Erie Real Estate

Erie Airport Expansion

Economic Development, for who?

'Economic development' for a Cleveland, Ohio company that's who.

Most of the time the airport authority talks about the need to expand the airport runway it is because it will enable 'economic development' for the Erie area.  I think that's great!  Who isn't for economic development?  Everyone wins, right?

Now how does this affect a company in Cleveland?  The airport has hired a company from Cleveland to negotiate the purchase of people's homes (that are needed for the runway expansion) for the sale to the airport.  Why not use a local REALTOR?  Or at the least a local REALTOR to help assist these people in finding a new home to move into?  At least this way the money would stay local, in the Erie area.  That would be a win-win.  No, let's send it out of State.

Maybe the next time that I travel, I'll go to the Buffalo, Pittsburgh or Cleveland airport.

West 12th and Pittsburgh Ave.

Will see some changes

Starbucks has not said for sure that they are moving just east of Huntington Bank.  However, BestFitness says that Starbucks is pushing for us to go in there.

Will Starbucks make this their 5th store in the Erie area?  We will see.  One thing is for sure, the BestFitness sign is up on the building and has 31,000 sq ft of space.

Council and Township Meetings

Concerns or Questions about Your Community?

What is City Council doing about the LERTA?  Have other questions for City Council ?  Go to the meeting and ask.

Millcreek Township Supervisors will be reviewing a sketch plan to show the concept of constructing 110 units near Old French Rd and Arbuckle Rd.  This is at their meeting tonight .

Girard, Elk Park Road Bridge is now open.

The next Harborcreek Supervisor meeting is in December.

Your Credit Determines Your Buying Power

5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score

Scores range between 200 and 800. Scores above 620 are considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. These factors will affect your score.

Your Payment History. Whether you paid credit card obligations on time

How Much You Owe. Owing a great deal of money on numerous accounts can indicate that you are overextended.

The Length of Your Credit History. In general the longer the better.

How Much New Credit You Have. New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay promptly.

The Types of Credit You Use. Generally, it's desirable to have more than one type of credit.  For example - installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage.

For more on evaluating and understanding your credit score, go to www.myfico.com . 

Mortgage Fraud

Erie Man Pleads Guilty

Robert Dodsworth pleaded guilty to mortgage fraud Monday afternoon.  He and "unnamed co-conspirators" are at the center of an alleged 4 year scam.

Will anyone else be charged?  Rumors have been circulating for quite awhile. 

Did his attorney really say that at the time he did this that he (Dodsworth) didn't know that it was illegal?

Neighoborhood Improvements

It's Great To See

People moving back into the city neighborhoods, buying properties that need attention (to say the least) and fix them up.  There are many stories similar to these .  Earlier this year I was involved one of the  transactions on W 21st. 

Some of the very noticeable things that this property needed was a roof, the eaves were rotted, one of the staircases had been removed.  Holes in the walls and ceilings.  Some plumbing leaks.  Floors needed refinished and repaired in areas.  The list goes on and on.

It's just good the the community and neighborhood(s) when people with vision and money take it upon themselves to make these improvements.

Great Value in Harborcreek

Lot Prices in Harbor Ridge

Lot prices in Harbor Ridge  for single family residences are very reasonable.  Probably the best value for the money taking into account the views, amenities, and location.  Would you like to take a virtual tour of a residence or two?

Looking for price ranges?  Pro Realty, Inc would be happy to help.  Prices vary from location, view, lot size, etc.

Have you considered a patio home?  What's the difference between a patio home and a single family?  One is basically a free standing condominium the other is ownership of the land.

Sale of Ravine Park

Gee, I thought (11/5 post) most of the residents in the area were in favor of Ravine Park being split into smaller parcels and sold.  It appears that over 100 people in the area have a different option.   City Council is still considering the matter.

Building Permits and LERTA

Residents lined up for building permits.  Over $26 million in permits were issued in November through Tuesday.  I'll bet there is no line today as the LERTA program is now expired in the City.   When will officals enact a new LERTA?

Yes, sales are down a little

Market sales are down a little in comparison from last year.  They should be since there are fewer homes for sale in the market - 11/9 blog.  That didn't seem to make it in the forementioned story.

Don't fall for this foreclosure scam

If you are in foreclosure beware of who is trying to help you.  The latest scam is "foreclosure rescue".   Con artists are trying to take what little money you may have left.  Don't be a victim.

Mortgage Fraud

Erie Man Charged

The U.S. Attorney's Office charged one man in a mortgage fraud scheme here in Erie.

The FBI and other authorities have been in the Erie area for a few years looking at over 200 property sales.  The are looking at these sales and are examining the values as the investigation continues.

Senator Bob Casey, Jr visited Erie to discuss the problem of predatory lending.

The FBI calls mortgage fraud the fasting growing white-collar crime in America.  This is a growing national problem.