Great vacation in Hilton Head, South Carolina - 07/31/10 11:59 PM
Just returning from a great vacation with family in Hilton Head.  This was my first time there and I cant tell you what a relaxing environment that setting is.  We rented a home there and I have to tell you it is not at all commercial like similar beaches in the east coast ( no names please) Now i am sure it is tough on the locals to deal with all those confused lost drivers but I never saw a temper flair and it is like everyone knows everyone there.  I came with 4 other Avon Lake Ohio families and ran … (2 comments)

avon lake summer sale - 07/30/10 06:15 PM
Today starts the Summer Market at Veterans‬ ‪Park at 83/Lake it's from 4-9 tonight and 9-3 Sat.‬ ‪Support your local artists - they have food too‬ ‪  … (0 comments)

Best trees to plant around your new home. - 07/23/10 01:08 AM
Trees are rich in beauty and benefits. They are important to the ecological health of our communities, and many of us plant trees to contribute to the well-being of our planet. Planting a tree may also celebrate the birth of a child or mark the loss of a loved one. But probably the most common reason we plant trees is that we just enjoy having them in our backyards.
If you’re considering planting a tree, you’ll find hundreds of tree species available through local nurseries and nursery catalogs. The challenge is to make a good choice for your region and yard. … (1 comments)

Avon Lake Green Box Program for Kids - 07/22/10 01:15 AM

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Getting that home ready to sell - 07/22/10 01:09 AM

You don't have to spend a fortune renovating your house to ensure a quick sale at the best price. Some of the most effective fix-ups are also the cheapest.
Spending just $400 to $500 on fresh landscaping, for example, can boost your home's value by $1,600 to $1,800, according to a survey of real estate agents conducted by HomeGain, an Internet real estate service. Spend another $300 on cleaning and de-cluttering your home, the survey found, and you could add another $2,000 or more to the sale price.
On the inside Once inside, inspect your floors, walls, kitchen, bathrooms and … (5 comments)

Avon Lake Residents getting new roofs from recent hail damage. - 07/22/10 01:00 AM
If you haven' t noticed there has been allot new roofs going up in the Avon Lake area and in Bay Village.  Brian Wroten from the Avon lake Press wrote this great story about all the roofing going on in the Avon Lake area.
Read: http://2presspapers.northcoastnow.com/2010/07/15/
What I did not understand till further explained to me by a roofer and from a local insurer is this.  When roofs get hail damage it initially does not appear like anything significant just divots in your roof and vents and siding. But those divots in the roof result in eventually water entry areas under the … (0 comments)

Avon Lake's We love Jeremy Golf Outing - 07/22/10 12:41 AM
The We Love Jeremy Golf Outing will make its return Aug. 14 at Sweetbriar Golf Course with a new direction.
While Jeremy George, who had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is now cancer free, he and his family want to take the success of the previous two outings and put it toward helping families hospitalized at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and those staying at the Cleveland Ronald McDonald House. The George family’s goal is to sponsor a room at the Ronald McDonald House while continuing to help kids at the children’s hospital during the holidays.
Last year’s fundraiser brought joy to 11 … (0 comments)

Fligners Food Market is another benefit of living in Lorain County - 07/22/10 12:35 AM
Fligners has been one of the great secrets of living in the Lorain County area.  The store's main benefit is its supply of fresh meats. But there are other plus like the largest collection of ethic can and fresh goods and a wonderful bakery.  And then there is the customer service.  Baggers load your car... when was the last time you had a bagger push your cart and load your car? Here is the family story below.

"Our Mission is to provide superior products with the best possible service at the absolute lowest prices.” In 1924, father and son, Harry … (0 comments)

Lorain County showing a positive sales swing - 07/22/10 12:25 AM
It appears that Lorain county is showing a positive swing as we rebound from the end of the tax credit. There is a small but positive trend moving as illustrated below. With continued fantastic interest rates, great home prices, and increased market volume there is many opportunities for the buyer. … (1 comments)

Some quick decorating ideas to bring out that home - 07/21/10 11:25 AM
Michael Holland of http://www.kids-rooms-and-crafts.com and http://www.home-decorating-made-easy.com offers lots of FREE home decorating tips and ideas. Not all home decorating ideas require a heavy investment of time and money. If you're looking for a few affordable home interior decorating ideas to freshen up a room over a weekend, try these ten:
1. Rearrange the Furniture- Pull your furniture away from the walls. Try positioning it at intriguing angles. For example, a sofa arranged diagonally across a narrow living room will make the room look wider.
2. Paint A Wall- Paint one wall your favorite color and make it the focal point. Hang interesting art on … (0 comments)

Safe Summer Driving Tips and Advise for your Next vacation - 07/20/10 11:35 PM
 
Summer vacation can be a time to relax and recharge, but can also be very hectic. Americans tend to try to pack as much into a short time as possible. If you are driving on your vacation this summer and packing in a lot of all-day activities, you could find yourself guilty of DWD (Driving While Drowsy).
As a society we are sleep-deprived. There seem to be too many things to do in a day, and we often sacrifice sleep to meet other demands. But sacrificing as little as one to two hours of sleep can affect the ability to … (1 comments)

Avon Lake market sales are picking up - 07/20/10 11:20 PM
I was just reviewing data this month in updating my listing presentation and noticed Avon Lake has had strong market sales in the past 3 months.
Agents have been busy. Sold signs are up.  Time to feel good about putting your home up for sale

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Starting New Roses at Your Home. - 07/19/10 10:34 AM
Many, many years ago I worked after school as a grounds keeper at a convent across the street from my parents home.  While caring for the grass, flowers, and shoveling snow in the winter the older nuns taught me the skill of starting roses from cuttings. I have to admit at first it appeared like another boring labor task for a 15 year old to do but I eventually got obsessed with it to the point I was keeping stats of success rate from various cuttings.  Anyway here is what I learned.   One of the of simple ways to start new roses is … (1 comments)

Cleveland area investment property - West - 07/18/10 06:38 PM
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Kamms Corner area home. Great family starter. - 07/18/10 06:36 PM
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Great Avon Lake alternative to renting. Make your move today!! - 07/18/10 05:04 PM
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Avon Lake Lake Front Opportunity - 07/18/10 05:01 PM
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Avon Lake, Avon, Sheffield Lake Open Houses this Weekend 7/18/10 - 07/17/10 09:24 PM

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Avon Lake 2010-2011 Football Schedule - 07/17/10 09:09 PM
 
Avon Lake Shoremen High School Football Schedule * Conference Game| ** Tournament Game| *** Playoff Game| F=Forfeit
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Avon Lake Pool Hours and Information - 07/17/10 05:01 PM
Pool Pass Registration available online beginning June 9th.  Pay for your pass online, upload your own photos, and print out a temporary pool pass.  Avoid long lines at the beginning of the season.  

  The Ellen Trivanovich Municipal Pool is typically open from the last day of the school year through Labor Day seven days a week, weather permitting.  This year being the inaugural year for our new facility will be a slightly shortened season.  As in the past we will offer lap swimming, our Learn-to-Swim Program, and diving boards.  New additions are the lazy river, spray ground, zero-depth entry, two 25' water slides, one 6' family … (1 comments)

ADA Anniversary Celebration in Cleveland area - 07/17/10 12:12 AM
The 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a great opportunity for people with disabilities to come together to make sure that the promise of the ADA becomes a reality! Given the fact that the employment statistics for people with disabilities in the United States have not changed significantly in the last 20 years, we certainly have a lot of work to do.
Northeast Ohio's Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the ADA12:00-5:00 p.m. - Noon - Public Ceremony - Mall A - St. Clair Ave. & West Mall Drive - Free … (1 comments)

Cleveland's Kamms Corner. Great starter opportunity!!! - 07/15/10 11:45 PM
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What if... Inspections on as is homes were done as a disclosure process? - 07/15/10 11:38 PM
In Steve Bushart's blog on "Should Foreclosed Homes be inspected " (hope I did this link right?) He talks about a case where the buyer walks from her discoveries upon inspection of a home.  
I thought I spin in a different direction on this and ask people what do they think about an inspection report from licensed home inspector on homes that are in short sale status?  What I am saying is, what do people think about having a report funded by the bank or split bank / homeowner where potential buyers get and idea what they are getting into on these … (6 comments)

Adding some curb appeal at the door to your Avon Lake home - 07/14/10 12:42 AM
 

There are a number of things that affect the curb appeal of a home. A garage door in some homes can account for as much as 40 percent of the exterior appearance of a home as seen from the street. Thus, the type and style of the door can make or break the home’s appearance.
                                                                
Among the most popular projects to enhance a home’s curb appeal is … (1 comments)

Ohio Homestead Exemption - 07/13/10 03:05 PM
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Avon Lake gets renovated High School Staduim - 07/12/10 12:57 AM

Four years ago, Avon Lake City Schools ran into a predicament as the fall sports season wound down.The football team had a Mud Bowl type of game with Amherst on Friday night, and the girls soccer team had a home playoff game with Magnificat the following day.The school had no choice but to move the game to Rocky River High School, essentially swinging the game’s home field advantage to the Blue Streaks because of elements out of its control.Avon Lake' s High School Athletic Director Tom Barone formed a committee to help plan how to raisethe money for the new … (1 comments)

What makes a home a condo? - 07/12/10 12:44 AM
 
Condominium Property Characteristics
Condominiums can take many forms structurally. They may be like regular apartments, or they may be townhouses. In fact, many are converted apartment houses or townhouse complexes. Some condominium communities actually offer individual standalone houses; these communities look like typical housing tracts, but again the residents own only the air space inside their homes. Even though each may have a fair amount of property, that property is managed by the association and not the individual owners.
Condominiums, also known as "condos," offer many of the same amenities as home ownership, except that the development is managed by … (0 comments)

Celiac Disease story. Two moms making a difference - 07/12/10 12:33 AM
They are two Moms who formed a bond because their sons live with the same disease. Friends first, and now business partners, in a new healthy and sweet business venture.
 
"I have been a stay-at-home mom for 20 years, so this is very, very new to me," Karri Russell says.
In May, Avon Lake moms Karri Russell and Lynn Krause teamed up to open Spoon Me. The frozen yogurt shop is brand new to the Promenade at Crocker Park in Westlake.
The venture wasn't a lifelong dream for the duo but it came from their experiences as mothers, whose sons live … (1 comments)

Great Kamms Corner opportunity - 07/11/10 01:45 AM
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Avon Lake Ohio Starter Opportunity - 07/11/10 01:33 AM
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Water and Pool Safety for Kids - 07/10/10 01:21 PM

Summer is all about enjoying the pool and a fun swim, but parents also need to be on the lookout for the real danger of young children drowning. Four-time Olympic gold medalist Janet Evans shares important and helpful advice to help parents protect their children and teach young ones to swim:
Start early Once a child is potty trained, a child is old enough to take swim lessons. There are even classes for infants! If a parent wants to take a child in a pool to play before that, it’s fine, but it’s not really learning to swim until ages 2-3.
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Lebron's move just another chapter in Cleveland sports disappointments. - 07/09/10 01:20 AM
Cleveland's sports history took another hit Thursday when LeBron James announced he was leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat. Cleveland fans remember these events all too well:
The Drive: The Cleveland Browns were less than six minutes from a 20-13 victory in the AFC Championship Game and the organization's first trip to the Super Bowl, in January 1987. The Denver Broncos muffed the kickoff, and quarterback John Elway took over at the Broncos' 2-yard line.
Six passes, three rushes and a couple of Elway scrambles later, Denver had tied the score with 37 seconds left. The Broncos won in overtime … (5 comments)

Focal Points to Rooms help Attract buyers attention and desire. - 07/09/10 01:01 AM
It is no question that to help get a buyer or even a house guest excited about a home each room should have a focal point What is a focal point?  It is something particular in the room around which the furniture will revolve. If you're selling your home and they are staged well, focal points can mean big bucks. A fireplace, a picture window or a fantastic view are examples of focal points.
If your room does not have a focal point, well than create one. Hang a painting on a wall, hang an oriental rug on a wall. A large breakfront or armoire will … (2 comments)

Trees in the yard can help your home value! - 07/09/10 12:48 AM
"Impact of Improved Landscape Quality and Tree Cover on the Price of Single-Family Homes" by Andrea Stigarll and Emmett Elam write that, "Approximately 30 percent of the increase in sale value was accounted for by added tree cover. The results show that each $1.00 invested in upgrading an average landscape to excellent quality returns $1.35 in added property value." While most homeowners know that landscape is a big draw for buyers, they are unsure of how much and what kinds of landscaping affect the property value.
The study reports that, "General tree cover adds 2 percent to 9 percent to the value … (6 comments)

A Clean Home is a Selling Home!! - 07/07/10 03:26 PM
Everyone hates to do it but needs to be done and should be the obvious seller's commandment: thou shalt clean. It will sell the home in that potential buyers will look at the potential for them. An lets face it a dirty home is a turn off. Smells, dust, covered floors are things that will people remember more than the home itself.
Remove all clutter from every room, including closets. Organize your basement and attic. Have a garage sale with all the stuff you don't want to move to your next home! Wipe down and paint walls and trim if necessary. … (1 comments)

New updates to Avon Ohio!! - 07/07/10 03:10 PM
Interested in the new buildings in Avon Ohio?  Click on any of these links from the city website to take a tour. 
NEW! French Creek YMCA - Virtual Tour - Click Here All Pro Freight Stadium - Virtual Tour - Click HereNew Police and Fire Department - Virtual Tour - Click Here
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Avon Lake Ohio Library Recieves top honors - 07/07/10 03:03 PM
 Hennen's American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR) is a widely-recognized annual report that ranks and assesses public libraries across the nation.  For over the past ten years, one quarter of ALL top ten libraries have been in Ohio.   The HAPLR Index rates public libraries in fifteen different categories, focusing on circulation, staffing, materials, references, services, etc.  The report then divides the libraries into population categories and the Top Ten Libraries are ranked in each category.  FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR,  AVON LAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY IS RANKED 8TH IN ITS CATEGORY NATIONALLY !!
 
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Watching your kids enjoy sports is for the open hearted. - 07/07/10 12:41 AM
As a coach and parent I have been notorious for taking the "go get them" approach to sports at times.  It can be hard especially when you coach them and you feel parents look at the coach as if "what are doing with my kid out there".  But I really feel I learned some thing this past season of coaching soccer. And that is parents love to see you be there for the kids for learning the fun of the sport, learning to team play, build friendships and lastly, pointed out to that child on the field or after the game for what they did … (3 comments)

Another great event took place in Avon Ohio - 07/07/10 12:00 AM
With the terrible heat  thousands of rib eaters braved it Saturday in Avon to enjoy food, fun and fireworks leading into this weekend's Independence Day activities.
For the second consecutive year, attendees of the Hendricks County Rib-Fest had to battle blistering heat. And, once again, crowds were slightly down, said Beverley Austin, one of the organizers.
Seven vendors participated in this year's rib contest, with Applebee's voted best ribs and Pit Stop BBQ & Grill voted best sauce by a panel of local celebrity judges. Attendees who voted agreed with the judges on best sauce, but felt Hogheads BBQ served the best the ribs, … (0 comments)

Extreme Heat in the Cleveland area sure makes it hard to sell homes. - 07/06/10 11:48 PM
 
The National Weather Service in Cleveland is calling for highs in the lower 90s throughout the week. And while the hot and dry weather may cause some to crank their air conditioning units, the heat is pretty bearable compared to temperatures lingering over mid-Atlantic states. But I would have to say it sure has been hard to work.  Getting in and out of your car.  Going to homes without AC or let alone a window open can be very unbearable.  So my question to you is, " How have you been doing in this temperature?  What methods have you taken to … (4 comments)

Us Census Results - Avon, Avon Lake North Ridgeville are highly popular areas. - 07/06/10 12:52 AM
Three Lorain County cities bordering Cuyahoga County -- North Ridgeville, Avon Lake and Avon -- are the fastest growing cities in Greater Cleveland.The Census Bureau recently released updated population estimates for each city in the country.From 2000 through 2009, North Ridgeville grew by 6,342 residents. Avon Lake grew by 5,983 and Avon grew by 5,810, the estimates show.
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Kamms Corner Home on Quiet Street looking for a new owner! - 07/06/10 12:41 AM
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Great Avon Lake Opportunity!! Hurry! - 07/06/10 12:38 AM
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Avon Lake has Code Red service - 07/05/10 01:42 AM
 
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Avon Lake Community Television - 07/05/10 01:24 AM
ALC-TV IS NOW ON THE WEB! JUST CLICK ON THE VIDEO ON DEMAND TAB TO THE LEFT Avon Lake Community Television (ALC-TV) is a Department of the City of Avon Lake. ALC-TV is comprised of two access channels: government channel 12 and public channel 99. Funding for ALC-TV comes from the franchise fee paid by Time Warner Cable subscribers living in Avon Lake.ALC-TV is broadcast to all homes in Avon Lake having cable. Note: the use of ALC-TV equipment and staff is not limited to cable subscribers but is available to all residents (18 and older), groups, organizations, clubs and enterprises of Avon Lake.  Television opportunities for those under 18 years … (0 comments)

FHA inspection Requirements. - 07/04/10 01:24 AM
Having struggled through what I thought would be an easy FHA inspection I thought I share these important points of what to look for in an FHA inspection.
FHA Inspection Requirements
In December 2005 HUD announced changes to the types of repairs and inspections it requires for residential properties. According to HUD:
"In a continuing effort to reform and standardize its appraisal requirements, FHA has shifted from its historical emphasis on the repair of minor property deficiencies and now only requires repairs for those property conditions that rise above the level of cosmetic defects, minor defects or normal wear and tear. … (5 comments)

Cable competition finally coming to Avon Lake - 07/03/10 12:19 AM
 After much wait Wide Open West (WOW) will soon become Time Warner Cable's competitor in Avon Lake.
Mayor K.C. Zuber said the cable, telephone and Internet provider has filed paperwork with the state to operate in the city. He said he'd been in discussion with WOW for about a year and a half.
IF you are not resident of the area you probably don't know how long the area has waited for some solid competition to go against our current troublesome service. Perhaps this will help time warner work on improving their services to the city.
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Avon Lake Smile for Sophie Run - Reminder it's this weekend - 07/03/10 12:14 AM
 RACE DAY, July 4,

Where: Walker Road Park - 31621 Walker Road, Avon Lake
When: July 4
Race begins at 9 a.m. Children's activities begin at 10 a.m.
Late Registration: Through July 4
$25 for all ages (Includes refreshments and birthday cupcake)
Register at: www.smilesforsophieforever.org or www.hermescleveland.com.
July 4 would have marked Sophie Elizabeth Quayle's seventh birthday. Instead, the day will be spent celebrating her short life and the difference it has made on others.
Sophie died in 2007 from a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a cancerous brain tumor that affects primarily children and is the rarest and worst … (0 comments)

Avon Lake - 1st Annual Smiles For Sophie Forever 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk - 07/01/10 02:30 PM
07/04/2008 - City: Avon lake
 1st Annual Smiles For Sophie Forever 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk
Join in the fight against pediatric brain cancer. Entertainment and kids activities will follow the race. All proceeds benefit the Smiles for Sophie Forever Foundation.
For more information on how to take part in the activities please visit http://www.smilesforsophieforever.org/events.asp
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89th Annual Rochester Fourth of July Homecoming In Rochester, Ohio - 07/01/10 02:27 PM
The 89th Annual Rochester Fourth of July Homecoming will be held on Friday July 4th, 2008 at the Eagle Street Park and Fire Station, Rochester, Ohio.
8:00 am Food Tent Opens: The food tent is open all day and evening. Coffee and goodies will be served in the morning. Please join us for lunch after the parade. There will be hot dogs, a variety of hot sandwiches, french fries and beverages. Homemade ice cream will also be sold throughout the day by the Rochester flares.
9:00-10:15 am Parade Registration: Entry in the parade is free and all are welcome.
10:30am Parade … (0 comments)

Heat and driving in hot weather tips. - 07/01/10 12:31 AM
Five Tips About Hot Cars
1. Park in the ShadeToo obvious? Walk a few extra steps if you see a tree nearby. Be aware, however, that trees mean birds, and you may have debris or bird droppings on your car when you return. If you can't park in the shade, pick the best direction. Say you're at the mall at 3 p.m. Which is the best way to park? The sun sets in the west, so you don't want to be facing west. Try to park in the direction where the sun will be shining on your rear window or passenger … (2 comments)

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness - 07/01/10 12:26 AM
The best defense is prevention. Here are some prevention tips:
Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.  Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar-these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.  Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home … (1 comments)

Fireworks Safety - 07/01/10 12:16 AM
Fireworks are a summer tradition for many families.  By Vincent Iannelli, M.D.
Unfortunately, injuries from fireworks are another tradition that often seems to follow when kids are allowed to play with fireworks.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that:
there were 7 fireworks-related deaths in 2008 and 11 in 2007 about 7,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks in 2008 most injuries from fireworks occur in the few weeks around July 4th almost half of the injuries were to children under age 15 firecrackers caused the most injuries, followed by rockets and sparklers burns are … (3 comments)

 
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Stan Stepak Avon Lake REALTOR (Avon Lake, Bay Village, Westlake, OH)

Avon Lake, OH

More about me…

Howard Hanna Gold- Avon Lake, OH

Address: Avon Lake Real Estate Agent, 32713 Walker Road, Avon Lake, OH, 44012

Office Phone: (440) 933-6195

Cell Phone: (440) 476-0234

Email Me

Providing valuable education and services while serving those in search of buying and selling a home in Northeast Ohio. Specializing in Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake, Rocky River areas.<!-- Facebook Badge START -->Stan Stepak

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