Home Sales Up!

Have you noticed? Signs of recovery in the housing market and the economy keep popping up! April was an incredibly busy month for home sales...my lack of blogging is evidence of just how crazy things were for me!

The National Association of Realtors reported that pending home sales jumped 8.2% for the month and were 17% higher than they were at the same time last year.

Although the tax credits drove a lot of the activity, we're still bullish on the real estate marketplace. The spring market, relatively low interest rates, and stabilized prices will help the surge continue. Here's hoping...

What's Important to Me

Loving my new real estate career! I am fortunate to have so many wonderful clients who've put their trust in me. Whether it's buyers looking for their new home, or sellers who've asked me to market their biggest asset, I am so grateful!

As much as I love what I do, what's most important to me is my family. Launching a business combined with the CRAZY spring market has left me little time to spend with my husband and children.

A recent vacation to St. Martin was just what we needed. Left the cell phone at home, tried not to check email, and just chilled out. Bonus was sharing a villa with two families that we love dearly! Fun in the sun with my peeps....what could be better?!

Looking for a Good Painter?

Try Bob Siguler of R. Siguler & Son. Bob recently removed wallpaper, repaired walls and painted my Easton Lane listing. He did a fabulous job! He's fast, responsive, reasonably priced, and does quality work. Plus, he's easy to work with.

Call him at 440-248-4351 or 216-970-3843 (cell).

Home Sales Take Big Fat Leap

Good news in the world of real estate. USA Today Money reports that home sales posted strong gains in the fourth quarter and prices rose nearly 45% compared with a year earlier. They see this as evidence of an improving climate in housing. Yippee!

A reason for the gains? Low interest rates and the first-time home buyer tax credit. "There's a growing body of evidence that the housing market has stabilized," says the chief global economist from the Economic Outlook Group. He thinks that these same factors could further stabilize prices and boost sales. Let's hope he's right!

What makes a house sell or sit?

I've often wondered what makes a house SELL or SIT? As a Howard Hanna real estate agent, I tour lots of homes each week. Sometimes they sell, sometimes they don't. Usually it's obvious why a home doesn't sell -- priced too high, bad condition, poor marketing, etc. But sometimes it's a mystery. Take this GREAT house on Bainbrook in my neighborhood (no, it's not my listing!). This house has sold in the past with mutliple offers. It shows very well. It's in great condition and professionally decorated. It has fabulous features like a cool sitting room off the master suite, a huge finished basement, and a nice back yard. I really love this house. And it's price well ($399K, a steal for this neighborhood and this house). And yet, there it has sat for 206 days. These are the ones that make you scratch your head...

(BTW, if you want to find out more about this great house, visit my website at www.MaryFrancesLaGanke@HowardHanna.com and search on MLS #3051641. Or just call me at 216-470-6799 for a personal tour!)

Snowman Building Contest in Our Hood

On a cold, beautiful Saturday in January, about 40 of my neighbors came out for the first ever Bainbrook / Laurel Springs Snowman Building Contest and Winter Party. I sponsored this get-together to meet more of my neighbors and have another family-friend activity in our hood. Prizes were awarded for the biggest snowman and most-creative snowman, and boy was it hard to pick just two winners!

Check out these pics, great snowmen, and fun had by all. We'v decided this will have to be an annual event from now on! Events like these are just one of the reasons I think Bainbrook/Laurel Springs is the best place to live in Cleveland!

Moreland Hills Home for Sale

135 Easton Lane, Moreland Hills, $539,000

Check out this sprawling, 4,000 square foot home with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. You'll buy this home for the lot alone -- 3 wooded acres, on the cul de sac. Gorgeous views from every window! This special home features a first-floor master with walk-in closet, granite kitchen, family room with wet bar, a teen or nanny suite on the second floor with a separate entrance, and finished basement. Too many updates and features to mention here! Check out more pics and details on my website (www.MaryFrancesLaGanke.HowardHanna.com) or on its own web page (www.135EastonLn.HowardHanna.com).