03 October 2014

Where is your favorite restaurant along Ohio's "Islands, Rivers and Shores"?

Click here and add your favorite to the list!:

Post by Lake Erie Lifestyle - Islands, Rivers & Shores.


02 October 2014

Fall Real Estate Market on Ohio's Lake Erie Islands, Rivers and Shores

The leaves are just starting to change, and fall is touching our lives in North Central Ohio.  Our Lake Erie Island and river and shore summer residents are preparing their homes for another winter.  Cottages are being winterized, lawns cut for a last time, and boats are being put into storage.

Is now a good time to purchase a home?  Yes - although you may need to use a little imagination since they will not be staged.  Often home owners will look at a lower but reasonable offer this time of year rather than starting the process all over again in the spring.  We do sell homes regularly over the winter, and even fly to the outer islands to show property on occasion, however it is at a much slower pace.

Vacation property owners in our region are seldom in a "Must Sell" situation due to a transfer or financial hardship then other homeowners.  That doesn't mean it never happens, but it happens on a much smaller scale.  Homes are generally on the market for a longer period of time and the negotiation process may also take longer.  Buyers also take longer to make their decision and that is a good thing - you want to fully understand not just the property but the area in which it is located.

We represent buyers all along Lake Erie's Islands, Rivers and Shores!  If you have a dream of owning a home that is always available for your escape from life's stress - contact me today at 440-315-6000 or  leehisey@howardhanna.com.  I'd love to discuss options, neighborhoods, developments, islands, or waterfront communities with you.  There is an ideal retreat for everyone!  Options range from small condos with a dock in Oak Harbor to homes priced at over a million dollars with all of the luxuries you deserve.

30 September 2014

Ohio Fall Home Maintenance Check List

Fall Maintenance Checklist

8 Stow your mower (add fuel stabilizer?).

8 Store hoses and turn off outdoor water.

8 Drain and turn off sprinkler system.

8 Clean you gutters.

8 Cover patio furniture & secure grill.

8 Inspect your roof.

8 Seal cracks around doors and windows.

8 Get your furnace serviced; replace your filter.

8 Prune your plants; feed evergreens and shrubs.

8 Check chimney for blockages, clean your flue and…

8 Make sure damper is working

8 Replace batteries in your smoke detectors and
                 Check your Carbon monoxide detectors

AND…

When you need Real Estate help

KEEP CALM and CALL

The Hisey Group w/ Howard Hanna
440-315-6000
"Serving Cleveland to the Lake Erie Islands"

Check us out on Facebook at:


07 August 2014

Life as a North Coast Realtor along Lake Erie's Shores & Islands

I't has been a very, very busy season for us.  Lake Erie related real estate along Ohio's islands, rivers and shores is selling!  It is a hot market with lots of movement.  Last weekend we were on Kelleys Island, this week Vermilion, Marblehead, Avon Lake, Lorain and Johnson's Island and this coming weekend we will be doing our annual Middle Bass Island "All Island" Open House.

If you are considering selling now is a great time to get into the market.  Consider listing with the Hisey Group and Howard Hanna.  Let us show you how we can make a difference in the selling of your home.  Call today for your free market analysis!

Considering buying?  Let us arrange a tour of all homes listed for sale so you can compare existing home stock that matches your criteria.  If you don't find your dream home we can set you up on an auto search directly from the MLS.  Get regular emails with new listings, price changes and sales of comparable properties.

Lee Hisey
The Hisey Group, llc
440-315-6000
leehisey@howardhanna.com
http://www.OhioVacationLand.com

26 June 2014

Howard Hanna - Even more powerful marketing on Realtor.com!

Contact the Hisey Group today for maximum internet exposure of your Northcoast and Island home!  We market Cleveland to the Lake Erie Islands

Proudly serving Lorain County, Western Cuyahoga County, and Northern Erie and Ottawa Counties.

440-315-6000 or RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com

Howard Hanna Once Again Makes A Power Move...

News Stories

6/26/2014
Article By: Debbie Doanhue
Contact Phone Number: (412) 967-9000 Ext. 328

Howard Hanna Renews, Expands Relationship with Realtor.com® Operator, Move, Inc.


PITTSBURGH, PA, June 26, 2014 – Howard Hanna Real Estate Services today announces it has renewed and expanded its relationship with Move, Inc. (NASDAQ:MOVE), the operator of realtor.com®, the leader in providing consumers with the most accurate* U.S. residential listings on mobile devices and online.  This alliance showcases Howard Hanna properties nationally on realtor.com®, and now will include listings from William E. Wood and Associates, which merged with Howard Hanna in January.
Howard Hanna, one of the four largest real estate companies in the nation, sold 52,827 houses last year with a record $9.7 billion in closed sales volume. William E. Wood has 17 offices and more than 700 sales associates, managers and staff in Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina. The merger grew Howard Hanna’s office count across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, New York, West Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland to 168 with more than 5,700 sales associates and staff.
“Our decision in 2012 to showcase and enhance every single listing on realtor.com® has delivered exceptional results for our agents and sellers, coinciding with the best two years in company history,” saidHelen Hanna Casey, president of Howard Hanna.
“With our ShowcaseSM Listing Enhancements package, our agents have control over their own listings and only their contact information and photo are shown on their listing page.  Advertisements by other companies are not permitted on our listings, and a significant factor in our decision to work with realtor.com® is that they do not feature competing agents’ photos and contact information on listing detail pages.”   
Sellers who have their homes listed with Howard Hanna benefit from the company’s alliance with the top websites in the real estate marketplace.  “We do not share our listings with sites all over the internet but only the top traffic sites with proven results and data integrity,” added Casey. 
As part of the agreement, Howard Hanna and William E. Wood agents can expand the marketing power of their listings through the realtor.com® ShowcaseSM Listing Enhancements Program, which offers:
·        Agent contact details and photo on branded listing detail pages
·        Multiple inquiry forms on each listing detail page to connect buyers with agents
·        A direct “click to call’ button from the realtor.com® Real Estate Search App to the agent’s mobile phone
·        Premium listing placement in search results
·        Performance reports on consumer traffic related to each listing
·        Open house and virtual tour promotions
·       Detailed neighborhood information 
”We are delighted to continue our relationship with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services,  providing its agents with our signature ShowcaseSM Listing Enhancements offering to maximize listing advertising opportunities,” said Ray Picard, Move’s executive vice president of sales. “As part of the realtor.com® family, Howard Hanna real estate professionals can access the tools that are critical in helping them serve their clients efficiently and effectively, connect with new clients and successfully grow their businesses.”
Nationwide, potential home buyers now have access to enhanced Howard Hanna and William E. Wood listings on realtor.com® mobile applications for the iPad, iPhone, Android and Windows8, giving Howard Hanna and William E. Wood a comprehensive national mobile and desk top search experience that will provide millions of highly active and engaged potential home buyers with exposure to Howard Hanna and William E. Wood agents and listings.
In addition, Howard Hanna brands its mortgage companies, Howard Hanna Mortgage Services and Towne Mortgage, on each of the listings displayed on realtor.com®.  All Howard Hanna and William E. Wood listings on realtor.com® also will display on the realtor.com® international website at www.realtor.com/international.  
*Most accurate claims are based on comparison with other national listing portals and are based on the greater frequency of listings updating on realtor.com®.

ABOUT HOWARD HANNA REAL ESTATE
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the #1 real estate company in Pennsylvania and Ohio and the 4th largest real estate company in the United States. The company specializes in residential and commercial brokerage service, mortgages, closing and title insurance, land development, appraisal services, insurance services and corporate relocation.  With 167 offices across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, New York, West Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland, Howard Hanna’s more than 5,700 sales associates, managers and staff are guided by a spirit of integrity in all aspects of the real estate process.  Founded in 1957 by Howard W. Hanna, Jr. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company today is still privately owned with three generations of the Hanna family are involved in the day to day operations of the business. 

About Move, Inc. and realtor.com®
Move, Inc. (NASDAQ:MOVE), a leading provider of online real estate services, operates realtor.com®, which connects people to the essential, accurate information needed to identify their perfect home and to the REALTORS® whose expertise guides consumers through buying and selling. As the official website for the National Association of REALTORS®, realtor.com® empowers consumers to make smart home buying, selling and renting decisions by leveraging its direct, real-time connections with more than 800 multiple listing services (MLS) via all types of computers, tablets and smart telephones. Realtor.com® is where home happens. Move’s network of websites provides consumers a wealth of innovative tools and accurate information including Doorsteps®HomeInsightSM, SocialBiosSMMoving.com™, SeniorHousingNetSMhomefairSM andRelocation.com. Move supports real estate agents and brokerages by providing many services to grow their businesses, including ListHub™, the nation’s leading listing syndicator and centralized intelligence platform for the real estate industry; TigerLead®; Top Producer® Systems; and FiveStreetSM; as well as many free services. Move is based in the heart of the Silicon Valley — San Jose, California.
REALTOR® and REALTOR.COM® are trademarks of the National Association of REALTORS® and are used with its permission. These and all other trademarks used in this work are the property of their respective owners. 
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management's view of Move's future expectations, plans and prospects, within the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the results of Move, its subsidiaries, divisions and concepts to be materially different from those expressed or implied in such statements. These risk factors and others are included from time to time in documents Move files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, its Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on Move's future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Move cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, Move expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

21 June 2014

Open House Security: Things to Remember Before Your Open House

Secure all valuables to include:

  • Jewelry
  • Firearms
  • Bills and Personal Records
  • Credit Cards
  • Collectibles of Value
  • Small Fireboxes and Safes  (Conceal Large Ones)
  • Small Electronics/Cell Phones/Tablets
Additionally remember to remove items of extreme value prior to photographers arriving to take photos and videos for marketing purposes. Examples would include high value paintings and automobiles.  
Burglars have internet just like you!

18 June 2014

Home Staging Tips: How you can make your home show at the top of it's game!

Home Staging Tips


  • Remove Clutter
  • Remove Excess Family Pictures
  • Neutral Paint Throughout
  • Neutral Carpet if Possible
  • Wallpaper is Generally a Negative
  • Only GOOD Odors Please (appreciated by your Realtor as well as Buyers : )
  • Yes - Landscaping Matters: Mow, Flowers (NEVER PLASTIC), Trees & Shrubs Trimmed
  • NEVER Garbage in Lawn!
  • Remove Extra Furniture & Do Not Block Traffic Patterns, Closets or Doors
  • Repaint All Entry Doors
  • No Pets Running Free

15 June 2014

Vacant Land FOR SALE On Ohio's Lake Erie Islands

As of this writing there are currently 48 parcels for sale ranging from $6,000 to $375,000.  Prices are at recent lows with a wide range of options available.  You can purchase a parcel in a development with water and sewage, or a large lakefront parcel that requires a well and septic system.  There are lots in high traffic areas of islands, and parcels on islands with few people and no businesses.

East Point Villas, Lake Erie Waterfronts, Middle Bass Island, Ohio

What is your dream?  What are you looking for?

Contact The Hisey Group with Howard Hanna today and let us help you discover your vacation dream destination!

www.OhioVacationLand.com  *  440-315-6000

14 June 2014

Purchasing a Second Home or Vacation Real Estate - Consider Northern Ohio's Lake Erie Islands, Rivers and Shores!

An advantage of purchasing a second home in Ohio's Vacation Land is the ability to choose property that allows you to rent for income - and enjoy it when not renting!  It's hard to enjoy stocks, bonds, and other assets.  Vacation rental property can be enjoyed when you aren't using it to help cover your payments and expenses.  
Johnson's Island, Ohio

Not all property can be rented so contact us to start your search and let us pre-screen your property.  We can set you up on a general search and contact the listing agent for any listed property to discover the rental options.  
The housing market is recovering but vacation property is still frequently under it's previous value.  Buy now to capitalize later on higher prices  while letting tenants help pay down your mortgage.

Middle Bass Island, Ohio & Other Ohio Islands

Vacation homes can be a place to relax and enjoy the simple things.  They can also be an investment opportunity that you can enjoy while building equity with the help of others.  
Contact us today to set-up your search directly from the Multiple Listing Service.  Let us help you discover your dream home along Northern Ohio's Islands, Rivers and Shores!
The Hisey Group with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

12 June 2014

Considering Owning a Vacation Home? Second Homes Fit Into Your "Now" and "Later".

How can a second home work for you now and later?

NOW?
If you are already living and working in the region you can purchase your second home today and enjoy it on weekends and holidays NOW!  North Central Ohio is within just hours for many providing a weekend retreat.  Leave on Friday after work and return Sunday evening.  Enjoy those week long vacations without losing a day of travel each way.  
And LATER?  
Once many people retire they choose to make their vacation home their permanent home.  Another common decision is to retire and sell their full-time residence and purchase in a warmer climate for the winter months (maybe coming up for a Christmas celebration and some ice fishing) and spending the hot summer months in their Ohio second home.
 Enjoy living in your Northern Ohio Island, Rivers and Shores home 

The Hisey Group w/ Howard Hanna Real Estate Services


10 June 2014

Enjoy Life - Owning a Second Home Gives You Rest from Everyday Stress

Ohio's Lake Erie Islands

Whether you dream about a Lake Erie waterfront condo, an island cottage, or a riverfront retreat Northern Ohio has options to meet your second home needs.  Now is a fantastic time to make your move.  Interest rates are still at all time lows, inventory is increasing, and there is actually a surplus of vacant land available at extremely attractive prices.

Why Ohio vacation property?  Not only are our Lake Erie Islands, Rivers and Shores beautiful, filled with amazing fishing and water sports opportunities but they are also remarkably affordable compared to most other vacation areas in the U.S.  

When do you get the most value for your vacation home bucks?  When it is close enough for you to enjoy on a regular basis!  Ohio's Lake Erie Islands, it's coastal and riverfront communities and the areas surrounding these areas are waiting for you to visit - and stay!


Vermilion, Ohio Riverfront

Middle Bass Island, Isle St George (North Bass Island), Kelleys Island, South Bass Island and the island village of Put-in-Bay, Rattlesnake Island, Johnson's Island and all of the other Lake Erie Islands await you!  Riverfront coastal communities include Huron, Vermilion, Sandusky, Marblehead, Catawba, Vickery, Bayview, and others.
Today island living can include internet use to keep you in touch with your business requirements.  Spend an hour in the morning and the remainder of the day on the boat, bike or going for a walk!  Life can continue but at a slower pace in a relaxing environment.  
If you are considering purchasing a second home for vacationing on the weekends contact me today at 440-315-6000 or leehisey@howardhanna.com.  Make our region your vacation destination!


The Hisey Group w/ Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
440-315-6000  *  LeeHisey@HowardHanna.com  *  www.OhioVacationLand.com

07 February 2014

Cask Villa and Neighboring Developments: Lake Erie Beachfront Living

Affordable Vermilion, Ohio waterfront living - start living the "Lake Erie Lifestyle"










For a personal tour of units currently for sale contact:

 Lee Hisey w/ The Hisey Group and Howard Hanna

440-315-6000 or RealEstate@HiseyGroup.com

09 January 2014

JUST STUFF: So - How is Your Northern Ohio Winter ?

It's been a cold and blustery winter so far.  We have had a surprising number of calls and showings despite the bitter weather.  Call us today to start discussing listing your home for spring sales.

Interest Rates in 2014
So what is going on with interest rates in 2014?  Many "experts" are predicting rates going up to as much as 6% in 2014.  I read a couple that are even predicting 7%.  If this happens it will reduce the price of the homes people will be able to pay when purchasing a home.  Will this slow down the market?  Only time will tell, but if you are considering purchasing a home and are able to purchase now I would suggest you start looking immediately.  Call us today to begin your search.

New Zillow Website
I recently took advantage of my premier Zillow status (more pictures, more traffic, more buyers for YOUR home) and created a personal website on Zillow.com.  I'll need to continue to tweak it - but feel free to check it out:  http://www.RealEstateIslandGuy.com.  It is geared towards our island clients obviously.  We probably have a website focused on your market - call for details on how we bring in buyers for your real estate.

www.OhioWaterfrontCondos.com
Our website focused on waterfront condominiums has undergone some updates, and will get more upgrades over the winter.  If you have a condominium development between Cleveland Ohio and the Lake Erie Islands which is on the water or islands, or with access to the water contact me today to add your development to our website.  It is free!  What is in it for us?  We attract more buyers for units for sale in your neighborhood, and we attract more sellers that own island and waterfront condominiums along Ohio's Northcoast.  We'd love to list your property, but would be happy to take photos, info and add your development and a tour without a listing.  Increase interest in your development for future property sales.  More interest often = stronger prices.


08 January 2014

Howard Hanna News: Company Expands Into Virginia and North Carolina

It is with great pleasure that I announce Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has expanded into Virginia and North Carolina. 

Today at a press conference held in Virginia Beach, VA, we announced a merger with William E. Wood & Associates, REALTORS® and its subsidiaries, Heritage Title and Towne Mortgage. 

William E. Wood is the #1 real estate company in Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina with 17 offices.  Locally owned and operated, William E. Wood was founded nearly 42 years ago and has grown to include nearly 700 sales associates and employees.   15 offices are located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, which is ranked as the 9th largest metropolitan area in the Southeast United States and includes Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Williamsburg, Newport News, and Hampton. The other two offices are located in Elizabeth City and Currituck, North Carolina. 

This expansion in the Mid-Atlantic region gives us a total of 167 offices with more than 5,700 sales associates and staff across the eight states of PA, OH, MI, MD, VA, NC, NY and WV.  

Are you considering moving to an area served by Howard Hanna?  Considering selling your Ohio home?  Contact The Hisey Group w/ Howard Hanna today to let us handle your move at both ends - and make life a little easier for you!  You can reach me at 440-315-6000 or leehisey@howardhanna.com.

Related Plain Dealer Article:  http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2014/01/howard_hanna_acquires_real_est.html