Residential

Demolition

Our expert in-house demolition team is formally known as the Neighborhood Stabilization Department, because their work does exactly that: it stabilizes neighborhoods. Communities dotted with vacant parcels have depressed property values, discourage investment and attract criminal activity. The work of the Cuyahoga Land Bank Neighborhood Stabilization Department includes managing the safe demolition of structures, which involves clean outs, asbestos abatement and site finishing. We also ensure that materials that can be salvaged and that remaining debris is repurposed as much as possible.

Once abandoned structures are demolished, the new green space can serve as a place for new home or infill development, a lot available for a neighbor to purchase and create an expanded side yard, or the catalyst for a land assembly project. Ultimately, the parcel returns to the tax rolls, improves community pride, and encourages further development and investment—all critical elements of a stable community.

Land Assembly

The Land Bank’s expertise extends beyond the strict demolition of abandoned homes and into assembling parcels for larger development. Our Acquisition and Disposition Team assists private developers looking for larger spaces by piecing together individual parcels of land, which is an expensive undertaking. We assemble the parcels of developable land for green space or future construction where appropriate. Through our strategic efforts, the Land Bank can provide a second life for discarded properties and further restore value to the community’s tax base. Available properties can be found here.

Land Bank Homes

New Home Construction
The Land Bank’s new construction program transforms vacant or underutilized land into vibrant, desirable neighborhoods featuring high-quality, energy-efficient homes. Beyond eliminating blight, these new homes encourage investment in communities around the County, improve overall aesthetic and safety, and increase appeal for potential homeowners, businesses, and services that contribute to the local economy. The new construction of one home often prompts surrounding properties to undergo improvements as well, enhancing the quality of life for existing residents while attracting new ones. Catch examples of Land Bank homes and renovations here.

In-Home Modernization
The Land Bank also acquires vacant and abandoned houses, renovates them to modern standards, and then sells them to new homeowners. Renovations include cosmetic work with modernized layouts and high-quality finishes and mechanical updates to equip homes with energy-efficient windows, new insulation and HVAC systems, and other sustainable improvements. They are all designed to meet modern housing needs and create resilient, cost-effective homes. See our available properties here.

Realty Reimagined

Realty Reimagined is real estate for social good. Centered on helping clients achieve their homeownership dreams, they provide personalized guidance to ensure each customer is informed and empowered throughout the entire homebuying process. From pre-purchase education to post-purchase support, Realty Reimagined offers wraparound services that set clients up for long-term success, making homeownership attainable and sustainable. Their achievement is defined by the impact they have on clients’ lives. Learn more about Realty Reimagined here.

Deed-in-Escrow

Deed-in-Escrow is our legacy renovation program that makes buying a fixer-upper an easy-to-follow process, great for both owner-occupants who want to transform a house into a home and professional contractors looking for their next project. This program allows qualified buyers to purchase a home for a modest price and then work collaboratively with Land Bank staff to create a realistic written renovation plan that meets a set of pre-established high-quality Housing Quality Standards.

Once specs are agreed upon with the Land Bank, the deed to the home is held in escrow until the renovations are complete. All costs associated with labor and materials are the sole responsibility of the purchaser, who must also pull all necessary permits, resolve any municipal point-of-sale violations and comply with the quality standards. The Land Bank performs monthly inspections during the renovation to ensure progress is made and permits have been pulled. For any renovations that are not completed within the agreed-upon time frame, Cuyahoga Land Bank retains the title and the potential purchaser forfeits any invested money. For more information on this program, visit this page.

Click here to browse properties in need of renovation.

County Housing Program

Gap grants to support the construction of new, single-family homes and townhomes are available, as the Land Bank strategically invests in emerging markets as identified here. Grant-eligible projects incentivize development, strengthen markets and stimulate investment in these areas. We are seeking “shovel-ready” projects that have the support of their respective municipalities. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. These grants are part of the Cuyahoga County Housing Program, which works closely with the Land Bank.

More information about the program is available here. Click to download the grant application and the proforma worksheet.

Side Yard Expansion

Plant a garden, add on to your home, install a driveway, extend your garage, build a play area for your kids—the list of what you can do with an available vacant lot adjacent to your home is endless. Our Side Yard Expansion program has helped hundreds of Cuyahoga County residents expand their space. Get started here or search our available side yard properties.