Beautiful Home In The Highlands - 03/28/10 11:11 AM
… (0 comments)

Things To Ask Your Realtor If You Are Considering A Short Sale - 03/26/10 09:26 AM
Many home owners are justifiably confused when it comes to a short sale.  Clients are relying on their Realtor to be the expert that will assist them through their home selling process.  A short sale is a very challenging process and can be devastating for a client if the appropriate steps are not taken, in a timely fashion with the lender.
Do I Qualify For A Short Sale?
The mere fact that you owe more than your home is currently worth does not qualify you for a short sale.  You must be able to show financial hardship and the inability to no longer afford … (4 comments)

Video Email - 03/22/10 01:56 PM
Video Email
I recently attended a training course that covered a great new way to communicate with your clients.  After a long day at work, your client comes home to a dozen or so email that they have to sort through and read - you want yours to stand out so they won't miss it or accidentally delete it.  I have the perfect solution and the best part is it is FREE.  Eyejot is a video email program that is completely free, all you need is a web cam and you are on your way.  You can register for a free account that … (2 comments)

203K Rehab Loans - 03/21/10 07:24 AM
203K Rehab Loans

Many times, our buyers find a home that needs repairs done to it and they do not have the additional funds to make those repairs.  There is good news for these clients.  If the client can qualify for a higher loan amount, they might want to look at a 203K rehab loan.  These loans allow financing up to $35,000 for repairs and improvements with cash up front.
Eligible Repairs:
New roof, gutters and downsprouts Repair or replace plumbing and electric New furnace and central air Fresh paint inside and out, new carpet and tile Purchase new appliances … (4 comments)

Homeownership Opportunities Program (HOP Grants) - 03/21/10 07:17 AM
Homeownership Opportunities Program

This is a grant program that I just learned about last week and it has tremendous value to many home buyers.  Home buyers can receive a matching grant up to $7,500.
Eligible families can use the HOP Grant for down payments and closing costs.  For every $1 you save, you can receive $3.  So if you save $1,500, you can receive a matching grant of $4,500.  This gives you a total of $6,000 for your down payment and closing costs. 
The HOP Grant is open to households with annual incomes of 80 percent of less of their … (4 comments)

4112 Sherwood Forest - Beautiful Condo Close To The Bay - 03/20/10 09:16 AM
… (1 comments)

Black Star Farms - Michigan Winery Treasure - 03/14/10 09:19 AM
 Wine is not only a wonderful way to relax and spend time with friends and family, it is a way of life in Northern Michigan.  Our climate is equal to that of some of the most famous wineries in France.  Many people do not know of the many wonderful, award winning wines that come from our region.  Black Star Farmsis one of our premier wineries in Northern Michigan.
In 1998, Sport Valley Farm, a 120 acre equestrian facility, renowned for its palatial red estate house, stables, barns and outlying paddocks was purchased by Kerm Campbell and Donald Coe.  Shortly after purchasing … (4 comments)

Homes For Heroes - 03/08/10 06:37 AM
 
SPRING HOUSING MARKET IS UNDERWAY
GREAT DISCOUNTS FROM HOMES FOR HEROES
Homes For Heroes ® offers large savings to local heroes when buying or selling a home:  A different approach to affordable home ownership
With the Spring housing market underway, Homes For Heroes is gearing up to serve as many Heroes as possible. Homes For Heroes aims to help close the gap between the cost of housing and buyers in the following groups:  military personnel, police officers, firefighters, teachers, first responders and others who serve our community and nation.
Homes For Heroes, is celebrating its eighth year of bringing big … (7 comments)

Grand Traverse Area Firsts - 03/08/10 06:06 AM
Famous Grand Traverse Area Firsts
The First white settlers in Grand Traverse County were Rev. Peter Dougherty and John Fleming, 1839.
The First frame building in the region was constructed at Old Mission, 1842.
The First church constructed in Grand Traverse County was in 1842 at Old Mission.
The First wedding in Grand Traverse County was that of Olive Dame to Ansel Salisbury in 1842.
The First white child corn in the region was Henry Miller in 1846.
The First white settlers in Traverse City were Horace Boardman and Michael Gay in 1847.
The First residence in Traverse City was built … (1 comments)

Michigan Moose Hunting - 03/08/10 06:05 AM
Moose Hunting In Michigan
 
Senator Jason Allen has recently sponsored a bill SB1013, which asks the Natural Resources Commission to establish a moose season in Michigan.  Moose currently have the designation of a game animal by the state of Michigan, which makes creating a new hunting season fairly easy.  The question of the day is, do we have enough heard to warrant implementing a sustainable moose hunt?
Currently, Michigan is home to approximately 500 moose, which call the Upper Peninsula home.  Moose were re-introduced into this region in 1985 and 1987 from Ontario's Algonquin Provincial Park.  This re-introduction was intended … (0 comments)

Asian Carp Taking Over - 03/08/10 06:04 AM
Save Our Great Lakes
One of the world's largest suppliers of fresh water and it is in danger of a disaster.  For several years now, Asian carp have been populating Illinois and Chicago rivers.  The Chicago canal links to Lake Michigan.  If these fish are allowed to enter into the Great Lakes Region and populate our waters the way they have populated the Illinois and Chicago rivers, we risk jeopardizing a $7 billion fishing industry.  Our government officials in Washington D.C. have known about this problem for quite some time and are choosing not to take an aggressive approach to stopping … (1 comments)

Great Wines At A Discount - 03/08/10 06:02 AM
Spring Cellar Sale
Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
March 12 - 14, 2010
 
Seven of our finest wineries in Traverse City are preparing for the new season and offering substantial discounts on many of their wines.  If you have not tried these wineries, now is you change to get some of the best wines in the world at greatly discounted prices.  Northern Michigan produces a wonderful array of wines, sparkling wines and ice wines.  Many of our wineries have numerous Gold Medal winning wines.
2 Lads Winery
Black Star Farms of Old Mission
Bowers Harbor Wineyards
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Chateau Chantal
… (1 comments)

Do You Have Mountain Moving FAITH? - 03/07/10 06:50 AM
This is a very powerful viedo, take a few minutes to watch it
Via Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of Frisco TX Homes (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY):
I know I'm speaking to you today through my Sunday God First post. To the self-employed and to those who works on commission. What I just want to tell you is just to put yourself out there, be the best you can be and God will take care of the rest.
Kutless sang their latest release, What Faith can do - which is the center of my post today. I want you to take 4 minutes … (2 comments)

New FHA Loan Guidelines-Effective April 5 2010-Heidi Engel REMAX - 03/07/10 06:41 AM
Let's not forget about these new guidelines, they affect all of us.
Via Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban):
Some great, simply explained, FHA changes to it's lending policy. 

New Lending Policies Announced by FHA  
 If you've been listening to the housing news, you've probably heard about some lending changes that were announced by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). While many of the news reports were confusing, the truth is pretty clear...and isn't as bad as some people may have heard.
Overall the measures announced by the FHA are intended to help the organization better manage its risks … (2 comments)

Home Gardening Styles for Busy, Budget Conscious Homeowners - 03/06/10 07:09 AM
Great ideas for a stress relieving Zen Garden
Via James Foxx (ForeclosureDeals):
You can still do home gardening despite your busy schedule and your tight budget by considering the following gardening styles. These styles do not require much of your time and they do not cost much, but they will show after a time that you have put great care and effort into your garden, not mentioning the joy and love that you feel as you do your gardening.
One of these great but simple gardening styles is Zen gardening. A Zen garden is easy to maintain because it is not overloaded with … (1 comments)

How the first time home buyer credit helped the market - 03/06/10 07:07 AM
This is a great article on how this tax credit is potentially affecting our markets
Via Russ Ravary - Michigan Homes for sale - Michigan Real estate & Mortgage info (Remerica Hometown One):
How has the first time home buyer tax credit helped the market?  I myself think it has been one of the Democrats best success stories.  Obama shined with that one.  I know Republicans and tea party members rabidly hate him,   BUT>>>>>>.  The first time home buyer tax credit did stabilze the housing values in many real estate markets across the country or at least slowed the downward spiral.  I think … (1 comments)

Networking Secrets - 03/05/10 07:43 AM
We have all been there, spent hours each week going to networking events to come home with no new contacts and the feeling of "why did I waste my time on that event".  It takes more than jsut being a wall flower in a room full of potential customers. You have to work the room.
Show up early and ready to work with your pockets full of business cards Attend with a business associate and split the room, you will reach twice as many people and you can then share your contacts. Make sure that your 30 second commercial is compelling … (22 comments)

Michigan Is Headed For Brighter Days - 03/05/10 06:17 AM
Northern Michigan has always been in a little pocket all of its own.  We tend not to be subjected to most of the doom and gloom that the rest of the state has been experiencing.  Some may ask - Why is that?  Well, I will tell you why.  We have several advantages in our area.
Our region has a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit, better focus on the quality of life and a better workforce.  I believe that these are three key elements to why we will see recovery faster than any other region in Michigan.
In December, Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved a … (5 comments)

Who are you aiming to please? Are you still stuck in high school? #in - 03/05/10 06:06 AM

Via Barry Owen (Keller Williams Realty):
I've written several times about this notion of why are you learning?
Are you learning to learn?
Are you just seeking more designations - Cryptic groups of letters after your name on your business card?
Are learning for YOU and your personal improvement?
Where does this learning that you are doing fit into your big picture?
What's the opportunity cost of the education you attend?
In the few hours in a CE class . . . or years of college, were you learning to satisfy a "requirement" or were you attending because the curriculum supports your BIG … (1 comments)

Had To Share! - 03/05/10 06:04 AM

Via Paula Roberts (Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty):
I had acreage listed and unfortunately it had expired. End of Story right? Wrong!- On Tuesday afternoon I received this call inquiring on the property. You say no big deal right? happens all the time, right? Well because the Land was expired and because we sold a small portion previously I explained to the potential Buyer I would need to get with the Seller and would call him back. Spoke to the Seller and got the go ahead. Seller was very excited. I went to my trust worthy phone to retrieve the number and my stupid … (1 comments)

Buying a Home in Need of Repairs....Think 203K - 03/05/10 05:59 AM

Via Dave diCecco (Coldwell Banker United):
i was inclined to write about a 203k loan today after showing a home yesterday.  My buyers were in need of a new home.  They were interested in something that they could put a little "sweat equity" into.  As long as the repairs to the home were not going to be to extensive.  In our search they found a home that they liked.  We went out to look at the home and found the work to be more than we both anticipated.  (it was a bank foreclosure).  Thus the disclosure did not state the extent of the … (1 comments)

A Good Home Inspector...Worth their Weight in Closed Transactions ! - 03/05/10 05:58 AM

Via Sally & David Hanson WI Realtors Res.\Comm\Short Sale\CDPE\ABR\e-Pro (Keller Williams 414-525-0563):
     One of the very best assets a realtor can have and a buyer will value is a good home inspector. It is a fine line to walk between being thorough and noting aras where there may have been some deferred maintenance and sounding the "defect" alarm scaring the buyers into withdrawing an offer for what "may be, could be" a problem. Laws are different in different states and it is part of the responsibility of the realtor to explain what can happen on a home inspection and the remedies … (1 comments)

Take the Townhalls to Washington..... I need your help ASAP... - 03/05/10 05:54 AM

Via Alice Linahan (Keller Williams):
I need your help ASAP..
Please reblog and help me spread the word!!
 

As people in the Real Estate Industry who are seeing exactly how the Obama Administration is "Fundamentally Changing America" it is our turn to Step Up, Speak Out and become engaged in the battle to save our Country.
The battle right now is Obamacare.

As a member of the Nationwide Tea Party I am charged with getting you to Washington DC
between March 10th and March 26th.
The Plan......
Take the Town Halls to Washington
"Despite the opposition of the … (5 comments)

Asbestos Prevention and Healthy Tips for the Home - 03/04/10 01:36 PM
Asbestos Prevention and Healthy Tips for the Home
 The road to owning a home is a wonderful experience, but one that requires new responsibilities. Homes that are newly purchased may require additional remodeling or repairs.
Potential home buyers or those remodeling older homes should be aware homes built before 1980 maintain the chance of containing asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction applications for the greater part of the 20th century.
This does not mean you should be afraid because asbestos exposure is easily prevented by taking simple precautions. It should be noted that most asbestos will … (2 comments)

When the Movies Come to Your Town - 03/04/10 08:09 AM

Via Marla Schneider - Move with Marla (The Marla Schneider Team):
A trip to the movies can be a fun adventure for the whole family. But did you know that portions of some famous movies were filmed right in Northbrook and Wilmette? It's true, let's have a look: 
1. "Weird Science" is about two nerds who create the perfect woman. Set in the fictional Shermer, Illinois, some of their adventures were filmed at Northbrook Court in Northbrook.
2. "Ordinary People", about an Illinois family coping with the death of their oldest son, has a scene in the Original Pancake House at 153 … (1 comments)

Workshop for House owners is focusing on Foreclosure Prevention - 03/04/10 08:08 AM

Via Kevin Simpson (ForeclosureListings.com):
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association the number of house owners facing risk from foreclosure touched a new high for the 9th running quarter. In the Mendocino County Fairgrounds nearly 50 persons were either struggling to hold on to their houses or planning to purchase their first nest, recently got together at a workshop aimed at stalling foreclosures.
Cathy Fantulin a house owner residing in Fort Bragg complained, “Our loans just keep getting sold over and over.” Her predicament typifies a national tendency.
According to the Associated Press unemployment is currently the prime reason for defaults … (0 comments)

Thankful Thursdays: Another GOOD reason to wear a helmet! - 03/04/10 08:07 AM

Via Wanda Kubat-Nerdin (Prado Real Estate, St. George, UT 435.632.9374):

As I entered the intersection, I wondered why traffic had come to a stop. Everyone was at a standstill and the light kept changing without movement. I started looking for reasons why everyone was stalled. I couldn't see anything impeding traffic in front of the line of cars and then I looked in my rear view mirror.
I was SHOCKED and HORRIFIED to see a motorcycle completely underneath a vehicle! And then I saw the mtorcycle rider on the side of the road getting treatment from an off-duty medic.
Thank goodness, … (1 comments)

Listings Are The Name Of The Game - 03/04/10 08:05 AM

Via Barbara Todaro (RE/MAX Executive Realty in Franklin, Ma):
My team and I have always been listing agents.  We are marketing agents for those sellers/builders, and I spend a considerable amount of money each and every month in order to make the phone ring to accomplish two objectives. The first goal is to ensure that our inventory does sell.  I market our supply of homes to make the phone ring with buyer calls.  That's my job.....to market.  The second goal is to maintain a consistent supply of listings and to make sure our inventory is replenished, as each home sells.  
We disclose … (1 comments)

Spring Is Right Around The Corner - 03/04/10 08:02 AM
Yesterday was such a beautiful day in Northern Michigan.  We had a full day wonderful sunshine.  The Bay was full of incredible turquoise color with the slightest of ripples.  It was a great day to spend your lunch hour watching the peaceful calm of the water.
We are in for some warmer temperatures over the next few days.  You never know, we may even get all of our snow melted by St. Patrick's Day.  I think I see a daffodil sprouting in my garden.
Some say this is foolish thinking because we could get hit with a March/April storm.  Although this … (2 comments)

Do Not Get Fooled by a Prolific Scammer - 03/04/10 07:57 AM

Via Simone Bercu, Montgomery Co, MD Real Estate, CRS, GRI, e-PRO, Assoc. Broker (Weichert, Realtors):
Wow...turned on my BB early this morning and to my delight I got another lead on my website!  As I started reading the note, I became suspicious.  But before I started looking up homes for this "prospect" I did two very wise things.  Read below...what would you have done?
You are receiving this email because Mr. Ming Xing  (hot prospect)  has emailed you from your website.
 
 

First, I clicked on the website link.  There was no such company or website.  Than I looked up "everglory trading".  Guess what, … (2 comments)

Chicken and Black Bean Casserole - 03/04/10 07:56 AM

Via Cindy Steinemann REMAX Premier (www.LadyBugMe.com):
Original Recipe Yield 4 servings  
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, sliced 2 chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch pieces 1 (16 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, undrained 1 (8 ounce) package black beans, cooked and drained 2 ounces green chile peppers, diced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1/2 cup uncooked white rice Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions, and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in chicken; cook until golden on all sides. Pour … (1 comments)

365 Things Do To In Austin, Texas: Aussie's Grill and Beach Bar - 03/04/10 07:55 AM

Via Kristy Owen, Realtor, GRI (Moreland Properties ):
Whether you are stopping by to get your daily fix of sports on one of their big screen or  to actually get involved in some beach volleyball - it's a fun time.

As far as food goes it is your typical full service bar and grill. Good burgers, good bar food, pretty reasonable priced all around. The real reason most people are dye hard fans is for the volleyball. They offer daily play, weekend tournaments, weekly evening leagues, and accept reservations for private parties - so if you are a volleyball lover in … (0 comments)

So we know what got us here. Where do we go now????? - 03/04/10 04:54 AM

Via sandy reid (Westwood Metes & Bounds):
We have all had enough time to be able to look back and really start to see what has gotten our country in the condition it is now. Greed, poor decisions, over spending on every ones part, heads in the sand mentality etc. etc. etc.There is a scientific principle that has held true that for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. If that is true....................We need to start to think and dwell in that reaction. We can and we are capable of evolving and changing to meet the needs of today. Even … (0 comments)

Why a Good Realtor is like a Good Surgeon - 03/04/10 04:48 AM

Via Evelyn Zebro - Asheville NC Real Estate Broker (Beverly-Hanks & Associates):
A good realtor is like a good surgeon when both use built in measures to make sure everything goes smoothly in their efforts.
I was surfing the tv channels a few weeks ago and came across Dr. Atul Gawande, surgeon at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston (also a staff writer at the New Yorker) who was a guest on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show. Wasn't paying too much attention until he started to talk about measures that were put in place which resulted in a decrease in hospital … (1 comments)

Millions Of Homeowners Poised To Walk Away..What Will YOU Do? - 03/02/10 07:33 AM

Via Tim and Julie Harris (Harris Real Estate University):
Something HUGE is happening...are you paying attention?
Harris Real Estate University students (and future students), remember back in 2007 when we told you to be mindful when the idea of doing a strategic default (Short Sale or Foreclosure) made it into the mainstream press?….we suggested that when that occurred the mindset about housing would be forever changed…
Well, it has happened. You are about to read part of a Wall Street Journal article that proposes that every upside down homeowner considers walking away!
(We also featured videos on our blog of ABC World … (1 comments)

Real Estate Market Conditions for January 2010, Gladwin, Michigan - 03/02/10 05:57 AM

Via Sonya Loose, Associate Broker, ABR, GRI, (Gladwin MI Real Estate (Homewaters Real Estate) ):
Real Estate Market Conditions for January 2010.

Gladwin County is located in rural Northern Michigan and is conveniently located within 3 hours of Detroit and 2-2.5 hours of Flint and Lansing making it easy to come "Up North" for the weekend.  But, we encourage you to stay longer.  After visiting Gladwin you will want to spend much more time here!  Gladwin, Michigan is an area popular for its scenic lakes (including Wixom Lake and Secord Lake), plentiful state land, quaint parks, Amish communities and down town … (1 comments)

Frederick Maryland Foreclosures - Free List - 03/02/10 05:49 AM

Via Fernando Herboso Real Estate Maryland, DC and Virginia (PrimeTime Realty Homes-Foreclosures in Maryland,Rockville MD):
Maryland Foreclosures Get The Very Latest  Free List of Foreclosures   All Foreclosed Homes Just Listed on the Real Estate Market for Frederick Maryland  - FREE - FREE - FREE - FREE - FREE - FREE - FREE - FREE NO CREDIT CARD NEEDED Interested in purchasing bank owned property? Choose from thousands of REO's available in the city of Frederick Maryland . Simply click on the picture and . We will notify you of all new Foreclosure, Bank owned Property, REO listings in Frederick and the … (0 comments)

5 Stages of Grief in a Short Sale - 03/02/10 05:41 AM
This is a wonderful analogy of the short sale process by one of my fellow Active Rain members.
Via Jack Lewitz (Jack A. Lewitz):
 
 
 As a former Social Worker I am reminded of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross book "On Death and Dying' and the five stages a terminally ill patient goes through when informed of their life threatening illness.
The five stages she identifies in her book are:
Denial ( this isn't happening to me!) Anger( why is this happening to me?) Bargaining ( I promise I'll be better person if...) Depression ( I don't care anymore) Acceptance ( I'm ready for … (1 comments)

 
Christine%20stalsonburgcompressed_2_color Rainmaker_large

Christine Stalsonburg Your Traverse City Michigan Realtor

Helping Our Heroes One Home At A Time

Traverse City, MI

More about me…

Cherry Wings Realty

Address: 4224 N. Three Mile Rd., Traverse City, MI, 49686

Office Phone: (231) 409-4140

Email Me

We will bring you up to date information on Traverse City, MI real estate market as well as activities in the area. Current market conditions are very important when making a real estate decision. I keep current daily on any changes in our market, both on and off water.


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