Adam Wagar, son of Mars Wagar, once owned a large piece of land near the Hilliard and Madison intersection in Lakewood.

Bank-owned properties have certainly become a big part of the real estate market in Cuyahoga County.

Q: Pat Writes: I am constantly seeing ads on TV saying that old wood windows are not energy efficient and should be replaced with new vinyl ones. They claim to save customers thousands of dollars on their gas bills over the years. I have original wood windows on my house, and even though I love the way they look, I am thinking of replacing them before winter comes to keep heating costs down. Is there another alternative you can suggest?

The Lake Erie coastline in Lakewood, from the Gold Coast to Lakewood Catholic Academy, has changed dramatically during the last half-century.

"What options are there in Lakewood for purchasing a condo in a lakefront building?"

The architectural team of Benjamin S. Hubbell (1867-1953) and W. Dominick Benes (1857-1935) became one of Cleveland’s leading architectural firms of the early 1900s.

Your questions answered…

Are you selling your home now or thinking ahead to spring? In this difficult selling period, some homes have languished on the market for months, while others have sold quickly at top prices. The most effective and least expensive "remodeling" is a $25 gallon of paint and a good brush and roller. A good Realtor or Home Stager will be helpful in choosing colors that will appeal to the broad, varied and valuable buyers that come knocking at your freshly painted front door.

Do you own a double or multi-family property in Lakewood? Are you considering buying investment property? Are you an owner-occupier of a double or multi-family property? Are you considering turning your single-family home into a rental? Do you work as a real estate professional in Lakewood? If so, you may want to attend a free program on rental property laws and issues.

While recently perusing Lakewood Historical Society’s web site at www.lakewoodhistory.org, I noticed a link titled “Volksmarch.” It was described as an organized hike or walk that covers a distance of 5, 10 or 20 kilometers.

Although we traditionally think of spring as the season for home maintenance, there are steps you should take in the fall to make sure that your home is ready for the winter months. By performing these maintenance tasks each autumn, you can help protect your home's value and prevent major repairs.

Your Questions answered…“What is a dormer?”

Is Your Home a Sears Modern Home?

Block parties have been held in Lakewood for many years. Some parties are larger, with many activities scheduled throughout the day, and some are smaller and unstructured, with perhaps only a potluck dinner. Regardless, the purpose of a block party is always the same: getting to know the neighbors and keeping the street safe and happy. And from a Real Estate perspective, a block party can be an advantage when marketing a home.

As one walks or drives through Lakewood on weekends in August and September, he/she will likely see signs of Lakewood neighborliness. One of these signs prohibits non-resident access on a street due to a block party. Block parties are evidence of the friendly relationships on Lakewood’s streets that develop into a neighborhood gathering for food, fun, games, and friendly chatter.

Q: I’m buying my first home. While I’m waiting to close, should I open a new store account to purchase new furniture on credit?

According to the Northern Ohio Multiple Listing Service, there are 386 single family houses for sale in Lakewood. However, there is another segment of the Lakewood market, for which we've all seen signs, referred to as the unrepresented seller market, or for sale by owner (FSBO).

After the Wagars, Nicholsons, and Halls made the journey from Connecticut and established the community of East Rockport, Mars Wagar designated a parcel of his land on Detroit Avenue, just west of Belle, to be Wagar Cemetery. Mars' mother Lucy was buried there in 1826, and Mars allowed his family and friends to bury their loved ones there, as well. The last of these burials took place in 1894.

Q: What are the best steps to buying a home?

Some of our older homes in Lakewood have materials found in them that at one time were commonly used and were considered safe, but are now thought to be potentially harmful. For example, homeowners and potential buyers often wonder:

Q: If the ducts in the basement are wrapped with asbestos, should I have the asbestos removed?

From the Plain Dealer to the New York Times, the headlines tell us the market is down, inventory is up and foreclosures are everywhere. From San Diego to Buffalo to Miami Beach, all markets are experiencing an adjustment. National headlines, state calculations, local speculation…just what does this mean to the Lakewood resident? How has this adjustment affected this local market? THAT seems to be the most-asked question lately.

The language used in 1920’s real estate marketing was more colorful than it is today.

REALTY REALITY - “Questions from the Readers”

A commonly asked question is "Why have an inspection?"

One of the largest properties on Lakewood’s Gold Coast is getting a major makeover. The Carlyle is currently undergoing a $5 million restoration and redevelopment program to revitalize the building and grounds. Funded entirely by suite owners through a special assessment, the program includes the full restoration and waterproofing of the building’s parking deck, replacement of the electrical distribution system, restoration of the outdoor pool and re-landscaping of the outdoor pool area, and a complete overhaul/replacement of the heating system, which will lower utility costs.