Carol Woodard's Blog

3132 Waterfall Way, Westlake OH - Elegant Colonial/Abundant Amenities

Carol Woodard (RE/MAX Crossroads Properties) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:23:12 -0800

Carol Woodard | RE/MAX Crossroads Properties | (440) 925-6769

3132 Waterfall Way, Westlake, OH

Unique Colonial with Abundant Amenities

4BR/2+1BA Single Family House

offered at $559,900

Year Built	1990
Sq Footage	3,872
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	0.438 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

An elegant home of classic beauty. Abundant amenities include: three fireplaces, soaring cathedral ceilings, skylights, custom-designed windows and a stunning master bedroom and bath. Entertain with style and grace from the updated kitchen, featuring a built-in butler's pantry and granite counter tops. Guests will enjoy the stunning family room, complete with wine bar alcove. The family room and kitchen breakfast bay walk out to the tiered deck and gazebo; set in a large, well-landscaped yard that features many perennials and ornamental trees. A large library/study opens off the foyer. This special room has a fireplace, a custom-designed, full-wall oak bookcase and unique spiral stairway leading up to the master bedroom. In addition to the upstairs bedrooms, there is a main floor guest bedroom, with adjacent full bath, just off the living room - ideal for an extended stay guest or an in-law suite. Truly a must-see home in one of Westlake's finest developments.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Basement	- Office/Den	- Dishwasher
- Dryer	- Microwave	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Security system
- Garage - Attached	- Fireplace	- Granite countertop
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Skylights

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Breakfast bay

- Wine bar alcove

- Central vacuum

- Custom windows

- Gazebo

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of Home	Foyer
Parlor	Parlor
Dining Room	Great Room
Great Room Wine Bar Alcov	Kitchen
Kitchen	Fourth Bedroom
Den	Den
Master Bedroom	Master Bedroom
Master Bath	Second Bedroom
Third Bedroom	Jack & Jill Bath
Basement	Back of Home
Deck	Deck and Gazebo
Back Yard	Back Yard
Gazebo

Contact info:

Carol Woodard

RE/MAX Crossroads Properties

(440) 925-6769

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Feb 28, 2013, 4:10am PST

28508 Stonegate Circle - Westlake OH - Spacious Home on Gorgeous Lot

Carol Woodard (RE/MAX Crossroads Properties) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 07:25:21 -0800

Carol Woodard | RE/MAX Crossroads Properties | (440) 925-6769

28508 Stonegate Cir, Westlake, OH

One-of-a-Kind in a Spectacular Setting

4BR/2+1BA Single Family House

offered at $365,900

Year Built	1986
Sq Footage	3,450
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	15,725 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

One-of-a-kind home in a spectacular setting. Wooded lot professionally-landscaped to enhance its natural beauty and preserve privacy. You'll fall in love with this extensively updated and modernized, one-owner home the moment you enter the soaring two-story foyer. Stunning views will greet you from the master bedroom, the breakfast nook in the kitchen and the family room. Five skylights and custom windows bring natural light to every room, even on the cloudiest days. Entertain graciously or get away from the fast-paced lifestyle in your own private retreat. Large studio on the first floor could easily be converted back to a bedroom. Kitchen and baths renovated with the finest cabinets, counter tops, ceramic tile and flooring. Kitchen amenities: wine cooler, two pantries on either side of the snack bar that doubles as a pocket office. Walk-in closet in each bedroom. Plus much more!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Basement	- Breakfast nook	- Dining room
- Family room	- Living room	- Master bath
- Pantry	- Walk-in closet	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Garden
- Garage - Attached	- Fireplace	- Hardwood floor
- Jetted tub	- Skylights	- Tile floor
- Wet bar

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Second floor laundry

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of Home	Entrance Foyer
Entrance Foyer	Living Room
Dining Room	Kitchen
Kitchen	Kitchen
Breakfast Nook	Snack Bar
Family Room	View from Family Room
Studio/Office	Master Bedroom
Master Bath	Yard
Yard	Yard

Contact info:

Carol Woodard

RE/MAX Crossroads Properties

(440) 925-6769

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jan 17, 2013, 8:46am PST

206 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Amherst OH - Styled for Gracious Living and Entertaining

Carol Woodard (RE/MAX Crossroads Properties) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 05:57:29 -0700

Carol Woodard | RE/MAX Crossroads Properties | (216) 789-7554

206 Sleepy Hollow Dr, Amherst, OH

Styled for Gracious Living!

5BR/3+1BA Single Family House

offered at $219,000

Year Built	1992
Sq Footage	2,850
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.3 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Very large home styled for gracious living and entertaining. Southern-style front porch welcomes you into the large foyer. Well-designed home plan that flows nicely with very large rooms and wooden floors. The family room features a wood-burning fireplace and oriel windows. Dining room presently used as a music room and first-floor bedroom used as an office. Master bedroom suite has a sitting room or nursery plus a walk-in closet; the master bath includes a jetted tub. Finished basement has a full bath that includes a sauna and plumbing for a wet bar. There is also a walk-in attic.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Fireplace	- Walk-in closet
- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Living room	- Dishwasher	- Microwave
- Attic

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Full, finished basement

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of Home	Front Porch
Foyer	Living Room
Living Room	Kitchen
Kitchen	Kitchen
Family Room	Master Bedroom
Master Bedroom

Contact info:

Carol Woodard

RE/MAX Crossroads Properties

(216) 789-7554

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 21, 2012, 3:49am PDT

33070 Boulder Drive, North Ridgeville OH - Gem of an Opportunity!

Carol Woodard (RE/MAX Crossroads Properties) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 05:54:54 -0700

Carol Woodard | RE/MAX Crossroads Properties | (440) 925-6769

33070 Boulder Dr, North Ridgeville, OH

A Gem of an Opportunity!

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $146,900

Year Built	1974
Sq Footage	1,938
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.5 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Excellent location on a half-acre lot on a quiet street in a well-established neighborhood. Minutes from 480, and close to shopping, recreation and the airport. Note the spacious rooms, including the very large master bedroom. The finished rec room in the basement has a dry bar and lots of possibilities for fun and entertaining. Roof a complete tear off in 2003. Air conditioning new in 2007. Furnace new in 2000. This is the one you have been waiting for - don’t let someone else snap up your dream!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Fireplace	- Family room
- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Microwave	- Basement	- Washer
- Dryer

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Finished basement rec room

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of Home	Entrance
Living Room	Living Room
Dining Room	Kitchen
Kitchen	Family Room
Family Room	Master Bedroom
Master Bedroom	Rec Room
Back Yard

Contact info:

Carol Woodard

RE/MAX Crossroads Properties

(440) 925-6769

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 21, 2012, 3:48am PDT

USA Today Article on the Cleveland Real Estate Market

Carol Woodard (RE/MAX Crossroads Properties) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:25:57 -0800

Here is an article from today's USA Today about the Cleveland real estate market. They interviewed me for the article.

USA Today - Cleveland Home Sales and Real Estate Market Stabilize

Call or email me for more indept information on the Cleveland area real estate market.

Carol Woodard
216-789-7554
CWoodard@remax.net

Spring Fever

Carol Woodard (RE/MAX Crossroads Properties) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 07:32:51 -0700

If you're like me, you were out during the previous couple of weeks starting to get your garden and exterior maintenance going. (The colder weather this week has been very frustrating!)

Here are a couple of things you can do now:

Pruning: Early blooming shrubs, such as forsythia and viburnum, should be pruned as soon as the blooms have passed. This is also a good time to prune your roses.

Deadheading: Remove dead flowers from bulbs, but leave the rest of the plant as is for the time being.

Weeding: Get rid of those old brown ones (they're not dead!), and any new ones before they get a chance to really take hold.

Composting: Tend to your compost if it has been neglected over the winter. And spring is a great time to start one if you've been thinking of beginning one.

If you would like more gardening tips, request a copy of my April 2010 e-newsletter:

Email: CWoodard@remax.net; subject line: April Newsletter

Homes are selling in the Cleveland area - I have closed on two in the last two weeks. Call me to find out about market conditions in your area.

Carol Woodard ~ RE/MAX Crossroads
cwoodard@remax.net
440-925-6769

Things You Can Do Now

Carol Woodard (RE/MAX Crossroads Properties) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:01:47 -0700

Some things you can control....

Everyone is concerned about the value of their home; but with the current economic situation, what can you really do about it? The answer is plenty.

There are many low-cost maintenance items that you may overlook or put off that will add real value when you do decide to sell. The added bonus is more enjoyment out of your home when it looks and functions better.

I am going to help you make a "punch-list" of things to be done along with Spring cleaning. So get your pad and pencil and take a walk through your home,

Start in any room you wish:

Switch plates. Are they cracked, missing screws, dirty, covered with many layers of paint or old wallpaper? They can be very inexpensive to replace and can give the entire room a facelift.

Doorknobs and locks. Do they function smoothly or do they wobble, stick and look like they belong on a haunted house? Another inexpensive fix, especially if all they need is a bit of graphite (available at any hardware store), some tightening with a screw driver and a good cleaning.

Sliding doors on closets, patios and any other area. Do they stick; are they off the track? Do you have to fight with them every time you open them? Isn't it about time they were repaired or replaced? If we are talking patio doors, the time may be right to replace them with the new energy saving models. You will lower your utility bills dramatically - and right now both material and installation costs are way down. While I'm on the subject, take a good look at the windows. Is it time to repair or even replace them? This is one of the best investments you can make for your home. You will benefit from lowered energy bills while you live there, and it is a big advantage over the competition when you sell your home.

In that same line of thinking, assess your exterior doors. If you are going to replace the doorknobs, you should at least paint the door; and if you are going to put that much into them, perhaps it is time to get new doors and/or storm doors as well. What is the first thing people see when they come into your home?

Now let's take a look at the kitchen and bathrooms. Is it time to replace the caulk? There are two things to consider here, the caulk itself and the water damage that may be happening if the water from your shower is getting behind the tub enclosure and damaging the wallboard. Caulk is cheap (ha, ha), replacing the bathroom wall is not. And let's not give mold a foothold anywhere in your home.

How does the hardware on the sink and tub look? Could it use a good scrubbing? Is there residue at the base of the faucets? There is a great product called CLR that will take soap scum, rust and calcium buildup off your fixtures almost instantly.

Next on the list: de-clutter. I can't say enough about this - if you can do this just once a year you will add $$ value to your home and comfort and convenience to your life. I have shown homes that were stunningly decorated with a budget of thousands of dollars per room. I would have liked to tell the owner, "Remove 75% of the décor in this and every other room!" Please consider packing away some of the treasures that you have on display in your home and rotating them seasonally. This will give your home a fresh yet uncluttered look and will simplify your housekeeping. Not only that, if you are planning on making a move in the future, you will be partially packed!

Last but not least, the exterior. Don't let the paint or stain deteriorate and keep the roof and gutters in good repair. If your home is sided, replace missing corner pieces or damaged panels immediately while you can still match the color. If the home is sided with aluminum, consider getting it painted. Do these things now so that you will be able to enjoy them, not two weeks before you are considering putting your home on the market, when you have a million other things to take care of. Another do-it-now - the deck. According to the Cost vs. Value report, putting on a new wood deck will net you one of the best returns for your dollar of any addition you can make to your home.

And don't forget the landscaping. If you have bushes, trees and ground cover that are closer than 18 inches to your foundation, remove them now. If you are noticing dampness and seepage in your basement this is one of the leading causes. Re-grade around your foundation and replant with a better landscape design. Many garden retailers will do a free landscape design plan for you.

All of these things will add thousands of dollars to the value of your home - or take it away if they are not maintained properly. Buyers will overlook dated décor if the home shows pride of ownership in its care and maintenance. Clean and in good repair will win over new carpet and a quick fix paint job every time.

If you have any questions regarding the value of your home on today's market, don't hesitate to call me. I will be happy to give you a full market analysis absolutely free, even if you aren't planning on selling in the near future.

I have been serving west suburuban Cuyahoga and northeastern Lorain counties since 1976. I keep my clients up-to-date on trends in the market so they can make informed decisions on the most important purchase or sale of their lifetime. I had the honor of being named Realtor of the Year of 2008 of the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors. Please visit my website at CarolWoodard.com.

"Things" Begin to Take Up Residence...

Carol Woodard (RE/MAX Crossroads Properties) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:12:33 -0800

I have a little "personal real estate" story that I would like to share with you.

As my friends can tell you, with the exception of my 401k, I just do not invest in anything but real estate properties. I have a limited knowledge of the stock market, and frankly it scares me. However, even real estate is not always the gold mine you hoped it would be. I own a little bit of "heaven" in West Virginia. And I don't think any single investment has ever given me so many really good laughs and so much angst.

Early in the 1990s, an opportunity presented itself to purchase a bit of acreage and a cabin on a mountain in West Virginia at a greatly discounted price (even for West Virginia), and for about seven years we enjoyed the pristine wilderness and wonderful hospitality that only the south can offer.

Unfortunately, some damn Yankees came upon the scene and all 12 of the families that shared our mountain-top hideaway became embroiled in a court battle over right of way to the cabins that lasted another seven years. The lawsuit is now settled, we again have access to our cabin, and this weekend my husband Bud and I attempted to wrest ownership control of our property from Mother Nature.

Now let me tell you, when you do not have access to a cabin in the wilderness for that period of time it is not like locking the door and taking a vacation. "Things" begin to take residence in your property.

It is a mystery to me how Batman ever took up residence in the Batcave. With regards to our cabin, I can't figure out if the bats and the mice had a working agreement, or if the bats were raising the mice for food. Either way there was an abundance of both. And I can tell you they are really messy housekeepers.

Southern hospitality is not myth. When the other families that we share Klondike Ridge with found out we were there to try to reclaim our cabin they all stopped by to lend a hand. I will always be grateful for their friendship and hospitality. We had to trash every piece of upholstered furniture in the cabin, including our box spring and mattress, and pull up carpeting as well. Many willing hands were there to help. But there were a few Kodak moments in the process.

My friend Karen and I were literally shoveling bat guano out of the cabin, while Bud and Karen's husband took the couch, chairs and carpeting to the dump. As we cleaned and washed everything down with Clorox we kept finding evidence of both mice and bats. (They just don't care where they poop.) We had cleaned out several abandoned mouse nests and Karen remarked, "We had better check all of the drawers, because I keep finding these nests everywhere".

She pulled out a dresser drawer that we used to store towels and some kitchen items and found a huge nest in the corner. "Wow, Karen, that is the biggest nest we have found," I remarked. And as I reached for the nest, it moved. Well I am not afraid of mice, or many other critters for that matter, so I started to take the top off the nest - two, and then three mice ran out of the drawer. I told Karen, "Grab the other end of the drawer, we're going to dump it outside." Now Karen is a real friend, she never questions me, she just grabbed the end of the drawer and we headed for the door.

As I am walking backwards toward the door, roughly 15 steps from the dresser, there is suddenly lots of activity in this drawer. But I am also looking over my shoulder so I don't fall flat on my butt carrying what is now a drawer full of mice. I hear Karen say, "Carol, hurry..." I look back at Karen and I see her eyes like saucers and real fear in her face. You know, I think those darn mice sense fear. There is now a gang of five little grey mice heading for Karen's end of the drawer. And from the look of them, they really are intent on scaring her to death. The whole thing hits me as hysterically funny. They are not at my end of the drawer, and I get a real case of the giggles. When we get the drawer outside and set it down the first five mice scatter, and then another six appear from the nest. I am still in hysterics and poor Karen is wishing she had never met me. I will give her a lot of credit. She stayed there and helped me clean up that cabin the rest of the afternoon. Southern women speak softly but they have lots of grit. (No pun intended).

As the day wound down, Bud, my long suffering spouse, and I were cleaning up the last of the debris when we had one more visitor. As I mentioned earlier, all of our human neighbors had stopped by to lend a hand. I was just bagging up the last of the crud and preparing to leave when Count Dracula himself came gliding right through the door. This was the biggest bat I have ever seen. This thing made two passes at me - and that was all I was willing to put up with. I was so mad I started to yell at the bat. "Out...Go on...Get out!" The bat kept swooping over my head and I just kept yelling at it.

Bud just left the cabin, he told me he figured it was safer outside than anywhere near me. (Was that because of me or the bat?)

I stomped downstairs to get my broom so I could send "The Count" back to his castle, but when I came back he was gone. And...ok, I don't have a rational explanation for that, but sometimes you just go with...whatever works.

The moral here, because it is a real estate story: No matter how much you know about any investment you make... be prepared. Because there are no guarantees in real estate, or in life.

Oh, and by the way, did I mention this all happened on HALLOWEEN!?

2008 Realtor of the Year, Cleveland Area Board of Realtors

Carol Woodard (RE/MAX Crossroads Properties) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:24:55 -0700

On Wednesday, I was installed as a Director of the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors. I expected that.

I was totally surprised and humbled (and speechless) when I was honored as 2008 Realtor of the Year. The award is given in recognition of outstanding service and contributions to the Board, the state association and the community. And in recognition of high ethical standards and business practices.

I would like to thank the Board and the Realtor members for this honor. I will try to continue to live up to the standards of this award as a Director of the Board and as a member of the community.

As I Gaze Into My Crystal Ball at the Cuyahoga Real Estate Market...

Carol Woodard (RE/MAX Crossroads Properties) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:12:56 -0700

The question of the day seems to be, "When will the Cuyahoga real estate market begin to go up?" I would love to give you a definite and specific answer, but the fact is, I cannot. No one can.

When I look back at the prognosticating gurus from Wall Street, Fannie Mae, the Banking Industry and the White House - the past predictions for our current real estate market were all off by a country mile.

We know that it will go up, but when is pure speculation. I am aware that many of you are concerned about your equity and what effect the current economic situation may be having on it. This much I can tell you, if you purchased your home prior to 2003, you have gained equity. Provided, that is, you have not refinanced or taken out a home equity loan.

To help you further evaluate the current market conditions I have included some figures on "Sold" properties for Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. These market stats are a six-month snapshot of some local areas, taken from the Northern Ohio MLS from February 2008 to August 2008. The figures show the average price paid as well as market times for these homes.

I chose key areas in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. If I did not show stats from an area of interest to you, or if you would like more specific area information, email me at CWoodard@remax.net, and I will provide an in-depth survey of the market in your area.

My advice: If you can purchase, do so. There are spectacular real estate bargains out there and this is a great time to speculate. But DO NOT spend money that you do not have on speculation. Invest wisely, don't gamble.

I have been serving west suburban Cuyahoga and northeastern Lorain counties since 1976. I keep my clients up-to-date on trends in the market so they can make informed decisions on the most important purchase of their lifetime. Please visit my website, CarolWoodard.com, for much more information.

Well-Built, Spacious Colonial - Ready to Move In!

Carol Woodard (RE/MAX Crossroads Properties) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:12:16 -0700

Carol Woodard | RE/MAX Crossroads Properties | cwoodard@remax.net | 440-925-6769

13020 Liberty Avenue, Cleveland, OH

Well-Built, Spacious Colonial

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $49,900

Year Built	1948
Sq Footage	913
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	5,000 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Hardwood floor	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Dining room	Attic
Basement	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Rec room and second full bath in the basement

Hardwood floors throughout

Central air

Walk-up attic

Fenced yard

Large two-car garage

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Carol Woodard

RE/MAX Crossroads Properties

cwoodard@remax.net

440-925-6769

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 29, 2008, 5:01am PDT