YOUR SOURCE FOR BUYING, SELLING, AND LIVING IN CLEVELAND, OHIO | |
A MINUTE WITH EILEEN: Data & Soda Bread Recipe ;) | |
|
March greetings from Cleveland!
This issue:
1) Unbelievable property for sale in Pepper Pike.
2) St Patrick's Day celebrations around town.
3) Defined: capital gains taxes.
4)Composting at home.
5) Free money for buyers.
6) Design trend alert: venetian plaster.
7) Where the heck is the Irishtown Bend neighborhood.
| |
EILEEN'S PICK OF THE MONTH:
9 Pepperwood Ln., Pepper Pike Ohio 44124
| Privacy and serenity abounds in this reimagined 1967-built home, set on 1.65 acres of grassy, rolling, wooded hills, with stream and bridge. A magical property. In- ground pool. Quality renovation by Payne and Payne. New to the market courtesy of our colleague Heather Price at Howard Hanna. See listing here. | |  |
|
The McKeon Group at Howard Hanna is one of Cleveland's favorite Realtor Groups, led by Eileen McKeon. Since 2001, Eileen and the team has advised and advocated for hundreds of Clients to "make a move" with confidence, strategic expertise, and exceptional attention to detail and service.
It's a smart move with The McKeon Group.
| | |
AROUND TOWN: Saint Patrick's Day | | |
-
With a name like McKeon, we have long-honored the 17th of March for a special meal of corned beef, cabbage, soda bread, Irish music and a pint of Guinness. Some of Eileen and Mike's favorite spots for a pint & some tunes are Stone Mad Pub and The Harp. Slainte! (Selfie below from our last visit to Ireland, pictured here in Killarney! )
-
Here are so many great events to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day whether you are looking for a pint of Guinness, corned beef...check here for more ideas: Cleveland events for this year. Two fun events to highlight are the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Flanagan's Wake!
- Parade
- Play
| |
LINGO: Capital Gains & Taxation (we are not tax advisors!) | | |
In real estate, a capital gain is the margin between the original purchase price and the resale price, less renovation or repair costs. The difference is the 'capital gain' and that amount is taxed. If you've lived in the home, as a primary resident, for at least two of the last five years, the first $250,000 of capital gains is excluded from taxability ($500,00 for married couples). For example, if a home is bought for $200,000, without renovations needed, and then sold for $500,000, the total profit is $300,000. However, for the single filer, only $50,000 of the profit is taxed. The exemption is only available once every two years. Reinvesting into another property is one way to avoid capital gains taxes. Check with a tax advisor for all the tools that might apply to your plans to buy, renovate, sell, or invest. | | | |
HOME MAINTENANCE: Composting | | |
|
Early spring is an excellent time to start or refresh your composting system. Since you’re clearing a lot of debris and dead growth from winter, gather this waste to a compost to support a healthy garden throughout the growing season. If you’re interested in learning more about composting – sign up for this class at the Holden Arboretum. Or to support a local composting company, check out Rust Belt Riders.
Otherwise, here are some simple tips to get started:
- Turn your compost: As the weather warms up, be sure to turn your compost pile regularly to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. This helps break down organic matter more efficiently and prevents any unpleasant odors from forming.
- Adjust moisture levels: Spring showers can add moisture to your compost pile, but be mindful not to let it become too soggy. Ensure proper drainage and add dry materials like straw, shredded paper, or dried leaves if needed to maintain a balanced moisture level
- Add green materials: Take advantage of the abundance of green materials available in spring, such as grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and plant trimmings. These nitrogen-rich materials help activate the composting process and provide essential nutrients for your garden soil.
- Balance with brown materials: Balance the green materials with brown materials like dried leaves, straw, or shredded cardboard. These carbon-rich materials help create the right environment for beneficial microbes to thrive and break down organic matter effectively.
- Monitor temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature inside your compost pile. In early spring, it may still be relatively cool, so adding larger volumes of green materials can help generate more heat and accelerate decomposition.
| |
FINANCING: Free Money for Buyers | | |
|
Interest rates continue to make herky-jerky falls and rises, as we go from 8.5% down to 7.5%, and recently to 6.75%, but still, people are moving. Jobs change. Family size changes. Needs and wants change. Life changes, and people are moving regardless of the interest rates. For some borrowers, rising home prices combined with a competitive market, low inventory, high demand, and cost of sale, this can be a bit of a challenge. We are not in a market where buyers can ask the sellers to pay for their closing costs because the offer wouldn’t be as competitive.
Luckily there are a variety of programs and grants to assist with closing costs. Some programs are income-based, some are occupation-based, and some are property location-based. The “Census Track Grant” is solely based on the property's location and can help borrowers with free money, up to $4,500 towards their closing costs. Local, state, and federal programs are available so check availability with qualified local lenders.
If you are interested in learning more, contact Jay Becker, our trusted mortgage originator with Howard Hanna Mortgage Services to learn more.
| | |
RESTAURANT ROW: Where's the Beef?! | | |
|
|
Making its way into today's design trends: Venetian Plaster. Originating from ancient Italy, this artisanal technique has made a contemporary comeback, adorning walls with a sophisticated, handcrafted aesthetic. The versatility of Venetian plaster allows it to complement various design styles, from modern to classic, offering a touch of elegance and character. What do you think? Would you give it a go? Here are a few examples of it being brought back to life | | | |
|
Fittingly, for this issue, let's talk about this unique area near the Flats, in downtown Cleveland.
Irishtown Bend holds profound cultural significance as a testament to the enduring Irish heritage in the city. It served as a hub for Irish immigrants, fostering a strong sense of community through shared traditions, festivals, and religious celebrations. The neighborhood's cultural tapestry is woven with tales of resilience, contributions to local industries, and the preservation of Irish customs. As you explore the Irishtown Bend, you'll encounter a vibrant mosaic of history, reflecting the enduring spirit and cultural richness of the Irish in Cleveland. Discover more about its cultural significance here
Read about the $60M project underway to bring back this important part of Cleveland's history WKYC story
| | |
|
Thank you for reading and sharing our newsletter!
Experience Matters: The McKeon Group & Howard Hanna.
| | |
The McKeon Group | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy |
| | | |
