Blog Entries in May
To Open House or Not to Open House?
By Chris Petry One of the most recognizable traditions of the real estate process, is the open house. Endlessly featured in movies and TV shows, so much so you’d be forgiven for thinking that’s the way every buyer experiences a home for the first time. Of course, that’s not really the case. According to NAR, only 4% of buyers reported that they discovered their home via open h
Just What is an HOA & Do I Need One?
By Chris Petry Let’s answer the big question first. What is an HOA? An HOA, or Homeowner’s Association, is an added governmental body that levies additional housing and property rules and standards within a community. I know what you’re thinking: what gives them the right? Well, you do. See, when you purchase a home in the community, you agree to accept the terms and condition
Home Electricity History
By Chris Petry As I typed this piece, on a MacBook in the year 2025, I couldn’t help but feel the air of the room exuded a time and place far removed from the technocentric present. It was somewhere in the distant past, where scribes and scribblers of invariable numbers took to rolltop desks with quill pins and dip ink, words faintly illuminated by breeze-kissed candle flame. Of course, w
A Dream Home on the Water
By Chris Petry Despite a lack of fins, gils, or webbed appendages, humans sure do love spending time on the water. In fact, we built the whole of civilization around it. Of course, in those days, water was the most efficient method of travel and transport so it makes perfect sense that New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Austin… you name it, were erected on the banks o
Tis' the Season... of Ticks
By Chris Petry Recently, after a bout of achy throbbing muscles and joint pain, I was tested for Lyme Disease. The good news? No Lyme Disease. The bad news? Methinks, I had an allergic reaction to a common medication. Ah, well. Today, we’re not going to speculate about the state of my health. Today, we’ll talk about a little preventative work you, and I for that matter, can do to en
Tricks for Enhancing Your Outdoor Space on a Budget
By Tammy Pitts As the temperature heats up across Ohio, everyone is eager to spend more time outdoors, but is your outdoor space ready? Upgrading your backyard or patio doesn’t have to be costly. Here are some affordable ideas to transform your boring backyard into a delightful retreat. Add a splash of color Rather than splurging on new and expensive patio furniture, pick up a few
Market Update Summer 2024
By Chris Petry There’s been no shortage of news coverage regarding the health of the real estate market over the last two years. For a while, all eyes were focused on the Federal Reserve’s post-pandemic interest hikes. Obviously, a rate increase of that degree was sure to stoke headlines and generate concern among potential buyers. We, and to be fair, a certain contingency of the
10 Hiking Trails in Northeastern Ohio
by Chris Petry There are two types of people in this world. Numero uno: you’re #SaltLife. You like nothing better than the feel of warm sand between your toes, lying on a beach towel with a dry martini, and gazing at the ocean tide with a primordial longing, as if called back to the place where life itself began. Then there’s numero two-o: You can think of nothing more refreshing th
This Memorial Day
by Chris Petry Memorial Day is often recognized as the beginning of summer (though technically speaking June 21st claims that honor), and that means sweaters are tucked away until late fall, the kids are in their last week or so of school, and the smell of your neighbor’s barbecue begins permeating the air. There’s certainly something magical about summer. Unless you&rsq
What Type of Home Should I Buy?
by Chris Petry There’s a lot to consider when buying a home. You’ve probably asked yourself a million questions already. What’s in my budget? What will my annual tax bill look like? How far am I willing to commute? How are the schools? Of course, that’s all incredibly important. Particularly if you think it might be your forever home. The next question most peop
