Char and Jim's Blog

Rental Property in Cleveland and its suburbs

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:12:43 -0600

Just a note to those of you who are trying to lease residential properties in Cleveland's suburbs. The number of available rental properties is few to say the least.

Most sellers who are offering their properties for rent are more interested in SELLING their properties. Sooooofor the most part negotiating a new price could be difficult. With the new and extended housing stimulus package, most sellers will be thinking that they may have a better chance of selling and may be even less willing to negotiate a new price for their rental listing.

If you find something you like, chances are someone else is also looking at the same property! You may find it to your advantage to drive around the areas where you would like to rent. Most owners who are truly interested in renting will have a sign in their front yards. Those might be the people you should be calling.

From my experience, sellers who are listing their homes in the MLS for RENT are also listed FOR SALE. Their primary objective is to sell.

First Time Home Buyers

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:42:50 -0600

Always feel a great sense of worth when my first time home buyers find their homes. Sometimes we pass on a really great home because it's our first time out and the "young" buyer can't believe he's found the house so quickly. Sometimes we lose a house because we bid too low when the house hasn't been on the market that long. Other times we miss out on a great home because there is a hesitation in writing an offer and some one else beats us to the bunch. BUT eventually we wind up with the right home and that makes our job seem like the best job in the world.

When you're working with a "young" buyer, it's always in the back of your mind that this could be your own son or daughter in another city working with another Realtor. You treat you buyer with kid gloves, the way you would want your own kids to be treated. Not that you don't treat everyone with the same ethics but "young" buyers, for the most part, don't have a clue about a real estate transaction. There's a lot of educating that goes on whether it's about what to look for in a home, writing the purchase agreement, or the sequence of events once the offer is accepted. You can't give a "young" buyer too much information. Sure there's a lot of information on the Internet but you're the professional and the time and effort you put into helping this buyer learn the ropes will come back a hundred times if you are patient and really make the effort to explain the process.

And don't forget the follow calls. No one wants to feel like they have been a "sale" in your pocket. The relationships you build when helping your buyers find homes becomes pretty intense for several weeks or maybe even months. Don't fall of the face of the earth. Calling your clients is a heck of a lot easier if you call them during the first month they own the home, their first holiday in the home and follow up with many of their "firsts" (ie their first snow fall, did they get a snow blower in time? or have to shovel their way out?)

First time home buyers are a great niche

New Parma Hts Listing!

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:50:03 -0500

Charlotte Koch | Keller Williams | 440 289 4271

9363 Stonington, Parma Heights, OH

Updated colonial with 40x18 foot inground heated pool

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $129,750

Year Built	1923
Sq Footage	1,612
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	.17 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This charming colonial has 3 bedrooms with 2 updated baths, one on the main floor and one up. Streamline Euro-style kitchen with plenty of counter space and cabinetry,Wolf range, all appliances including washer and dryer. Private courtyard style patio. Home warranty provided.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Living room	- Dining room	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Basement
- Washer	- Dryer	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard	- Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Sun porch overlooks well maintained pool

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4

Contact info:

Charlotte Koch

Keller Williams

440 289 4271

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 3, 2009, 5:29pm PDT

Still time to have a great pool party! This home might be a great investment with your $8,000 tax credit. FHA deals are taking upto 6 weeks to close so get your offer in by October 10 to qualify with a house transfer by November 30, 2009.

Two Opportunities for First Time Home Buyers!

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 07:39:02 -0600

Whatever your price range, we have listings to show you! You can buy a home in Parma and stop paying rent. Use your tax credit money for improvements, AND after the first of the year the City of Parma may have grant money available for you if you qualify. Why not get into the sale of the century. Inventories are high in many suburbs and you may just find the home of your dreams at a great price! for more information about home buying or selling visit our website at: www.kochsrealestate.com or call us for a personal consultation. Char and Jim Koch Residential Realtors 440 289 4271

Great Opportunity to Buy! Parma Real Estate Char and Jim Koch

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 07:27:14 -0600

Photo Gallery

Description

Why continue paying rent when you could own this cozy two bedroom, one bath bungalow with detached 2 car garage? Eat in kitchen with stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher included ( so are the washer and dryer!) and you have a dining room too. Bedrooms have hard wood floors. There is potential for an additional master bedroom, study, or studio upstairs. The basement is partially finished and has a workroom and laundry area. This home comes with a HOME WARRANTY.

Features

Bedrooms:	2
Bathrooms:	1
Parking Spaces:	2
Year Built:	1952
Lot Size:	.11ac
Garage Size:	2
School District:	Parma City Schools
Square Footage:	884
Agent Name:	Char Koch
Broker:	Keller Williams
MLS #:	2504219

Location

8320 Wainstead Drive Parma Ohio 44129

vFlyer Id: 2107641

This bungalow modestly priced at $87500 could be your chance to own a home! Not only could you use your $7500 for improvements, but in the new year you could check into the City of Parma's first time buyer money which could put an additional $5000 in your home if you qualify. For more information about this home, check out this listing on our website: www.kochsrealestate.com or call for a private showing 440.289.4271 Char and Jim Koch

NEW PRICE on 10951 Schwab Drive Parma Real Estate Char and Jim Koch

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:16:30 -0600

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Links

Our Website

Photo Gallery

Description

Wonderful 3 bedroom, 1 bath brick ranch home close to Tri-C College, interstate 71, shopping and conveniences. Neutral decor. Freshly painted rooms, new entry doors and storms. Some new light fixtures and window treatments. Move in Ready. Sun porch and full basement just ready for you to finish! Appliances included: stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and washer and dryer. Nice sized back yard with plenty of room for your garden, swing set or above ground pool. Smoke free, pet free home.

Features

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	1
Parking Spaces:	2
Year Built:	1963
Lot Size:	.21 acre
Garage Size:	2 detached
School District:	Parma City Schools
Square Footage:	1204
Agent Name:	Charlotte Koch
Broker:	Keller Williams
MLS #:	2492489

Location

10951 Schwab Drive Parma Oh 44130

vFlyer Id: 1910415

Don't let your first time home buyers delay in previewing this home now reduced to $119900. Checking into the $7500 tax credit could easily help them with updates or new windows. Great location with easy access to I 71, clean , sharp and move in ready. visit our website for more pictures!! http:// www.kochsrealestate.com Char and Jim Koch

1st OPEN Sunday, November 16, 2008 1-3pm 16535 Elderdale Drive, Middleburg Hts.

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:30:04 -0600

Photo Gallery

Description

Sharp, sparkling vinyl sided cape cod bungalow, waiting for its new owner! Two bedrooms down and generous dormer with 2 bedrooms and half bath up. Dormer would make a great owner's suite with home office or terrific teen suite with study room. Woodwork and hard wood floors are in beautiful condition. Woodburning fireplace in your living room/dining room combination. French doors in the dining room could lead to your deck or patio. Double car garage. All Appliances plus washer and dryer included. Home Warranty provided. BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!
Elderdale is located close to I71 access as well as a super community rec center and the Cleveland Metro Parks!

Features

Bedrooms:	4
Bathrooms:	1.5
Year Built:	1951
Lot Size:	.15acre
Garage Size:	2 Detached
School District:	Berea City Schools
Square Footage:	1242
Agent Name:	Charlotte Koch
Broker:	Keller Williams
MLS #:	2497954

Location

16535 Elderdale Middleburg Heights Oh 44130

vFlyer Id: 50

Please join us for this great opportunity to see a home that could steal your heart away! Clean and neat, move in ready. Great living space and a great value in today's market. For more information on this property go to: http://www.16535elderdale.com to view up to 20 pictures for a sneak preview. Or visit our website at www.kochsrealestate.com Char and Jim Koch, Residential Realtors, who can help you buy or sell your home! 440 289 4271

November 9th Open House 2-4pm 21000 Westminster in Waterford Crossing Strongsville Real Estate

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:39:32 -0600

Photo Gallery

Description

Spacious brick front colonial on a cul de sac street that abutts a greenbelt. Two story foyer, 1st floor den or possible 5th bedroom with adjoining full bath. Cherry kitchen with wood flooring adjoins the family room a great flow when entertaining family and friends. Sharp, neutral decor. Over 3000 square feet! HOME WARRANTY INCLUDED.

Features

Bedrooms:	5
Bathrooms:	3.5
Year Built:	1995
Subdivision:	Waterford Crossing
Lot Size:	.24 acre
Garage Size:	2 Attached
School District:	Strongsville City Schools
Square Footage:	3016
Agent Name:	CJ Harrington
Broker:	Keller Williams
MLS #:	2481274

Location

21000 Westminster Strongsville Ohio 44149

vFlyer Id: 2005841

Great opportunity to preview this wonderful buy in Waterford Crossing! over 3000 square feet of spacious living. Cul de sac lot. See you there! Char and Jim Koch, Residential Realtors, Strongsville, Ohio www. kochsrealestate.com 440.289.4271

Open Sunday, November 9, 2008 2-4pm 17978 Lyon Lane in The Woods of Strongsville

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:13:41 -0600

Photo Gallery

Description

Awesome private wooded lot on a cul-de-sac street in The Woods of Strongsville. Two story foyer with hardwood floors, formal dining room with bay window. Spacious kitchen with island. Gas log fireplace in your family room. Master suite with newer carpet, walk in closet and master bath with garden tub. Second floor laundry room.finished rec room, sprinkler system and stamped patio complete the amenities of this great home. HOME WARRANTY provided.

Features

Bedrooms:	4
Bathrooms:	2.5
Year Built:	1995
Subdivision:	The Woods
Lot Size:	.29 acre
Garage Size:	2 Attached
School District:	Strongsville City Schools
Square Footage:	2836
Agent Name:	CJ Harrington
Broker:	Keller Williams
MLS #:	2467173

Location

17978 Lyon Lane Strongsville Ohio 44149

vFlyer Id: 2005830

Two GREAT Opportunities to use 1st Time Buyer Tax Credit $$ Strongsville Real Estate

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:14:02 -0500

Great opportunities for 1st time home buyers to use your $7500 tax credit money and get into a super home by the end of the year. Visit our website for more pictures and details about each property. Both ready for immediate occupancy. www.kochsrealestate.com Char and Jim Koch Residential Realtors 440 289 4271

Great Value Priced for Today's Market Middleburg Heights Real Estate Char and Jim Koch

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:39:09 -0500

Photo Gallery

Description

Meticulous four bedroom, one and half bath cape cod style bungalow located off Pearl Road and Big Creek Parkway near Cleveland's Metro Park. Instant access to I 71. This sharp home with 2 bedrooms down and spacious dormer with 2 bedrooms and half bath up could provide a great master suite area or terrific teen suite. L-Shaped living room and dining room combination. Wood buring fireplace. Eat in kitchen includes your dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, and microwave. Washer and dryer are also included in this great price of $129900. Home Warranty provided. Get ready to move!

Features

Bedrooms:	4
Bathrooms:	1.5
Year Built:	1951
Lot Size:	.15 ac
Garage Size:	2
School District:	Berea City Schools
Square Footage:	1242
Agent Name:	Charlotte Koch
Broker:	Keller Williams
MLS #:	2497954

Location

16535 Elderdale Drive Middleburg Heights Ohio 44130

vFlyer Id: 2002039

For more information and pictures of this terrific home, visit our website: www.kochsrealestate.com Our goal is to help you find the perfect home! Char and Jim Koch Residential Realtors Strongsville Ohio 440.289.4271

No Urgency on the Part of our Buyers Char and Jim Koch Strongsville Real Estate

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:04:11 -0500

Dear Sellers,

I know you think you are aware of the increasing inventory on the market. And you may even know that a buyer's market means that there could be between 8-10 months of inventory currently listed. You may even have a Realtor who is keeping you informed of what houses ( listing comps and sold comps) are currently on the market and which ones have recently sold or gone into pending so you can take a good look at what those homes are offering above and beyond your home.

You may have cleaned, decluttered, painted and neutralized your home so that it sits as pretty as it can in today's market.

But you may not be aware of the buyer mentality today. Many of us Realtors are still getting used to it!

You may think you don't have to sell, but a good many of our buyers don't have to buy!

They can take their time looking at homes on the internet, open houses, and even setting appointments to see homes, but because they DON"T have to buy, they aren't making any quick or fast decisions.

I called a list of Realtors after my seller made a significant price reduction. Many of those buyers who previewed the home 3 months ago still hadn't bought. They were still looking.

Some buyers go back for second showings, bring back parents ( and/ or friends) and still don't write offers for weeks.

Of course they could always be waiting for new inventory because there always seems to be new inventory. But they usually aren't too uptght about your house getting snatched up on them, especially since they know you've already been on the market for some time.

I know you won't find this note very comforting but I thought you should know that your Realtor can do just so much in a co-broke situation. He or she is probably doing a pretty good job of trying to get feedback from either the agent or the buyers, may be providing them with whatever information they request, but unless the buyer is a also a seller in this market, they really don't sense your urgency because they really don't have any.

Try not to take any of those second showings, the lack of immediate feedback or offer too personally. The buyers, unless they are investors today, just don't seem to move that fast!

Even your Realtor could be frustrated by these buyers at times but we are learning to stay calm and wait for the buyer to make his move!

And wouldn't you think the 1st Time Buyer $7500 Tax Credit would motivate some buyers?

For more real estate information, visit our website: www.kochsrealestate.com

Char and Jim Koch Residential Realtors

Nesters.com Strongsville Ohio Real Estate

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:54:01 -0500

Don't have any idea of the productivity of this site but becasue one of our members is referring leads from this site I decided to take a chance on it this morning. Free, faily easy to navigate and could possibly be another source of exposure for my sellers. If any of you have used this site I would appreciate your comments!

Thanking you in advance for your time and expertise.

Char and Jim Koch Residential Realtors in Strongsville, Ohio

www.kochsrealestate.com

Help Sellers out by filling out Showing Feedback Forms! Strongsville Real Estate

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:26:39 -0500

Showing Solutions has made it fairly easy for Realtors to fill out feedback forms in their off hours after they return to their offices or homes after a day of showing houses, but it never ceases to amaze me how many agents can't take the time to fill out these simple forms! Most agents will give you some feedback if you manage to catch them on the phone, but in my recent experience, there are very few who return feedback messages.

Let's face it my sellers may probably know that because you are not returning a call that your buyer doesn't have any real interest in their property, but they may be interested in what other property did catch their interest. The sellers still prepared for the showing and your card left on a table really isn't enough for them.

I don't believe there are that many "strictly" buyers agents running around out there that they haven't had a seller who has been in the same boat, wanting any bit of encouragement or criticism from their showing.

I wish a few more agents would hone up on their professional skills and return calls, provide feedback and take a positive attitude toward their colleagues who are calling for feedback on behalf of their sellers.

Please be aware sellers that your agent maybe trying his very best to get that showing feedback for you. He has probably emailed the showing agent 2 or 3 times, made 2 or 3 attempts to contact him by phone and maybe getting nowhere. Sad to say, not every agent feels that providing showing feedback is an important part of their job!

For more real estate information, visit our website at www.kochsrealestate.com

Char and Jim Koch

Open Sunday, October 12,2008 1-3pm 14806 Regency Strongsville Real Estate

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:21:58 -0500

Please drop by to preview this great home in desireable Sterling Point. Open Sunday October 12,2008 from 1pm-3pm. Over 3000 square feet of living area that boasts vaulted ceilings, wooded lot and terrific updated kitchen with morning room. Hosted by Char Koch For details or a private showing, call 440 289 4271

1st Open at $124900 Pricing Oct.12,2008 1-3pm Parma Real Estate

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:49:20 -0500

Open Sunday October 12,2008 from 1pm -3pm. 10951 Schwab Drive, Parma , Ohio 44130. Brick ranch ready for immediate occupancy. Freshly painted, neat and clean, 3 bedroom, 1 bath home would make a great buy for 1st time home buyers, downsizers or anyone in between. 2 car detached garage

Use your 1st Time Buyer 7500 Tax Credit! Char and Jim Koch: www.kochsrealestate.com

Use Widgets to Promote your Listings Strongsville Real Estate

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:49:56 -0500

Easy to create through V-Flyers, these widgets can be posted to your blog sites in very little time and minimal effort. You can create a flyer widget or a gallery of all your listings. The next trick will be to add teasers but I'm not sure I'm ready to handle that yet! For more information and additional photos about this listing, visit our website: www.kochsrealestate.com or call for a private showing 440 289 4271

Relisted at a Terrific Price Parma Real Estate

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:29:41 -0500

Photo Gallery

Description

Freshly painted, neutral decor, new entry doors and storms, new light fixtures. This all brick home is move in ready. Three bedrooms, one bath with eat in kitchen and enclosed patio. Bedrooms have hard wood floors. All appliances included...washer and dryer too! Convenient to Tri C Western Campus, shopping, and I 71. Full basement with workshop and uitlity area.

Features

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	1
Parking:	2
Year Built:	1963
Lot Size:	.21ac
Garage Size:	2 detached
School District:	Parma City Schools
Square Footage:	1204
Agent Name:	Char and Jim Koch
Broker:	Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Southwest
MLS #:	2464922

Location

10951 Schwab Drive Parma Ohio 44130

vFlyer Id: 1846053

Walking through Reo's Strongsville Real Estate

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:24:15 -0500

Showing reo properties to prospective buyers is always like shock therapy for me.

Sometimes we find great properties that make us question why these properties are reo's or short sales. In these cases we wonder: What happened to these home owners who showed such care for their properties?

On the other side of the tracks, we also walk thru properties that haven't been trashed out or cleaned.Those properties really hit hard on our heart strings. How bad did things get? What really happened here?

It's pretty brutal in this reo world, I'm not sure all my buyers who think they want to preview and buy reo properties can deal with some of the emotional stuff that goes with it.

Probably easier for investors who can move in quickly, flip and move out. But for the first time buyer, the buyer looking for a "great deal," you really have to be able to look past a lot!

For information about foreclosure properties,

visit our website: www.kochsrealestate.com

for a free ebook to download today!

Char and Jim Koch 440 289 4271

To Lease or not to Lease Strongsville Real Estate

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:04:31 -0500

What a great week for my seller!

Last week I received a call from the Internet inquiring if my seller would consider a lease.

I had previously asked my seller if he had considered leasing his property which had been vacant for several months. The number of homes for lease in this neck of the woods is limited and when you have a vacant property that will soon need to be winterized, sellers and agents need to consider some other options.

Of course my seller doesn't want to miss the spring market, so he was quick to tell me that he would only consider a six month lease..........gees, a pretty hard find! Then too, he wasn't so sure he would want the property off the market at all.

Well, quickly back to the Internet call..........the lessee needed only a six month lease! Lucky? or putting it out to the universe for the law of attraction. I don't care which one it was! Both parties are happy!

We're having a lot of trouble finding the perfect buyers for our homes. Maybe we need to think a little more about this lease or lease option thing.

This year I have leased 4 properties. I have also worked with about 4 other parties who would have like to lease properties but had either credit problems or couldn't find homes to lease unless they were scouring the newspapers, wanted a year or longer lease which we couldn't find.

All the homes that I was able to lease were leasing between 1700-2400 a month. Several of these lessees would have liked a year or longer lease!

Just throwing it out there, many of these renters will be potential buyers, and many of them had to lease in a hurry.

For more information about properties to lease, either call direct or visit our website!

www.kochsrealestate.com

Char and Jim Koch 440 289 4271

Stongsville Real Estate August Median Home Selling Price

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:50:16 -0500

http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008092401?OpenDocument

An interesting article by the National Association of Realtors might be something you would like to read this morning.

According to NAR the national median home selling price for August 2008 was 203,100 down 9.5% compared to last year's median selling price in August 2007 which was 224,400.

In Strongsville the median home selling price for August 2008 was 190,750, down 8% from last year's median selling price in August 2007 which was 207,000. Average # of days on the market in August 2008 was 71 days compared to 60 days in August 2007.

For more information about Strongsville Real Estate, we are only a phone call away!

www.kochsrealestate.com

Char and Jim Koch 440 289 4271

Thought for the Day for Strongsville Realtors

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:55:55 -0500

"If at first you don't succeed; you are running about average."
~ M. H. Alderson

That can either be comforting or motivating!

The goal is to exceed our buyers and sellers expectations.

Let's think about applying that to our own lives first and breaking down some "walls" in our family lives, our faith and our personal lives that will make us exceptional people!

Like just for today I'm going to clear my desk by 2 o'clock, I'll work hard and consistently on things that produce results, but after 4 o'clock I'm going to work just as hard on my goals to spend more quality time with my family. I'm going to stop talking about real estate and focus on my spouse, my kids, and my family members.

The weekend is approaching so I'm going to allow myself some freedom to take a walk, read an interesting book or plan a short trip away from the phone and computer for 2 hours so I can rejuvenate my being and relationships.

You each have your own way to achieve excellence; mine is usually attached to a total letting go of the business for a few hours so that I can always gain a new approach, new enthusiasm for a job that can sometimes never seem to end.

Thought for the Day for Sellers, Strongsville Real Estate

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:21:08 -0500

If you are committed to the sale of your home, do you have a plan B?

The market value of your home is determined by the MARKET, meaning it is determined by what someone is willing to pay for your property based on your home's condition and how it compares to the competition in the market.

If you have to sell, what is your plan B. Lower your price and sell,offer your home for lease.

If you don't have to sell, do you plan to take your home off the market and wait for another time when you can compete in the market.

In these economic times, sellers should have a Plan B.

Homes are showing over 90 days ( and up to 120 day) before contracts are reached. Sometimes it takes several price adjustments to get to the right spot in the market where there are enough showings to produce an offer. The sooner you get to that "right" spot, you'll get an offer.

Hopefully your Realtor is providing you with weekly reports about what is selling in your area, what the new competition is and keeping you informed about the market.

For more real estate information, visit our website: www.kochsrealestate.com

Char and Jim Koch

440 289 4271

10951 Schwab Drive ready for Immediate Occupancy

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:59:32 -0500

This suburban brick ranch is conveniently located to freeway access, Tri-C Western Campus, shopping, Metro Parks, and community ammenities. Have fun posting with widgets! Quick and Easy to do! Your Sellers will love it! For more information about this or any of the listings of the CJ Harrington Home Selling TEAM, just call.........440.289.4271 We're only a phone call away! Char and Jim Koch www.kochsrealestate.com

Open House Signs Strongsville Real Estate

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:11:30 -0500

Traveling around town today trying to preview a few homes at Open houses, I found very few signs.

I don't like putting up those signs either but I will say this fellow Realtors and home owners, if you're going to do an Open House, have plenty of signs up. Commit to the Open House by a sign rider earlier in the week and figuring out where you might need signs. If you need to borrow or buy signs get them if Open Houses are one of the systems you are using to find business.

I'm a Realtor in this area so I knew where you were located, but if my buyer was looking for you because I told him a general direction and told him there would be plenty of signs to follow, I don't think he would have found you!

Balloons are my thing, but if it means setting up my signs Sunday morning a couple of hours before the Open House, I'll do that. The more signs the better!