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Avon Lake, OH Real Estate News

By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
CAMP EXPLORATION 2014 REGISTRATION Camp Exploration 2014, our popular Math/Science camp for elementary and middle school students, will be held this year from June 23-27, 2014 at Avon Lake High School. Please click on 2014 Camp Exploration Registration or visit our Flyer Connection webpage and scroll to Camp Exploration 2014 to view and print the registration form.   There are plenty of spots available for your child to attend!    Please refer to the registration form for more detailed Camp Exploration information or contact  the District Office at 933-6210.  
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
When it comes to preparing your Northeast Ohio Home for sale you need to look at how you can make it stand out from the competition next door. You will hear the term “curb appeal” and what that means in the simplest terms is setting the first impression. That first impression to the eyes of the potential buyer that drives up to your home. Boosting curb appeal doesn’t need to break the bank; with a few simple steps, you can considerably increase your home’s appeal to buyers. And with spring on the way, it’s easier than ever to set a great first impression.   1. Get a fresh perspective. You see the outside of your home every day. In fact, you see it so often, you probably don’t really see it anymore. Now is the time to get a second (third, fourth, fifth) set of eyes on your house – and le...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
Allied Waste Republic Services Garbage Collection Program in Avon Lake Many people have asked how the the new blue and green garbage cans program will work in Avon Lake. Now especially since almost all of the city has the new cans now.  If you have not received the new cans yet, you will soon.  Here is how are area garbage pick up will work. Recycling and rubbish materials will be picked up on Monday each week EXCEPT when a holiday falls on the regular pick-up day. If this occurs, then recycling and rubbish materials will be collected on Tuesday. Bulk pick-up day will be the second Monday of every month EXCEPT when a holiday falls on or before the regular bulk pickup day; if this occurs, then bulk pick-up day will be on Tuesday. HOLIDAYS THAT AFFECT COLLECTIONS ARE THE FOLLOWING:  New Y...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
When that snow melts from your Avon Lake home you have to prepare for the potential of water finding it's way into your home.  Here are some things to consider. Clear ice and snow: If your house is still surrounded by snow, clear away any snow that is piled up against it. Look at areas near your foundation.  Especially areas perhaps you had some water last year.  Clear that snow away.  Areas where two walls meet in your basement and the corners of your home can be weak areas to clear snow from. Check your sump pumps: Test your sump pump to make sure it is working properly. Water from a sump pump should drain away from the house so that it does not flow back into the basement. It’s a good idea to have a backup pump in case the primary pump fails, There are units you can buy with a backup...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
   Many Avon Lake cell phone users, and those with workable landlines, received a CodeRED message that evening warning of dangerous conditions outside and asking residents to remain home if possible. Code Red is a reverse 9-1-1 system used by municipalities in urgent situations. Individuals must opt-in to the system to receive a Code Red.  Signing up is free and there is no limit to the number of phones—either landlines or cell—that can be registered. Both Avon and Avon Lake have opt-in CodeRED systems. Safety forces may use the system to notify residents of flooding, closed roads, dangerous conditions, power outages, etc. They can also be notified by phone of a variety of emergency situations including dangerous weather like tornadoes, missing child alerts and evacuation alerts.  It is...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
 Prepare an emergency car kit Always have winter safety and emergency equipment in your car. A basic car kit should contain the following: Food that won't spoil, such as energy bars Water—plastic bottles that won't break if the water freezes (replace them every six months) Blanket Extra clothing and shoes or boots First aid kit with seatbelt cutter Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush Candle in a deep can and matches Wind‑up flashlight Whistle—in case you need to attract attention Roadmaps Copy of your emergency plan Items to keep in your trunk: Sand, salt or cat litter (non-clumping) Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid Tow rope Jumper cables Fire extinguisher Warning light or road flares Follow these tips if you are stuck in the snow: Try to stay calm and don't go out in the cold. St...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
Here are the list of the utiltiy companies for Avon Lake area.   Avon Lake Municipal Utilities is the water and sewer service provider for Loain County that includes a water filtrationplant, water pollution control center and distribution and collection system.  Century Link provides local, long distance, internet and data services in 22 states.   Columbia Gas of Ohio is the supplier of natural gas to more than 1,000 communities in Ohio.  Includes customer service and gas choice program information.   FirstEnergy Corp. (The Illuminating Company)  is the central site for Ohio Edison, Illuminating Company, Toledo Edison, and Penn Power.  Bill pay, customer service, new and disconnect service. Lorain County Solid Waste Management contains the intro and background information, what's new, e...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
In the heyday of the real estate bubble, if you got what is called a "commitment letter" from a bank, in which the bank conditionally promises to make you a loan), you could rest assured you would get the loan. A commitment letter meant you could remove the loan contingency. But after the housing-induced recession hit, banks began taking their small-print conditions very seriously. One condition might be a deadline for the loan to fund. This is the date by which the sale must close, or finalize. A lot of details can delay the closing. In the past, if the deadline were not met, the bank would extend the loan--maybe for a fee. Today, after the deadline passes, all bets are off. Maybe you'll get the loan; maybe you won't. In the meantime, if the buyers have removed the loan contingency bec...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
The Westwinds in Avon Lake have homes available for purchase.  The Westwinds is one of more established and most beautiful developments in Avon Lake.  Situated between Walker and Lake Road on the East end of Avon Lake.  The homes there feature 10ft. ceilings, luxurious master suites and beautiful wooded home sites. Many of the homes have central vac systems, dry bars in the family rooms, gourmet kitchens with pantry and desk space.  Some of the homes also have extra car garage spaces and utility rooms with a secondary  entrance. For over 20 years the Westwinds has been the neighborhood of choice among home buyers. Its timeless classic exteriors, winding streetscapes, recreational amenities (two pools and tennis courts) and Quality Kopf built homes offer an exceptional lifestyle! A drive...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
Academic achievement of the students at Avon Lake High School has been recognized at the local, state and national level. Newsweek Magazine has ranked Avon Lake High School in the Top 1,500 high schools (2009, 2010), and Top 500 high schools (2011, 2012, 2013). For three consecutive school years Avon Lake High School was named one of “America’s Best High Schools” by the U.S. News & World Report and honored as a Silver Medal School from this prestigious publication for “successfully educating its student body across a range of performance indicators.” Only 604 high schools after analysis of over 21,000 high schools in the nation earned the title of one of “America’s Best High Schools.” Student test performance has exceeded state and national norms. An intervention program is offered for ...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
If you are like me here in Avon Lake, Ohio, you are going on one heck of a cold freeze or what they are referring to as a polar vortex.  What better time to think about curb appeal for that winter home. Here are some quick ideas to give that home a little extra punch to sell this time of year: 1. Lighting.  Consider spot lights for that low light appeal during that after 6Pm or early AM look when the season brings us such limited day light hours.  You can get a simple spot light kit for $40 that can follow you to your next new home and be permanently installed.  Also consider electric candle lights and a simple but attractive lamp for the front window. 2.  Look for a season wreath for the front door.  It does not have to be Christmas to have a simple winter wreath on your front door.  I...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
Some things to consider in  a safe and fun Sunday Open. 1.  Do you know the weather forecast? A few days before the big event get the weather forecast.  Are you looking at heavy snow, rain, melting snow.  You know that upcoming weather you will know what you will need to bring with you in preparation (i.e., calling i a snow plowing service).  2. Do a drive by earlier that day or even the day before.  Get a look at your situation at the home.  If it is not your listing you really need that drive by to see what the sidewalks, driveway and entrance way looks like.  Will you need to get there 1 hour early to prep the entrance or 30 minutes do?   3. Bring a shovel and a broom, snow plow service.  Also consider a shoe mat.  Will you need a plastic lay on the carpet entrance?   4. Winter treat...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
Thinking about shoveling this wonderful Avon Lake snow I thought I need to find something to share regarding shoveling safety.  I can across this article I thought I share.When most people think of health risks associated with shoveling snow, they tend to think of muscle strains and back problems. While muscle strains are, indeed, a concern, for many people middle-aged and older, the greater danger is suffering a heart attack. Research has shown that shoveling snow for just ten minutes puts similar strain on your heart as running on a treadmill till you drop. It's that strenuous. Meanwhile, exposure to the cold causes your body to constrict your blood vessels?a recipe for a heart attack. In fact, snow shoveling is commonly cited as the primary factor in elevated heart attack rates durin...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
Create a little curb appeal in the winter on that Avon Lake home.   1.  Clear the snow from your driveway, walking paths, and sidewalks.  This tip is as much for curb appeal as it is for safety.  You would like your potential buyers to make it to your front door without slipping, wouldn't you?  Removing snow early and often will prevent ice from building up and make it less likely that you’ll need to salt.  You may want to consider hiring a service t shovel the drive.  Ask agents or friends for good reliable names/services that can get the job done routinely. 2.  Decorate for the winter season. Wreaths are a great way to add color during the drab winter months.  A simple green wreath will give an appealing effect to your home.  Also consider adding planters to your front door area.  Use...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
The Cleveland Museum of Art hosts its annual Lantern Festival from December 2- December 31. Inspired by the centuries-old cross-cultural tradition of ceremonial lighting displays, this festival is the Museum's contribution to Holiday CircleFest on December 2, a day of seasonal music, gift shopping, workshops and refreshments hosted by the University Circle community. Lanterns will be set up inside the museum and around the Wade Oval area. In addition, the museum store will offer a variety of holiday gift items .
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
Legacy Woods in Avon Lake is a new development that opend early 2013.  Homes in the Legacy Woods start in the 290,000. price range and go up from there based on your needs/desires. And all Legacy Homes are built by Kopf Construction.    Features and Amenities: Golf Course Fully Improved 80' x 145' minimum lot size 3-car side entry garage on select models Minimum of 9 foot Ceilings on the First Floor Many distinctive designs to choose from Community recreation area with pool Legacy Woods in Avon Lake floor plans below.   Kopf construction has been building high quality homes in the surrounding Avon Lake area for over 40 years and are repeatedly sought out by families in the area. Looking for more information on Legacy Woods in Avon Lake?  Call me today!
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
  When the temperature freezes, the snow or ice in your gutters can freeze solid, blocking the path for runoff. When the weather warms up enough to melt the ice, the top layer will melt first and back up onto the roof. If there is a freeze again, the ice and water can go underneath the shingles or other roofing material you have on your roof. When this happens, the water can leak into the house, which will in turn cause water damage to your insulation, ceilings and walls. There are a few products on the market that can help prevent this problem and by preventing ice dams, you will save money by preventing costly water damage inside your home. The first way to prevent this damage is to make sure you have proper insulation and ventilation in your attic. Having the right system in your att...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
Understanding Ice Dams on your Avon Lake Home An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the ice dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. Because of this, preventing ice dams is critical. For ice dams to form, there must be snow on the roof and higher portions of the roof's outside surface must be above 32°F while lower surfaces are below 32°F. For a portion of the roof to be below 32°F, outside temperatures must also be below 32°F, and the temperatures must be sustained over a significant period of time. Roofs with large surface areas exposed to the sun and having small run-off areas are prone to ice buildup. A classic example...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
Things to know about Avon Lake: Community Reinvestment Area The Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) is a program established under state law that allows the City of Avon Lake to approve real property tax abatement for up to 100% of the taxes for up to fifteen (15) years for industrial and commercial expansion, renovation or new construction that creates additional jobs in the City. To date, twelve (12) projects have been approved and constructed receiving some level of real property tax abatement ranging from 50% to 100% from ten (10) to fifteen (15) years   Things to know about Avon Lake: Community Reinvestment Area. The City of Avon Lake offers several financial assistance tools to assist individual, office and commercial development or redevelopment.  For information contact the city o...
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By Stanley Stepak, Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
(Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH)
Avon lake Activites this week: Lights of Avon Lake Dinner & Tour Friday, December 13, 2013 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Old Firehouse Community Center Cost:  Adults $12 - Youth (3-12) $6   Avon lake Activites this week: Lights of Avon Lake Dinner & Tour   Join us for a wonderful catered dinner followed by a bus ride to see Avon Lake's best holiday light displays.  Afterwards we will warm up with cocoa and cookies Questions please call 440-930-4135.   Register for program       Avon lake Activites this week: Lights of Avon Lake Dinner & Tour  
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