Adam S. Kaufman’s Complete Homebuying Guide for Shaker Heights

Shaker Heights is a friendly city just southeast of Cleveland. Families love its nine neighborhoods for their natural serenity, spacious homes, and location near great amenities. Residents here enjoy a strong sense of community as they attend annual celebrations, shop and dine, or enjoy the trails and parks nearby. When relocating to Shaker Heights, here’s everything you need to know about the city.

Shaker Heights encompasses six square miles and is densely populated, with about 29,000 residents. All areas in Shaker Heights and many throughout Greater Cleveland are accessible by foot or bus. Shaker Heights has over 200 miles of sidewalks, and a few convenient rapid transit stops. The tree-lined streets and stunning homes make it an excellent place for cycling, for which Shaker Heights has won national awards.

Living in Shaker Heights can be expensive, but living costs are not necessarily prohibitive. Per bestplace.net, Shaker Heights is expensive for Ohio, with housing costs far exceeding the state average. However, median home costs still fell short of the national average.

Many of the homes in Shaker Heights were built in the 1920s and 1930s and are meticulously maintained by owners. There are also many condo, apartment, and small-family home rentals for buyers.

Residents here live right next to the best recreation and entertainment in Northeast Ohio. Next door, University Circle contains the Cleveland Orchestra, two universities, blooming parks, and world-renowned museums. By car, it’s easy to explore Downtown Cleveland for a day trip or attend a sports game.

Here’s a deeper look into everything Shaker Heights has to offer.

Choosing the right neighborhood is easy in Shaker Heights — there are nine stellar options. Each of the city’s neighborhoods is distinct yet provides a small-town feel unique to Shaker Heights. Buyers can search in areas like Boulevard, which offers a mix of single-family homes, condos, and apartments. Families love its location right next to the high school.

Another favorite with young families is Fernway. This neighborhood feels like a mini-town with its rows of residential streets dappled with greenery. Fernway Elementary is within walking distance, as well as outdoor spots like the Duck Pond and Green Lake. To pinpoint the best neighborhood for you, contact a trusted local agent.

Outdoor recreation abounds in Shaker Heights. Nature is always close at hand when you feel like getting outside. Thornton Park is a popular spot year-round. Jump into the 50-meter swimming pool to cool off in the summer, or hit the Ice Arena that’s open all year. This is the ultimate spot to play or enjoy the outdoors, as it also features a tennis court, sand volleyball, a nature trail, and sledding in the winter.

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes also provides trails, programs, and opportunities for community involvement. Spanning 20 acres, this park features gardens, marsh, forest, and a lake. Visitors can stroll through the exhibits to learn all about the native life in the area. Kids can meet the animals up close and see nature-inspired art. To admire the diverse nature, walk the paved All Peoples’ Trail for a quick view of the grounds. Guests can also venture out onto the Sterns Trail for extensive views.

Relocating to Shaker Heights can be an excellent option for families, retirees, and professionals interested in Cleveland’s business sector. However, finding the perfect home can be tricky without the right help. Follow the tips below when searching for a home in the city.

As a buyer starting a search, the best step to take is to partner with a local agent like Adam Kaufman. He thoroughly understands the city’s different neighborhoods and housing options. With this information, Adam helps you assess pros and cons, leading to the best outcome for you. He leverages local market trends toward your offer and negotiations with sellers. With a local agent like Adam on your side, you can access the resources and information you need for a successful home search.

Early in your home search, consider getting pre-approved for a mortgage. For one, many sellers check whether prospective buyers are pre-approved to narrow the buyer pool. Your offer will carry more weight with sellers with pre-approval in hand.

The pre-approval process can take some time, so it’s best to complete it before looking for properties. To increase your chances of qualifying for a good rate, maintain a healthy credit score and a low debt-to-income ratio. Buyers can search for assistance through city, state, and federal avenues. In Cleveland, for example, the Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program offers city-level loans and grants.

When you’ve found a home you love, negotiate your offer with a seller. To make an offer, an agent will help you include details about yourself, the offer price, a deadline to respond, and any contingencies. Home appraisal and inspection contingencies are commonly included (buyers also typically add an earnest money deposit to show sellers they’re serious). Next, wait for a seller to accept, reject, or make a counteroffer. Enter negotiations with predetermined factors that you’re willing to bargain on and that aren’t negotiable.

Shaker Heights is a great city to live in for its natural surroundings, family-friendly neighborhoods, and prime location right next to Cleveland. You’ll love strolling down the pedestrian-friendly streets to nearby parks. When searching for homes in the area, be sure to partner with an agent. They thoroughly understand the city and can help you find a home that meets all your needs.

 

If you’re ready to start looking for properties in Shaker Heights, contact trusted local agent Adam Kaufman to help you through it. Adam’s expertise is priceless in Shaker Heights and Cleveland’s eastern suburbs. He efficiently achieves the best possible result by leveraging the latest technology and market data. Contact Adam today and see what he can do for you.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Adam Kaufman}