Chris and Bernie's Blog

Short sales are a reasonable solution for many...

Chris and Bernie Shoemaker (Max Broock Realtors) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:54:25 -0500

Honestly, no one really feels good about walking away from a debt. In SE Michigan many homeowners really didn't have much of a choice. Unfortunately, many waited too long and lost the opportunity to deed their property back to the bank or negotiate a short sale with their lender. I read that nationally 70% of people in trouble with their mortgage don't do anything and just wait for the house to go back to the bank. This is a really sad thing. Watching too much television news about the economy could make anyone hide in their house!

I know many Realtors don't want to go down the short sale road with their seller or buyer clients but I've had some pretty rewarding experiences the last couple of years. Not that it didn't make me more than a little crazy trying to get these deals done! Yikes! Short sales are not for the faint of heart. But knowing you helped someone get out of a really scary situation and move on with their life is really a cool thing. We've talked to lots of people that just needed to be pointed in the right direction and they could work out their own mortgage rescue.

I've never been prouder to be a Realtor than I am right now. We work harder than we ever have but the rewards can be awesome!

Oakland County Farmers Market in Full Swing!

Chris and Bernie Shoemaker (Max Broock Realtors) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:56:25 -0500

For those of us lucky enough to live anywhere near the Oakland County Farmer's Market now is the time! The market is brimming with fresh produce. While still waiting for corn, tomatoes and tree fruit, shoppers are able to score berries, beans, radishes, potatoes, all kinds of lettuces, zucchini and all kinds of peas. In addition to the regular produce you can purchase fresh eggs, chicken and gourmet mushrooms of all types. Gardners can find all kinds of flowers and herb plants, shrubs and ground plants. The best thing about all of this is that most everything is fresh and affordable and you can purchase in small quantities. During the summer I try and cook only with produce from the market and can acomplish this late into the fall. The Oakland Country Farmer's Market is located on Pontiac Lake Road west of Telegraph. There is lots of parking and it's a great way to start your weekend!

Former Realtor Cathy Morgan Hall running for White Lake Township Supervisor

Chris and Bernie Shoemaker (Max Broock Realtors) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:35:33 -0500

My friend and former co-worker, Cathy Morgan Hall, is running for Township Supervisor in White Lake Township, MI. Cathy and I sold real estate together for many years and I think she will make a great Township Supervisor. Until recently she and her husband Michael Hall were the proprietors of 'Chef's Cuisine' on M-59. Unfortunately, they lost the lease on their building just as they were having to turn people away at dinner. Cathy is a former Township Trustee as well as Planning Commission member. Cathy and I have had long talks about the White Lake Township real estate market and the disasterous effect the local economy has had on our homeowners. As a former Realtor, she gets it better than most. Cathy cares passionately about White Lake Township and has lived there nearly her whole life. You can visit her website at http://www.cathymorganhall.com . Don't forget to vote in the primary on August 5th. And if you live in White Lake Township, vote for Cathy!

MICHIGAN CALL TO ACTION

Chris and Bernie Shoemaker (Max Broock Realtors) — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 06:54:20 -0600

Attention Michigan Realtors. Over the next couple of weeks you will be asked to contact your Senators and Representatives regarding the proposed 2% tax on services. This tax will negatively effect your business! When you receive these requests you need to respond that you are opposed to this new tax. Call or email Governor Granholm's office and voice your displeasure over the implementation of this tax. Call or email your Senator and State Representative and tell them how you feel. Give something to your local RPAC - $5 - $10 whatever you can afford to help MAR and RPAC protect our industry and our buyers and sellers. As President of the North Oakland County Board of Realtors I represent nearly 2,000 members and I, along with other members of our Board of Directors and Political Affairs Committee will be meeting with State Representative Tim Melton in Pontiac on Monday. We need our elected officials to work for us and represent our interests. PLEASE! When you get a call to action - or before you get it - contact your state representatives and tell them how you feel. We need to work together to protect our industry and our clients!!

LOOKING FOR A LEAD SINGER

Chris and Bernie Shoemaker (Max Broock Realtors) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 05:04:45 -0600

A friend (and client) of mine lost the lead singer in their rock and roll band. They practice in Waterford. They are open to a male or female lead. If you're looking to fulfill your dream to be a rock and roller please let me know and I'll make the introductions.

1247 E. Fourteen Mile Road, Birmingham MI PRICE REDUCED TO $469,000!

Chris and Bernie Shoemaker (Max Broock Realtors) — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 06:15:55 -0600

You're looking at 1247 E. Fourteen Mile Road in Birmingham. Do you know someone who would love to have a beautiful brand new home and wouldn't mind living on a main road? Hey, sometimes it's convenient living on a main road!! This home built by Camelot Building in Royal Oak is nearing completion. About 2,200 square feet, 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room, open entry level with hardwood flooring and a granite and cherry kitchen. Full basement too. Circle around to the back, there's a two car garage and covered deck. The master suite has a large bath and huge attached bonus room. What could be better than your own tv room/workout room/office right off your master bedroom!? Watch for an OPEN SUNDAY sign to appear soon. We're just waiting for a few finish items and general clean up and this ones ready to go. MLS#26062318. We have a brochure on this property with all the features if you'd like one I can send you the pdf file.

Waterford Township, Michigan - Don't Rule It Out!

Chris and Bernie Shoemaker (Max Broock Realtors) — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 12:41:55 -0600

We've worked and lived in Waterford Township for what seems like forever. Waterford always get's such a bad rap when it comes to comparisons to the surroundingl communities. But you know - it's really a pretty cool place to live. If you're looking for fine dining, NOT. We do have some great Mexican and Thai places, some pretty good bars and a PANERA'S AND A STARBUCKS in a pinch. I highlight those last two places because they are our official 'Waterford satellite' offices. Some of the things we like best about Waterford

We love all the lakes. If you ever just need to go to the beach in the summer you're never more than a couple miles away. If you want to live on the water there is every price range and lake type available in Waterford.
Lots of places to walk. We both love to walk and there are lots great places to walk around the center of Waterford.
Parks - there are lots of great parks, a wonderful water park, the Fridge and the Drayton Plains Nature Center
You can get to anywhere from here. I can quickly get to Clarkston, Pontiac, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Auburn Hills and Bloomfield Hills in literally minutes.
It's a community for everyone. Lots of diversity, lots of seniors, lots of first time homebuyers.
Schools - Well we're working on them. The schools have improved quite a bit in the time since we first moved here. As an ex teacher myself I know that one of the main parts of that equation are the parents so you can never count on only the school system totally.
It's AFFORDABLE - REALLY AFFORDABLE. When you compare housing prices you'll see that you can buy a great home in a great neighborhood near parks, lakes, and trails without breaking the bank!

So when you're considering your first, or maybe your last home don't rule out Waterford. Take a look around and see what you might be missing.