🔑 Foreclosures & Sheriff Sales in Cuyahoga County

Cleveland CDCs receive $2 million investment for neighborhood development

June 25, 2025

Good morning, Cleveland Real Estate Investors! 🌞 The weather’s heating up, but Cleveland’s real estate market is burning even hotter! Whether you’re flipping, holding, or looking to dive into sheriff sales, the deals this week are sizzling! 🔥🔥

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📬 In today’s edition:

  • Downtown Cleveland won’t miss the Browns

  • Cleveland CDCs receive $2 million investment for neighborhood development

  • Foreclosures & Sheriff Sales in Cuyahoga County

  • Classic 1920s Bungalow with in Lakewood

By Tyler Finkler - Local Realtor & Appraiser

📰 Cleveland Market Minute

Downtown Cleveland won’t miss the Browns

A downtown is a horrible place for a National Football League (NFL) stadium. It’s why half of the 32 NFL teams don’t play their home games at downtown-based venues. And when the Cleveland Browns leave downtown for suburban Brook Park, it will be Downtown Cleveland that gains the most from their move, not Brook Park. The reasons for this are many.

Cleveland CDCs receive $2 million investment for neighborhood development

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Over a dozen local community development corporations will be receiving a combined $2 million investment.

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress announced 17 Greater Cleveland CDCs would be receiving grants in a news release on Monday morning.

Lakewood home sells for $2.6M, tops list of 16 Cuyahoga County homes sold in May for over $1M

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In May, 16 homes sold for at least $1 million across Cuyahoga County, outpacing April for the largest number of high-dollar sales in any month this year.

May’s top sales took place in Lakewood, Hunting Valley, Beachwood, Gates Mills, Chagrin Falls, Shaker Heights, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, Brecksville, Solon, Rocky River, Westlake and Independence.

16209 Westdale Ave, Cleveland, OH 44135

  • 💰 Sale Price: $225,000 (Sold 2025)

  • 📏 Size: 3 beds | 🛁 1 bath | 810 sqft

  • 🌳 Lot Size: 8,499 sq ft

  • 🛠️ Year Built: 1941

  • 🚗 Garage: 1-car detached garage

  • 📝 Investor Takeaway

This 1941 brick bungalow in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood sold for $225K, or $278 per square foot, a notable premium over the area average. Featuring a functional 3-bedroom layout with central air, forced heat, a fireplace, and a full-sized unfinished basement, the home offers a mix of vintage charm and lasting utility.

Its generous 0.19-acre lot and quiet residential setting make it a great fit for both owner-occupants and long-term rental investors. With low inventory in this part of town, move-in-ready properties like this continue to command strong interest.

🏡 Neighborhood Insight

  • Local Median Price: ~$170,000

  • List Price/Sqft Median: $123

  • Sold Price Median: $185,000

  • Average Days on Market: ~23 days

📈 Recent Sales Nearby:

  • 16014 Westdale Ave: $198,000 | 3 bed | 2 bath | 1,120 sqft

  • 16107 Melgrave Ave: $189,900 | 3 bed | 1 bath | 1,044 sqft

  • 16303 Westdale Ave: $210,000 | 3 bed | 2 bath | 1,134 sqft

📌 Notable Features

  • Central air + forced air heating

  • Wood-burning fireplace

  • Solid brick construction

  • Unfinished basement with upgrade potential

  • Located in the Rockport Home Subdivision, part of Cleveland Municipal School District

  • Assessed taxes: ~$3,709 annually

💡 Insider’s Insight

Insider’s Insight: Foreclosures & Sheriff Sales in Cuyahoga County – Risks, Rewards, and How to Get Started

Overview:

Buying properties through foreclosure or sheriff sales can be a lucrative investment opportunity. However, it comes with specific risks and rewards that investors need to understand before diving in. In Cuyahoga County, sheriff sales offer buyers the chance to purchase properties below market value but with no property access or guarantees. If you’re considering getting started, here's everything you need to know.

🏚️ What is a Sheriff Sale?

A sheriff sale is a public auction of properties that have been foreclosed on due to mortgage or tax payment failures. These auctions are typically conducted by the county sheriff's office, and in Cuyahoga County, they are done online through the RealAuction platform. Investors and buyers can register, browse upcoming properties, and bid digitally.

⚖️ Risks of Buying at Sheriff Sale

  1. No Property Access

    You buy the property "as-is" with no inspections or walk-throughs. Hidden issues such as:

    • Water damage

    • Mold

    • Structural issues

    • Squatters still occupying the property

  2. No Title Insurance

    • Properties sold at sheriff sales may have liens or unpaid taxes. Without title insurance, you're taking on the risk of any hidden claims against the property.

  3. Need for Cash

    • Purchases are made in cash or cashier’s check, with immediate 10% downpayment. The full balance must be paid within 30 days. No mortgages or credit cards allowed.

  4. Redemption Period

    • In some cases, the original owner may have the right to redeem the property, but this typically ends before the auction occurs. However, there could be delays in eviction.

💰 Rewards of Buying Foreclosures

  1. Deep Discounts

    • Many properties are sold well below market value, especially if they require repairs. For those who are handy or have access to reliable contractors, this presents a massive profit potential.

  2. Less Competition

    • The sheriff sale market is often less competitive than traditional MLS listings, particularly from homeowners who don’t want the cash or risk involved.

  3. Investment Potential

    • Great for BRRRR investors (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) or flippers aiming to maximize returns.

🧭 How to Buy a Foreclosure in Cuyahoga County

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Visit the Auction Website:

  2. Register and Submit Bidder Paperwork:

    • You need to submit a valid ID and registration form at least 7 days before bidding.

  3. Research the Property:

    Utilize the County Fiscal Officer’s site, Zillow, or GIS maps to research:

    • Ownership history

    • Property value

    • Liens and tax balances

  4. Drive By the Property:

    • You can’t access the property, but assess its exterior condition and surrounding neighborhood.

  5. Get Your Finances in Order:

    • Have 10% down the day of the auction, with the remainder due within 30 days. No mortgages or credit cards allowed.

  6. Bid Online:

    • Auctions happen weekly on Fridays; check the website for the schedule.

  7. Pay the Balance and Close:

    • Once you win, the sheriff’s office will guide you through the deed transfer process and next steps.

🛡️ Pro Tips for Success

  • Work with a real estate attorney before bidding.

  • Set a max bid and don’t exceed it—emotions can lead to overspending.

  • Use a realtor or appraiser to estimate the After Repair Value (ARV).

  • Don’t underestimate rehab costs—always budget for unexpected expenses.

✅ Final Thoughts

Buying foreclosure properties through sheriff sales in Cuyahoga County offers significant opportunities for building equity or finding great deals, but it’s not without its risks. If you're well-prepared, well-capitalized, and willing to face a bit of uncertainty, the rewards can be considerable.

Looking to get started? Tyler Finkler can help analyze potential deals, estimate ARVs, and connect you with trusted contractors and property managers.

📲 Reach out today to explore the foreclosure market!

💼 Win Big at Sheriff Sales with Tyler Finkler — Cleveland’s Trusted Investment Real Estate Expert

Why Work with Tyler?

  1. 🔎 Insider Knowledge: Tyler knows the sheriff sale process inside and out — from registration to deed transfer — and helps you avoid costly mistakes.

  2. 📉 Risk Management: Navigate foreclosure risks like hidden liens and eviction delays with a trusted pro at your side.

  3. 📈 High-ROI Strategy: Tyler identifies below-market opportunities with strong potential returns — even in competitive or distressed markets.

Connect with Tyler today and make your next move count.

Let Tyler help you navigate Ohio’s new real estate regulations and secure your investment with peace of mind!

🏡 House of the Week – Classic 1920s Bungalow with in Lakewood

1674 Victoria Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107

  • 💰 Price: $274,000

  • 📏 Size: 1,280 sq. ft.

  • 🏡 Built: 1922

  • 🛏 3 Beds | 🛁 1 Bath

  • 🚗 Garage: 1-Car Detached Garage

  • 🌳 Lot Size: 5,000.69 sq. ft.

  • 🏫 School District: Lakewood City School District

🧘 Vibes: Timeless bungalow warmth with modern comfort. Hardwood floors, a sun-drenched reading nook, double-sink vanity, and an updated kitchen bring charm and functionality together. Entertain on the rear deck, cozy up by the gas fireplace, and enjoy Lakewood living just steps from shops, dining, and parks.

👉 Listed by: Ann Schleckman | Howard Hanna

📞 216-272-5311 | ✉️ [email protected]

🛠 Tools & Resources We Recommend

  • PropStream → Lead generation + property comps

  • AirDNA → Short-term rental profitability data

  • BiggerPockets Cap Rate Guide → Know how to calculate investment ROI

  • Cleveland Housing Court Tracker → Spot eviction risks and distressed deals

  • Cleveland Real Estate Investor Facebook Group → Share deals and insights with local investors

📣 Weekly Wrap-Up

💼 Weekly Wrap-Up: Cleveland Real Estate in Full Swing

With the heat turning up outside, Cleveland's real estate market is also feeling the burn! From major commercial projects like the Bridgeworks redevelopment in Ohio City to record home sales in Lakewood, the market is buzzing with opportunities. Investors, whether you’re looking at sheriff sales or luxury flips, there's no shortage of deals to explore.

As we keep seeing more development funds pour into the city, now's the time to act.

Until next week,

Cleveland Real Estate Investors


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