Affordable Living

Homeownership doesn’t have to be something you dream about. Joe Scaletta, owner of SDC Homes and Neighborhoods, is completing work on the magnificent, newly converted Stoney Run condominium community in Broadview Heights. With completely remodeled condos and first-time homebuyer programs, anyone can afford to start building equity right now.

By: Beth Newcomb
Date: 08/20/2008
For anyone who harbors the dream of home ownership, starting out on a more affordable scale might be the way to go. For those who’d like to scale back, but find that an apartment isn’t an option, condominiums provide an ideal maintenance-free living solution.

“Condominium owners are just as much a homeowner as anyone else,” explains Joe Scaletta, owner of SDC Homes and Neighborhoods. “You get the same tax deductions as anyone else, build up the same kind of equity, and can sell at a profit if you should decide to move.”  

Joe and his team at SDC recently converted what was a well-known luxury apartment complex into affordable condominiums   called Stoney Run. Lending rates are still at an all-time low and at just under $90,000; this brand new community is an attractively priced option.

Located on Rt. 82 in Broadview Heights, and less than five minutes from I-77, SDC has sold an astounding 115 homes in Stoney Run in a little over two years. “We offer a
very attractive combination of the right location, low prices and fabulous amenities,” says Tom Sear, sales manager for SDC.

The central location makes it a short commute to anywhere in the Cleveland and Akron areas. “This location works well for a broad range of people, from the first-time home buyer and executives to single parents and retirees,” he adds. “The cost of gas plays a big role in where buyers want to live. It’s all about not spending your paycheck on gas to commute to work.” The top ranked Brecksville/Broadview Heights school system is an added benefit for parents.

Stoney Run features an unusual, picturesque wooded setting, traversed by a natural stream that runs through the property. Because it was originally constructed in the late 80s, Stoney Run has a well-established feel to it with lots of mature trees. Adding to the suburban character are the two ponds located on site.
Joe’s approach to providing affordable housing might seem unconventional, but, in reality, there are more condominium conversions happening now than in the past two decades. A conversion is when an existing apartment complex is purchased and then renovated and sold as condominiums. His first conversion was almost 30 years ago.

A condo that has been converted typically costs about 50-percent less than purchasing anything brand new. At Stoney Run, a converted condominium home can be purchased for as little as $89,900 as is, or for $102,900 remodeled with granite, maple cabinets and items you would expect to find in much more expensive homes. The floor plans allow for privacy and luxury by having individualized entrances, split bedrooms and fireplaces incorporated into the design.

But for any would-be owner, customization is bound to be key. That’s why SDC offers a range of options to suit almost any taste and budget.

“We offer our buyers 12 different remodeling packages to choose from,” Tom explains. “Everything in the home is replaced, including a completely new kitchen and bathroom, furnace, hot water tank and air conditioning.” The condos also feature new flooring throughout, new lighting fixtures and paint colors of the buyer’s choice.
Ample parking is provided, but buyers may elect to purchase a garage if they choose. “There are only 40 homes remaining,” he cautions. They include a mix of one and two bedroom homes. “The one bedroom  features a storage closet instead of an extra bedroom,” he adds.

Also included in the price is the recently redecorated clubhouse offering residents a fully equipped party room, an indoor pool, exercise room and a spacious outdoor patio with a spa, fire pit, gazebo, bar and grill.

“Everyone just loves the clubhouse and pool. We have created an area for our residents to use as an extension of their home. If they want to relax by the fire pit in the evening, or invite 10 of their closest friends to soak in the oversized hot tub, it’s theirs to do so,” Tom invites. And that’s another great perk to buying a condominium, unit owners also own a proportionate amount of all the amenities and through their association, have a say in how Stoney Run will be managed and what types of services will be included.

Last year the community received FHA and VA approval allowing first-time homebuyers and military personnel to take advantage of low money down options with financing. Other financing options include the OHFA first time homebuyers bond program, as well as the newly adopted $7,500 government tax credit.
“Our buyers have the opportunity to purchase a home with very little down and still have a substantial amount of equity at closing,” Joe assures. “Our goal is to help potential buyers get the home of their dreams, without extending themselves too far. With all of the available opportunities for assistance, we’re finding that our clients end up money ahead. Plus, they’re in a home they can actually afford.”

Taking care of families is what the family-owned SDC is all about. Joe has a close-knit staff with several family members in the business, as well as employees that have been with him for more than two decades. He prides himself on employing local trades and giving back to the communities in which he builds. He and his staff work with customers on every aspect of the home-buying process. “Our goal is to provide the best possible service. We’ll work with you on unit design elements, coordinating purchase details and even finalizing the warranty information,” he promises.

And while offering affordable home options could mean cutting environmental corners for some builders, SDC has maintained its commitment to the environment for nearly two decades. In fact, Joe has been building and developing while incorporating “green” materials and building practices for years. All of his communities, including Stoney Run, have some type of conservation aspect.

“Stoney run was constructed overlooking several ravines and more than half the homes face the woods or one of the ponds,” he comments. “It provides a sense of privacy for our homeowners, as well as preserves the natural landscape.” Condominium conversions go hand in hand with green building because an existing structure is re-worked to serve a new purpose—instead of building from the ground up.

Stoney Run was recently awarded the prestigious Community of the Year award for dwellings under $150,000 by the Builder’s Industry Association.


To learn more about living at Stoney Run, call Tom Sear at 440-526-9350. The information center is open seven days a week. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Visit SDCHomes.com to learn more about any of SDC’s communities.

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