My son is a huge Cleveland Indians fan.  Poor kid, the Cleveland Indians are in the cellar as usual and they lose most games.  So...my dilemma is: How can we go see them, have a good time, some great seats, without paying full retail price on everything? Knowing that there is an 80% chance they are going to lose.  Nothing worse than paying top dollar and listen to him all the way home dejected about getting hammered into the ground. It's actually quite simple and I'm sure budget-conscious consumers may already know this: Go to StubHub.com the day of the game and find the seats you want.  There are tickets already owned by sellers that are willing to sell them, sometimes at a steep discount, especially as you get closer to game time.  Game time was 7:05pm.  I bought great seats on the fi... 08/14/2010

Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market (KCFM) August 15th Highlights Municipal Lot @ W.168th St & Lorain RdAugust 15, 2010   KCFM offers fabulous food vendors from roughly 30 vendors, live music entertainment, chef demonstrations and complementary samples, healthy living outreach events, artisan spotlights and much more! But it specializes in farm fresh produce and products straight from the source. It’s fun for the whole family!!!This week’s KCFM market features are: Chef Demonstration: West Park Station with FREE samplesHealthy Living Outreach: FREE Blood Pressure Screenings Priority Home Health CareLive Music: The Mighty Tigues – Jim & Marysa Tigue Artisan Spotlight: Jeanetta Ho Celebrations - unique jewelry made from electronics and bike gears; glassware; windchimes; and other artistic expr... 08/13/2010

  FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION(Admission is Free)When: August 12 - 15, 2010Location: Little Italy’s Murray Hill neighborhood in Cleveland, OhioPhone: 440-391-0386or e-mail info@littleitalycleveland.com Whether you’re Italian or not, this festival is popular for all walks of life. There is a traditional religious processional through the ethnic neighborhood streets following a mass at the church. Crowds are enormous as it seems all of northeast Ohio ascends on this little Italian-American community making it “Big Italy” if only for a few days. There is plenty of music, dancing, artwork, rides, and yes, great food. The area definitely is filled with an “old-world” atmosphere. The four-day celebration draws crowds of more than 100,000 annually. How can that many people be wrong? If you’re looki... 08/13/2010

Want to search the Greater Cleveland (and Akron) Ohio MLS like an agent does? Sign-up for your free Listingbook account today and you will wonder where this tool has been since you started searching for your next home via various website. Are you thinking of selling your Greater Cleveland (and Akron) home?  If so, this tool is also exceptional so you are completely aware of your local market and you don't have to rely on your agent for real-time access.  In fact, Listingbook will automatically provide you with a "morning report" each morning when there has been new activity the prior day. As someone who is a techie (I have a B.S. in Computer Science and used to write software for a living), I can tell you that this tool is exceptional and there isn't a better home search tool on the mar... 08/08/2010

Stan Stepak | Howard Hanna Real Estate Services | stanleystepak@howardhanna.com | (440) 476-0234 16009 Normandy, Cleveland (westpark), OH Reduced and looking for a family today! 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $155,000 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 1,332 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .138 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Feel at home in this brick colonial located in the heart of the Westpark/ Kamms area. Hardwood floors in living & dining room. Painted in todays modern colors. Beautiful working gas fireplace hightlights the living room. Kitchen has updated ceramic flooring. Upstairs are 3 comfortable sized bedrooms with a full bath. Downstairs a 21x15 rec.rm with 2nd full bath & ceramic tiled separate laundry room comp... 07/31/2010

Cleveland Ohio Real Estate -  Cuyahoga County Fair 2010    The 114th Cuyahoga County Fair will be held this year on August 9-15 at the Fairgrounds in Berea, located at 164 Eastland Rd. The annual fair is always a great time for young and old alike featuring great food, animals, rides, music, fireworks and much more. There are different events held every day, so it is best to check out the official schedule ahead of time. A few highlights of this year's fair include: *     Clowns and Juggler *     Doughnut Eating Contest *     COSI Interactive Science Exhibit *     Haunted House *     Live Music including a Saturday night concert, Pink Floyd Tribute Band "Wish You Were Here" and a fireworks show Thursday is Kids Day for those ages 3-16. Special pricing will apply. The County Fair is alwa... 07/30/2010

Cleveland OH Real Estate - Relocating To Cleveland: The Complete Guide Part 1     So, you've just found out you are relocating to Cleveland Ohio. Like most people in your situation, you are probably going through a wide range of emotions. You are also beginning to realize how much work you have to do to prepare for your big move. This guide was designed to help alleviate the stress that comes with relocating and to provide sound advice. WHY ARE WE PROVIDING THIS GUIDE? We personally relocated to Cleveland almost 15 years ago and know exactly what you are going through. We understand how stressful moving to a new city can be, especially if you don't know a lot of people, and we wanted to provide some help and friendly advice.  So, take a deep breath, try to relax and let us help you put ... 07/27/2010

Cleveland Real Estate Home Inspection Framework - Health and Safety Issues versus Deferred Maintenance Every buyer in the greater Cleveland real estate market should obtain a home inspection when purchasing a home.  While much has been written about the benefits of and items covered during a home inspection (this post will not cover these items), how the home inspection contingency is negotiated and removed can vary with each local real estate market. In our local Greater Cleveland real estate market, defects found by the home inspector are commonly placed into two general categories: Health and Safety Deferred Maintenance. Examples of Health and Safety defects are: •    Gas leaks •    Mold •    Water intrusion •    Structural defects •    Leaky water pipes •    Leaky roof •    Non-term... 07/25/2010

 Cleveland OH Real Estate - Bi-Annual Luxury Home Report 2010         Below are luxury home sales statistics for the first 6 months of 2010 in Cleveland, specifically the Eastern suburbs of Cuyahoga County. We also included figures from the first 6 months of 2009 so a comparison can be made. Commentary to follow.   All Sales           # Of Homes Sold         Ave. Sales Price               YTD 2010                 66                          $685,707 YTD 2009                 59                          $661,592 *source NEOHREX ( Regional MLS ) High Sale YTD 2010 = $1,600,000   Commentary - Cleveland OH luxury homes have seen an increase in activity compared to the same period of time last year.  Overall sales are up over 10% from last year and the average sales price has increased as wel... 07/22/2010

Stan Stepak | Howard Hanna Real Estate Services | 440-476-0234 3736 West Blvd, Cleveland, OH An Investor's opportunity awaits! Reduced 2BR/1BA Single Family House offered at $30,000 Year Built 1951 Sq Footage 768 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size 6,885 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Investor opportunity! Just rehab and flip. Two bedroom / one bath ranch located in the heart of West Blvd across from Park. This home features wood floors, newer roof, new drive, and updated 100amp service. Full, unfinished basement. Deep front and back lot provides privacy from the street. This home is being sold as is and is priced for immediate sell. This in not a short sale, no red tape / wait. Make an offer today! Need more information cont... 07/18/2010

Stan Stepak | Howard Hanna Real Estate Services | stanleystepak@howardhanna.com | (440) 476-0234 16009 Normandy, Cleveland (westpark), OH Reduced and looking for a family today! 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $155,000 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 1,332 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .138 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Feel at home in this brick colonial located in the heart of the Westpark/ Kamms area. Hardwood floors in living & dining room. Painted in todays modern colors. Beautiful working gas fireplace hightlights the living room. Kitchen has updated ceramic flooring. Upstairs are 3 comfortable sized bedrooms with a full bath. Downstairs a 21x15 rec.rm with 2nd full bath & ceramic tiled separate laundry room comp... 07/18/2010

Stan Stepak | Howard Hanna Real Estate Services | stanleystepak@howardhanna.com | (440) 476-0234 16009 Normandy, Cleveland (westpark), OH Reduced and looking for a family today! 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $155,000 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 1,332 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .138 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Feel at home in this brick colonial located in the heart of the Westpark/ Kamms area. Hardwood floors in living & dining room. Painted in todays modern colors. Beautiful working gas fireplace hightlights the living room. Kitchen has updated ceramic flooring. Upstairs are 3 comfortable sized bedrooms with a full bath. Downstairs a 21x15 rec.rm with 2nd full bath & ceramic tiled separate laundry room comp... 07/15/2010

Stan Stepak | Howard Hanna Real Estate Services | stanleystepak@howardhanna.com | (440) 476-0234 16009 Normandy, Cleveland (westpark), OH 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $159,000 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 1,332 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .138 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Feel at home in this brick colonial located in the heart of the Westpark/ Kamms area. Hardwood floors in living & dining room. Painted in todays modern colors. Beautiful working gas fireplace hightlights the living room. Kitchen has updated ceramic flooring. Upstairs are 3 comfortable sized bedrooms with a full bath. Downstairs a 21x15 rec.rm with 2nd full bath & ceramic tiled separate laundry room completes this cozy home. Need more informat... 07/10/2010

Stan Stepak | Howard Hanna Real Estate Services | stanleystepak@howardhanna.com | (440) 476-0234 16009 Normandy, Cleveland (westpark), OH 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $159,000 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 1,332 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .138 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Feel at home in this brick colonial located in the heart of the Westpark/ Kamms area. Hardwood floors in living & dining room. Painted in todays modern colors. Beautiful working gas fireplace hightlights the living room. Kitchen has updated ceramic flooring. Upstairs are 3 comfortable sized bedrooms with a full bath. Downstairs a 21x15 rec.rm with 2nd full bath & ceramic tiled separate laundry room completes this cozy home. see additional pho... 07/05/2010

July 4th in Cleveland, OH is marked by the parades, concerts, picnics, festivals, and fireworks shows that traditionally mark the holiday.  On July 1, the weekend started off with a Cleveland Orchestra concert and fireworks show on Public Square.  Both were spectacular, and the skies were clear, but the mood of the crowd was tied to something else entirely.  Local sports hero LeBron James became a free agent on Thursday, so would be courted by other NBA teams over the holiday weekend.  The concert included a video aimed at keeping LeBron with the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Regardless of how that drama plays out, July 1 (and the days following, when LeBron will finalize his choice) marks the beginning of a new day for Cleveland sports.  Either LeBron will move on and Cleveland will find a new... 07/04/2010

My wife, son and I were traveling down the interstate towards downtown Cleveland, Ohio last night to go watch the Cleveland Indians get pounded er...squeak a win out against the Oakland Athletics and then watch the fireworks in downtown Cleveland at Progressive field after the game and on our way there, we kept noticing these banners hanging on the overpasses and I said: Is this Cleveland's attempt at impressing King James? As Jack Nicholson once said A Few Good Men... Please tell me you have more than this...? Come on, are you kidding me? While I certainly can imagine the behind-the-closed-door sessions will be very intense and crazy, after watching what Chicago did sending Michael Jordan's sneakers asking LeBron if he can fill these shoes? And empty ring boxes, etc...I was a bit disa... 07/04/2010

The Cleveland Indians put on a spectacular fireworks show after the game last night at Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland.     It was a balmy evening, the Cleveland Indians beat the Oakland Athletics in the 10th inning and the fireworks were amazing. I hope you enjoy these photos I took of the fireworks after the game. If you want to see a few photos of last night's game, please visit my other post: Cleveland Indians beat the Oakland Athletics. 07/04/2010

My wife, son and I went to see the Cleveland Indians plays the Oakland Athletics last night at Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland. We saw banners on the way down I-77 going into downtown Cleveland hanging from the overpasses which read "More Than A Player" and "Home".  While I haven't really followed the LeBron James drama that seems to be gripping the sports world these days, I could really care less whether LeBron James stays or goes.  Of course I would like him to stay as it will mean we will win more basketball games, perhaps some more venue for Greater Cleveland (always in short supply) and maybe even a future championship (although Greater Clevelanders know never to hold their breath in this town -- it's a Cleveland thing, you wouldn't understand the angst that resides in the... 07/04/2010

Cleveland Ohio - Fourth Of July Fireworks 2010 Since we are expecting warm weather with clear skies all weekend, this promises to be a spectacular year  to gather with friends and family to watch fireworks.  Here is a list of upcoming fireworks shows in various cities throughout the area, including the East side suburbs of Solon, Shaker Heights, and Cleveland Heights. Please note, due to budget shortages, many communities across the Cleveland area will not be having their traditional fireworks show.    Friday, July 2nd: Hudson: Dusk, Barlow Farm Park Saturday July 3rd: Bratenahl: Dusk, Bratenahl Village Park Mayfield Village: Dusk, Wilson Mills and SOM Center Road Sunday, July 4th: Aurora: Dusk, Sunny Lake Park. Rain date July 5. Avon Lake: Dusk, Miller Road Park Cleveland: 10pm, in The... 07/02/2010

How to Choose a Cleveland Ohio Real Estate Agent. I have had many a client tell me how dreadful the process was in choosing a Greater Cleveland Ohio real estate agent and how they had a hard time trying to separate fact from fiction, sniff out hype, spin and exaggerations, and the like.  I encourage prospective clients to speak with my past clients, both from 4-5 years ago, to clients who have just closed on a home the prior month.  I encourage them to call 10, 20 even 30 of my references.  Why? My simple feeling is that there are strength in numbers.  And I'm not talking about the bragging rights most real estate agents focus on: I'm #1 in City/County, I'm #1 in Homes Sold in Month/Year, etc.  Consumers could care less about your chest-thumping awards.  They simply want to know: WIIFM ... 06/27/2010