All About Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate Blog

Renting to Own...Can Hidden Dangers Derail Your Dream?

2008-10-02T10:53:00Z

Grand Rapids, MI

Over the past 18 months, we've seen a marked increase in the number of clients who are seeking Leases with an Option to purchase the property they are renting after a specified period of time. On the surface this appear to have the potential to be a WIN WIN for all parties to a transaction.

Homeowners who are unable to sell their homes have often welcomed the opportunity to have some income from a property while waiting for the market to rebound. For some potential home buyers, this arrangement afforded the opportunity to improve their credit scores and in some cases have a portion of their rent accrue towards a down payment when the option was eventually excercised.

However, there are some potential risks that home buyers should be aware of when considering if this type of sitatution is appropriate for any home they intend to eventually purchase. A few of these issues were covered by Keith Jarrett, a title representative with LandAmerica/Lawyers Title when he visited our office during a recent Monday morning agent meeting.

Here are some things that buyers should consider when considering a Lease to Purchase Option.

1. Make Sure You Check the Titlework

While it is true that you are not purchasing the home just yet, a title search can bring to your attention some issues which may affect your ability to purchase the home in the future. Here are some of them:

Multiple Mortgages against the property which may inflate the amount needed to purchase the property

Mechanics Liens for work that has been done by contractors but not paid for. This is particularly important if you are purchasing brand new construction, but may also apply to older homes too.

Tax Liens: If taxes are owed on the property, they have to be paid by someone. If the owner is in default, you may have to pay these liens. Don't be caught off guard...check!

IRS Liens: Once again, this type of lien can be assessed against a person's residence. Checking the title work will usually reveal if a lien has been filed by the IRS.

2. Read the Legal News

If you're paying rent on a home you intend to purchase, it is a shock to be informed that the property is in foreclosure because the owner has not paid the mortgage company. I have had buyers call my office in near panic when they found a foreclosure notice posted on their door. If the home that you are renting is foreclosed upon, you may need to contact an attorney to explore your options.

3. Ask to Examine the Underlying Mortgage

For some buyers, the ability to have a land contract rather than a simple lease with option to purchase is preferable. Be careful. Most mortgages today do NOT allow for land contracts. If a land contract is put in place, it can trigger what is know as the 'due on sale' clause.

In this case, the lender may call in the entire mortgage within a short period of time, such as within 30 days. Don't place yourself in a situation which could leave you out on the street because you inadvertently participated in an illegal transaction.

4. Inquire about the Value of the Equity

A new ruling just handed down over the past week requires home owners who are renting their homes so they can purchase another one, to have 25-30% equity stake in their current home or be able to qualify for the New Mortgage with both mortgage payments. If you're buying a home in which the seller's intention is to move, make sure that they can afford to. If they can't guess who won't have a roof over their heads?

If you are considering a Lease with an Option to Purchase, please feel free to contact Audu Real Estate if you live in the West Michigan area. Our agents will be happy to review your situation and give you the benefit of our professional counsel.

Image of row houses by Lola Audu

5 Reasons Why the Financial Crisis of 2008 will Force Us to Grow Up

2008-09-29T22:42:52Z

Sometimes it's easy to forget how young America really is. Our nation is so vibrant and full of promise that optimism sometimes hinders a mature grasp of reality. America is the land of the Free and the Brave, the nation in which cowboys ride into the sun speckled range and Rocky Balboa, though bruised and bloodied, always manages to win the sparring match in the end.

It is that irrepressible enthusiasm that gives us the strength to recover in spite of horrifying setbacks and defeats and to will things to go our way even when the deck of cards is stacked against us.

The fact that America has been able to do this so successfully is a testament to her relative youthful vigor amongst the sisterhood of nation states.

When you look at ancient civilizations in Africa, the Middle East and the Far East, you appreciate the fact that a few hundred years is youthful against a backdrop of many centuries.

In some ways we're like teenagers; not really believing that certain types of mistakes have the capacity to change us on a fundamental level. A teenager may experiment with drugs and sex not realizing that the wrong needle or partner could fundamentally cost him or her their life. Teenagers are young and naive enough to be willing to roll the dice and hope that they can get away with it.

However, the dice of life is unpredictable. And youth rarely calculates the odds of a catastrophe. The recklessness which has precipitated the crisis on Wall Street is a reminder of the fact that our collective actions can have ramifications far beyond our limited perspective. The thing about experience is that it forces you to grow up. A kid who impregnates his girlfriend becomes a father by default...readiness for the responsibility is not the criteria...the ability to have sex is.

In recent years, our ability to access easy and abundantly available credit has been about Availability, not Responsibility. Through every crisis, our country has learned something and we'll learn some lessons this time too. That's guaranteed. The real issue is if we'll learn the lessons which we need to learn to help us to mature and grow up.

Here are 5 Lessons Which I hope that this crisis will force us to grapple with.

1. Using Credit for Disposable Items Never Makes Sense

I'll never forget the exact moment I saw someone whip out a credit card to pay for a grocery purchase! It was about 15 years ago and prior to that time, most stores in my area only allowed cash or checks. I remember wondering WHY someone would be buying groceries which would be gone in a week with a credit card on which the balance could last for years.

I remember discussing this with an associate who told me that it was merely a matter of convenience; most people would pay off their card at the end of the month and furthermore this action could accrue points to be used towards the gain of free stuff. That was such a crock. Whether it was groceries or meals in a restaurant, the vast majority of us are still paying for meals we ate a long, long, time ago. Meals which have long exited our systems.

2. If you can't Pay For it...A Credit Card does not change that fact

There's a type of security which comes with having a plastic magic wand in ones wallet. I didn't know how strong this power was until I tore up my credit cards in my early twenties. As I prepared to walk out the door, I realized that I was nervous and shaky...I didn't have the security of my cards. That was a huge wake up call for me and it changed my life. I realized that I had believed a lie in thinking that just because I could charge something meant that I could afford it. So, not true.

3. Creative Accounting does not make a big Fat Zero disappear

Asset valuation became a game of pretense that was so extraordinary that in the last stages of our demise, we began to totally imagine it. Just imagine you make...X Dollars. Just imagine you're worth X amount. If you say so, we'll believe you. In fact our bankers started imagining with us and giving us money which we could not prove that we could repay. Imagining things is a great childhood game. Grown ups deal with reality. Less fun, but far safer when it comes to financial well being.

4. Consequences are Real and Don't go away Quickly

The thing about a Consequence is that it tends to stick around. That's not necessarily a bad thing if one understands that the reason that Consequences exist is to teach us the Lessons of Life. Since youth tends to gloss over important lessons, the message that Consequences are sent to teach us almost always require time and repetition.

5. Being Mature requires having the Courage to take Responsibility for your Mistakes

This one may be the hardest lesson to swallow. Watching or listening to any news or media right now is to watch the 'Blame Game' in full swing. Everybody is blaming someone else and pointing fingers. No one seems willing to take responsibility.

Witness the specter of a government which refuses to focus on solutions for fear of being blamed for taking action. Immaturity plays out in the world of nations in much the same way that it does in our personal life. We ignore stuff that we need to pay attention to, we hope that it goes away, we continue doing things that we know are not healthy and then try to find anyone to blame but ourselves.

The sad truth is that until we come to terms with our actions, we can't move on; we remain mired in the sticky mess as we wallow in self pity. True Maturity means having the courage to say, " I was Wrong, I made a mistake and I will do what I need to do to take care of it." No blame, no finger pointing, no accusing, no hiding...just plain old fashioned transparency.

picture is courtesy of respres photostream on flickr

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Vibrant Community in F.L.O.W. and at the Fulton Street Farmers Market!

2008-09-29T21:24:34Z

I didn't plan on visiting the Farmers Market on Fulton Street this weekend. In fact, we were on our way to tour the F.L.O.W. Landscaping Project organized by the Women's Council of Realtors; an extraordinary community event in which 10 homes in Grand Rapids were outfitted with new landscaping.

The project was envisioned by Michelle Gordon, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty in Grand Rapids, MI. The vision of Michelle and the Women's Council of Realtors chapter of Grand Rapids, focused on beautifying the yards of some moderate to low income neighborhoods around the city courtesy of the generosity of area landscapers, donors and sponsors. In addition to the gift of Free Landscaping, participants also attended workshops to teach them how to care for their new yards!

: Entrance of Fulton Street Farmers Market, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

So, it was the tour of homes which had me driving past the market and unable to resist, we decided to pop in to see what was going on. When we arrived at noon, the place was packed! We were lucky to find a parking spot. It had been a very long time since I had visited, and the market has certainly grown in popularity.

The stands had a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, some select meats, arts and crafts, spices, health and beauty products and fresh flowers. Talking to local farmers was great. On more than one occasion, I heard merchants say they were selling out of products.

The appeal of the fresh market has grown as more people become concerned about environmental issues and supporting the local economy. Did you know that the average product in your grocery store travels over 1000+ miles to get to your table? In addition, several area restaurants, including popular sites like Marie Catribs, the Green Well , GRAM Cafe and Restaurant Bloom also highlight the fact that they strive to serve locally grown produce and food items on their menus.

: Fulton Street Farmers Market ~ Fall Mums

The Fulton Street Farmers Market is located at 1145 E. Fulton Street, in Grand Rapids, MI. 49503. The Market is the oldest of it's kind in West Michigan, having started in 1922.

Permanent stands have been set up in the middle of a parking lot which allows local farmers to back their trucks in and unload their wares. Visitors to the market walk through the middle.

What I found especially delightful was the diversity of people...old, young kids and babies, moms and dads, foreigners, black & white...everyone was enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of the market.

We were even serenaded by a young guitarist who set up shop just outside the display area which made an interesting experience even more enjoyable.

Fulton Street Farmers Market website...

Michelle Gordon's blog...F.L.O.W. Project Coordinator

Are You Playing Hide & Seek With Your Real Estate Site?

2008-09-24T12:54:06Z

If 2007 was the year I really became engaged by the blogosphere, then 2008 ranks as the year I began to understand the power of connectivity. And..No, they're not the same thing. Although, I must admit, I used to think they were.

When I first started blogging about two years ago, it was all about communicating my message and getting a handle on commenting.

Active Rain provided the perfect platform and I embraced everything the community had to offer, rarely venturing out to the wider world.

Initially, it was hard to understand how videos, podcasts, pictures and a short 140 bit sentence bite on Twitter could be an integral aspect of relationship building. Afterall, wasn't that what blogging was all about?

Well, it is...but, it's not the whole picture. My experiences within the past 12 months have opened up a whole new comprehension of what Social Media and blogging can be about. Effective Relationship Building requires Exposure as well as Connectivity. If you have a great message, but no one understands it or sees it, the Value of the message is greatly diminished. Far too many bloggers in the real estate community are making this mistake. They're not investing the time and effort to ensure that their well crafted messages are seen.

For instance, when I started blogging, I totally underestimated the importance of labeling my pictures. In fact, it wasn't until I became an active member of Flickr that I truly began to appreciate the importance of a little identifier known as a tag. I've been amazed to see how properly tagged pictures can land on the first page of an indexed search on Google. I've learned that tagging can be as effective as a blog post in gaining better Search Engine positioning.

The next step for me is geotagging my pictures by location. I'll admit that this still presents a little bit of a mental challenge for me as geography was not one of my favorite subjects. But at least I'm getting it. Search Engines don't want to play Hide & Seek to find our data. They want it clearly identified and labeled so that they can do their job which is to provide FOLKS WITH THE INFORMATION they are searching for.

Many of us are playing the game of Hide & Seek and don't even know it.

We fail to tag our pictures, don't tag our blog posts and give our articles very hard to understand titles. In addition, we have different avatars and sometimes even names for different sites and often forget to complete our profiles when we are instructed to. To compound our evasion tactics, our blogs fail to link to other blogs with a similar focus and our articles don't provide additional related links within our own websites or blogs. Did you know that this type of activity makes it difficult for the Search Engines to give you credit for all the hard work that you're doing?

Here are a few simple steps you can take TODAY to stop Playing Hide & Seek With the Search Engines and make it easier for them to find you:

1. Create Relevant Titles!

The operative word is Relevant. Cute and funny may be entertaining, but they won't give you much traction. Cute and funny may give you tons of comments on Active Rain but if they're so irrelevant to your topic that the Search Engine Spider has to try to decipher your meaning...expect to be dumped into the heap of forgettable entries sooner rather than later.

2. Create Links to Your Stuff!

This is so easy to do. Every expert on SEO here on Active Rain has told us to do this, but most of us never do. It's simply a matter of heading over to your sidebar, clicking on a relevant tag and copying 1,2 or more links to the bottom of your post. It's better to revive your older posts if possible. This gives additional relevance to your material. You should also do this on your website which normally gets even less love than your blog. Internal Linking can be extremely effective in helping Search Engine Spiders to weave your material into the world wide web.

3. Tag, Tag, TAG!

Take a second to tag your pictures, your blog posts, your Utterz etc. Anything that allows you to tag should be tagged. No exceptions. Failing to do this is like doing a ton of work and walking away without your payoff! Tagging identifies what you are saying. And no, the Search Engines don't just automatically get it. If you're comfortable with it, I'd highly recommend you begin to Geotag or at least place your ZIP Code in the tag line if you're blogging about something which is real estate related.

4. Build on Consistency!

You loose a lot of cache online when you appear as a variety of different persons online. Now, if you're trying to hide the fact that you work in real estate, that's not necessarily a bad thing. But, if on the other hand, you would like to take full advantage of this medium to do more business...the more easily recognizable you are, the better for you. This year, I have been even more impressed by the number of people who are connecting with us online. It's not the wave of the future...this is business today and into the future.

5. Study the Pro Game!

I am not an SEO expert, but there are many who are here on Active Rain. I've learned so much from reading their blogs; it has literally transformed my understanding of my profession. Here are some of my Favorite bloggers: Mary McNight, Justin Smith, Jim Cronin, Jeff Turner, Brad Anderson, Barry Hurd, Laurie Manny & Karen Jason, whose extraordinary contribution to this network remains as a well spring of knowledge and insight.

Not all these individuals are technical folks; some of them have simply done a remarkable job of translating their success for the rest of us. In every case, I've found their contributions helpful. Check them out!

Search Engines really want to know what you're talking about in your articles and online content. Remember, you're the expert. Let's do our own little part to make it easier for them to do their job. This is a case in which a little due diligence can truly go a long way.

Other Related Posts about Blogging & Marketing Real Estate...

blogging: Sometimes...A little Grazin' is Great forYour Appetite and Your blog.

blogging: On Squid, Squeegees & Squidoos...3 Ways to Squeeze More Money From Your Online Content!

blogging: Blog Prospecting....Optimizing the Reach of your Local Real Estate Blog!

blogging: What to Do When Google Shows Up for The Interview Before You do!

Picture courtesy of: chris runoff's photostream

Out of the Clouds...Inspiration from Phil Aud's New CD...'Come May'

2008-09-18T22:24:20Z

Sky gazing has always fascinated me. As a kid, I'd sometimes just sit outside and imagine different shapes within the clouds. My favorite clouds were the large puff balls that our science teacher told us were cumulus clouds. They usually accompanied bright, sunny days without a hint of rain.

Rain storm clouds were another entity altogether and I was drawn to them for different reasons. For one thing, the air smelled different.

Rain clouds had a way of changing the atmosphere; darkening the sky and pushing the sun's brilliance out of sight. Rain clouds sometimes formed a grayish sea of density which made it seem as though the sun might never shine again. They also emitted bolts of lightening and thunder which were scary.

Sometimes, the rain would pour down for hours and other times, it would release it's moisture through a gentle drizzle. As I grew older, I learned to look at the sky to determine which kind of downpour might be on the horizon. Dark clouds usually indicated an intense encounter with a storm.

Which brings me to my thoughts about what is happening in our financial markets right now. I'm hard pressed to remember a time which was fraught by as much angst and naked fear as that which appears to be unfolding on Wall Street and financial markets across the world right now. I watched a news piece on CNN today and as they began to tally the totals for recent bailouts, I was stunned to see how enormous the numbers were. There is scant good news in the forecast right now.

But, in my line of work, I'm usually closer to an alternative form of the storm. I'm referring to the financial crisis which is impacting America's homeowners today. During the past two years, we've witnessed the storm clouds up close and personal as individuals and families have faced incredible financial strain and many across West Michigan and the nation have lost their homes. The devastation on a personal level is rarely chronicled during the evening news, but for those of us in the trenches, it's a reality in which we are managing and assisting through the aftermath on a daily basis.

Yet, in the midst of every storm there is a message. Storm clouds deliver much needed moisture to nurture and replenish the earth. They renew life with their torrential drenching.

And... renewal always follows the drenching, although the soaking is not always pleasant or congenial. And that's why I love Rainbows. Rainbows carry a message as they emerge out of the clouds, often after a dark storm. Have you ever wondered what the colors of a rainbow might mean? I came across this article by Khasmira Ladd in which she shared some fascinating insights into the meaning of rainbow colors:

Violet...a combination of Red & Blue symbolizes love for humanity and a high level of spirituality

Indigo...symbolizes infinity, wisdom and self-mastery

Blue...is known as the color of divinity

Green...symbolizes harmony, growth, balance and good health

Yellow...the color of the sun's brilliance, symbolizes energy

Orange...is about equilibrium within creative energy and wisdom

Red...is the color of enthusiasm and success.

Spend some time reflecting on this message. It puts the promise of God to Noah after the flood in a different perspective when you recognize that God chose the colors of the first rainbow as a sign that would reach through the ages and continue to bring hope and comfort to human kind.

In closing, I'd like to share a new video musical release with you. The video below is by a musician named Phil Aud. Almost a decade ago, he came to the church we were attending to be the music pastor. Phil is a gifted songwriter as well. He recently released an album called Come May and this song is one of the selections. I wanted to share Phil Aud's music with you because I've enjoyed listening to his compositions. I think you will too. They carry a message which rings clear and true. Be Encouraged.

rainbow picture courtesty of linh.ngân on flickr.com

How to Avoid Getting Stuck With The Wrong Online Real Estate Agent!

2008-09-17T02:18:23Z

A blind date has got to be one of life's scarier moments! Many of us have been the recipient of this form of 'relationship assistance' at some point in our lives.

Although, it's exciting to not know exactly who you will be meeting, the experience is fraught with much angst and trepidation for precisely the same reason...you don't know exactly what you'll get when your date shows up in person!

Today, online dating has spawned hundreds of thousands of successful unions. However, we all suspect that for every success story, there are oodles of folks who don't have a storybook outcome.

We all worry about the potential for this:

A person whose in person appearance is not even remotely connected to how they appear online

Fake Testimonials which promise more than they deliver

Individuals who are not what they purport to be...ie the 'pretend doctor' syndrome with fake credentials

These issues are also a concern for millions of consumers who are now going online to select professional services like those provided by members of the real estate community. Data from the National Association of Realtors indicates that more than 80% of all consumers will utilize the Internet as a part of their selection process for choosing an agent and/or home. Selecting the right agent for your specific concerns can make all the difference in the world.

Although, there are no guarantees that even your best efforts will yield the results you desire, taking the time to do some preliminary research will greatly enhance your prospects for a successful match. Let's examine some critical aspects which you should consider as you review potential prospects.

Do You Know if they're the Real Deal?

I mean this literally. Make sure you're dealing with a real person or business. Do some checking. It's pretty easy. Here are some suggestions: Contact the local real estate board to inquire about their membership and status. If they indicate they hold certain awards or designations, call or go online to see if they are on the membership roster. Google the physical location/address and if you still have doubts, do a drive by. If things don't check out at this basic level, there's a problem.

Are their Products Visible?

You'll be hiring a real estate agent to market your home. The disappearing agent who sticks a sign in the yard and NEVER calls is well documented in real estate folklore.

But what about the disappearing listing? When the home is placed on the market, it becomes a part of the real estate companys' listing portfolio.

Did you know that there is a dramatic difference between the levels of exposure which your home may receive on the Internet? Did you know that your agent's understanding of Search Engine Positioning and Optimization will be key determinants of your exposure?

For instance, a good online real estate agent can literally put your home on the map...the google indexing map that is. Imagine being able to say to your friends and family...did you google my home? If you're competing with 50 other homes for sale in your community, this may make all the difference in the world.

Do They Know What They're Talking About?

Here's the area where the Internet can be of the greatest benefit. While an increasing number of agents and their agencies have websites, these will provide you with only static information about their listings and services. To dig deeper, it's prudent to see if the agent you are considering also writes a blog.

Blogging provides a tremendous amount of benefit to the consumer who is in the process of selecting an agent. For starters, it can save you TIME! In reading a good agent blog, you will be able to determine the areas of an agent's expertise, their style with clients, the kinds of transactions they handle, and the way they resolve conflicts and solve problems.

Can You Interview them Without Extra Hassle?

You'll find that reading an agent's blog is similar to conducting an interview. What's great is that you can e-mail or respond in the comment section if you have any additional questions or would like clarification on certain issues. This type of dialog can be tremendously informative and provides a great platform to become comfortable with someone before hiring them for the job.

It's important to hire the right agent to get the job done. Using this simple list will improve your chances of selecting someone who has the skill and personality which will be most in alignment with your specific needs. If you are in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area and are looking for an Online Real Estate Expert, the real estate specialists at Audu Real Estate would be happy to explore how we can assist you.

Where Should you be looking?

Our listings are advertised in a number of Venues which include: our website, numerous blogs, the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, the Michigan Association of Realtors NAR (National Association of Realtors), Zillow, Trulia, Real Estate Shows, Google, Yahoo, Oodle, Twitter & Flickr. Contact us to discuss how we can create an Internet marketing strategy which makes sense for you!

Check out these Related Articles for additional information:

11369 starflower drive: Did You Tell Them to....Please Google Their Home?

Real Estate Blog - 11 "Quirky" Questions to Ask your Realtor ...

real estate advertising: 8 Great Ways to Reinvent the Old Pre-View Home Tour!

real estate advertising: The Question That Messed Up My Old Marketing Strategy!

marketing: Touch Points...Building Localism into the Communal Landscape!

real estate advertising: Elevating the Extraordinary Within The Ordinary...Another Look At Creative Marketing

real estate advertising: WHY Ambush Marketing is Gobbling Up The Hottest Real Estate on The Planet!

marketing: Creating Captivating Open Houses!

*thanks to Susan Deane of Greenridge Real Estate for pointing out the typo & resultant update.

Iskape Audiobooks...Talking Book Haven in West Michigan!

2008-09-16T02:01:08Z

It was a small sign that caught my eye on my way to the Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, MI. I wondered what it meant...Talking Books? Eventually, my curiosity got the better of me, and I pulled my car into the parking lot of the small strip mall. Although I was an avid lover of books, I had never seen anything like this. Row upon row of audio books on every subject imaginable filled the racks of the store.

Iskape Audiobooks was initially a part of another franchise called Talking Book World. The first store opened in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1999. The Grand Rapids, MI location opened a few years later. During my first visit, I was amazed by the selection of audio books that they had available. This was well before most major bookstores had any sort of significant inventory of books that you could listen to on cassette tape or DVD.

But in addition to regular books, the store carried an extraordinary selection of business training materials for sales professionals. I was in the early stages of my real estate career and this was like discovering a gold mine! I loved the fact that you could pay a yearly membership fee and keep books as long as you needed to.

The staff are wonderful. On several occasions, conversations with the owners or fellow customers led me to discover books which I would not have been exposed to. Over the years, we have listened to hundreds of hours of books on tape. Many long family vacation trips have flown by as the family became immersed in another John Girsham tale.

The name Iskape Audiobookswas adopted after the store moved to its' new location on 3070 28th St. SE in Kentwood, MI 49512. Today, Steve & Dyna Moore manage both locations in Kalamazoo and the Grand Rapids, Mi areas.

I recently sat down with Steve Moore, the owner of Iskape to talk about his passion for books and his audiobook business.

The business was a natural fit for Steve because he loves people and he loves books! Today, the store has developed a very loyal following of customers. They are able to buy audio books in many locations, but visit Iskape Audiobooks because of the personal service.

During our conversation, I shared with Steve my extraordinary experience with blogging and the way in which it can expand the outreach of a small business. Steve was intrigued with the potential to enhance his service to his clients.

Iskape customers are welcomed like friends. It's not unusual to hear individuals greeted by name. Conversations often develop about book recommendations and client business cards for a variety of services occupy space on the front desk.

Iskape Audiobooks is not just about renting or purchasing audiobooks, it's about being a part of a community of readers. To encourage listeners to dialog about books and other topics of interest, Steve has launched a website which includes a blog. He's excited to explore how blogging can assist him in his efforts.

You can browse, rent or buy audiobook titles from Iskape Audiobooks online or by visiting one of their stores.

The Story of Money...What Every Informed Person Needs to Know

2008-09-15T22:52:49Z

Here's what's on my mind. Can we talk?

Whenever bankers work on weekends, there's reason to be concerned. For the past couple of weeks, the specter of major announcements about significant entities in the financial world such as the takeover by the Federal Reserve of Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae and the announcement of the pending bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers occurring on Sunday evenings has been unsettling.

But, not necessarily only for obvious reasons. The obvious reasons would be that the domino like collapse of major institutions is a serious national crisis. The less obvious reason is that most people who I meet are NOT talking about it. I don't think it's because people don't care. I sense, it's largely because we've lost the ability to think critically about the implications of anything which does not appear to immediately impact our wallets.

And, that's what concerns me. This complicated mess that is rapidly unraveling will impact our pocket books in a manner which most of us are unprepared for. And, for a long time. The housing market was simply the first major domino to fall. So, in a sense, those of us in the real estate industry have had the opportunity to have a bird's eye view of the crisis if we are willing to educate ourselves.

I found the video clip below about the story of Money. As a little girl, my Father always used to tell me that money was a simple matter...It was all about TRUST. Money is a means of exchange...period. The erosion of TRUST in our society may prove to be the greatest asset devaluation. A monetary system that fails the Integrity Test is in deep trouble. Right now, the integrity of the very foundations of our government is on the line. Did you know that?

At a recent company sales meeting, I spent an hour of instruction on the structure of the current financial crisis. When I asked, WHO was responsible for solving the problem, someone answered...the government. My next question was...WHO is the government? The answer is it's WE THE PEOPLE.

Do You Know Which President said the statement below?

I am a Most Unhappy Man...

In 1913, on his deathbed, President Woodrow Wilson was quoted as saying, "

"I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated Governments in the civilized world no longer a Government by free opinion, no longer a Government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a Government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men." -Woodrow Wilson, after signing the Federal Reserve into existence

Lost in the Masquerade...How Persuasive Marketing Blurs the Lines

2008-09-11T19:35:03Z

The ground pulsates with rythmic energy. Shrill cries announce it's advancing. Frightened children peek from within the folds of their mothers' skirts.

It is here... The Masquerade has arrived. Heralded with a colorful flurry of raffia costuming and a foreboding mask, the dancing form weaves it's way through the crowd. A dervish in motion... every swirl a freakish invocation.

In traditional African culture, the arrival of the Masked Dancer carries a message. A tradition so potent that some masks are only revealed under very special circumstances.

The identity of the masked figure is a carefully guarded secret. But there is another piece of information which is also held in reverent awe. It is the identity of the Mask Crafter.

Crafting the Mask...

The skill involved in carving a mask goes far beyond simply putting a knife to wood. Craftsman are often born into the tradition and initiates are selected based on their intuitive and spiritual gifts. The process of weaving meaning into paint and wood is intricate and painstaking work. Work which involves an understanding of tribal tradition, culture and history. And the manipulation of thought forms to communicate a message. This is because, Masquerading is essentially a form of Spell Casting.

Casting the Spell...

Spell Casting has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. One definition in Wikepedia indicates that it is the "manipulation of the world through powers harnessed through the mind." If this is an accurate reflection of the term, perhaps the world's most proficient Spell Casters reside outside the tropical rain forests. Perhaps we are more likely to find them comfortably ensconced within the ivory towers of Madison Avenue.

Think about the degree to which our world is manipulated through the direction of human focus and thought. We are 'Sold' just about everything. This includes consumer goods, ideas, issues and even wars. The manipulation of human thought has reached dizzying levels of craftsmanship in the political sphere as well. I am intrigued to hear political Spin Meisters state that the current election will NOT be about issues...Well, what in the world will we be voting for then? Personalities?

Setting the Stage...

Ancient cultures placed great importance on ritual. Each movement of a traditional Masquerade was intended to capture the imagination. The effectiveness of the message remained highly dependent on the atmosphere which in most cases was a mixture of suspended animation, dread, and excitement. To the uninitiated, the show may have appeared random and disordered. But to the tribe, the message rang through loud and clear.

Crafting the Message...

The historical objective of Masquerading and Spell Casting framed the CONTEXT in which the message was received in order to achieve a specific result. For instance, in many cultures, Masquerades were often used to generate offerings. The threat of a curse often forced people to give when the Masquerade appeared.

While ancient cultures employed the power of auto suggestion to relay messages from the spiritual world, today the Masquerade speaks through the forum of modern telecommunication and media. The New Age Masquerade dances around the issues by crafting skillful advertising that dulls and disorients the mind. Through the media, Talking Heads on television purport to tell you HOW to think and thereby influence how you behave.

Spell Bound...

Enormous amounts of our best creative energy is invested to direct mass thought movements according to the dictates of the skillful advertising gurus, the new Mask Creators. The general public is rarely aware of WHO is acually behind the creation of the spell. We don't even question the reason why we have forgotten how to think. We simply follow along, putting our minds on auto pilot as we proceed to max out yet another credit card or pull the voting lever.

So, have we really evolved? Or are we simply playing out the same old patterns using new methods of technology.

Masked dancers courtesy of cdorians photostream on flickr

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Localism Group Blogging...A Case Study: The Greater Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Group

2008-09-06T00:01:46Z

For the past 9 months, I've had the joy of moderating a great Localism Group...the Greater Grand Rapids Mi Real Estate Group. The group has 70members who have posted hundreds of articles just about the Greater Grand Rapids Michigan Area.

What I appreciate most about being a part of this group is how much I've learned. For instance, I may have missed the advance news regarding the Antiques Show filming in Grand Rapids if it had not been for Bonnie Westbrooks' early alert. And then, I've learned a lot about what's happening in the east side neighborhoods from Terry Westbrook.

Michelle Gordon has contributed several quality posts about the the F.L.O.W Project (A project supported by the Womens' Council of Realtors to landscape yards for low income home owners and East Grand Rapids. Gary White has shared a number of stories about Grand Rapids and interesting experiences he has has as a real estate agent. The group has also benefited from articles for our lenders about Financing options available; Tom Vanderwalls' reports a great example of the wealth of knowledge in this regard. Heidi Herbruck has taught us about Staging from a local vantage point & Robert Brown has shared local real estate information, listings and inspiration.

These are just a few highlights from the members. The point is that a great Local Group can serve a number of purposes. The Greater Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Group is a place for folks to share their success stories, post a listing or an Open House, talk about the local area or highlight a local event. It's a gathering spot, not just for the real estate world but for the greater community. Today, the group is #2 for the Mid Michigan area on Active Rain.

Here's a Sampling of What's on the Local Board of the Greater Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Group Right now...

Color Your Home Beautiful...4 Simple Tips to Enhance the Home Sale Process
09/05/2008 08:08 PM - (6 comments)

Open House in Bailey's Grove Sunday 9/7/08 2pm Check it Out!
09/05/2008 07:31 PM - (0 comments)

Grand Rapids, MI ~ Forest Hills Brick Ranch ~ New on the Market
09/04/2008 04:37 PM - (0 comments)

I like being a Realtor for a variety of reasons but variety is #1
09/04/2008 11:00 AM - (73 comments)

Landmark Lofts- A very cool 1500+ Square Foot RIVERFRONT condo in Downtown Grand Rapids. OPEN SUNDAY, September 7 2-4 pm.
09/03/2008 01:59 PM - (4 comments)

Open House Sunday September 14- 2-4 at 192 Glen Eagle Dr NE, Rockford MI
09/03/2008 01:51 PM - (0 comments)

John Ball Park Zoo ~ Escaped from Real Estate!
09/03/2008 05:44 AM - (5 comments)

How To Sell A Home in 31 Days During a Tough Market...Lessons from a Rookie!
09/02/2008 03:09 AM - (80 comments)

HGTV: 25 Biggest Real Estate Mistakes
09/01/2008 10:19 PM - (8 comments)

Customer Service - Client service
08/29/2008 07:57 AM - (16 comments)

New Listing 3 Bedroom Ranch, Rockford, Michigan 49341
08/28/2008 12:46 PM - (4 comments)

Beautiful Newer Home on 1 Acre and Priced to Sell!
08/27/2008 10:26 AM - (0 comments)

Just Listed!! Northeast GR Charmer, Knapp & Fuller
08/22/2008 02:14 PM - (0 comments)

New Development coming to Cascade Township, MI ~ Turnburry of Cascade
08/08/2008 02:36 PM - (4 comments)

This group is open to all members of the Active Rain Community, but articles which are posted must reflect information about the local area. It's a great place to network and learn about other professionals across a wide variety of disciplines.

I think that this is what Local Groups are supposed to do. Highlight local flavor and the individuals who serve their communities. If you're not involved in a group that serves your local community, I would highly recommend you join one.

In addition to the Greater Grand Rapids MI Group, the following groups also serve the Grand Rapids community. If you're in the Grand Rapids or West Michigan area...check them out. Better yet, wherever you are, check out what's happening in your neighborhood and resolve to contribute and make a difference!

Kent County MI Real Estate )
Founded: 01/08/2008
This group is for all Kent County MI related real estate listings, real estate information and local information posts for the following communities: Ada, Alaska, Belmont, Byron Center, Caledonia, Cannonsburg, Cascade, Casnovia, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Cutlerville, Dutton, East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kent City, Kentwood, Lowell, North Park, Rockford, Sand Lake, Sparta, Walker, & Wyoming
Subscribers: 26 Blog Posts: 210

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Founded: 08/17/2007
Grand Rapids Real Estate, West Michigan Homes and Land, Discussion on Grand Rapids Economy, House Values, Real Estate Sales and conversation about economic and environmental issues which impact property values in West Michigan.
Subscribers: 23 Blog Posts: 117

West Michigan Real Estate
Founded: 03/16/2008
West Michigan Real Estate Group is for all posts relating to our wonderful West Michigan Area, including listings, local events and attractions for the entire region. If you have an informative article for the West Michigan Area, this is the group to post it in.
Subscribers: 21 Blog Posts: 214

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Color Your Home Beautiful...4 Simple Tips to Enhance the Home Sale Process

2008-09-05T20:08:08Z

I vividly recall the First Sale of this home on 5459 Greenboro SE in Kentwood MI several years ago. The home was somewhat unassuming from the exterior. But once inside, what seemed like a conventional home turned out to be out of the ordinary when it came to the issue of spaciousness.

There were 3 living room areas: a formal living room, a sunken family room with a fireplace and a large recreation room downstairs. In addition to a the dining area, there were 4 bedrooms, and 2 separate office areas. The buyer who ran a home based business was thrilled!

This was the era in which sellers were advised to neutralize everything. The former home owners painted the wall surfaces off white, and the new owner in keeping with the times, added off white carpeting. The look was clean and spacious, but not particularly welcoming.

Fast Forward several years and now color is everywhere in the real estate market place.

I hadn't been in the home for several years. When I entered for the listing appointment, I was wowed! The off white paint had been replaced by Tiffany blues, Cocoa Browns and Tawny Autumn accents. The effect was warm and sophisticated. A house which had a great floor plan and space had been transformed into a home that exuded classic chic!

Coloring a Home Beautiful does not have to be an expensive process. Here are some tips you can utilize to create a transformation for your home.

1. Research what's Hot!

Do this by taking the time to look through home magazines and visit design show rooms and model homes. It's not necessary to re-invent the wheel and start from scratch.

2. Choose ideas that you like!

Not every idea is a good one for your home. But, the more options you have to select from, the more likely you are to find one which works for you.

3. Give yourself time!

One of the most common mistakes people make is decorating at the last minute. While this is sure to add to the stress, it does little to increase the likelihood that your choices will be the best. This home owner compeleted the remodel well before the planned move. This gave time for completing the job and enjoying it for awhile before moving.

4. Ask for Help!

Help doesn't have to cost a ton of money. But Help can save you a ton of money. An investment of approximately $100 in a Staging/Design Consultation may be the best move you ever make in selling your home. Stagers can help you select the right colors and accents. They can also assist in arranging your furniture in the most attractive way. If you need recommendations for staging consultants, please contact us at 616-791-0511.

Now, please enjoy this show highlighting the Affordable Sophistication of 5459 Greenboro SE, Kentwood MI 49508.

There are currently approximately 90 Homes For Sale in Kentwood MI in this general price range. Please Click on the link to preview them 5459 Greenboro is a BRAND NEW HOME LISTING. Our Team of Real Estate Specialists are available to show you this home or any other home in the Kentwood area.

Picture is courtesy of haydnseeks' photostreamon flickr.

The Talking House...What Your Home Might Say To You If It Could...

2008-09-03T10:24:06Z

*This post was originally published in February of 2007. I dusted it off while preparing for a client appointment and realized that very few people had read the original post. I enjoyed this walk down 'memory lane' and hope that you will too.

Ahem...This is Your Home. Yes, I've been wanting to do this for awhile.

Don't act so surprised to discover my voice, you're talking all the time inside of me. Now it's time for you to listen to what I have to say. I'm aware that you have decided to leave me and move on. Hey, I'm taking it a little hard right now, but that's OK. There's a time for everything.

Although change is never easy, I hold no hard feelings. Heaven knows we have shared many special moments and memories. I've been there when you were up and I've hung in there with you when you've been down. We've celebrated victories and shared some tough stuff in defeat. I've been around the block a few times; this isn't my first time on the market, but that fact doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye.

Now, let's get down to business. Like I said, I know you've decided to move and having done this before, I thought you might benefit from some tips. First, please don't make this any harder than it has to be. After all, I'm the one who will have strange people trampling through me, critiquing my figure,... I mean structure and personality. These strangers don't know I hear them when they make disparaging comments or pry into areas which are well, should I say kinda private. I'm going to be the one jabbed and poked by inspectors and who knows who else. Sooooo....let's be smart about how we go about this.

Please do me a favor and do your homework. There's no reason to be uninformed about how much I'm worth. Yes, I know I'm priceless...but honey it's almost over and we must both move on. There are many FREE services from real estate professionals which you can take advantage of, but remember you get what you pay for. Don't bore me with interminable interviews, decide on your top selections, get your recommendations and then do the job right with someone who knows what they're doing and can provide evidence to support their results.

Next, clean me up! You & I hang out all the time, and we're comfortable together. But, this is company and I like to look good. I'm still pretty vain, that hasn't changed much since you first saw me and fell in love at first sight. I'd prefer YOUbe critical with me than have strangers pick me apart. Please get up close and very personal. Where am I showing signs of wear and tear? I'm a great lady, but a nip, tuck, or pick me up coat of paint will do wonders for my ah...personality. Don't forget to clear all the clutter and junk which has stuffed up my airspace big time over our years together. Give me room to breathe, after all even houses have their moments if you know what I mean.

Fix the stuff we both know needs attending to. And for goodness sakes, be honest about my history on your Seller's Disclosure. Don't make me an unwilling partner to any lying shenanigans! Don't forget to spruce me up outside as well. After all, I can only make one great first impression. Yes, this is important to me...need I say it again...the vanity thing, surely you understand.

I'd also appreciate if you'd take some time to talk with me before you leave. I love hearing about the good times that were shared within my walls. I may not understand why you feel it necessary to leave, but I accept your decision. They say houses don't talk, but we hold many things entombed within our walls. Remembering our times together helps me prepare to meet the new homeowners. I want them to feel my welcome when they enter the door. I want to fill their lives with love and laughter in the way I did yours. You can help make this transition easier by taking down mementos of our special times together for you know that I will always be in your heart. However, my new owners will need to create their own special moments within my space, so give them a clean slate to work with.

Lastly, know that I will always love you. I hold your presence warm, tight and safe within my inner sanctum. Even as I open my arms to once again welcome others who I hope will treat me well, your echos will still meander through the memories of my mind. I'll find ways to share them; sometimes in unexpected fashion, but be assured most of your secrets will ALWAYS remain safe with me.

With Mixed Regards,

Your Home

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How To Sell A Home in 31 Days During a Tough Market...Lessons from a Rookie!

2008-09-02T03:09:36Z

I've been around the block a time or two. With over 13 years in the business, I've seen some of the best years for the real estate industry. These were times in which homes sold simply because a sign was placed in the yard and financing options were plentiful even for the minimally qualified.

This post is the story of what a Rookie taught me and a message to all the 'old timers' out there who say it can't be done. It can. And it's not just about beginners luck.

When Lorrae Danzig took on the assignment for the sale of this Wyoming house, she knew it would be a challenge. The home had been listed several times and the owners were tough investors who had war room stories that made you cringe during the re-telling.

They wanted results. Period. Well...let's rephrase that...they wanted good results. They'd already had one agent tell them that although the home showed beautifully, they ought to cut their losses and run.

So, with their backs against the wall and everyone telling them NOT to trust a Rookie, they were understandably a little nervous about this meeting.

Well, let's cut to the chase and look critically at just WHAT Lorrae did to earn their trust, market their home and sell it successfully at a price that was over $11,000 MORE than what Mr. Experienced Agent said they could get for it.

Training...

Lorrae addressed the experience issue head on by letting her clients know that she wasn't winging their transaction. Lorrae is enrolled in the Mentor Training Program at Audu Real Estate which meant that the entire transaction would be intimately supervised by a Broker including the critical task of researching the neighborhood and price.

Researching...

Careful attention was put into finding out what pricing the area could support. This included doing a comprehensive mapping profile, neighborhood analysis and traditional Comparative Market Analysis. This data was sifted through to account for the impact of Foreclosures and the more insidious, but equally price deflating Short Sales and determining what impact they were having on the current market.

Marketing...

Top Quality marketing was initiated immediately. This included several quality photos online, listing the property on multiple websites, designing an informational flyer, creating a visually appealing Real Estate Show, sending out information about the home to interested parties, Open Houses and blogging about the home. The investor had been in the business for 20 years and his words were..."I've never seen anything like this.(referencing the Real Estate Show) Keep doing what you're doing!"

Follow-up...

This was critical. Every single lead was tracked. Agent feedback was transmitted regularly to the owner. The hit volume online was carefully monitored. When agents called about other properties in the area, this home was also brought to their attention. With over 13,000 homes online, it's easy not to see everything worth pre-viewing. Lorrae made sure her listing was not overlooked

Follow-Through...

When it comes to closing a real estate transaction, sometimes the most dangerous distance is between the final signatures and the closing. This deal was not short on unexpected twists and turns. Lorrae ensured that the ball didn't unwind into an unruly tangle by keeping abreast of the situation.

Communication...

She documented calls to the lender, the other agent, the title company, the appraiser and surveyor to make sure that everyone was on the same page. More than once, this prevented delays or worse...derailing of the transaction. When a curve ball was thrown 15 minutes before closing with an indication that there was a shortage of funds from the buyer, Lorrae kept things on track by remaining calm and communicating with all parties until the transaction closed 24 hours later.

Conclusion...

As I look back at this list, I see a strong focus on the Fundamentals of Real Estate. It's very easy to become disheartened at the negative news about the real estate industry. It's also easy to become distracted and spend time doing all sorts of things which will never sell a home. The basic principles of selling a home remain the same even though the tools we use may change. It's about making sure you focus on the basics of Communication, Research, Marketing, Prospecting, Follow-Through and Follow-Up. Sometimes, you can learn a lot from a Rookie...

Click here to read more about Lorrae Danzig..

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Shawmut Hills...A Quintessential Northwest Grand Rapids Community

2008-08-23T12:09:44Z

The Shawmut Hills neighborhood is a small residential community located in the northwest section of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is bordered by Lake Michigan Drive and Leonard St. NW and extends east towards Covell Ave. and west towards Collingdale Ave. It's one of my favorite northwest communities. The homes in the community are a nice mix of older estates, newer custom built homes and small to mid-sized homes perfect for first time home buyers.

The tree lined streets and well maintained homes make it a great community to walk or jog in. In fall, the colors are exquisite. The area also has several schools which include, Shawmut Hills School, Covell Elementary, Oakleigh School and on it's eastern boundary, Union Highschool.

There is also a nice local park, ShawmutPark and several area parks such as Millennium Park, Johnson Park and John Ball Park are within 5-7 kilometers. It's close proximity to the expressway, make it ideal for commuters who need to get to downtown Grand Rapids, (5-7 minutes) or catch I-196 going east or west.

The Shawmut Hills which is partially in the city of Walker, also includes a small business district on Lake Michigan Drive which features a local grocery store, the Family Fare, a Honda/Kawasaki dealership and various smaller shops and restaurants. One of the best pizza places in town is Marinades, a gourmet pizza shop that creates innovative pizza recipes in a brick oven. Patrons can order their pizzas or dine in. Another very popular local haunt is Shawmut Inns which shares the same parking lot with Marinades.

Shawmut Hills is a community which offers the best of city living. It is close to stores, access to the expressway and about 30 minutes from Lake Michigan. However, it maintains a nice, quiet, residential feeling where you can enjoy the sight of deer and other forms of wildlife in your backyard if you're lucky.

Am I Hawt...or Not!

2008-08-21T21:46:08Z

Yes, the typo is intended. Intended to underscore a point about online branding and personification. I just finished reading an intriguing thread online. Seth Godin started the discussion on his blog by asking a question about...Who's Telling You the Truth About Your Online Personal Marketing.

According to Seth, the fact is that you are judged by how you appear, how you spell, the style of your blog's typeface and even by the typos on your instant messaging...think of all the interesting concoctions of the English language you see on Twitter.

So, I clicked on the good feedback link to see where it might lead. And following the bunny trail landed on this German site where you can benefit from the wisdom of impartial strangers reviewing a number of different profile pictures and giving you their unvarnished opinion of if you look good or dorky...smart or stupid...hawt or not!

Your response to this will be determined by whether you believe people make decisions based on WHAT they see online. Can a poorly imaged photograph cost you business? Is the online world even more fickle than the real world, where beauty isn't even skin deep...it's paper thin. Hmmm....

This got me wondering about WHY we choose the pictures we do for our online representation. Does what we choose to display say something about where we are at the moment? If it's an unflattering image, does it mean that we're confident enough to not care...or what?

So, would you let total strangers tell you how they judge your appearance online. But then again...aren't we all veiled behind an annonymous screen? :)

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