Reducing Radon Levels in Michigan Well Water - 12/31/10 11:02 PM
This is part two of the post "Reducing Radon Levels in Michigan Well Water". This article goes into standards, traditional systems and costs. Hope you find this post helpful.
Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
Reducing Radon Levels in Michigan Well Water
A few days ago, I wrote about radon in Michigan drinking water... specifically, well water. As promised, here is the information on reducing radon -- if you have a dangerous amount in your tested sample.

U.S. Standards and Michigan Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a danger level for radon levels in a house: 4.0 pCi/L. … (0 comments)

61st Perchville King and Queen, Tawas City Michigan - 12/31/10 04:00 PM
Committee picks 61st Perchville King and Queen for the 2011 winter festival
Royalty for the upcoming 61st Perchville Festival has been announced by Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce officials.
This year's king and queen are East Tawas resident Jim Kolts and Tawas City resident Christine McDaniels.
Each year, the festival's king and queen are nominated by members of the public, the Perchville Committee looks at the nominations and for those who were involved in volunteering in the public.
The names are narrowed down and are further voted upon by the committee, which ultimately makes the selection. Congratulations to Jim and Christine!references: … (0 comments)

Radon in Michigan's Drinking Water - 12/30/10 09:22 PM
Interesting post on radon gases in our drinking water. A little knowledge about radon, what it is, how it gets there and how to reduce it. Hope it helps.
Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
Radon in Michigan's Drinking Water
We are all familiar with radon gas and the problem it presents in certain homes... but did you know it can be in the drinking water as well?
 
Radon -- A Quick Primer
Radon gas has no color, odor, or taste and comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in the ground.
Most of the radon in indoor … (1 comments)

Oxford Lakes Michigan, Waterfront Community - 12/30/10 08:21 AM
Oxford Lakes, Year Round Lake Community LivingOxford Village, Michigan 48371
"Beach Park", landscaped and fenced 6 acre park has something for everyone. Gazebo, sandy beach, picnic tables, grills, private boat launch and dock, play structure, basketball-volleyball-tennis courts and bathroom facilities. This association only park overlooks the 115 acre spring fed Oxford Lake, stocked with bluegill-trout-bass and walleye.
Custom homes on the market as of 12/29/2010:* 575 Thornehill Trl, $149,900 - 2445 sq.ft - 3 bedrooms* 735 Lakes Edge Dr, $159,900 - 2518 sq.ft - 4     "* 550 Lakes Edge Dr, $174,900 - 1741 sq.ft - 3     "* 622 Bay Pointe Dr, … (0 comments)

City Of Lapeer, Lapeer County, Michigan - 12/27/10 08:35 AM
City of Lapeer, Lapeer County, Michigan 48446price trends, statistics, market conditions12/27/2010
1 Sold This Holiday Week:  1372 Luxington Dr, $65,000 (private owned) 392 days on market
3 Listings This Week:  411 N. Main St, $73,000 (hud owned) 2,366 sq.ft  920 W. Oregon St, $110,000 (private owned) 1,248 sq.ft  1752 Clark Rd, $275,000 (private owned) 2,310 sq.ft
Market Conditions as of 12/26/2010:  Median single family home prices are $122,250 - no % change  With a market action index at 17.85, Lapeer is currently a buyer's   market - no difference from last week  Average property has been on the market for about 217 … (0 comments)

Finding A Realtor - 12/26/10 08:19 AM
This is an excerpt from the new book,"Finding New Neighbors"
Finding the right Realtor is a very personal matter. You'll need one that is going to work to find you your next home.
This person has to have an ear to listen to your needs, patience to show you enough homes for you to make an educated decision of what's on the market, time to dedicate to your "plan to purchase" and the knowledge of the real estate industry to make it all come together in a timely manner.
Locating the right Realtor is as important as locating the right home. … (5 comments)

The Long-Term Effects Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - 12/25/10 10:25 AM
Jason Channell wrote this post about carbon monoxide poisoning. A timely reminder for this time of year, with furnaces running and homes closed up more. We all should invest in at least 1 CO monitor.
Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
The Long-term Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Why is carbon monoxide, also known as CO, such a potentially deadly gas? Why can it have devastating short-term and long-term effects upon your life? Assuming, of course, that it doesn’t kill you.
One reason is that CO is the silent killer. We can't taste CO, smell CO, or see CO. Unless … (0 comments)

Metamora, Michigan - 12/25/10 10:07 AM
Your thinking about moving to Metamora, and don't really know to much about the city or the area. Here's all the information in one short article.
What does Metamora have to offer?
Metamora is .7 square miles with a population of 507 people and 188 households.
Metamora is an indian name meaning "among the hills". First settled by Eber Barrows who built an inn here in 1843.
Wide open spaces with elevations from 903 feet at Lake Metamora to 1,280 feet at Mount Christie. The community holds on to its historical and country traditions, old town atmosphere.
Metamora Township countryside has drawn … (1 comments)

Market Reports For Oakland And Lapeer Counties, Local MLS - 12/24/10 08:30 AM
The latest MLS figures for Oakland and Lapeer counties.
Listing Inventory:Lapeer - down 20.7% to 679 homesOakland - down 22.5% - 9,483 homes
Unit Sales-Foreclosure:Lapeer - no changeOakland - down 15.4% to 485 homes
Unit Sales-Non-Foreclosure:Oakland - down 9.0% - 831 homesLapeer - down 7.0% to 53 homes
Total Sales:Lapeer - down 4.2% to 91 homes      Oakland - down 11.4% - 1,316 homes
Median Sales Price-Foreclosure:Lapeer - up 65.4% - $80,200      Oakland - down 16.3% to $57,100
Median Sales Price-Non-Foreclosure:Oakland - down 1.4% to $145,000      Lapeer - up 29.5% - $123,000
Average Days on Market:Lapeer - 107 days      Oakland - 106 … (0 comments)

Michigan Homes And Sewer Gases - 12/23/10 10:40 PM
This article on sewer gases is eye opening. I never knew how many different gases were in the sewers. Hope this post comes in handy if your experiencing some of these problems.
Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
Michigan Homes And Sewer Gases
Did you ever have a yucky smell coming from your drain? You just might have a problem with sewer gases.

When waste in sewer or septic systems decompose, they create sewer gases, which can have a really nasty impact on a resident's health.
Sewer gas is a complex mixture of toxic and non-toxic gases that can be present … (1 comments)

Lake Orion, Michigan - 12/23/10 02:23 PM
What does Lake Orion have to offer?
So your thinking about moving to Lake Orion and don't really know to much about the city or area. Here's all the info in one short post.
Lake Orion is home to Bald Mountain State Park, Indianwood Golf and Country Club, Canterbury Village, Scripps Mansion and General Motors-Orion Assembly. Originated as a resort town and over time has incorporated elements of a bedroom community.
*In 1929, Amelia Earhart flew an experimental glider at Scripps Mansion.
Lake Orion is served by the Lake Orion Community Schools school district, which has 7 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, … (0 comments)

Oxford Michigan, Real Estate - 12/22/10 03:34 PM
Oxford, Oakland County Michigan, 48371market reports, statistics, trends12/22/2010
2 New Listings This Week:* 18 Davison St, $23,500 (bank owned)* 550 Lakes Edge Dr, $174,900 (bank owned)
4 Solds Reported This Week:* 11 Jersey St, $69,000 / 9 days on market* 55 Mill, $117,500 / 99 dom* 355 Lakes Edge Dr, $180,000 / 115 dom* 510 Bay Pointe Dr, $232,000 / 92 dom
Real Estate Market As Of 12/19/2010:* median single family home price is $215,715 - down    1% from 12/05/2010* market action index is at 17.09, which makes Oxford a buyer's market* average property has been on the market for about … (1 comments)

Beating a Michigan Winter With Space Heaters - 12/22/10 08:52 AM
Here's a great post on space heaters, from selection to proper use. As Jason states, 25,000 fires and 300 deaths resulting from misuse of these, read the safety precautions.
Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
Beating a Michigan Winter With Space Heaters   Well, we dodged the winter storm bullet here in SE Michigan until this weekend. Yikes, it is coming down now. And the temperatures are supposed to drop into the low teens and single digits. So all of us Michiganders are going to expect a lot from our furnaces over the next few days. But furnaces aren't the … (0 comments)

8 Ways To Seal Air Leaks - 12/21/10 08:14 AM
For what the typical family wastes every year on air leaks-about $350-you can plug energy robbing gaps, start saving money and enjoy a more comfortable home.
Here are 8 places to start.
1. Insulate around recessed lightsMost recessed lights have vents that open into the attic, a direct route for heated or cooled air to escape.
2. Plug open stud cavitiesMost of your house probably has an inner skin of drywall or plaster between living space and unheated areas.
3. Close gaps around flues and chimneysBuilding codes require that wood framing be kept at least 1 inch from metal flues and … (2 comments)

Beating a Michigan Winter By Adding Insulation - 12/20/10 09:09 PM
I guess I missed 7th grade science class. All this information on insulation, air quality and drafts makes this post very useful. Save this for future reference.
Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
Beating a Michigan Winter By Adding Insulation
Newer houses are typically constructed with energy efficiency in mind, but homeowners of older houses around Michigan can conserve energy and protect their bank account by insulating and air sealing their house.

How Insulation Works
Let's go back to 7th Grade Science class... Heat flows naturally from warm spaces to cooler spaces, so during wintertime, heat flows from the … (0 comments)

Holiday Fire Safety Tips - 12/19/10 08:32 AM
The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times of the year for household fires, so take note of these tips to reduce your risk.
Residential fires during the holiday season are more frequent, more costly and more deadly than at any other time of the year.
To keep your household from becoming a holiday fire statistic, here are some safety tips to follow.
Cooking:Cooking is the top cause of holiday fires, the most common culprit is food that's left unattended. Take a pot holder with you when you leave the kitchen as a reminder that you have something on … (5 comments)

City of Lapeer, Lapeer County, Michigan - 12/18/10 08:56 PM
City of Lapeer, Lapeer County, Michigan 48446market conditions, price trends, statistics12/18/2010
New market statistics as of 12/12/2010 for Lapeer:* The median single family home price dropped 1% this week to    $122,896 * Market action index is at 17.93, this along with the drop in    housing prices shows us we're still in a buyer's market* The average property has been on the market for about 215    days - which is an increase of 2% over last week* The median price per square foot is down 2% to about $80* About 242 properties are on the market this week, down … (0 comments)

Keeping Water Hot And Tanks Safe - 12/18/10 12:01 PM
Found this post very informative, I'll pass it along so you can better understand the reasons behind the safety (TPR) valve. Thanks for the post Jason.

Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
Keeping Water Hot And Tanks Safe
Assuming you have a water heater tank (as opposed to a tankless system), you understand how the water gets hot. But as the water gets hot, pressure also builds up in the tank. A special valve, called the Temperature Pressure Relief (TPR) valve, is a device that makes sure the pressure never gets to dangerous levels.
 

TPR valves … (0 comments)

Should You Give Your Child A Down Payment? - 12/17/10 08:22 AM
With home prices and mortgage rates appealingly low and no-money-down loans nowhere to be found, more young adults are turning to family to get into their 1st home.
Over the past year, 36% of 1st time buyers got help with their down payment from family or friends, typically parents, according to the National Association of Realtors, up from 28% the previous year.
If you want to give your child a leg up on a home purchase, 1st make sure you're on track to hit your retirement goals. Then you'll need to figure out whether you want to give them the money, extend … (5 comments)

Buy A Foreclosure, Save 30% - 12/16/10 05:03 PM
Foreclosed properties are selling at a discount that can only be described as huge!
Homes in foreclosure sold for 32% less than homes not in foreclosure during the 3rd quarter, according to a report released by Realty Trac. The biggest average discount for any state was in Ohio, where foreclosures went for 45% below non-foreclosure sales.
The deals were even better for buyers who picked up a home that had been repossessed by the bank (REOs). Prices on the nearly 114,000 REOs sold during the quarter were a whopping 41% lower on average than non-foreclosed homes sold.
That means you could … (0 comments)

Carbon Monoxide: Staying Safe During Winter - 12/16/10 09:14 AM
Jason, great advice on this subject. I thought this post was well organized and right to the point, we all need to "stay safe". Where to install the device also very helpful.
Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
Carbon Monoxide: Staying Safe During Winter
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. And since it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, it can kill you before you are aware it is in your home.
CO gets into the house by incomplete combustion of gases -- which means that furnaces and water heaters are common culprits. … (2 comments)

Michigan Wildlife, Your House, And Winter - 12/14/10 08:02 AM
Jason, this post reminded me of the time squirrels invaded our cottage during the winter up near AuGres. But your right, the pleasure of watching deer in your yard is worth the few eaten vegetables or flowers.
Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
Michigan Wildlife, Your House, And Winter
Did you ever grow a garden, only to have the deer come by and eat your hard work up? That's frustrating. But what about now, when food supplies are more limited and the snow is dropping?
We typically think of wildlife damage in terms of our spring and summer gardens … (2 comments)

The Real Estate Office, Chapter 6 - 12/14/10 07:52 AM
The real estate office starts with the head broker within the office, overseeing all of the transactions conducted by the agents in the office. This guarantees the buyer that their best interests are being met. Checks and balances during the process with set guidelines made by governing laws within the industry hold the broker and agent accountable for their activity.
Part of the brokers job is to find licensed agents to work inside their office that reflect the brokers ideals and standards so that they, as an office can be productive, professional and cost effective. Each and every contract to purchase … (0 comments)

Water Filtration Systems - 12/13/10 08:44 AM
Great post Jason, living in Lapeer County this was very interesting. Thought I would pass this on after reading about "how long do filters last and different types of filters".
Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
 
Water Filtration Systems
Are you interested in improving the flavor and quality of your tap water? You may want to consider purchasing a carbon water filtration system.
These systems are easy to install, relatively inexpensive, and cover the basic functions of filtration.
Water filter charcoal medium carbon is derived from coconut husk, and it is extremely absorbent of impurities.
These kind of … (0 comments)

How To Save Thousands Of Dollars Recovering From A Disaster - 12/12/10 08:58 AM
Just read this article about recovering from a disaster, I never thought about rebuilding with code changes and re-zoning. So I'm passing it along for your information. Thanks Jason, eye opening post!
Via Jason Channell, The House Sleuth (Diadem Property Inspections):
How To Save Thousands Of Dollars Recovering From A Disaster
Imagine going through a disaster in your house -- a fire, or a big flood. Your house gets put back together, but due to code changes, your older electrical system wasn't going to fly with the newer requirements. So you, the homeowner, get stuck paying for that portion of the restoration project.
… (3 comments)

AuGres Michigan, Bike Path Completed - 12/12/10 08:39 AM
After originally being discussed by the AuGres City Council as an idea in 1996, and after construction which began more than 2 years ago, AuGres finally has its bike path.
The newly completed path stretches from Main St. and travels to the mouth of the AuGres River. The path is estimated to be around 2.5 miles in length and cost approximately $350,000 to complete.
The project was paid for thanks to money received from a $750,000 Michigan Economic Development Corp. grant, received in January, and 2, 2.0 percent allocation grants from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
The most time consuming and … (0 comments)

Oxford Lakes Michigan, Waterfront Community - 12/11/10 06:20 PM
Oxford Lakes, Year Round Lake Community LivingOxford Village, Michigan 48371
This subdivision is within walking distance of downtown Oxford for dining, shopping or just walking around enjoying the sights. Many custom homes and private parks overlook the 115 acre spring fed Oxford Lake, stocked with bluegill, trout, bass and walleye.
Custom homes on the market as of 12/09/2010:* 224 Oxford Lake Dr, $109,000 - short sale - 2244 sq.ft* 730 Woodleigh Way, $134,900 - bank owned - 2626 sq.ft* 233 Oxford Lake Dr, $139,900 - private owned - 2035 sq.ft* 575 Thornehill Trl, $149,900 - short sale - 2445 sq.ft* 735 Lakes … (0 comments)

Oxford Twp. Michigan, Property Values & Taxes Going Down Again Next Year - 12/11/10 08:38 AM
The good news is most everyone's property tax bills are once again going to decrease next year, in Oxford Township Michigan, 48371.
The bad news is it's not because government got more efficient or cut spending, it's because their property's assessed value is continuing to decline.
According to tentative data provided by the Oakland County Equalization Division, the State Equalized Value (sev) of residential properties in Oxford Township decreased by an average of 2.5 to 3.0 percent for the 2011 assessment notices, which will be mailed out in February.
Countywide, the sev for residential properties decreased by an average of about 8.0 … (0 comments)

Arenac Soil Conservation District To Start Farmers Market Next Year - 12/10/10 08:14 AM
The Arenac Soil Conservation District is in the beginning stages of organizing a farmers market for county residents.
The administrator for the district received a lot of feedback from people saying they would like to see a market in the county. If enough local farmers express interest, then the district would like to begin the market in the spring or summer of 2011.
The district has a 1.5 acre piece of property on East City Limits Rd. which it would use for the market.
As far as what type of items would be sold at the market, the main focus would … (0 comments)

Oxford Michigan, 48371 - 12/09/10 11:38 AM
Oxford , Oakland County, Michigan 48371trends, market reports, statistics12/09/2010
Solds this week:* 36 Pearl St, $1,075 (lease)* 18 Pleasant St, $52,100 (bank owned)* 643 Bay Pointe Dr, $230,000 (private owned)
Real estate market today (12/05/2010):* The median single family home price is $218,777 -   no change from last week* With a market action index at 16.67, Oxford is    currently a buyer's market* The average property has been on the market for    about 191 days - up 1%* Price per square foot for homes is about $98* There are about 196 properties on the market - down 1%
Listings this week:* … (0 comments)

Arenac County Fund Auction - 12/08/10 01:01 PM
An auction held at Dunleavey's Eatery & Pub in AuGres, raised a total of $7,833 for the Arenac County Fund. Money for the fund was raised from the auction, a 50-50 raffle, donations from the Arenac County Fund board and donations from people in attendance.
Dunleavey's has hosted the auction the past 8 years and was filled with people looking to bid on 80 items. The Arenac County Fund distributed grants to local organizations and schools, more than $80,000 in the last 10 years.
To make a donation to the fund or to get more information, call 989-893-4438 and specify that … (0 comments)

City Of Lapeer Michigan 48446 - 12/05/10 09:57 PM
City of Lapeer, Lapeer County, Michigan 48446statistics, market conditions, price trends12/05/2010
3 new listings this week:* 1023 Pine St, $400 (lease)* 510 Railroad St, $22,900 (bank owned)* 282 Mansfield Dr, $114,900 (bank owned)
Reported solds this week:* 394 S. Elm St, $39,900 (private owned)* 312 Courtneys Place Est, $69,900 (bank owned)
Market statistics as of 11/28/2010: * Median single family home price is $123,973* New listings down 38.8%* With a market action index at 18.17, currently a buyer's market* Year to date solds down 3.4%* Non foreclosure sales down 13.3%* Foreclosure sales even* Average property has been on the market for … (0 comments)

3470 Hagerman Rd, Leonard Michigan, 48367, 19.1 Acres with pond - 12/03/10 05:34 PM
Country Living!
Enjoy peace and quiet on the 19 acres surrounding this almost new ranch home with 3 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms, master suite and first floor laundry. Open kitchen with breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, dining area, wood floors and 2 fireplaces. Partially finished walkout basement with wood shop, patio and large deck, 3 car garage.
The seller has reduced the asking price $30,000 to $359,958...that's $125 per square foot...19.1 beautiful acres...stocked pond...large storage building...
For a private showing, contact Donald Horne at 1-800-628-7356 x 8065 or dhorne@cbshooltz.net TODAY!

… (2 comments)

East Tawas Michigan, Rang In The Holidays - 12/03/10 02:52 PM
Despite temperatures in the upper 20s, crowds in the hundreds heralded the opening of the holiday season Friday evening in downtown East Tawas.
The celebration began downtown at about 6 pm with a parade and was followed with caroling and the 35th annual lighting of the city's Christmas tree.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in East Tawas during the parade on a horse drawn "Cinderella" carriage for the first of their several visits to the Tawases this year.
Sponsored by the East Tawas Business Association, the parade was capped off with caroling and a tree lighting along the Tawas Bay waterfront … (0 comments)

Oxford Michigan, 48371 - 12/01/10 05:07 PM
Oxford, Oakland County, Michigan 48371market reports, statistics, trends12/01/2010
Real Estate Market Today:* median single family home price is $218,708 - up 1%* market action index is at 16.82, currently a buyers    market *** average property has been on the market for about    189 days - down 2%* the median price per square foot for homes is about    $98 - down 1%* about 198 properties are on the market as of    11/28/2010 - down 2%* what does this all mean? inventory is down (2%), days   on market is down (2%), these 2 figures push up (1%)   median home … (0 comments)

 
Donald_horne_9_ Rainmaker_large

Donald Horne, Associate Broker Oxford / Lapeer Homes

Oxford, MI

More about me…

Coldwell Banker-Shooltz Realty

Address: 110 S. Washington St., Oxford, MI, 48371

Office Phone: (248) 969-8065

Cell Phone: (810) 338-0628

Email Me

Donald Horne Realtor on Zillow


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5757%20genesee%20ave
$149,960
1 br, 1 ba, 1,352 sqft
Own your own party store! Downtown Otter Lake! Building and business. Nice lo...
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$249,000
3 br, 2 ba, 1,771 sqft
Seriously! Why have you not looked at this home? It has everything your famil...

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