Posts by Emily Brock

As discussed in our past blog posts, one of the main players in Cleveland's sustainability mission is the local organization, Sustainable Cleveland. They have put together 9 areas of sustainability with each of the individual topics featuring checklists of ways residents can make a difference at home. In this week's blog post, we will take a closer look at Sustainable Cleveland's detailed breakdown of encouraging an energy efficient lifestyle at home. 

So what does Energy Efficiency mean?

Sustainable Cleveland describes Energy efficiency as using less energy to provide the same level of energy service. Our homes represent a huge opportunity for us to take small steps to reduce our impacts on the environment. The following tips will help you become more energy efficient and also save you money.

1. Schedule an Energy Audit with Cleveland Housing Network's Home Weatherization Program and make recommended improvements.
2. Use a Power Strip and turn off electronics when not in use. Reducing phantom energy can save you up to 10% on your electric bill.
3. Replace incandescent bulbs with CFLSs or LEDs.
4. Buy Energy Efficient Appliances. Purchasing Energy Star Appliances helps you save money without sacrificing performance.

But why stop there? Here are some additional ways we found to incorporate energy efficiency practices in your home and day-to-day life:

1. Wrap your hot water tank. Reduce heat loss by wrapping your hot water tank with an insulation blanket. Click here for an example of what to buy. 
2. Seal your ductwork. Hot air can escape through joint ductwork which can lead to inadvertently heating places you don't want to such as your basement or cellar. Click here for an example of what to buy.
3. Test windows and doors. Make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed to avoid wasting energy when you are heating or cooling your home. Use caulking to seal any cracks or gaps around the opening. This will help conserve energy when you are heating or cooling your home. Click here for an example of what to buy.
4. Start composting! As discussed in our previous blog post, Rust Belt Riders is a local composting company that started community programs allowing for residents to sign up for compost pick-up at home or drop-off at designated collection sites. Rust Belt Riders was started in 2014 right here in Cleveland and has been working with people and organizations across Northeast Ohio to provide them with a clean and timely alternative to landfills for their food waste. Click here to learn more or join the program.

Pro-tip: create space in your freezer and place a medium size bowl or container for collecting food waste. Line the container with small compostable bags for easy collection. Once the container is full, remove the bag, tie off and either take it to your nearest drop-off location or place it in Rust Belt Riders' designated collection container for pickup. This will prevent any unpleasant smells that can sometimes result from saving your food waste.

As we discussed in our last blog post, Cleveland has been making waves in several industries over the past several decades with accolades in medicine and tech. With Cleveland making an impact in sustainability, a lot of those efforts are being implemented in the real estate and development sector.

In addition, we also highlighted the impact and efforts that Sustainable Cleveland is making to support the city's sustainability mission. The local organization put together nine areas of sustainability topics with each of the individual topics featuring checklists on ways residents can make a difference at home. Click here to access the individual checklists for each of the 9 sustainability topics determined above. In addition to the extensive discussion on sustainability, the organization has partnered with a number of local programs for residents to promote sustainability practices in their everyday life. Here are some local programs to look into if you are interested in increasing sustainability practices:

1. City Recycling Program. FREE 

Program enrollment is available online for residents of the City of Cleveland. To enroll, complete the online form by clicking here. 

2. Summer Rain Barrel Program. FREE 

This program is currently temporarily on hold but if you would like to be notified of when the program will resume, click here. 

3. Composting Program. Membership Fee 

Started in 2014 right here in Cleveland, Rust Belt Riders has been working with people and organizations across Northeast Ohio to provide them with a clean and timely alternative to landfills for their food waste. Click here to learn more or join the program.

4. Tree Canopy Revitalization Program. FREE 

Did you enjoy last week's blog post about how the presence of one healthy tree can increase your property value by 30% or more? The City of Cleveland started the initiative in an effort to replenish the city's tree canopy. Click here to request your tree installation.

5. City Fresh CSA Program. Membership Fee

City Fresh creates and promotes a more healthy, vibrant, and equitable local foods system. Pickups available at several locations across Cuyahoga and Lorain county. Click here to join!

Have we missed any local sustainability programs? Let us know!

Cleveland has been making waves in several industries over the past several decades with accolades in medicine and tech. Another industry Cleveland is making an impact in? Sustainability. And a lot of those efforts are happening in the real estate and development sector. In fact, in 2021 Cleveland became a Leed Silver Certified city which indicates leadership in energy and environmental design. One of the main players in Cleveland's sustainability mission is the local organization, Sustainable Cleveland. They have put together 9 areas of sustainability with each of the individual topics featuring checklists of ways residents can make a difference at home. Click here to access the individual checklists for each of the 9 sustainability topics determined above. Below is a breakdown of each topic with a short description. In following weeks, we will take a closer look at each topic and provide additional helpful resources. 

1. Energy Efficiency. Energy efficiency is using less energy to provide the same level of energy service. Our homes represent a huge opportunity for us to take small steps to reduce our impacts on the environment. 
2. Local Foods. Local food is the production, process, distribution and consumption of food with-in a specific region, usually 100 miles from farm to fork. A focus on local food is essential for a sustainable economy in Cleveland because of its environmental benefits and because it is an economic driver. You can make a big impact by eating local foods at home. 
3. Renewable Energy. Advanced and Renewable Energy Works in Northeast Ohio. Energy use and production is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in the U.S., as well as one of the most costly expenses for households.
4. Zero Waste. By reducing the amount of waste the city produces and sends to landfills, Clevelanders can improve human health through the elimination of hazardous waste, protect and increase property values and quality of place, as well as save business, government, organizations and the community money.
5. Clean Water. Fresh water resources represent an invaluable local asset that has shaped Cleveland's identity, both in the way that the city has perceived itself and how it has been recognized outside the region. You can help keep our waterways fishable, swimmable and drinkable!
6. Sustainable Transportation. There are many actions Clevelanders can take at home, at work and in the community to help grow sustainable transportation. Actions include biking, walk-ing, taking transit, carpooling, car sharing and much more!
7. Vibrant Green Space. The diverse environmental, economic and social benefits of Cleveland's green space underpin the sustainable development of the city. The expansion of parks and natural areas, community gardens, urban farms, green roofs, landscaped boulevards, bike paths, trails, schoolyards, recreational areas, and other public open green space in Cleveland can help to establish a broad swath of green space. Cleveland has the only national park in an urban setting in the United States and it is the sixth most visited national park in the country. 
8. Vital Neighborhoods. Neighborhoods are the building blocks of a great urban area. They are the real places of daily life — places where people interact face to face, where transactions are made, and where a sense of identity and history is created. By fostering the development of a vibrant public realm for all to share neighborhoods can make affordable, low-consumption lifestyles more convenient and attractive.
9. Engaged People. Sustainable Cleveland's motto, "Together, we're building a thriving green city on a blue lake," emphasizes empowerment, cooperation, action, quality of life, and abundance. People, not programs, are the answer to true and lasting climate action in Cleveland. This means that a whole system, citizen-centered approach will be needed to align climate action with the assets, capacity and priorities of Cleveland residents and business owners.

It is no secret in the real estate industry that curb appeal is a leading factor in attracting potential buyers to a specific listing. So much so that when you research "benefits of curb appeal when selling a home", the search produces millions of blog posts and articles written by experts as well as reputable home websites about the topic. Alternatively, when looking for tips on increasing the chances of selling a home quickly, improving the listing's curb appeal is most often included as a bullet point. 

"Adding one healthy tree can increase property values by 30% or more, according to 1 in 5 real estate agents." (trees.com)

The team at Trees.com took it one step further and gathered data to back up the common belief by conducting a study where they surveyed 1,250 real estate agents across the country. We pulled some additional important data from the study and organized it into an infographic for easy reading. Let us know what you think! Do you believe that landscaping is an important step in preparing a home for sale? Click here to read the full article!

Summer in Cleveland is off to a great start! What better way to enjoy the city than to get out and check out all that it has to offer. Here is a list of our top 5 ways to enjoy Cleveland this summer. Let us know what you try out!

1. Check out the local beaches! Spend the day at Euclid beach or Edgewater beach. Take a picnic, ride your bike, or soak up the sun. Both locations also have fantastic views of the amazing Cleveland sunsets. Check out our blog post on the Top 10 Places to Watch a Sunset in Cleveland.
2. Take a hike on Cleveland's towpath trail or a ride on one of the many connecting bike routes. Click here for more details on what the Cleveland Metroparks has to offer.
3. Enjoy dinner on a patio overlooking the Cuyahoga river in the Cleveland flats. Check out our blog post on Cleveland's Flats East Bank complete with an updated list of restaurants.
4. Check out a local farmers market:
   • North Union Farmers Market Click Here for More Details
     • Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Wednesdays 10:30a to 1:30p
     • University Hospitals Thursdays 10:30a to 1:30p
     • Shaker Square Market Saturdays 8a to 12p
   • Tremont Farmers Market Click Here for More Details
     • Tuesdays 4p to 7p
   • West Side Market, Ohio City Click here for more details
     • Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 8a to 5p
     • Saturdays from 7a to 5p
     • Sundays from 10a to 4p
   • Old Brooklyn Farmers Market Click here for more details
     • Saturdays from 9a to 1p
   • Kamm's Corners Farmers Market Click here for more details
     • Sundays from 10a to 1p
   • Good Earth Urban Farm Stand Click here for more details
     • Thursdays from 3p to 7p
     • Mondays from 3p to 7p
     • Saturdays from 12p to 4p
   • Coit Road Farmers Market Click here for more details
     • Wednesdays from 8a to 1p
     • Saturdays from 8a to 1p
   • Gateway 105 Farmers Market Click here for more details
     • Fridays from 3p to 7p
     • Saturdays from 1p to 5p
       
5. Go to a Guardians game! Enjoy a great view of the city while supporting a great team. And while you are there, check out some of the great food Cleveland has to offer by visiting one of the many wonderful food stands!

Arguably one of the most important parts of purchasing a home, inspections are a critical step to ensure buyers are informed about the home they intend to purchase. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, a home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.

Due to the current sellers' market, inspections have become a common step that some buyers have chosen to skip in an effort to navigate a competitive market. However, regardless of the age of the home or the competitiveness of the market, inspections are important for most, if not all, home buyers. Inspections can uncover hidden issues that may not be immediately visible, find updates that may be needed, and they provide an overall assessment of the home. Additionally, the information gathered from an inspection can provide buyers with the ability to ask the seller to repair any health and safety issues that may be present.  In worst case scenarios the buyer has the ability to walk away from a home purchase if extensive problems are found.  Lastly, one of the less obvious benefits of an inspection is that it gives the buyer the ability to spend time in the home, getting to know it better.   So where does a buyer start?

1. Decide on a property to be purchased! With the help of your Realtor, come up with a fair offer, submit and have the offer accepted.
2. Once the offer has been accepted, it is now time to schedule the inspection. Don't have a preferred home inspection professional? Ask your Realtor! Most Realtors have relationships with various industry professionals and should be able to provide you with a trusted name.
3. Complete the inspection! Pay close attention to the professional during inspection; they will oftentimes briefly alert buyers to various points of interest. This is also an opportunity for buyers to speak with an expert and ask questions. 
4. Take a look at your report. Determine if the work needed to be completed is within the scope anticipated by the buyer. Home inspectors will look for any and all flaws, no matter how small. When you receive your report, understand that not all items are a cause for concern. Your agent and inspector will be able to assist you in determining what are red flags.
5. Consult with your real estate agent!  Within your inspection period you need to respond to the seller either accepting the home as-is or asking them to complete some repairs.  Your Realtor will draw up a Removal of Contingency Addendum.  This form releases the inspection contingency in the contract and allows for repairs mutually agreed upon by the buyer and seller.  In some circumstances the repairs may be such that the buyer decides to walk away from the purchase seeking a release of the contract or at times the seller may decide to offer a lower price for the buyer to continue with the transaction.    

Now that the inspection has been completed, you are ready to move on to the next step! Still in need of a real estate agent? Click here to read about Why You Should Hire a PURE Realtor?

Moving is a consistently stressful task that can seem to be never-ending and discouraging. To make the moving process easier, we put together a list of moving tasks and a few pro-tips to make the process much simpler. Have any tips that we missed? Let us know!

1. Schedule a moving day! Make sure this day works with your schedule and try to avoid holidays or weekends. Those times tend to be busier for rental or moving companies.
2. Schedule your moving crew ahead of time. As soon as you have your moving date set and you plan on hiring a crew, be sure to schedule as soon as possible. The Housing Market - rental and ownership - is highly competitive and that extends to associated services such as moving crews or even rental trucks. Plan ahead!
3. Declutter all of your spaces, sell any furniture you do not intend to take with you, and donate any remaining items. The less stuff you will need to sort through at your new place, the less potential for headache. 
4. Collect boxes! Whether you have a friend who frequently receives shipments, know a local small business looking to get rid of some empty boxes, or order a lot through Amazon, start gathering boxes and get to packing. Unless you need a specific size there is no reason to spend extra money on buying new boxes. 
5. Label your boxes! One of the most helpful things you can do is label boxes with what room the items belong to and even include a small list of items that may be of importance. 
6. Pro-tip: Consider packing a weekend bag with essentials to make your first few days of unpacking easier. With so many boxes to go through and unpack, having a bag with a few days worth of clothes, your bathroom essentials, a phone charger, wallets, keys, etc. can provide an easier transition for a new home.
7. Pro-tip: Put together an "necessities pack" with any household items you will likely need in the first few days. These items can include various tools such as a hammer, screw driver (both flathead and phillips), batteries, flashlight, cleaning supplies, broom and dust pan, soap and hand towels, toilet paper, extra light bulbs, and any other items you may want on hand for before all boxes have been packed.
8. Set up mail forwarding! Visit usps.com to update your address and have any future mail be sent to your new home. There is even an option to have your voter registration address updated!
9. Transfer all utility accounts. This is a tedious but necessary process and should be done right before moving. 
10. Treat yourself to takeout from your favorite local restaurant! Long day(s) of moving is a great excuse to support your local neighborhood spots. 

Summertime in Cleveland is an especially eventful time with an abundance of festivals featuring arts, music, food, and lots of good, local beer. In last week's blog post, we touched on 10 Reasons that Cleveland is the Best Kept Secret. For those not familiar with Cleveland, this city is a seedbed bursting with culture, innovation, and a large concentration of locally owned businesses. One thing Clevelanders love about this great city is the neverending lineup of festivals. And In an exciting turning point, a number of festivals are expected to make a triumphant return this summer. We put together a list of this summer's festivals including dates and a link to the event website. Check them out and let us know which ones you visit!

Tremont Greek Festival

Friday, May 27th to Monday, May 30th

Click here for more details

Cleveland Pride 2022

Saturday, June 4th

Click here for more details

Larchmere PorchFest

Saturday, June 25th

Click here for more details

Summer Solstice 2022 at the CMA

Saturday, June 25th

Click here for more details

Cleveland Tall Ships Festival

Thursday, July 7th to Sunday, July 10th

Click here for more details

Taste of Tremont

Sunday, July 17th

Click here for more details

BorderLight: Festival of International Theatre

Wednesday, July 20th to Sunday, July 24th

Click here for more details

Feast of the Assumption

Friday, August 12th to Monday, August 15th

Click here for more details

Waterloo Arts Fest

Saturday, August 27th

Click here for more details

Cleveland Garlic Festival

Saturday, August 27th to Sunday, August 28th

Click here for more details

Cleveland Oktoberfest

Friday, September 2nd to Sunday, September 5th, 

Friday, September 9th to Sunday, September 10th

Click here for more details

Cleveland National Airshow

Saturday, September 3rd to Monday, September 5th

Click here for more details

IngenuityFest

Friday, September 23rd to Sunday, September 25th

Click here for more details