How a Walk Score Rating Increases Real Estate Values

in Cincinnati Real Estate Development, Florida Real Estate, Real Estate Development

You already know that walking is good for your health. And you probably already know that neighborhoods with lots of foot traffic support a better quality of life for the people who live, work and play in those communities.

But do you know whether your home is rated as a “Walkers Paradise” or “Car Dependent”? Do you know how each of those ratings increases or decreases your home value?

Walk Score rates locations based on how walkable they are. They take into consideration walking distance from a specific address to services, art galleries and museums, clubs and nightspots, shopping, restaurants and delis, everything you need to live without a car.

So, What’s your Walk Score?

To take advantage of the information about a location’s walkability, just enter a street address on the Walk Score website. The site will populate a map of venues within walking distance on a map, and rate the walkability of the location. The Walk Score ratings are:

90-100 Walker’s Paradise – Daily errands do not require a car.

70-89 Very Walkable – Most errands can be accomplished on foot.

50-69 Somewhat Walkable – Some amenities within walking distance.

25-49 Car-Dependent – A few amenities within walking distance.

0-48 Car-Dependent – Almost all errands require a car.

According to Walk Score, the following characteristics make a community walkable: Read more →


Loan Guarantee Risk Assessment for Professional Athletes

in Foreclosure, Real Estate Consulting, Real Estate Debt Workout, Real Estate Development, Real Estate Loans

Pro Athletes: Know when an investment loan risk can change your life – or ruin it.

Take as a for instance: A third year NFL player who’s had a few stand out years nearing a new contract, and is expecting a salary jump equal to his impact. He’s confident in his game, he’s also now confident mixing with businessmen, owners and managers. Opportunities come his way regularly and more are expected with the new contract. He’ll see options for real estate investment with varying degrees of risk. Friendships and emotion may come into play in his decisions. After all the loan risks have even been spelled out to him, he’s confident – and no one gets into an investment expecting failure. But if the deal goes into default and he hasn’t protected himself, he could lose a whole lot more than his initial investment. Confidence in his game came from years of practice and hard work but bringing that confidence to investing without preparation could affect him for years to come.

I’m often called for help with defaulted loan negotiations by high net worth clients who have made investments involving a personal loan guarantee that has them in a perilous financial situation. Often their problem could have been avoided altogether through basic investment analysis combined with prudent asset protection planning.

Sometimes they don’t even know the difference between a straight cash investment, where their risk involves their original investment capital only vs an “at risk” investment, which involves the investor becoming liable for the entire project’s debt by signing on as the guarantor of a bank loan to the project. Read more →


Bank consultant announces sellout of St Augustine real estate project

in Cincinnati Real Estate Consulting, Cincinnati Real Estate Development, Cincinnati Real Estate Development News, Florida Real Estate News, Jackonville Real Estate News, Press Releases, Real Estate Consulting, Real Estate Debt Workout, Real Estate Development, Real Estate Receiver

Cranewoods Development announces that it has completed the liquidation of a planned residential waterfront community on the shores of the St Augustine Inlet in Northeast Florida. “Properties are selling and inventory is being absorbed,” says consultant.

November 8th 2010 – St Augustine, FL   Bank and Real Estate development consultant Cranewoods Development announces that it has managed the final property closing of a planned multi-phase waterfront community in St Augustine Florida consisting of a future multi and single-family development that included a 3500sf West Indies style luxury home.

The St Augustine market had been hit particularly hard by the real estate downturn, ultimately creating intriguing opportunities for investors and homebuyers willing to step in and buy while prices are depressed.

“Properties are selling and inventory is being absorbed. Those are the indicators that prices are recovering. Now it’s a question of how fast,” stated Andrew Howe, President of Cranewoods Development. “This project had terrific value just sitting there, our job was to let people know about it in a way they understood.”

Read more →


Cranewoods featured in Engineering News Record (ENR)

in Cincinnati Real Estate Development, Construction Management, Florida Real Estate, Jacksonville Real Estate, Real Estate Consulting, Real Estate Debt Workout, Real Estate Development, Real Estate Loans, Real Estate Market News, Real Estate Receiver

In the November 3rd 2010 edition of the Engineering News Record (ENR), Andrew Howe of Cranewoods Development is spotlighted in an article called “Consensus Is Reached: Nowhere To Go but Up” for his take on how real estate developers have dealt with the economic crisis and how they see a way forward in an environment of tighter credit and slower growth.

ENR is the leading news magazine for engineers in the construction industry in America and they rightly point out, “For developers able to roll with the recession’s punches, some new activity in markets this fall has owners and lenders finally mustering some optimism and cautiously returning to the fray.”

The article points out that Cranewoods rolled with the punches by realizing their expertise in construction and real estate development financing was needed by troubled investors, lenders and borrowers. Cranewoods began consulting long before the world’s economic troubles but their unique knowledge was in greater demand when so many projects and loans had to adjust to the changing economic conditions.

Read more →


Cincinnati Real Estate Consultant Comments on Recent Listing in U.S. News report “Top 10 Cities for Real Estate Steals”

in Cincinnati Construction Management, Cincinnati Real Estate Development, Cincinnati Real Estate Development News, Cincinnati Real Estate News, Press Releases, Real Estate Consulting, Real Estate Development, Real Estate Market News

A recent article in US News and World Report ranking cities where there is potential for “real estate steals” prompted a discussion of the Cincinnati housing market and its prospects with Real Estate Development Consultant Andrew Howe of Cranewoods Development.

Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) February 25, 2010 — Andrew Howe of Cranewoods Development gives local confirmation that Cincinnati is one of the “10 cities for real estate steals” as recently reported in U.S. News and World Report. Citing stable values during the recent boom and bust and a firm price to income level, Howe says, “Cincinnati real estate has always seemed to escape the dramatic boom bust cycles that devastate other parts of the country.” While the article predicts further price drops, it anticipates a bottoming in 2010 setting the stage for future appreciation.

 Howe, a Cincinnati real estate development consultant and a successful developer and general contractor for markets in Ohio and Florida for over thirty years, transformed his firm into a development consultancy using his expertise in development, construction and finance to assist lenders and development groups in resolving problem projects and loans. Cranewoods primarily serves the Greater Cincinnati area and Florida’s Eastern shore.

 Unlike Florida, Howe stated, “Cincinnati’s real estate stability moderates development profits in great years, but also limits the pain on the downside.” While Cincinnati has dodged the brunt of the crash, both lenders and developers have still been faced with stalled projects and loan defaults. The stabilization of the housing market has followed the same pattern as many other parts of the country, with the under 300k housing prices leading the market in sales. Although sales prices are at discounts to where they were in 2007-2008, the fact that there was an increase sales transactions during the second half of 2009 and 2010 is a positive sign for absorbing inventory, the first step in a market bottom and eventual recovery.

Howe points to downtown’s loft projects as a prime example. “Cincinnati’s loft condominiums in the under $300k range that are well designed and well located are starting to sell again,” Howe said, pointing to Hamilton County tax records showing a surge in downtown loft sales beginning in the 3rd quarter of 2009. “The real estate cycle will turn around as they all do. It’s a matter of survival while the market takes the necessary steps to recover.” Read more →


Cincinnati Makes List Of Top 10 Cities For Real Estate Steals

in Cincinnati Real Estate Consulting, Cincinnati Real Estate Development, Cincinnati Real Estate Development News, Cincinnati Real Estate News, Ohio Real Estate Development News, Real Estate Development, Real Estate Market News

Cincinnati Ohio Real Estate has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top ten markets for healthy real estate development investment and even potential “steals” (USNews).

In an article from February 12, 2010 entitled “10 Cities for Real Estate Steals”, U.S. News surveyed information primarily compiled by Moody’s Economy.com to search out markets where price-to-income ratios are most in line with their historical averages despite the challenging economic environment.

Cincinnati Real Estate Developers And Buyers
Certainly the news does not come as a surprise to the Greater Cincinnati real estate development community who have witnessed the near 30% downturn nation-wide and yet experienced very little of the trend locally.  In fact, buyers and investors see, despite some near term fluctuation, that many properties in the market are actually undervalued compared to the long term trends.


“10 Cities for Real Estate Steals”

Concerning the Greater Cincinnati real estate development market, the U.S. News reporter, Luke Mullins, states:

“Home prices in Cincinnati have remained relatively affordable throughout the nation’s recent boom-and-bust cycle. The area’s price-to-income ratio actually increased from 2006 to the third quarter of 2009. Its most recent reading of 1.41 is slightly below the 1.46 average ratio of the 15 years before 2003. Although home price declines have moderated in recent months, Moody’s Economy.com believes further drops may be in store as additional houses go into foreclosure. Home prices in Cincinnati are expected to bottom out this year before creeping higher.”

Here is the recent view of one local Cincinnati real estate developer, “It’s challenging to get deals done out there, but there are spots around town that are very well positioned.” via

The Real Estate Development trend in Greater Cincinnati Ohio
Mortgage rates have recently dropped to 4.93 and added federal incentives continue for first time and current homeowners looking to buy so expect the current short term fluctuation in the greater Cincinnati real estate market to begin to get back to its historical trend by the end of 2010.


Cranewoods Realty Announces Bank-Owned Ocean View Condos in Jacksonville Beach Released at Deep Discounts to Previous List Prices

in Florida Real Estate, Florida Real Estate Development, Florida Real Estate Development News, Jackonville Real Estate News, Jacksonville Real Estate, Press Releases, Real Estate Development, Real Estate Market News

Andrew Howe, president of Cranewoods Development announces the availability of bank owned condominiums in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Bank Owned Condos offer great values for those looking for Florida Real Estate. Serena Point in Jacksovnille Beach, Florida offers ocean view condos that are now released below appraised values. These newly released Bank Owned Ocean View Condos are selling at more than a 20% discount to the original Sales Prices.

Jacksonville Beach, FL (PRWEB) May 26, 2009 — Discounts of nearly 20 percent from original sales prices are now available on newly released bank owned condominiums. Jacksonville Beach Florida real estate developer Cranewoods Realty announced the new pricing in tandem with its release of five of the new North Florida ocean view condos in Jacksonville Beach. The recently announced prices are below February 2008 appraised values. 

Located near the oceanfront at the northern end of Jacksonville Beach near the Neptune Beach city limit, Serena Point includes just 17 residences in a seven-story, architecturally distinctive community. Residents enjoy direct beach access and ocean views from every window. Serena Point amenities include a fitness center, gracious two-story lobby, garage parking under the building, bike storage room and climate-controlled storage units for each residence. Read more →


Jacksonville Lofts Now Released at Bank Approved Short Sale Pricing by Florida Real Estate Developer Cranewoods Development

in Florida Real Estate, Florida Real Estate Development, Florida Real Estate Development News, Jackonville Real Estate News, Jacksonville Real Estate, Press Releases, Real Estate Development

Florida Real Estate Developer Andrew Howe, president of Cranewoods Development announces short sale pricing on Jacksonville loft residences in Jacksonville’s Riverside/Avondale historic district.

Jacksonville, FL (PRWEB) March 24, 2009 — Jacksonville lofts are now available at bank-approved Short Sale pricing at The Chelsea Lofts in Jacksonville’s storied Riverside/Avondale historic district. Winner of four design awards for historically compatible design and construction, The Chelsea Lofts’ price per square foot is nearly $100 less than other residences in the area, and two lofts have been sold between December 2008 and February 2009. Only a select few residences remain. New price reductions are anticipated to clear out the short sale inventory within the next couple of months. The Developer has also released a hand full of lofts now available for rent. 

The project, priced below developer construction costs, was recently completed by Jacksonville-based HCM Construction, the winner of numerous awards for its distinctive condominium and hotel projects. 

These North Florida condominiums are in the heart of one of Jacksonville’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Residents in the area enjoy easy access to unique shopping districts, museums and galleries, and some of the city’s most popular restaurants, clubs and nightspots. The neighborhood is just a short drive to business centers and recreation in downtown Jacksonville.  Read more →


Florida Real Estate Developer Receives Commendation For Work To Save Species Threatened With Extinction

in Florida Real Estate, Florida Real Estate Development, Florida Real Estate News, Press Releases, Real Estate Development

Cranewoods Development President Andrew Howe was honored by the Humane Society as the first Florida real estate developer to forgo destruction of gopher tortoises in favor of a new community relocation policy to protect the threatened species on it’s oceanfront home project site in Ponce Inlet, Florida.

Ponce Inlet, FL (PRWEB) December 1, 2007 — Prospects are better for future generations of the Florida gopher tortoise, a threatened species facing the risk of extinction, thanks to the actions of Cranewoods Development, the first Florida real estate developer to abandon the State required “pay-and-bury” permit, and instead opt to use the new community relocation policy.

Florida state regulations in force at the time Cranewoods’ Florida luxury oceanfront home project, The Cottages at Ponce Inlet, began construction, required developers to obtain “pay-and-bury” permits that allowed gopher tortoises to be crushed and buried alive. Cranewoods chose to make an additional investment in saving the threatened species.

Using the new relocation program, project builder HCM Construction worked with community volunteers and the Humane Society Of The United States to relocate the tortoises to Nokuse Plantation, a 50,000-acre conservation wilderness. The tortoises saved at The Cottages of Ponce Inlet site, validated the feasibility of the new program by not only acclimating, but in the surest sign of success by reproducing a new generation of gopher tortoises. Read more →