MARK LUETKE
LOOKING SIDEWAYs

My guess is that most of us feel grateful about living in Sylvania. We are surrounded by beautiful homes, nice neighbors, outstanding schools, and a great quality of life. Some of us can’t think of living anywhere else. And now, we have some evidence to explain why.
A few weeks ago, no less than the Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com, named the Toledo metro area (including Sylvania) as the best housing market in the country. The ranking was based on home value, appreciation, local economic growth, lifestyle amenities and climate resilience. The median list price for a single-family home in our area jumped 26 percent in March (good news for owners), yet housing here is still about $200,000 cheaper than the national median (good news for buyers).
According to some experts, Sylvania may be the best example of everything that was measured in the regional ranking. “We have all of the elements that went into the survey right here in our backyard,” explained Katie Kwiatkowski, who serves on the board of directors for the Northwest Ohio Real Estate Information System and is also the real estate broker at Epic Homes, located in Mayberry Square. 
“Factor in the relatively low cost of housing, quality of life, schools, and location–plus proximity to Lake Erie and Irish Hills lakes, we are really a community for all ages and stages of life. It’s a perfect example of what comprised the ranking,” she said.
Realtor Lance Tyo has listed homes in Sylvania for more than 50 years, and he told me that the real estate market here is hot right now. In the last 45 days his team listed 25 homes—and already 15 have closed or are under contract.
Lance explained that the community has always had a special vibe that appeals to buyers. “Some people come here for the schools (both public and parochial), of course, but they soon begin to appreciate the quality of life: parks, a diversity of churches, entertainment options downtown, two great golf courses, Lourdes University, and more.
“Locally, most residents are just 20 minutes from the number one art museum in the country, a world-class zoo, two professional sports teams, and a downtown Toledo scene that is really happening,” he said. “And regionally, Sylvania residents have access to a highway system that puts them a short drive from an international airport, advanced healthcare at ProMedica, Mercy Health, and Toledo Clinic—plus the Cleveland Clinic and University of Michigan. In addition, transportation is easy to major attractions in Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati.”
Lance points out that Sylvania has a strong community identity, and from a real estate standpoint it’s also relatively affordable. “A 40-year-old who works for a Fortune 500 company and is relocated here has the ability to spend $500,000 and find a home in The Meadows, Bentbrook Farms, Waterford Village and some of the other developments out west. At the same time, a first-time buyer can find a property in Farmbrook or Highland Meadows for $225-275,000,” he said.
The demand for property in Sylvania means that for current home owners, there is no better time to put their house on the market, according to realtor Jack Schroeder–Katie’s father and business partner at Epic Homes.
“Nonetheless, even in a good market, there is a method for sellers to be successful,” he said. “Before you list, make the home look presentable. De-clutter and “stage” the inside: reorganize closets, make it look more spacious. Improve the exterior appeal. Your realtor can be your coach on this.”
“Also, it is important for sellers to avoid the temptation to over-price: some sellers have unrealistic expectations about what they will get. But most buyers have a good idea of what properties are selling for—so price the home right in the beginning. Work with the seller. A quick sale is a better outcome for everybody.”
The realtors agree that people who buy in Sylvania also want to stay here–they know it is convenient, safe, and offers a great quality of life. This is particularly true of older residents who are moving on to smaller homes after successful careers and raising families here.
An example is Jay and Gail Mirrow, who arrived here 55 years ago when he was transferred from New Jersey to a new position with his employer, Owens-Corning. Jay stayed with the company until his retirement, while Gail completed a successful career in education. She was a guidance counsellor at Northview, assistant principal and principal at McCord Junior High, and principal at Southview before serving as superintendent of the Ottawa Hills school district.
The couple’s first two homes were in the established neighborhoods near downtown Sylvania, then a five bedroom “career” home in Colony Oaks where they lived for 20 years. Five years ago, they moved to a spacious condo in
Berkshire Village in the Forest Lakes development at Bancroft near Crissey. Jay quips, “It’s near a major local cultural attraction, Fairways Restaurant, where we have become regulars. We like it because people know us there.”
But getting serious, Jay made it clear that in order to stay in Sylvania the family turned down job offers that required a move. The couple have been empty-nesters ever since their two sons moved on to pursue their own careers in central Ohio and the Washington DC area. Looking back, Jay reflects, “Sylvania was a land of opportunity from a career standpoint, and it was close to things that we valued—friends, culture, and longtime participation at Temple-Congregation Shomer Emunim. It’s been a great place to live.”
Longtime Sylvania resident Mark Luetke has served on city council, the board of education, and numerous foundation and community boards.