Just Stuff

I heard the fireworks in Lorain were very nice. The Lorain Port Authority has created a fantastic location for concerts and events. Downtown is ripe to become a "Coventry" type district, but with the river and lake in close proximity. Bring in the artists and musicians!! When I ask people why they don't go downtown they say crime, panhandlers, parking and now quick highway access (can't change that one). Affordable labor pool, inexpensive (very) commercial real estate, the lake and the river - opportunity knocks.

A recent Plain Dealer article covered Cleveland's shrinking population. This is a problem many older northern cities are facing. Apparently Cleveland is shrinking more than other larger cities. Number one problem when I talk to people - schools, schools, schools. There also seems to be a demand for affordable, energy efficiency downtown housing, and city homes with lawns larger than a postage stamp that are close to downtown (people want a swing set, vegi garden, picnic table). My wife and I are looking 5 years out at some downtown/near westside options being considered and developed - after the kids are all finished with college.

WCPN had an interesting story on Cleveland's lakefront development this morning.
http://www.wcpn.org/WCPN/soi/26941/

Middle Bass Island: The new marina is booming. Island businesses were packed over the July 4th weekend, and many of those people were heading to Put-In-Bay to spend money and enjoy the shopping, food and entertainment available. When it is completely open the state marina, Middle Bass Campground and Middle Bass Island Yacht Club will be fantastic additions to Ohio's Lake Erie Islands. North Bass Island (Isle St George) will eventually have it's wild areas and beautiful shores open for a limited number of people looking for an undeveloped/very not "touristy" experience - hiking, birdwatching, fishing. Lake Erie has some of the BEST fishing in the world!!

Real Estate transactions/phone calls/interest is increasing in North Central Ohio. We are getting many calls, we've sold multiple properties in the last 2 months, and things are picking up. There is a noticeable improvement in our "Hisey Group" market areas. Part of this is the $8,000 incentive (remember - the deadline to take advantage of this is approaching) and low interest rates, but I think prices in our area have bottomed out and people are realizing that they can get a triple advantage now that didn't exist 5 years ago. This window of opportunity will not last forever!!

Yes we have cold winter weather - nothing is as beautiful as a white Christmas! We also have one of the most valuable resources in the world: Fresh Water, Fresh Water, Fresh Water!!

We are actively looking for new listings. If you have a home you'd like to sell in Western Cuyahoga and Medina Counties, Lorain County, or Northern Erie or Ottawa Counties give us a call!! A member of the Hisey Group would love to meet with you to discuss marketing YOUR property! 1-800-974-5184 RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com.