Northeast Ohio
Real Estate
January 27. 2023
Happy Friday!
Thank you for checking out my update- I hope you enjoy the weekend!

Enjoy the lovely winter weather!
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What does it mean for a home to have "Good Bones"?

It's a phrase I hear often, but what does it really mean? When someone says a home has "good bones" what are they referring to? What are "GOOD BONES?

The first step to find what you are looking for, would be to rule out major issues. Here are some major items I always look for with my buyers:

  • Cracks in foundation or masonry walls
  • Undersized framing in roofs or floors
  • Water in the basement
  • Termite damage
  • Evidence of mold
  • Obvious sagging in rooflines, floors, or exterior walls

Once you've sorted out the deal-breakers, you can focus on what constitutes 'good bones' from a design perspective. Rather than focus of superficial decor, consider the layout of the house. Do the spaces connect in a way that makes sense for your family? Is it important to have a mudroom? Are there enough windows? Do you like the feel of the home? Etc?

Hardware and interior doors can be another indicator of the quality of construction. A heavy solid door with historic mortised hardware that feels sturdy and functions smoothly is an indicator to me that what is behind the walls is also substantial. A little detail like hardware may seem insignificant, but it could be an indication that the house is well-constructed.

High-quality windows, like a sturdy double-hung, and hardwood floors are also good clues of a well-built home. Don't be scared away by sun fading or surface imperfections; a solid wood floor can usually be refinished beautifully

The bottom line is always work with a professional who knows what to look for when considering new home options. And, always have an inspection done by a licensed inspector to lookout for any major defects.
Do you want your home photos off Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin?
Public information is everywhere online. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy. If you’re not trying to sell your home, some of my clients don't like to have interior photos and other details on real estate sites like Realtor, Zillow and Redfin.

When your home is for sale, the real estate agent uploads your home’s information (photos, floor plans) to a Multiple Listing Service. This service listing is where houses and pictures are posted. This group then distributes the details to online real estate sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin and others. Brokers and agents who subscribe to that listing service for a membership fee can access all the information.

As odd as it may sound, it's not easy for a Realtor to remove all of the information from a past listing. Often, it's the homeowner themselves who much reach out directly to each website. Here's some guidance on how to remove yourself from one of the most popular websites, Realtor.com

Go to realtor.com/myhome, type in your address and click the magnifying glass to start claiming your home.
• Follow the steps to prove your ownership, and you’re all set.
Now do the following:
• Log into your profile at realtor.com.
• Go to your owner dashboard under the My Home tab.
• Click the Remove Photos button.


If you need some assistance with this, please let me know. I am happy to help on Realtor.com, Zillow, or Redfin. Please reach out if you have questions!
NEW DESIGNATION!

I'm proud to announce the addition of a new skillset I'm able to offer! After assisting several maturing clients with downsizing, buying, and relocating, I decided to take the courses to officially become a Seniors Real Estate Specialist REALTOR.

What does this mean? I'm specially certified to assist more seasoned clients to achieve their unique real estate needs. Maturing adults have a different set of challenges and goals, and I have the expertise to guide them.

Can Pat still work with non-Seniors? Absolutely! I'm still able to serve all demographics, but this is an additional set of tools. I'll be able to better serve seniors and help solve their housing needs. I'll still be able to work with everyone!


If you know anyone who is thinking about making a move, but aren't sure where to start, I'd love to chat to see if I can be or service.
Pat Barmann
216.990.5719