Blog - Month: July 2020
Month: July 2020
Heading Back to School in Northeast Ohio: What You Need to Know
To secure the future of the next generation, schools have to be reopened safely. While children are less likely than adults to develop severe illness from COVID-19, it is not clear what role they play in transmitting the virus to other children, teachers, school staff, and family members. This research is required to fill in the blanks and contribute to our understanding of this virus. In light of COVID-19 – the school season will begin shortly. Here are the reopening plans for some of the local school districts throughout Northeast Ohio. Bay Village City School District: Students can choose between full-time in-person learning and full-time online learning options. The district is starting a slow launch return on Aug. 18. Fairview Park City School District: Finalized plans will be announced Aug. 1, but students will have the option for online learning this fall. Lakewood City School District: The district is offering four learning models to students and parents. This will depend on which Ohio Risk Level Cuyahoga County is set (it’s currently at a Level 3). Only when it’s at a Level 1 will students be allowed to return to the classroom full-time. A fully online option for the whole year is also available. Read the guidelines here. North Olmsted City School District: The school district has drafted a plan that relies on the coronavirus Risk Level Guidelines put forth by the state to determine if classe
Closing Costs: What You Need to Budget for When Closing on Your Home
You have been saving for a house for a long time and finally, have enough saved. After searching, you found the one – your dream home! When moving forward, the topic of closing costs comes up, and then you begin to wonder, Do I have enough saved to buy a home right now? Here is everything that you need to know about closing costs so that you won’t be caught off guard when purchasing your dream home. Closing costs are fees charged by lenders that include the loan-application fee, credit report, and loan origination fee. The average closing costs are typically between 2%-5% of the loan amount. It is recommended to get 2-3 loan quotes from mortgage lenders to make sure you’re paying an appropriate amount. Loan Origination Fee - fee to compensate the lender for processing the loan Discount Points - pre-paid interest that will reduce your interest rate Appraisal Fee - fee paid to home appraisal before closing Credit Report - fee for pulling your credit report Tax Service - title delivery and escrow fees Title insurance - insurance that covers any legal damages in the event a seller cannot legally transfer the title. This policy protects the borrower and the mortgage lender. Attorney Witness for the Closing Fee - the attorney charges for witnessing the transaction at the title company. Underwriting Fee - fee lenders charge for underwriting Survey Fee - to measure boundaries of a
Should You Buy or Sell a Home Right Now in Northeast Ohio?
It is a sellers' market in Northeast Ohio. More buyers are looking to purchase homes with a limited amount of inventory to choose from. With higher rental rates and mortgage rates down, many renters are looking to purchase their first home. The National Association of Realtors shows that nearly half of recently sold properties were on the market for less than a month. Before deciding to sell your home, take into consideration the following items. You have home equity – Recently, home prices have been increasing – in turn, building equity. To determine an estimated amount of equity in your home, use this simple formula: take the market value of your home and subtract the mortgage balance. The answer is the amount of equity in your home. You have savings and a small amount of debt, if any – Examine your financial wellness. Is most of your non-related mortgage debt paid off? Do you have six months or more of living expenses in savings? If the answer is yes to both of these questions, you will probably be in good shape to sell your home. You have enough money saved to support the move – Moving is expensive, and there are unforeseen expenses that come up. Keep in mind having the funds necessary to move into your new home comfortably should be factored in. Remember that your financial situation is unique, and you know what is in your own best interest. Consult with an experienced real estate agent to determin
Northeast Ohio's Top Summer Events
Warmer weather is here to stay in Northeast Ohio. Although, this isn’t a traditional outdoor season where there are plenty of things to do. That doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on all of the fun. Here are some exciting events happening this year that you don’t want to miss! Asian Lantern Festival The Asian Lantern Festival presented by Cleveland Clinic Children's is returning with over seventy all-new larger than life, colorful lantern displays, and live performances. The festival opens on July 8th and runs through August 23rd. The hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 6:30 p.m. to 10: 30 p.m. The Cleveland Metroparks Enjoy the outdoor life at one of Cleveland’s Metroparks. Explore more than 23,700 acres in 18 reservations located throughout Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township. Have fun hiking with your family, or have a picnic. Hanging out at one of the Metroparks for the day is an excellent alternative to being indoors. Northeast Ohio Family Fun & Play Dates Northeast Ohio Family Fun is your local resource for family-friendly fun in Northeast Ohio. If your children are tired of doing the same old thing already, hop online and set up a play date. Painting, music, and baking lessons are all offered online, to name a few. There are so many exciting options that all of your children can find something and possibly develop a new hobby. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Online Learning The Rock Hall is open to the publ