and they have an article on "Ohio's Growing Wind and Solar Supply Chain". A new study released by the Environmental Law and Policy Center finds that 106 Ohio companies are doing business with the wind industry, and 63 with he solar industry supply chains.
We are having a condo open house on Middle Bass Island this Saturday from 1 pm to 3 pm. We'll have 4 to 5 waterfront condos open. See a variety of layouts and prices. Email me for info at leehisey@howardhanna.com. To preview the building check out: http://www.StHazardsCondos.com
We will probably have a new condo listing and a Avon Lake starter/down-sizing home this week. Check http://www.LeeHisey.com regularly to view new listings.

Realtor's Work - Even on Vacation

2011-08-23T11:01:00.003-05:00

My beautiful wife and I are working in a coffee shop knocking out the work (very nice place - www.cambridgecoffeebar.com) in Portland, Maine. We are on vacation for our 27th wedding anniversary, but we still need to handle email, advertising proofs, etc. We had a wonderful discussion with the owners who work from 3 am to after 5 every day to make their business work. Owner Vick Cambridge and her husband work hard to run their own business - as do Realtors. They take pride in their small business.

Most Realtors are sole proprietors. They work under a Broker such as Howard Hanna, but each is an independent business owner paying for the majority of their advertising, supplies, etc. Realtors work very hard - and each has their own style, marketing methods, and like us some pay for additional advertising venues. Ask! What do you offer above what your broker offers! How will you provide additional marketing for your market area, region, and this property!

The Hisey Group, LLC doesn't make ANY money but incurs many expenses marketing our listings. We ONLY MAKE MONEY if we sell your home or property - so we work very hard to sell it! Call me today to explain what Howard Hanna Real Estate Services and The Hisey Group LLC can do for you at 440-315-6000.

Lake Erie Islands and Shores Stuff

2011-08-20T06:57:00.003-05:00

All kinds of stuff happening along our islands and shoreline.

The Lake Erie Watersnake is officially "rebounded" and off the endangered species list. I know I personally have seen far more snakes in recent years.
Kelleys Island Ferry has landed a $2.7 million federal grant for a new 160 foot ferry boat. I've read that other states were also after the money - but it came to Ohio! This is in addition to 1 million obtained previously. Publications are reporting that the ferry will cost approximately $6 million.
A $790,000 grant has been awarded for improvements on the South Bass Island ferry dock.
Lonz Winery talks continue - we'll see if a company is willing put up a large amount of money and take a risk with turning the winery into usable space. It is currently sitting and deteriorating. Improving the key historical features and preserving them while integrating a newer structure may be the best option if we want a usable structure rather than historical ruins. We'll keep you updated.
Coming to visit the area? I received two emails asking what a perfect weekend vacation would be if you only had two days to enjoy in "Ohio's Vacation Land". I suggested a number of things because there are so many options! I think a day at Cedar Point, a ferry ride on the last ferry to South Bass Island with a night at one of the fine Bed and Breakfasts within the Village of Put-in-Bay would be a good start. Then spend the next day enjoying many of the activities, shopping, and entertainment options the Lake Erie Islands have to offer.
Enjoying summer fishing in Lake Erie's world class fishing grounds? Consider ice fishing when the winter weather hits. There are many ice fishing guides that can help arrange your trip. (lets hope that ice takes it's time getting here : )

Social Networking - Today's Marketing Takes Place Online!

2011-08-12T08:35:00.005-05:00

Business today increasingly starts online, and then moves to other arenas. Where can you find the Hisey Group, LLC with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services online marketing your real estate and promoting our region?

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/HiseyGroup

Twitter:
http://twitter.com/HiseyGroup

E-Newsletters:
http://community.icontact.com/p/hiseygroup

LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/leehisey

Websites:
http://www.LeeHisey.com
http://www.ErnieHisey.com
http://www.HiseyGroup.com
http://www.MiddleBassIsland.info
http://www.OhioBoathouse.com
http://www.OhioWaterfrontCondos.com
...................... and many more.....................

Planning on Selling Your Ohio Vacation Home? Selling a Second Home can be Different!

2011-08-10T12:49:00.006-05:00

Planning on Selling Your Second-Home? Check out the following tips to sell your Ohio vacation home more effectively:

A good Virtual Tour is a MUST!

More than any other property you should have a quality virtual tour with views of the surroundings, key development or area highlights (marina, lakefront, pool, beach, etc), and the home and grounds. Buyers need to be able to visualize the property more so than primary homes. Often they must schedule a trip from out of town just to see the second-home. Don't waste your time or theirs.

Stage your vacation home!
Sellers frequently forget to stage their vacation home. It's their place to relax - and sometimes housekeeping is put on the back burner - and THAT'S OK! You should relax on vacation. But now it's time to sell so lets get down to business and stage your home as if it were your primary residence. Use table clothes, fresh flowers when possible, and make it sparkle! Wash outdoor furniture, patios and decks and stage their placement. Fresh paint is a plus. Keep the lawn and gardens trimmed and plant plenty of flowers. Eliminate clutter. Think of it as a vacation rental - and stage it as you'd expect to find a home you were spending money to rent.

Property also a Rental? Include an income history.
Make sure it is available if not included in the marketing material. Buyers may want to know if they can get help with the payments or even property improvements through rental income.

Include the Furnishings
Some buyers will want to purchase everything from scratch, but many want to be able to move in and enjoy the property THIS SEASON. They may want to replace some or all items - but on their own schedule and within their own budget. Make it an option, and let us know up front what items are definitely NOT included.

Post lots of photos
The Hisey Group posts a large number of photos. We take high quality photos using a 35 mm camera. Pocket cameras and disposable cameras are ok for initial pictures but the final pictures for your home or property should be of high quality. I handle all of our final photography and photo editing, and I can take as many as 350 pictures of a larger home. I look for the best of the best to post online, on fliers and in advertising. Often Internet sites require us to reduce the quality prior to upload - but we always use the highest quality permitted. Vacation property is often purchased from a distance so pictures are very, very important. We've actually sold several lakefront properties from the pictures and virtual tours alone.

Write a great description
Vacation Property descriptions should include more info regarding the area than most primary residence descriptions. Often the location is even more the reason the buyer is purchasing the home. We try to include local hot spots such as amusement parks, water parks, fishing, wineries and microbreweries, and restaurants. Describing the view is often included. Buyers of second-homes are looking for an escape, and we use language that supports that desire and the properties attributes. Pool, boating, biking, tennis, fitness facility? Include them in the description.

I hold my "Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist" designation as a Realtors®. If you are listing in Northern Ohio give me a call! If you are listing in another part of the country contact me and I can get you in contact with a Second-Home specialist. Second homes generally take longer to sell so be prepared. Contact me today at 440-315-6000 or LeeHisey@HowardHanna.com for more information.