WOMAN CODES

Angela Bassett

WOMAN CODES: VOICES

Compiled by Bilal S. Akram

“The collective, orchestrated fury of Black women can move the whole world.” ― Brittney Cooper “It’s time for you to move, realizing that the thing you are seeking is also seeking you.” — Iyanla Vanzant “Don’t settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that’s in us.”

– Angela Bassett

“Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect, and make everyone else deal with you the same way. ”

– Nikki Giovanni

“Perseverance is my motto.” – Madam C.J. Walker “I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” – Simone Biles “Be passionate and move forward with gusto every single hour of every single day until you reach your goal.” — Ava DuVernay “Keep going and keep speaking up, even if your voice shakes.” — Allyson Felix “I don’t have any time to stay up all night worrying about what someone who doesn’t love me has to say about me.” — Viola Davis

“We must reject not only the stereotypes that others hold of us, but also the stereotypes that we hold of ourselves.” ― Shirley Chisholm 1 Timothy 3:11, NIV: "In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything."

REAL

ESTATE MATTERS

Angela Thompson

Angela Thompson discusses the current real estate market in Cleveland and how you can benefit from the current real estate trends.

by Leslie Logan

T

he Cleveland real estate market has always been interesting. With the foreclosure moratorium over investors and potential homeowners can take a look at potentially winning big by grabbing homes at reduced prices. The rise in interest rates will not deter people from buying homes. In fact, the housing market has never been hotter than it is right now and people are thirty for a good pur-

chase.

“The market in Cleveland is good if you have the money to make a purchase,” Thompson said. “Cleveland offers affordable pricing and a very good selection of properties all over Northeast Ohio. Thompson, who has worked as a realtor for over 10 years knows the Cleveland Market well. She and her husband both work in the industry, her as a realtor, and he owns a property management company. Cleveland leads the nation in foreclosures. The national average for a city is 1 for every 2000 homes. In Ohio the average is 1 in every 1000 homes. Cleveland is struggling with 1 in every 500 homes in some state of foreclosure.

“The pandemic stopped a lot of banks from being able to process losses. Not that the moratorium is over, we can expect to see the market become flooded with opportunities for potential home owners and investors.” Thompson said. Cleveland also experienced a population loss over the last 2 decades where people moved to warmer climates. But the change in the employment landscape might swing growth back to Northeast Ohio.

“With people now being able to work from home, it means that people can live anywhere and work. So Cleveland is starting to get people moving back home because they are no longer obligated to work and live where their job is.” Thompson said. “We are starting to see the numbers of people moving to our area increase, which is a good thing.” Thompson concluded. The Federal interest rates did rise in the first quarter of 2022, but it is not going to slow down the desire for compaines to snatch up as much housing as possible. There is an ugly trend developing right now where companies are buying up scores of homes in the same neighborhoods to drive up the price fo the entire area. Zillow.com and national brands are close to owning almost 30 percent of some markets around the country leaving it almost impossible to get a home at a decent price. The rental market is the result of a corporate buying trend. Anyone looking to rent is feeling the pain of having to pay more for the same apartment. “My rent went from $800 a month to $1,300 just like that.” Brynn, a college student at the Cleveland Institute of Art Said. “We made the decision to move instead of paying the higher rent. Luckily we found a better apartment for the same money.” Brynn concluded. Not everyone is that lucky. Rental prices are increasing around the country and Cleveland is no different. Home rentals are increasing and pricing many families out of being able to find safe and secure rental housing in the areas they want to live. Whether you are looking to rent or buy a home, Thompson is ready to assist you in your home purchase needs. “We offer people the opportunity to sit down and develop a game plan before they start looking.” Thompson said. “That way when they are ready then can pull the trigger and get the home they want in this competitive market.” ● Thompson can be reached at email: realtorangelathompson@gmail.com

CLE

STRONG

Angela Thompson and her husband work together in business and in raising their incredible family.