We are full time Realtors and my wife and partner Amy is also an Accredited Staging Professional, ASP. Having our listings STAGED and ready to SELL has made a huge difference in getting our listings sold. The average market time in our area is 100 days, and our listings sell in less than 60 days as a direct result of our staging efforts. Here are some BEFORE AND AFTER photos of a home in Orange Village, OH, a suburb just outside Cleveland, that we recently sold in just 2 weeks.
BEFORE
STAGED
BEFORE
STAGED
BEFORE
STAGED
The seller put in very little money but the results were amazing. The buyer actually saw this home when it was previously listed by another agent and didn't like it. When they came back in after it had been staged, they fell in love with it. They couldn't believe it was the same home.
It is so important for agents and sellers to understand the power of presenting a home properly. Although many buyers say they have "vision", most simply do not and end up buying the most finished looking product in their price range.
To view a brief slide show of before and after photos of this home, please visit us at www.homesthatwow.com.
2008 was a good year for Solon real estate. Being ranked as the #1 suburb in the Cleveland area by Cleveland Magazine for the last 2 years and also having one of the top rated school districts in the state has kept Solon somewhat isolated from the major problems that many other local communities are having.
I know what a lot of people are thinking, how could it have been a GOOD year when the media is constantly painting a picture of doom and gloom in the real estate market? Well, for starters, there were more homes SOLD in Solon in 2008 than in 2007. In fact, in terms of number of homes sold, this was the best year we have had in Solon since 2005.
Homes also sold in about the same amount of time as they did in 2007 and 2006.
Now here's the not so good news, the average sales price of a home in Solon went down in 2008. Here is a brief summary of a comparison between 2008 and 2007 including Solon Luxury home sales ( $500,000+ ):
All Sales # of homes sold ave. sales price ave. days on market
2008 262 $326,776 100
2007 245 $386,344 100
Luxury Sales # of homes sold ave. sales price ave. days of market
2008 49 $664,140 120
2007 49 $710,910 115
Commentary: The problem over the last few years is that sellers had unreasonable expectations of the value of their home based on unprecedented appreciation during the early part of the decade. During the real boom years of 2003-2006, homes in Solon were statistically appreciating at 5-10% a year. Normal yearly appreciation here in Solon and Northeast Ohio in general is only about 2-3%. So, instead of focusing on realistic market conditions, many sellers would look to see what similar homes were selling for and add 10% to get their listing price as they assumed the market would keep going up at this unrealistic pace. Many sellers merely priced themselves out of the market and did not properly react to the downturn. It has taken 2 years for sellers here to realize that the market is depreciating and to become more realistic with their price if they really want to sell.
The Solon Luxury home market statistics were similar in that there was an equal amount of actual sales in 2008 as there were in 2007, but the average sales price decreased. Foreclosed home sales in some of our upscale subdivisions helped edge prices downward in the luxury home market in 2008. There is still strong demand for homes in the $450,000-$600,000 range as there are a large number of local move up buyers just waiting for the right home to come up on the market.
As the statistics indicate, sellers are still selling provided they are competitively priced to what the market will bear.
On the other side, news is great for home buyers. Rates are at historically low levels and there are a lot of competitively priced homes here in Solon. There are also more homes priced under $200,000 than there has been in many years. Now has never been a better time to buy a home in Solon.
For more information on the Solon housing market or for a personal consultation, contact Dan Schuman at 216-346-3235 or visit us on the web at www.schumanteam.com.
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We specialize in relocation, luxury homes, and service the entire Cleveland metro area. Solon residents, Accredited Luxury Home Specialist and members of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.
Dan and Amy Schuman are well respected, top agents servicing the Cleveland real estate market. Dan has over fourteen years experience in the Cleveland real estate industry and has been involved in over 2000 transactions. Dan is one of the area's top agents when it comes to Cleveland luxury homes, having worked with professional athletes, business executives who have relocated to Cleveland, and numerous local move-up buyers. He is also the only real estate agent in Ohio to hold the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist designation, solidifying his status in the Cleveland luxury home market. Dan also holds the prestigious E-Pro designation, making him one of the area's leading experts in the area of Internet marketing. The Internet is the fastest growing and most essential marketing tool today and his proficient insider's knowledge makes all the difference in successfully marketing homes for our selling clients. Amy is a member of the prestigious Institute For Luxury Home Marketing, complementing Dan in the Schuman Team's commitment to the local luxury home market. Amy is also an Ecobroker, the premiere "green" designation for real estate professionals. Those buyers who are conscious about energy efficiency and living "green" will be well serviced by Amy's knowledge in this growing field. More important to us than our awards and numbers is that our level of expertise allows us to do what's most rewarding - help people. We're never "pushy" or aggressive with our clients, but we are aggressive when it comes to getting them what they want.
Being a husband and wife team gives us the "power of two". Our clients get two professionals each with specialized areas of expertise and unique personalities. We truly enjoy our work and strive to maintain a healthy balance between work and family life. Dan holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and actively competes, winning both National and State gold medals. Dan also enjoys Muay Thai, weight training and has a stong interest in nutrition.
We enjoy helping clients by being a good resource for them. Whether someone needs to find a doctor for their children, a good handyman, or just needs the name of a good local restaurant, we'll be there to lend a helping hand. In fact, many of our clients become our friends, which is one of the greatest rewards of our profession.
Amy is more at home in the kitchen than the gym and enjoys cooking and fine wine. She is an avid reader, crossword addict, and loves photography.
As previously mentioned, luxury homes are our forte. We apply our specialized training and experience in distinctive home sales to help you successfully buy Dan and Amy Schuman are founding members of the prestigious Luxury Home Consultants of Keller Williams Realty Greater Cleveland. Each Member has individually earned the finest reputation in the communities where they live and work. Together, the Luxury Home Consultants' combined specialties create a powerful force, working to benefit you. While we service the entire Cleveland real estate market, no one knows Solon, our hometown, better than us. Solon has been ranked the #1 Suburb in the area by Cleveland Magazine two out of the last three years. While Solon's reputation locally is well-known, Solon is also gaining attention nationwide as well. In 2009, the city was listed by Money Magazine as 23rd in its list of "Best Places to Live in the U.S." The Solon School district also ranks among the nation's best. In fact, Solon was featured in Newsweeks list of top public schools in their spring 2009 issue. Solon is a popular place to live for those relocating to the Cleveland area for many reasons. In addition to the top ranked school system, Solon is also in close proximity to the airport and downtown, making it ideal for business executives. There are also more luxury homes in Solon than any other Cleveland area suburb. Here is a brief summary of some of Solon's most exclusive developments: BRIAR HILL - With homes built in the late 1940's and 50's, this development offers old world charm on park-like 1-3 acre lots. Boasting it's own pond for swimming and recreation, Briar Hill offers a bit of the country living in the heart of Solon. Homes prices range from $250,000-$500,000. CHAGRIN HIGHLANDS - This is a vast development located in the central part of Solon with most homes being built in the early to mid 1990's. Homes range from $450,000-$1,000,000+. The distinguishing feature of Chagrin Highlands is that all homes are situated on lots of at least an acre!
or sell - no matter what your price point. Our association with the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing allows us access to marketing resources not available to most agents.
HUNTINGTON WOODS - This well-situated central Solon development consists of two phases. Homes were built from the early 1990's with the last home being completed in 2000. This development has sidewalks, and is walking distance to the Solon Center for the Arts and nearby shopping. All homes here were built by Dinallo and Wittrup, custom home builders who are know throughout Solon for their high quality and customer satisfaction. Homes here range in value from $350,000-$515,000.
HERITAGE LANDING - Located conveniently off SOM Center Road, this subdivision consists of two housing styles. Part of the development contains single-family homes on about .5 acres built in the mid 1990's and range in price from $400,000-$550,000. The newer portion of Heritage contains cluster homes built after 2000 that sit on approximately .25 acres. Many of the homes here have master bedrooms on the first floor and are considered lower maintenance as the monthly fee associated with them covers lawn care and snow removal.
NORTH HILL - Unique development in the heart of North Solon. With homes built in the 1960's and 70's, North Hill offers homes with unbelievable charm set on beautifully wooded 1 acre lots. A true neighborhood development in every sense boasting it's own pool, tennis courts, and calendar of social events just for North Hill residents. Not your typical Solon development. Prices range from $375,000-$575,000.
NORTH PARK -- Premiere upscale North Solon development. Homes built within the last 7 years situated on large lots ( .75 acres+ ) and priced mainly in the 700's, 800's, and 900's. Impressive finishes and upgrades abound in these fine Solon luxury homes. THE PRESERVE - Like many other large subdivisions, The Preserve was also built in two phases with most homes here being built in the early to mid 1990's. A large development with sidewalks, homes here range in value from $350,000-$550,000.
ROLLINGBROOK -- One of the most distinguished developments in Solon boasting homes on at least 5 acres of land. The homes here were built in the 1980's and are priced from $650,000 + but rarely come up on the market. Located next to Signature of Solon, this development is truly a gem of Solon. SIGNATURE OF SOLON - Signature of Solon is a prestigious gated community consisting of two phases and has 354 home sites, ranging in price from $600,000 - $1,000,000+. Homes in Signature have all been built within the last 8 years with some new construction and lots still available. Membership to Signature Country Club is a requirement for anyone buying a home in Signature of Solon. Signature has a professionally designed 18 hole golf course, tennis courts, a pool, and one of the largest clubhouses in the state allowing for casual or fine dining, private rooms for intimate dining, or large rooms perfect for wedding, bar-mitzvahs or large corporate gatherings. THORNBURY - Thornbury is a picturesque upscale non-golf course community with over 250 newer homes situated on beautiful lots of at least .5 acres. Home prices range from $550,000+.All homes in Thornbury have been built within the last 8 years with some new construction and lots still available. Sidewalks and location make this a very desirable community.
"Dan and Amy really have their fingers on the pulse of the housing market in Northeast Ohio. All of their recommendations were accurate and helpful, and their help enabled us to sell our home in just one month in a rough housing climate. They really eased our minds and lowered our stress during the whole process."
B.N. - Solon, Ohio
"Thank you Dan and Amy. Thank you so much for making the house hunting and purchasing process easy and enjoyable. Your energy, attention to detail, and depth of knowledge landed us in the perfect house. Keep up the great work!"
S.A. - Solon, Ohio
"Amy's Staging experience made all the difference in helping us sell quickly"
J.R. - Hudson, OH
"The Schumans were a pleasure to work with. Since the house was vacant, Amy Staged my house with furniture and accessories to increase the likelihood of a sale. That worked beautifully! A few days after we listed the house, we had an offer! We were amazed. The buyers closed on the house two weeks later. If you want your house sold quickly, I suggest you hire the Schuman Team."
D.M. - Orange Village, Ohio
"The Schuman Team helped us find a buyer for our home in less than 30 days. An accurate competitive assessment gave us confidence in their marketing plan. In a tough market, getting the attention of the right buyers resulted in a strong offer that helped us maximize our selling price. Amy and Dan's candor, personal service and attention to detail made the entire process go smoothly."
A.W. - Solon, Ohio
"Dan listened to our desires for our dream home and helped us find it. He was always patient, honest, and accessible. After we moved in, Dan and Amy still kept in contact and have helped our family as we were growing. They treated us more like friends or family than just clients."
B.W. - Lakewood, Ohio
"Dan was very patient with us while we were looking for our house. He made himself available when we needed, and made buying our home a nice experience. We would definitely recommend the Schuman Team's services."
N.C. - Highland Heights, Ohio
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