Cutler Real Estate Blog

REAL Trends Housing Report - April 2011

2011-05-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

The "REAL Treands Housing Market Report - April 2011" has just been released. While the report shows a continued decline in both housing value and closed transactions, one must remember that in April 2010 buyers were rushing to record sales prior to the expiration of the housing tax credit program. Sales in Q1, 2010 were borrowed from the following quarters. It will be interesting to watch the closed sales and price reports for Q2, 2011 as there are no incentives this year to potentially skew the data.

Distinctive Features Can Help You Sell

2011-05-02T08:16:00.001-07:00

In today's competitive marketplace, sellers are encouraged to play up the best attributes of their home, also known as the "hot selling points." By using your home's special features to position it as a unique piece of property, you can stand out from the competition in your area and truly shine in the minds of buyers.

Certain features of a home can be capitalized on when officially listing your home on the market, and some of these features may not even be initially desired from buyers. For example, lush or extravagant gardens and backyards may give your property the extra push it needs to sell quickly. If your backyard or garden feels like a sanctuary, some buyers might respond to it. A beautiful landscape or feeling of serenity could really grab a buyer's attention and make your property memorable. Features like these are pleasant surprises during viewings and may be enough to sway buyers into bidding on your home.

Another feature sellers should never underestimate is a spacious and open playroom. For families shopping around, playrooms offer parents peace of mind, knowing that their children will have plenty of room to grow and play. Playrooms also make great storage space for the child's belongings and toys, a great incentive for buyers with little ones.

If your home has an updated or renovated bathroom or kitchen, you definitely want to market those features to buyers. It is no secret that buyers often respond to modern bathrooms and kitchens, but some sellers may even want to go above and beyond the call of duty. Renovating your bathroom with modern features could ensure a quick turnaround and maybe even a turn of profit. Walk-in closets, Jacuzzi™ tubs and large vanities are all hot-ticket features when promoted to the right buyers. Properly promoting these vantage points can make your sales effort largely successful.

Sellers should keep in mind that standing out from the other properties listed in the neighborhood and surrounding towns and cities is of utmost importance throughout the process. "When selling your home in today's market, sellers must play up the home's unique aspects and features in order to pique the interest of buyers," says Bray. "Knowing what you have and how to sell it will be crucial to your selling success in 2011."

For more information on properly positioning your home for sale, please contact Jim Bray at JBray@CutlerHomes.com, 330-491-2700 or Cutler Real Estate.

An Open Letter to President Obama (and Congress)

2011-04-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

An Open Letter to President Obama (and Congress)

How to Make the Most of a Buyer's Market

2011-04-05T10:24:00.001-07:00

In today’s market, sellers are crossing their fingers hoping for increasing housing values and hungry buyers. With the market still on its way toward recovery, buyers have the luxury of being choosey and have plenty of leverage to work in their favor. By taking your time and leisurely looking at properties, you can ensure that you and your family get the most out of your transaction and buying experience.

Given the recovering market, buyers don’t have to feel pressured to make a decision on the first couple properties they see. By taking one’s time and slowing down the searching process, buyers can fully investigate which properties have been lingering on the market and which sellers might be willing to accept a price reduction.

In addition, buyers may also want to consider the foreclosure market. Foreclosed homes have seen a spike lately, with many sitting empty on the market for extended periods of time. If done right, some buyers may be able to get a fantastic deal on a foreclosed property. However, there are many iffy websites and agencies that claim to be specialists in foreclosures. To tap into this sector of real estate, make sure to speak with a qualified real estate agent who will represent only your interests throughout the transaction, and not the interests of the bank trying to sell them..

As mentioned, buyers today have plenty of leverage on their side. If you decide to build a new home, don’t be shy about asking for free upgrades, which may be of very little cost to the builder. For existing homes, negotiate for free repairs on things that may be pricey fixes later down the road. Buyers may also want to negotiate the closing costs or closing date. If a seller is really wants to sell, they may be willing to pay the closing costs partially or in full, and may allocate a few months for you to get your affairs in order for the move.

A completely different bidding strategy may also be the key to success. Usually, first offers are slightly below the seller’s asking price; in a market such as this, you can test an even lower one—but be prepared for rejection. By coming up with an acceptable, albeit, lowered bid, you may be able to save thousands of dollars on the purchase price of the home throughout the course of the negotiation.

Month’s Shadow Inventory: State by State

2011-03-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Month’s Shadow Inventory: State by State

We Think We’re Going to Believe Grandpa

2011-03-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

We Think We’re Going to Believe Grandpa

Tips to Attract Buyers When Selling Your Home

2011-03-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

For homeowners expecting to sell their home in the next few years, it's never too early to think about fixing up or modernizing your home. If selling is your end goal, there are many updates you can add to ensure that your home stands out from the competition in the marketplace. If you're already thinking in advance, consider the following improvements and staging tips to not only add value to your property, but to attract buyers as well.

Don't neglect the power of a nice entryway. When you end up showing your home to potential buyers, a fresh coat of paint and an enticing, warm feel goes a long way. Many buyers find that they don't like entering the front door and stepping right into the living room. With clever placement of furniture, a chest of drawers or a unique table, you can create the feel of a separate entranceway with a little creativity.

Hardwood floors are also a hot ticket for many buyers. Most Realtors agree that hardwood floors go the extra step towards enticing buyers to bid on your home. The longevity is incomparable to other flooring and you never have to worry about hardwood going out of style. Synthetic wood flooring can be used for a more affordable price, but be sure to avoid laminate flooring.

Nice bathrooms give your home a greater appeal when buyers take a tour. Whirlpool baths, marble counters and steam showers are all highly attractive elements to have in a master bathroom. If these are too luxurious for your budget, work on brightening or modernizing the older parts of your existing bathroom. Some owners may choose to replace a bathroom's lighting or replace various fixtures in the room in order to brighten it up. Anything you can do to make the room pop will benefit all of your future efforts.

Don't forget about lighting in other rooms, too. It's an often overlooked feature that can be quite tempting to buyers. Regular floor lamps limit the amount of light a room can get. If the home doesn’t receive lots of natural light, consider adding recessed lighting or sconces to brighten up the space. Buyers love to see rooms that are cheerful and easy to light up. Always consider adding a dimming feature. It gives the homeowner many different lighting options and significantly adds to the appeal.

By making adjustments to your home in small increments, you will increase your property's selling power before unleashing it to the market. With these updates and more, your home will have the cutting-edge advantages it needs to sell as quickly as possible for the value it deserves.

For more information about updating your home or to learn more about what today's buyers are looking for, please contact any of our Cutler Real Estate Professionals.

The Cost of Waiting for Prices to Fall

2011-02-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

The Cost of Waiting for Prices to Fall

Keeping Your Home Safe from Burglary

2011-02-08T14:01:00.001-08:00

In the United States, a home is burglarized once every 12 seconds. For those affected, it's a very alarming and discomforting feeling knowing a stranger has violated your privacy and invaded your home. By taking some easy preventative measures, homeowners can do their best to make sure their home isn't vandalized, burglarized or entered without their consent.

By installing a good security system, you can protect your home from most robberies. Most burglaries are committed by amateur or semi-amateur burglars who don't know how to bypass a security system. By installing a reliable system, you can protect your home and family from a majority of invasions.

Joining a neighborhood watch is also a great idea for those who want extra protection. Getting to know your neighbors and being able to rely on them when you're out of town can be extremely effective. If your local neighborhood doesn't have an existing neighborhood watch program, consider creating one yourself. There's power in numbers and by supporting each other, you can keep the entire neighborhood safe from predators.

Installing a timer for your lights and TVs is also highly recommended. With lights that turn on when it gets dark outside, you provide the illusion that someone is always home. It's a simple and inexpensive addition you can make to offer further protection. While you're at it, add a pole in the track of any sliding door you may have in your home. Glass door locks can be finicky and unreliable -- a pole adds further protection in the case of a lock failure.

Of course, you can't prevent every incident, but a little bit of effort goes a long way when you want to protect your home from intruders, burglars, and vandals. By thinking outside the box and appropriately securing your home, you will be on your way to keeping your family and belongings safe from attack.

For more information on how you can keep your home safe, please contact Jim Bray at JBray@CutlerHomes.com, 330-491-2700 or Cutler Real Estate.

How to Save Money on Your Homeowners' Insurance

2011-02-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

In today's economy, homeowners are looking to save money wherever they can ... even on something as important as their homeowners' insurance. But buyers beware, lowering your coverage and/or raising your deductibles could result in higher bills if you become the victim of weather-related damage. These days, it's understandable that many homeowners would want to shift to higher deductibles and want to pay less for their homeowners' insurance. However, if disaster strikes, they could very well be in a worse position than if they'd been paying a higher premium all along. To prepare before a situation occurs, homeowners should really look at their options - from price to coverage - and see what is available to them.

We recommend looking into some additional money-saving ideas from the Federal Citizen Information Center (www.consumeraction.gov):

• Ask your insurance agent about discounts. You may be able to get a lower premium if your home has safety features, such as alarm systems, storm shutters or fire-retardant roofing material. Long-term customers and those over age 55 may also be offered discounts.

• Insure your house, not the land under it. After all, your land will still be there even if your home is damaged. If you don't subtract the value of the land when deciding how much homeowner's insurance to buy, you will pay more than you should.

• Don't wait until you have a loss to find out if you have the right type and amount of insurance. Discuss with your insurance agent exactly what types of damage are covered, including natural "acts of God." Many homeowners are caught off-guard by this loophole.

• Purchase enough coverage to replace what is insured. "Replacement" coverage gives you the money to rebuild your home and replace its contents. An "Actual Cash Value" policy is cheaper but pays only what your property is worth at the time of loss - your cost, minus depreciation for age and wear.

• Consider any special coverage you may need for valuable and/or unique items, such as computers, cameras, jewelry, art, antiques, musical instruments, stamp collections, etc.

• Remember that flood damage is not covered by a standard homeowners' policy. If you live in an area prone to flooding, take advantage of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Regardless of what coverage you decide on, be sure it's what's right for you and your family. Remember to always work with an insurance agent who is experienced and trustworthy - he or she will be able to help you make the right decision.

For more information, please contact Justin Truex at JTruex@CutlerHomes.com, 330-705-1976 or the Cutler Real Estate office of Maconachy-Stradley Insurance Agency, Inc.

The Real American Idol – HOMEOWNERSHIP!

2011-01-25T08:33:00.000-08:00

The Real American Idol – HOMEOWNERSHIP!

How to Price Your Home to Sell

2011-01-25T07:38:00.000-08:00

Naturally, like most homeowners, you have a strong emotional connection to your home and, understandably, feel it deserves top dollar when placed on the market. After all, no one knows your home better than you, including all the investments you've made in it over the years. But even though all sellers want to get the most money for their homes, especially in today's challenging economic times, decisions made regarding the listing price cannot be made in haste advises Cutler Real Estate.

"Listing your home at a price that is too high can cause it to languish on the market," explains Jim Bray, Cutler President. "This can result in the home selling at an even lower price than would have been realized had it been priced properly from the beginning."

To avoid this scenario and generate optimal profits from the sale of your home, we suggest taking into consideration all of the following factors in order to establish a fair, competitive and marketable sale price:

• Square footage - Total square footage is an important consideration when establishing a home's listing price, but this is usually just a starting point for buyers. Buyers will look at square footage to narrow their selections, but will make an actual purchase decision based on many other factors.

• Location within the community - Quiet cul-de sacs, golf or water frontage, lots that offer privacy, etc. are value-adds that can justify a higher sale price over other homes in a community ... or be leveraged as an advantage against competing listings.

• Views ... or lack thereof - Whether it is the ocean, a downtown skyline, the mountains, water or some other desirable landscape, buyers are willing to pay a premium for views and a home should be priced accordingly.

• Upgrades and features - For a home to sell quickly at the desired price, it must be "finished" with as many structural and interior design upgrades as possible. Any functional or beautification enhancement to a home are key considerations in establishing a home's true value and strategic sale price.

• Community amenities - Guard-gated communities or those with amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool or fitness center are elements that raise a home's price per square foot. When pricing a home without these benefits, know whether you are competing against other homes that do offer such value-adds so that you can price your home as aggressively and competitively as possible.

• Comparable sales - Don't price your home based on price per square footage of other home sales in your community six or more months ago, as these don't offer a realistic portrayal of current market conditions. We advise sellers to focus on prices of active listings to hone a competitive pricing strategy.

• Professional appraisal – If you need to sell your home quickly, we suggest listing it at or below the appraised value as buyers are educated, are shopping deals, and will recognize your fair price and be more apt to pay it with less haggling.

• Current mortgage conditions - Lenders now require higher credit scores and higher down payments, which can cash-strap buyers holding out for the best deal possible. Savvy sellers will understand the mortgage industry's impact on the buyer and will price accordingly.

"Anyone considering selling their home should work with a professional real estate agent who can guide them through all of the above steps," says Bray. "A seasoned agent will be armed with current, local statistics and know how to sell your home at the best possible price."

You Need an EXPERT, Not Just an Agent

2011-01-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

Steve Harney on Fox Business News from Steve Harney on Vimeo.

Forget the Boom

2011-01-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

As we start 2011 we would all be best served if we would clear or minds of the past and focus on what is and what is likely to be. This is best said by Matthew Ferrara in his recent blog post. http://www.matthewferrara.com/rssfeed/forget_the_boom/ .
Happy New Year to all. May 2011 be the bring good health, happiness and a solid rebound in the housing market.

2011: The Year a House Again Becomes a Home

2010-12-30T07:52:00.000-08:00

2011: The Year a House Again Becomes a Home

This is Good News for Housing, Not Bad News#more-6609

2010-12-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

This is Good News for Housing, Not Bad News#more-6609

Best Time to Buy AND Best Time to Sell?

2010-10-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

Best Time to Buy AND Best Time to Sell?

2010-10-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

Fielding a Lowball Purchase Offer on Your Home
Consider before you ignore or outright refuse a very low purchase offer for your home. A counteroffer and negotiation could turn that low purchase offer into a sale. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Options for Avoiding Foreclosure

2010-09-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

As the headlines tell us, foreclosures continue to plague our communities and our economy at large. If you are one of the many homeowners struggling financially and confronting the possibility of a foreclosure, however, there are viable options you can pursue before relinquishing your home.

There are options worth pursuing for those facing possible foreclosure. Many banks, for example, offer loan modifications or other programs that can give homeowners a little more breathing room and a chance to get back on their feet.

An experienced, professional real estate agent or counselors certified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can help you explore available options, including:

Forbearance. A forbearance is a temporary suspension of payments sometimes offered if a borrower has lost a job but has a new one starting soon – or because medical bills or another crisis situation has caused a temporary cash shortage.

Repayment plan. Repayment plans offer a scheduled blueprint for making up missed payments over time.

Loan modification. A loan modification is a change in loan terms for a limited time, as when a subprime interest rate has jumped considerably.

It is critical that financially distressed homeowners to be extremely wary of anyone purporting to offer a “quick-fix” solution. According to the Federal Trade Commission, steer clear of anyone who:

• Guarantees to stop the foreclosure process

• Collects upfront fees

• Asks to be paid by wire or cashier’s check

• Tells you not to contact your lender or lawyer

• Wants you to make mortgage payments directly to him/her

• Suggests you sign over or “share” your property deed or title

• Proposes a lease-and-buyback arrangement

• Offers to fill out paperwork for you

• Pressures you to sign documents you do not fully understand

Unfortunately, there is a growing contingent of foreclosure scam artists preying on vulnerable homeowners. Financially distressed homeowners should consult a real estate professional, accountant or attorney who can point them in the right direction and offer sound guidance on the potential options that can save their home from foreclosure.

Recollections of a Friend Gone too Soon

2010-09-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

A Tribute to Our Friend Andy VonStein

It isn’t often that someone storms into your life, corporate or personal with as much gusto as Andy VonStein.

I remember the day as it was yesterday. We merged Andy’s firm, Broker’s Choice Realty in Ravenna into Cutler Real Estate. I traveled to Ravenna to meet Andy and his wonderful staff. From that day I knew we had something special. Andy had built a staff of Realtors that were real pros but he knew he needed to provide more support to them than his time and resources would allow. We had the systems in place that he needed so he looked to us to augment what he had built. It is difficult for a proud company owner to admit that they need help but Andy recognized that and never looked back. It wasn’t just for him that precipitated the merger; it was for his Realtors who he cared so deeply for. Our mantra, “Together We’re Better” could not have been more appropriate.

Andy was a consummate professional. His desire to help people was unmatched. Andy cared for and fought for his customers as he would for his family and his Realtors were his extended family. He was controversial but fair, aggressive but caring and to all of us he was a big lovable Teddy Bear. He adored the ladies in his life, his wife, Laura and daughters Brittany and Brooke.

For years at Cutler we celebrated our top producers’ successes with a cruise together. I vividly remember the times we spent with Andy and Laura. In the late evening if you heard uncontrollable laughter on the ship, you could be sure Andy and Laura were in the middle of it and not far behind was Christie Campbell, our dear Cutler Realtor who passed away shortly after our last cruise together and her husband Troy. They were the life of the party! I often wondered how they could be so chipper at breakfast the next morning.

Others could wax more eloquently about Andy than I. For me I want to conclude my thoughts by saying, Andy thank you for all you did for Cutler Real Estate, for your professionalism, your integrity, your willingness to give to others and the joy you brought to the lives of your Cutler Family. Most of all Andy, thank you for being our friend. May God bless you and keep you and may he watch over and care for your “special ladies”.

To my Cutler Family, please be safe! Think about how you conduct your real estate business and make changes where necessary to guard against a tragedy happening to you. For those of you questioning why this happened to Andy, I will share this thought “Never put a question mark where God put a period”.

Understanding the Risks of Using Unlicensed Workers in Your Home

2010-09-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

Who's that working under your roof? Or on top of your roof ... or way, way up in your maple tree pruning branches? If it's an unlicensed worker you are facing unaffordable perils—both personal and financial.

Homeowners are exposing themselves to a wealth of financial and personal safety risk when using unlicensed workers. While using licensed contractors may cost more up-front, it will save you from unnecessary expenses down the road. Plus, you can't place value on peace of mind.

There are several risks involved in using unlicensed workers:

-You are exposing yourself to the risk of an unknown person entering your home. Someone purporting to be Mr. Fixit could, in reality, be casing your home for a later break-in, assault or home invasion. The likelihood of these horrors occurring is far less if you are dealing with a licensed contractor with ties to the community.

-You could lose thousands of dollars if the work is shoddy or incomplete. State licenses require contractors to have trade experience, often requiring performance tests to ensure competency, and they also require contractors to be knowledgeable about local home improvement laws.

-It's illegal! Unlicensed workers who perform work for you are committing a misdemeanor and can be arrested, which means you are out of luck in terms of any deposit you may have put down and may well be liable for any materials bought from stores or sub-contractors by the unlicensed contractor.

-You could be exposed to enormous damages in court if the unlicensed contractor is injured on the job. State courts have found that an unlicensed worker cannot, by definition, be an independent contractor—and if he's not a contractor, he must be your employee. This means he or she can sue you if injured on the job. In one instance in California an unlicensed worker, injured after only a few hours working on a roofing job, successfully won damages claiming he was an employee of the homeowner! In another case in West Virginia, a licensed cable installer won a $1,000,000+ settlement for injuries he sustained from a fall off a power pole attached to a home, claiming that work performed by an unlicensed electrician on the home's circuit breaker box was the cause of his injury.

"These risks are completely avoidable, if you adhere to the following tips for homeowners looking to hire workers for home improvement projects:

1. Ensure your contractor is licensed. The status of a contractor’s license can often be checked through the state’s Licensing Board Website or have the contractor show you a copy of the license.

2. Ask for references from customers and suppliers who have worked with the contractor; and check for complaints on file with your state's contractor office and the Better Business Bureau.

3. Check to make sure a contractor's insurance coverage is complete and up-to-date, and includes worker's comp, property damage and liability.

4. Pay by credit card if possible, or, if paying by check, make it out to a company, never to "cash."

5. Don't pay cash. Don't pay in full in advance. Don't buy "left over supplies". Don't make a final payment until a thorough inspection of the work is complete.

For more information, please contact Jim Bray at JBray@CutlerHomes.com, Cutler Real Estate or 330-491-2700.

Cutler Real Estate, founded in 1947, is a full service real estate company serving Stark, Carroll, Tuscarawas, Summit, Medina, Portage and Wayne counties. Cutler Real Estate is the largest locally owned real estate firm in Northeast Ohio and one of the 100 largest in the country. Cutler provides a one-stop shopping approach to the real estate market, and is one of only a few in the state providing in-house consumer resources including relocation, commercial investment, auction, new homes, insurance and mortgage and title services through affiliates Mortgage One and Title One. For more information visit their website at CutlerHomes.com

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News from the Ohio Association of Realtors Convention

2010-09-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

Please join us in some special congratulations from the 100th Anniversary Celebration at the OAR convention in Cincinnati.

Meg Hudson, OAR President Elect from our Kent office was named 2010 Ohio Realtor of the Year. Meg won the award locally from the Portage County Association of Realtors. Meg begins here term as President of OAR in January, 2011. We congratulate Meg on her OAR Realtor of the Year Award and wish her well in her position of OAR President.

Sixty-seven of our Cutler Realtors were honored as members of the 2010 OAR President’s Sales Club, Including, Jeff Flickinger of the North Canton office who was honored as the #5 Realtor in the state in the number of closed transaction sides. Congratulations, Jeff for an outstanding accomplishment.

Jaime Prenatt, Fairlawn office, represented the Akron Area Board of Realtors as a Tomorrow’s Leader Today. Jaime also attended her first OAR Convention. Thanks, Jaime for representing Cutler Real Estate so well.

Congratulations to all the recipients, we’re very proud of you. Your successes in the face of one of the most challenging real estate markets in history are a testament to your dedication and professionalism

Moving Up in a 'Down' Market - What You Don't Know About Today's Real Estate Market

2010-09-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, while most Americans struggled, there were some who also amassed vast fortunes. A wealth of opportunity also exists in today's real estate "recession," a time which offers buyers and investors an unprecedented chance to "move up”.

At Cutler Real Estate believe that those who believe that real estate is a tide that moves all boats equally are just plain wrong, The fact is, we may very well be in the single greatest move-up real estate market in decades. Today's market represents a rare opportunity for some to move up to their dream home at virtually unprecedented prices. If you have longed to move to another community, purchase a vacation home or create income through rental property, now might be your best chance to do so.

The following facts rarely appear in media coverage about the real estate market and are, therefore, unknown to most consumers:

• Prices of higher-priced homes have (generally) declined more, as measured in dollars and/or percentage of price, than have prices of lower-priced homes.

• Vacation property prices have also changed based upon their own local economics.

• If the price of your home has moved down less than the price of your ideal home, this may be the time to make your move.

We advise consumers to answer the following questions before considering a move-up home purchase:

1. What price could my home bring if put on the market today?

2. What is the price of my ideal home in today's market?

3. What will the difference in monthly costs be should I decide to move up?

4. What will my net costs be after tax?

5. What is the potential for immediate lifestyle enhancement and for long-term financial gain if I move up?

The answers to these questions are vital to making a more fully informed decision about the opportunities present in today's market. A professional real estate agent, your attorney, financial planner and/or accountant can help guide you through this decision-making process. Please contact one of our Cutler Real Estate market professionals to see how you can maximize the benefits brought on by the present “great” recession.

Your Good Credit Score Might Not be Good Enough Anymore

2010-08-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

CANTON, OH, Aug 25, 2010 - There was a time when a 680 credit score yielded great interest rates for consumers. Today, however, according to Bankrate.com, the best rates and mortgage programs go to those consumers with credit scores over 700. According to Jim Bray, President, of Cutler Real Estate, consumers with less than a 700 credit score may see additional fees of 1% or more and increased interest rates as high as 1% over the base rates. These increased fees and interest rates could mean about $3,500 in extra fees and as much as $134 a month in additional monthly mortgage payments for a new home buyer purchasing a $350,000 home.

“Due to the tumultuous landscape of our current economy, many consumers are finding that their credit scores are dropping...even though they‘ve continued to pay all their bills on time, “says Bray. “This is happening unknowingly to millions of consumers across the country who have good to excellent credit. Unfortunately, there are many factors now affecting consumers‘ credit scores that they are unaware of.“

For example, a consumer might have had their oldest and most established credit card closed by a creditor due to non-usage. Second, two other creditors may have dropped the consumer‘s available credit limits, which negatively impacted their credit utilization ratios (i.e., amount spent each month compared to the credit limit). In each case, these changes occurred for no other reason than the creditors‘overall concern for risk in the marketplace.

So what should you do? According to Bray and the credit experts at ApprovalGUARD (www.approvalguard.com), here are three suggestions to keep in mind:

1. Understand how credit works. Although you may think you understand how credit works (i.e., “As long as I pay all of my bills on time, I will have good credit“), there are many misunderstandings. Understanding how credit reports and scores work to create an excellent credit profile is important and becomes the foundation to strong financial self-management.

2. Credit and debt optimization. Take a snapshot of your current debt profile compared to your current income and liquid assets, then look for ways to optimize your debt. Examples could include strategies to reduce credit card balances owed to lower limits that will help you strengthen your credit scores, reduce interest rates and/or create opportunities to move balances to lower interest rate debt alternatives.

3. Know what‘s going on. It‘s important to review your credit at least three or four times per year. By doing so, you can monitor it for changes that may have occurred without your knowledge. It‘s also a great opportunity to self-monitor your profile for errors or suspect activity such as identity theft. The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees you access to a free credit report every 12 months. For more information visit the Federal Trade Commission website at http://www.ftc.gov/. Once on this page, click, “Free Credit Reports“ for information on how to obtain your annual credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies free of charge.

“Understanding, building and self-managing your credit is like changing the oil in your car, “says Bray. “If you do it regularly, then the car runs better. If you do it only when the engine has problems, you often find yourself in a challenging situation. “

For more information on today‘s credit climate or to request a free home mortgage pre-approval, please contact Bob Giacomo at Robert.P.Giacomo@mortgageoneohio.com or Cutler Real Estate.

How Homeowners Can Increase Their Home's Value in Today's Market

2010-08-20T14:00:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
James Bray
330-491-2700
JBray@CutlerHomes.com

How Homeowners Can Increase Their Home's Value in Today's Market

CANTON, OH, Aug 20, 2010 - In today’s climate of dwindling home values, many homeowners are wondering if it’s at all possible to increase their home’s value. According to Jim Bray, President of Cutler Real Estate there are steps you can take to build equity despite current market conditions.

“To elevate the value of your home, a detailed and specific assessment of your home, and the homes against which it will compete in the market, is necessary,” says Bray. “A professional home inspection-especially for those who are not planning to sell their home soon-can help determine exactly what needs to be done to increase your home’s value and can help you plan for expenses if there is work to be done.”

Having your home professionally inspected well before putting it on the market—or when you’re not even planning to put it on the market—has a number of advantages, says Bray:

For a relatively minor investment, homeowners will have an opportunity to review an objectively prepared assessment of the condition of their home’s structure, systems and amenities
Everything else being equal, the inspection report should be consistent with the report prepared by a buyer’s inspector, virtually eliminating stressful surprises when the home is on the market one day
Having an inspection done while their home is not on the market provides owners with an opportunity to decide whether to do the work themselves or to have the work contracted at their convenience and without the pressure of a deadline
The greatest value of proactive inspection is that the decision to repair vs. replace will be the homeowner’s alone…not a prospective buyer’s. A buyer may use the replacement of the air conditioner or the roof as a negotiating gambit when a proactive, high-quality repair would have been completely satisfactory. This places homeowners in a much stronger negotiating position in the future

“By taking this proactive approach to home inspections, homeowners can increase their home’s value instantly, giving it a strong competitive edge in the market if and when they decide to move,” says Bray. “By addressing major repair/replacement issues now, homeowners diminish competition from newer and better-maintained homes on the market.”

For more information on increasing a home’s value, please contact Cutler Real Estate at JBray@CutlerHomes.com, 330-491-2700 or Cutler Real Estate.

Cutler Real Estate, founded in 1947, is a full service real estate company serving Stark, Carroll, Tuscarawas, Summit, Medina, Portage and Wayne counties. Cutler Real Estate is the largest locally owned real estate firm in Northeast Ohio and one of the 100 largest in the country. Cutler provides a one-stop shopping approach to the real estate market, and is one of only a few in the state providing in-house consumer resources including relocation, commercial investment, auction, new homes, insurance and mortgage and title services through affiliates Mortgage One and Title One. For more information visit their website at CutlerHomes.com

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Cutler Real Estate Accepted for Membership in RISMedia's Exclusive Real Estate `Information Network®

2010-08-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

New Network identifies leading companies providing leading information to consumers.

NORWALK, CT Aug 09, 2010—Recognizing the need to identify those real estate brokerage firms most committed to serving consumers, RISMedia recently launched its Real Estate Information Network® (RREIN), a network of leading companies providing leading information. Cutler Real Estate is proud to announce its membership in RREIN, signifying the firm’s leading position in Northeast Ohio.

As its name suggests, RISMedia’s Real Estate Information Network® is exclusively reserved for only those real estate firms committed to providing consumers with the critical information necessary to make the best possible real estate-related decisions. As required by RISMedia, which has provided the real estate industry with leading-edge news and business-development strategies for 30 years, each member of RREIN must provide consumers with timely and relevant real estate content, as provided by RISMedia and other information sources.

“Consumers today have an inadequate level of understanding about the process, opportunities and risks facing them in real estate transactions, and they badly need a network of trusted real estate firms they can rely on,” said RISMedia President and CEO John Featherston. “RISMedia’s Real Estate Information Network® is designed to meet this critical need for consumer education and to help consumers identify those real estate companies who can deliver relevant information, a full suite of real estate services, and a sales force of experienced, professional real estate agents.”

RREIN is a formalized network of real estate brokerage firms that have earned elite status within their respective marketplaces. Membership is granted to only those North American real estate firms that demonstrate proven leadership in their respective regions and are committed to providing consumers with relevant real estate-related information.

“Through RISMedia’s Real Estate Information Network®, leading real estate firms can now benefit from the unparalleled information resources of RISMedia, enhancing our value proposition to both consumers and our sales associates,” said Jim Bray, President, Cutler Real Estate. “Through its unique, consumer-facing programs, RISMedia is allowing leading real estate companies and their sales associates to better serve and educate consumers in today’s challenging real estate environment.”

For more information on Cutler Real Estate, please visit Cutler Real Estate.

Cutler Real Estate Named to National “Top 100”

2010-08-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

Northeast Ohio real estate company, Cutler Real Estate was honored by REALTOR Magazine with inclusion in its list of the “Top 100” real estate companies in America. Cutler’s ranking was based on closed transaction sides.

“The hard work of approximately 300 trained Realtors consistently enables Cutler Real Estate to rank in the “Top 100” real estate companies in America as reported by REALTOR Magazine. Cutler Realtors ranked in the top 85th percentile of the “Top 100” list based on the number of closed transactions per Realtor per year. Cutler’s world-class education, training and career opportunities enables our Realtors to attain these outstanding results”, said Jim Bray, Cutler Real Estate, president and partner. “We are pleased to be one of only three Ohio based real estate companies to be named to the REALTOR Magazine list”, continued Bray.
“Spotting and seizing new opportunities in the face of market difficulties has paid dividends for our company”, said Bray. “The face of real estate has changed immensely and our ability to adapt and grow has been a huge part of our success. Our award winning website, CutlerHomes.com is responsible for generating a large number of transactions for our Realtors. Our mantra, “Be Where the Buyers Are”, has positioned us to be one of the leading websites in our market, continued Bray”.

CutlerHomes.com Wins Major Award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

2010-02-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

Cutler Real Estate has earned the exclusive Website Quality Certification (WQC), presented by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® to member companies that have demonstrated excellence in website design, functionality and execution.

Every aspect of the site, CutlerHomes.com, was reviewed to ensure exacting standards were met in eight key areas, ranging from design and content to human interactivity to search engine optimization. The WQC was introduced in 2009 to recognize and encourage superior websites among Leading Real Estate Companies of the World’s 600 member firms. Cutler Real Estate is one of 64 initial applicants to earn the designation and the only company in Northeast Ohio to win this prestigious award.

Cutler earned further distinction by being nominated for a WQC award in the category of Internet Lead Management Process and Response Time. Cutler is the only Ohio Company nominated for any of the 8 individual awards to be presented. The winner will be announced at the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Annual Conference March 10 in Las Vegas.

“A real estate company’s website plays an increasingly significant role with today’s consumers, who often go there first when considering buying or selling a home. It is thus critical to use this Internet medium to attract and engage consumers in a meaningful way,” said Pam O’Connor, president/CEO of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.

We want to thank Debbie McClymont, Manager of Online Services, Suzi Stepanovich, Internet Lead Coordinator and Delta Media Group for their tireless efforts and passion to make CutlerHomes.com the leading real estate website in Northeast Ohio. Jim, Jay and I are extremely proud to receive this award. The end result of the hard work of Debbie and Suzi is more qualified leads to our Realtors leading to more closed transactions.

For more information about the WQC award and a list of the other winners click on the WQC logo at the bottom of CutlerHomes.com.

Newest National Real Estate Portal Launches

2009-11-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

PropertyPursuit.com, the newest national real estate search portal launched to rave reviews at the recently completed National Association of Realtors conference and trade expo in San Diego, California. The new portal launched with over 1 million listings from across the country.
PropertyPursuit.com is powered by Delta Media Group, one of the countries largest independent web builders for real estate companies and agents. The newest portal is a very broker centric model with opportunities for aggrandizement by brokers and agents as well for minimal fees. It is one of the few portals designed by Realtors for Realtors. Debbie McClymont and I have had the pleasure of being involved in every aspect of the development of this new site.
On November 13th, the day of the launch press releases were sent by The Real Estate Book, one of the major data partners in this new venture. Over 19 million viewer impressions were recorded in the 24 hours following the release. Postings of the announcement were on top news sites, such as, Yahoo! Finance, CBS MoneyWatch.com, CNBC.com, MarketWatch, Forbes.com, among others. Stay tuned for announcements of new functionality as PropertyPursuit.com evolves.

North+Canton+Real+Estate+-+Akron+Real+Estate+-+Wooster+Real+Estate+-+Kent+Real+Estate+-+Jackson+Township+Real+Estate+%7C+Cutler+Real+Estate

2009-11-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

North+Canton+Real+Estate+-+Akron+Real+Estate+-+Wooster+Real+Estate+-+Kent+Real+Estate+-+Jackson+Township+Real+Estate+%7C+Cutler+Real+Estate

Cutler Redesigns Popular Real Estate Website

2009-10-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

The new Cutler Real Estate website made its debut Oct. 20th to rave reviews. While the new site is a work in progress, it is fully functional and serving over 80,000 visitors monthly. New features are being added almost daily so return often and watch the site grow in both functionality and ease of use. Following the Cutler slogan, “The Simple Way Home” CutlerHomes.com enables the user to search homes in the local Northeast Ohio markets as well as nationally from the entry page. Additionally, searches can be made from any interior page without having to return to a search page.
As the site evolves there will be new search results pages as well as property detail pages. More robust community pages will feature separate community landing pages. These are just a few of the new features of the site. We are proud to announce that when the rebuild is completed the site will be accessible to our site impaired users.
This is the 4th major redesign of CutlerHomes.com since the site first went live in 1997.
This major redesign follows the recent release the “Cutler Mobile Website” (“CMW”). The “CMW” makes CutlerHomes.com accessible to web enabled cell phone users. Users are able to get instant information on any listed home in the area by simply entering the house number into their browser. The system also has a “push to talk” feature that enables the user to connect to the listing Realtor on Cutler listings and our “Customer Care Center” on properties listed by other cooperating brokers.
For those users without a web enabled phone, “Cutler Mobile MLS” is available on all listed properties as well. This system returns instant audio information in English or Spanish by dialing 1-800-465-4556 from any cell phone and, when prompted, saying the house number. If desired, the caller can get current mortgage payments on the subject property or be connected to a Home Mortgage Consultant. Like the “CMW”, the Cutler Mobile MLS’” has the “push to talk” feature connect the user with the listing Realtor for additional information or to schedule a showing of the property.
At Cutler Real Estate, we recognize that nearly 90% of the home buyers are using the Internet to begin their search for a new home. That is why we have switched our marketing focus from offline print marketing to online Internet marketing. No other real estate company in our market offers buyers more online choices for accessing housing data and sellers a more complete and effective online/offline marketing program for their home.
Cutler Real Estate's web solutions are provided by Delta Media Group located in Canton, Ohio.
We welcome your comments and suggestions on how we might improve your online real estate experience.

Positioning Buyers and Sellers to be the Best

2009-10-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Buyers and sellers seldom view themselves as being in competition with other buyers and sellers. The common myth of "one home...one buyer" could not be further from reality. The reality is that buyers are in competition with other buyers for the right to do business with some seller or sellers and conversely, sellers are in competition with other sellers for the right to do business with some buyer or buyers.
From my experience, “best buyers” generally connect with “best sellers”. The simplicity of this transcends to a very simple mission for real estate licensees and that is to facilitate the connection between “best buyers” and “best sellers”.
“Best sellers” are those sellers who position their property on the market so it is the “best of category”. They understand that buyers look at the available choices, compare one to another and in the final analysis purchase the property that provides them the best value of all the properties that fit their needs. By reviewing the properties that are competing with them, it should become clear to the seller that they must position their property on the market relative to their competition and price becomes “king”. If they are competing with eight other sellers for a “best buyer”, they must know that the best priced property in the group will sell before the others. Buyers always buy the best value not the worst. So, positioning their property on the market relative to their competition is critical.
“Best buyers” are those buyers who will buy soon through their real estate professional. In order to be a best buyer, they must be pre-approved for a loan, have the authority to buy and be motivated. If they meet these requirements then they must understand the importance of being competitive and understand why, and be willing to make compromises. “Best buyers” are positioned to take advantage of market opportunities as soon as they surface.
In real estate today, positioning is everything! There are many “best sellers” waiting for a “best buyer”. Buyers, by searching the real estate market data base you will quickly pick out the “best buys”. Sellers, you can determine your position on the market by searching the data base for homes competing with yours for a “best buyers” attention.
Today, like never before, positioning is everything!

Cutler Releases Mobile Website

2009-09-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

Playing on the tagline, "The Simple Way Home", Cutler Real Estate just announced that "The Simple Way Home" just went mobile with the release of version 1 of their new mobile website. Those with web enabled cell phones can access the new site at CutlerHomes.com. The "Cutler Mobile Website" is powered by Delta Media Groups' Mobile Broker Advantage, tm. It allows consumers to search for all listed properties in Northeast Ohio as well as open houses in an easy to use format. The resonse time for information from the site is lightning quick. The site also enables the user to search for Cutler Realtors and displays their contact numbers with an added "push to talk" feature. Watch for frequent upgrades to the website throughout this fall.
One year ago Cutler released it's "Cutler Mobile MLS", a telephony product that gives consumers the ability to hear recorded information on most listed properties in Northeast Ohio and "push to talk" to a Cutler Realtor and or a Mortgage One representative. With the addition of the Cutler Mobile Website, Cutler now has a total solution for the mobile consumer.

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Cutler Real Estate Accepted for Membership in RISMedia's Exclusive Real Estate `Information Network®

Cutler Real Estate Named to National “Top 100”

CutlerHomes.com Wins Major Award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

Newest National Real Estate Portal Launches

North+Canton+Real+Estate+-+Akron+Real+Estate+-+Wooster+Real+Estate+-+Kent+Real+Estate+-+Jackson+Township+Real+Estate+%7C+Cutler+Real+Estate

Cutler Redesigns Popular Real Estate Website

Positioning Buyers and Sellers to be the Best

Cutler Releases Mobile Website