Gary White FlexIt Realty~Real Estate & Updates, Grand Rapids & West Michigan

Cute and Cozy Home For Sale Only $79,900 4154 18th St Dorr, MI

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:31:08 -0600

Gary L. White | FlexIt Realty | 616-784-2360

4154 18th Street, Dorr, MI

Cozy Bungalow with fenced yard, all updates done, roof,
furnace..see for yourself.

2BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $79,900

Year Built	1975
Sq Footage	960
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	13,266 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This is a great starter home or wonderful opportunity for the quiet life if you are down-sizing. A very comfortable low cost home to heat and maintain. The large fenced backyard features a very large private patio. A large area for a garden and a second outbuilding can be used for addition storage, craft area or even an art studio. The inside of this home is as neat as a pin with many updates including carpet and a newer furnace, tastefully finished in neutral colors. The appliances are in like new condition too. The same owner since 1975 and the pride of ownership shows. It is a cozy home close to the expressway so you are minutes from Grand Rapids, Allegan, Wayland. The large lot offer room for toys. Enjoy the quiet life while being close to everything. Come see for yourself how well this home has been maintained. The owner has added a 1 year home warranty with any reasonable offer. Bring your offers with confidence.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central heat	- Living room	- Dining room
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Washer
- Dryer

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Second 2 story barn, use for arts & crafts, extra storage, studio?

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of home	Private patio and garage
Large open kitchen	Nice living room
Large fenced private lot	Additional 2 story barn

Contact info:

Gary L. White

FlexIt Realty

616-784-2360

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 8, 2009, 12:20pm PST

Delay of the Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:50:55 -0600

Working listings that turn to Short Sale Files

I have had a closing delayed so many times on one property the buyer and seller had nearly given up!

The buyer had credit approval from the lender....then...thinking of reducing debt, paid off a credit card to help the score more! Wrong...it lowered the score by 6 points because the buyer didn't have as much available credit any longer. One of those new quirks to credit score ratings. So we extended the close waiting for another car payment to increase the buyers credit score high enough to re-qualify. We extended the close because the buyers offer was such a good offer.

So the seller decides without discussion or council to turn off the utilities because they are sure the sale will happen. Since this is a short sale....the lender files an abandoned property affidavit, to get possession of the property in 30 days. The issue is, the property is not abandoned...the seller has furniture...gets their mail there...they are trying to save money. The seller moves into the parents second home, furnished, also located on a lake for the summer.

The reason the lender filed an affidavit of abandonment...the seller didn't tell me, they additionally decided to not to make their house payments either. So Now my short sale moves into a possible foreclosure. Shot me now....

Since this has gone back and forth for months, the seller dejected...the buyer having troubles the likelihood of closing getting dimmer by the minute...I press the lender to make a decision on the buyers credit...or suggest another lender with different guidelines.

It works, the lender waives a few little nagging issues and the buyer is ready to go.

Now the sellers mortgage holder won't respond because of the pending foreclosure action. I sent five emails....nothing. I mail five phone calls leaving messages....nothing.

I decide to go over the head of the mitigation processor and contact the head account executive. I forward my buy/sell, the addendum's, appraisal and it is 38 pages...of course I throw in 20 emails and my phone log copy...the mortgage holder thinks it is snowing paperwork on this case file.

I must have rubbed a magic lantern...I get a response...they are sorry...when can we close?

I prayed before calling all the parties that nothing had changed...

The close date is set....now everyone has to maintain status quo and this is a done deal!

Not so fast sunshine....the new last minute appraisal dropped the homes value again....we have a new sell price...great now what will the mortgage holder do? Better yet there is a second...they get less too!

I worked that out too....but remember this was a short sale...now a foreclosure and it could have all been done if the first mitigation file manager had done their job.

Lenders don't want these files...they want their books clear. The tarp fund has created a bit more mud in the water but the bottom line. Stick with the file and keep great records, while you are working your normal listings, you will get more closings and more referrals.

Have any delay stories to share?

Live in Grand Rapids or West Michigan area, not under contract? Like to sell or buy a home....give me a call. It could save you thousands in your next real estate transaction. Always confidential, Never Pressured.

Thinking Of Selling? The Right Time is "NOW" for Sellers! $6500.00 Tax Credit

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:23:15 -0600

The "New" stimulus package could make the difference in helping you decide to sell.

It might not have been right to sell before BUT now it could be "Just The Right Time"! To put a sold sign in your yard!

Why?

The Exiting Homeowner - Buyer Stimulus package may make the difference for you. If you have owned your home as a primary residence and lived in your home 5 consecutive of the last 8 years you could get up to a $6500.00 Buyers Tax Credit. This means you can sell your home...get the home you need or want and get a tax credit for buying it after you sell!

You still have to use your good credit and have a 3.5% down payment to get another FHA loan but your current home most likely will have the equity for you to do that.

A First Time Buyer may be interested in your home and you move to the home of your dreams and get a tax credit too! What more of an incentive do you want to make the right move at the right time?

The first time home buyer can get up to $8000.00 as a tax credit. Making your home affordable and in demand.

So why is it such a good time to buy or upgrade to the home of your dreams? Besides the tax credit that you could qualify to receive?

Simple, in most markets home prices have not been lower in decades! The interest rates are still at all time lows as well.

This Means Two Things

•1. Price right and sell fast for Top Dollar!

•2. Buy Lower and enjoy the home of your dreams for nearly the same payment as you are making
now, for a home that no longer meets your needs!

Want to know what your home is worth before you make a selling decision?

No problem CLICK the Link MY HOMES VALUE and I will send you a Real Value Estimate.

Want to know what homes have sold for around you before calling for a comprehesive, pressure free, selling analysis?

No Problem CLICK the Link RECENT HOME SALES.

If you are out of the Grand Rapids Real Estate Market or not close to any of our West Michigan Offices or in Another State....I will refer you to a Professional in Your Area who is honest, open and willing to help you meet your goals.

It may be exactly the right time for you to sell your home and qualify for a tax credit at the same time.

Did you ever think you would get paid for selling your home? Just think, the money you get with the tax credit may cover most or all of your selling costs!

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699 Local: 616-784-2360
Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

How do you rate your Blog?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:47:16 -0600

AgentGenius Magazine rated the Active Rain Bloggers.

The article was posted October 23, 2009. Here is the link http://agentgenius.com/g-rants-insanity-more/real-estate/51-top-ranking-activerain-com-real-estate-blogs/

I know based on a number score how I rate. That has very little to do with how effective your blog is and the viewership....is viewership a word? It is now! :-)

I received a nice email from a client that told me about the article. I had no idea my blog had reached #23 in Active Rain. That has very little to do with issues that I write about...or pod-casting, videos or any of the issues you would think would make a blog rate.

The issue of being rated in anything that is titled AgentGenius is a bit laughable to me. If you know me personally...I won't WOW you with fancy words, in fact I am engaging...open...intent. If I do say so myself.

I paddle everyday for all I'm worth and enjoy life so enjoy my only magazine cover shot....I made it myself!

The fact that I have fun with my clients and business is almost difficult for some to understand in a business and economy so decimated with foreclosures and family hardships.

So to believe the rating of this Internet magazine is hard for me to understand. I know the 139 blogs I follow on Active Rain are superb. Many are on the list as well. Their blogs are a cut above and should be recognized.

Take a quick look and you will see it has nothing to do with points. It has nothing to do with pod-casting, videos or the things you would suspect would place people high on the list. It is content...it is engaging the reader so they comment.

It is sharing so readers connect and come back. People come and go from blog sites. They read you for awhile and then go away....then they come back. It is interesting how blogs flow.

So many great articles have been written on how to blog and gain readership here on Active Rain it is hardly worth me adding my two cents.

Here it is anyway and might be worth more than two cents to some.

Many just don't have the time or patience to develop a blog that is as rewarding to write as it is to read. Sounds simple and it is...just write engaging posts with content. It works everytime.

Now you want to know how I rated #23? It was simple they did the ratings by state in Alphabetical order! Michigan is #23 in the order "M"...I knew you would wonder about the number system. If I kept you reading this long....you found out. If you skimmed the page and commented you will never know!

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Economic Realities ~ Small Business ~ Taking the next HIT!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:51:32 -0600

The reality of the economy is starting to show in our commercial market.

Small business owners are resilient. They work more hours, they change faster to keep business going.

Small business owners drop employees to reduce payroll. Before they cut an employee they look for other cuts first. Most small business owners become friends with their employee because of the more hands-on approach. Small business owners cut personal items and services to meet existing payroll. They cut budgets to survive. As a last resort they cut staff.

It isn't a stimulus package that is going to keep their doors open. It is doing business and making the monthly payment on the building and equipment. Paying for inventory. No wonder the current administration's policies have not been accepted with open arms. It hits the core of small business owners.

This morning I received another call....a local small business owner wants to must sell his commercial property. At this point he wants to survive. He can always buy another building.

A beautiful building with two drive in doors 10' x 14 approximately 3000 sq. ft. building. It is close to a major artery and within view of a very high traffic street. It is perfect for a service business. It was perfect for him...but the economy has caused his business to slow.

He serves the construction industry...which currently has so few starts that lawn sprinkling installations are not like they were 2 or 3 years ago....or 5 when getting up early and home late was normal. It's painful to go from 14 employees to two. (Him and his Wife)

Small business owners are the largest job producing sector in the US. Small business is also one of the most fragile business sectors because they usually don't have a lot of working capital. The ones that do have, worked so hard they tend to reward themselves after years of hard work. Who wouldn't reward themselves for a job well done?

The problem is, if you rewarded yourself with a new home, boat or second home just before the recession hit....you may not be able to afford your rewards any longer. If you viewed your business as many small owners do.... to grow you need to get bigger. Buying a larger building with long term growth in mind, could be your undoing in this economy and the recession that has ensued.

How are small businesses fairing in your community?

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Keeping Elderly Relatives - Friends Active, Contributing and Alive!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:33:34 -0600

Keeping elderly relatives and friends active is a live saving gesture. For you and them!

We don't think about how important that hug or gesture can be to our elderly relatives and friends.

As we age....it changes their mobility, their world. Some people meet for coffee at the local coffee shops others meet for lunch, others never see anyone except on special occasions.

I watched my parents change before my eyes...both are gone now but the memories are vivid. I watch as others around me crumble into a shell of what they used to be. Mostly from inactivity.

Keeping them active and needed brings a smile to their faces...being included is all it takes. Each person has a level of contribution they can commit too.

My father-in-law has dementia. He recently went through hip replacement, kind of a double whammy!

We own a large home on two acres of land in a subdivision. It is a bit unusual to have the privacy and access to services all rolled into one. We chose to live here for this and many other reasons.

We also have a vast amount of landscaping, along with a waterfall and pond with a few small fish....if the Sand Hill Crane doesn't snack on them.

This has become my father-in-laws haven. We kid him about our rose bushes...singing his name in the wind when they need pruned. We have bushes, pampas grass, raspberries, grapes and needing his loving hand.

I put my arm around him yesterday thanking him for all the work and time he spends in our yard. He looked at me with a look of disbelief...not that I never thank....instead his disbelief was how could I thank him for something he loves to do?

This is what keeps him going. Coming to our home is his private sanctuary. Trimming these bushes is his way of helping and extending the love back to us for all we have done for him.

I must admit my wife helps him be a bit naughty too. He gets little rewards that he normally can't have. My mother-in-law watches his diet like a hawk. He has some blood pressure issues, cholesterol problems and a couple other issues.

So being naughty means he might be rewarded with a small dish of ice cream with fudge on it. He might get a pizza for lunch delivered from one of our local Italian favorite restaurants.

He might get a cup of coffee and a roll (low fat!) he wouldn't normally have. Everything in moderation of course.

The point is....keeping him active and involved is keeping him alive and useful. When people no longer feel useful is when they slip in health, mind and soon are gone.

Keep your loved ones, friends active and involved. You'll be able to enjoy them and them you for years to come.

If you don't have someone to help keep active, volunteer you will be rewarded with smiles and a relationship opportunity to cherish the rest of your life.

How have keeping your loved ones and friends active workded for you?

Knock Knock....Who's There?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:42:29 -0600

Your Real Estate Professional, to Sell Your Expired MLS Listing!

Many people think because there home expired it isn't going to sell. That is the farthest thing from the truth.

Expired listings happen for a number of reasons. Here is the top 10 reasons homes don't sell.

You didn't have a marketing plan to sell.
Lack of Experience by your former agent.
Condition, outside, roof, exterior finish, inside...bathrooms, flooring, heating, electrical, plumbing, paint and cosmetics
Location
Priced wrong for your market.
Home not accessible to show
Layout
Yard Size....some homes have very small yards or no yards, and the majority of buyers want some elbow room.
Curb Appeal...turns buyers off when they drive up to the home.
Communication and lack of willingness to negotiate.

So if your listing expired and you don't understand why, it isn't your home....unless you can see items on the list above.

Once your listing expires you will get a pile of fancy letters from Realtors. They will tell you why your home didn't sell. Yet they have never sold a home in your neighborhood. Others will blame your former Realtor for lack of marketing or experience or both.

Sometimes homes just don't sell. But there is ALWAYS a reason.

You may not like the reason but there is a reason. Usually it is a combination of issues that impact the reason a home did not sell.

My number one reason is communication between the agent and seller. Being honest, discussing openly the need to sell and preparing a marketing plan to meet that need. Communication to make adjustments early in the selling process. Meaning if you set an initial sell price and nothing happens....make adjustments.

Your home or business is going to sell for more in the first month of your listing contract. Take advantage of the selling traffic. If you price high at first you will miss you best opportunity to sell fast and for the most money. Most sellers and agents miss this golden....Price Right, Sell Fast....make More Money.

You may think that reduces the agents efforts...that couldn't be more wrong. The fact that the agent helped you with great market pricing analysis and suggested a sell price that worked meant...the agent did their job.....exactly right!

How much does it cost you to not sell? Interest, taxes, profit and missed opportunity to have what you really want. You have decided to sell for a reason. Now make your decision happen.

Choose the best agent for you...one that communicates, has knowledge and will openly discuss your situation.

The results will make you smile....all the way to the bank!

Your listing expired? Want Professional Help? Live in my area? Give me a call, we'll set an appointment to meet your needs.

Live in another area? Call me...I will be glad to refer you to a Professional in your area to get your home SOLD!

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

On Target for November 2009?

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:29:38 -0600

Many of us look months out to see what our expected sales are going to by by month, week and day.

Seems like a bit of over anxiousness....in reality it is just business management.

Every November I can count on a surge in sales calls. It is like clockwork.

How can I plan so precisely?

Simple, we have dear season here and the 15th of November is opening day of hunting season.

A large percentage of the Realtors head off in search of a deer. My phones ring more while they are gone. They turn off their phones or have them forwarded to voice mail.

I can count on people not to be patient. They don't get an answer they move on...fast and find someone that will answer their questions and show them properties.

This also means an increase in car-deer accidents. So if you live in Michigan or another state where a large game hunting season opens use caution on the highways. We have an increased number of cars from neighboring states as well which increased the normal accident rates.

Some communities open their doors to the hunters while other dread the thought. The alcohol consumption also increase during this time.

And all I thought about was the increased calls to show homes? Interesting how calendar events can affect your business.

Have anything that creates more business for you?

Not Happy you have New Neighbors?

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:06:44 -0600

I live in a subdivision...but my home is one of three on a cul-de-sac with 2 acres of privacy. The other two homes face away from me and minimal angles of viewing to my backyard.

I also look over a valley on homes below, some 400 hundred plus yards away. A lot was recently sold down in the valley street. Neighbors with land adjoining the new neighbors lot started scurrying to create privacy once the builder started construction.

One neighbor put in a invisible fence so their dog won't do his duty in the old field area that is now the neighbors new construction site.

Another neighbor planted trees along the lot line to make sure the new neighbor knew where his property ended.

The builder has made several issues with people along the lot line which has become a subject of debate. For example the builder put drain title toward the back of the new owners lot leading water away from the walkout basement. Sound like a good thing...until you understand the water is being diverted to the edge of the other existing neighbors lot.

Upon further investigation by a neighbor he find out that an easement exists that the builder knew about for run-off water. They had a few words over this issue before the builder told the existing homeowner to take it up with township planning.

That prompted the other neighbor to plant trees. I have seen fences go up when a new neighbor moves in next door to an existing neighbor without finding out who is moving in or what they are like.

I have seen thorn bushes planted because the last neighbors kid climbed the fence. So the existing neighbor is are going to make sure the new neighbor, if they have children, won't climb the fence.

Buying and selling is like choosing your relatives you never know who you are going to get! I talked to a seller's neighbor recently when I had a buyer interested in a property. He tells me...hope these people are more friendly than the last ones! I have lived here 30 years never had anyone throw their leafs and snow on my property before. "I hadn't spoke to them in 5 years"....."when they moving", was his next question.

I like my neighbors...but I must admit I don't see them much.

What about you?

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Seller Secrets ~ Can Limit Agents Selling and Buying Ability

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:32:01 -0600

For some reason people don't think sharing complete information with the their agents is necessary.

Even in the disclosure process many sellers do not want to share the whole truth.

Agents have legal and ethical issues they face if they knowingly contribute to falsification of disclosures.

I have had clients make representations which were not lies...in fact they didn't really know the correct answer. The problem is as, a professional, I could see the material flaw (problem) but am not licensed to definitively state the electrical outlet that was charred black should be replaced. That is for an inspection company or electrician to decide.

I can see rust stains on a furnace but cannot tell you the air conditioning line is leaking unless I visually see a leak, even then it might not be the air conditioner...it could be the humidifier.

What I can tell you is if the seller moves and turns off the electricity...I should be told. If the seller stops making payments and I read in the legal news a foreclosure process has been started that would be nice to know so I can adjust how we sell.

Buyers do things that hurt their opportunities to buy just like sellers hurt their options to sell. Buyers can make a purchase that reduces their credit score. Dropping them below the credit score minimum requirements to get a loan. It may not be much. I had a client drop 10 points below for canceling a credit card. I have had others that bought new vehicles to go with their new house before close.

It seems silly but sharing information...all of it with your Realtor could save you a sale or purchase. It could also save you disappointment. Being open and honest with the professional helping you is built on trust. If you don't feel you can trust your agent....you have the wrong agent.

What have you had happen to you?

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

After The Sale, Surprise!

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:50:58 -0600

We all have little surprises that happen to us.

The time you don't want to be surprised is after you have purchased a new home. Walking in for the first time as the owner of a home and finding something your were not expecting.

I had an agent call and ask, "what do I do....my client just walked into to her home and the basement is full of water!" The agent had just sold a home...inspections were done. Disclosures said periodic water in a specific section of the basement after heavy rains.

We just had record breaking rains in fact the second highest rainfall in history for this past month in our area. The buyer had stopped right after one of the heavy down-pours with the agent and the basement was dry.

The buyer in this case does not have much if any recourse. That is why it is recommended to do a final "Walk-Through" the day of close. You could delay the close, to investigate further the problem. In many cases such as our purchase agreement rules...you have 10 days for inspections from the date of the contract. Once you have signed off on the inspections you could be in breech of the contract, unless the new evidence is considered a change in the property condition.

We have all heard of stoves and refrigerators being swapped by sellers and giving the buyer a old one from the garage or purchased a cheap one enabling them to keep the new one.

We have been the benefit of rugs and furniture covering stained carpets. We have even seen pictures hung to cover holes in walls, curtains to cover a broken window. Cookie jars placed just right to cover a burn mark on the counter. A new wall put up in a basement to cover that spot that molds all the time because of a little moisture leak.

The things that can be covered are as inventive as the sellers and buyers themselves. How about the purchaser that felt so comfortable with the seller that he didn't get a survey. Only to find out the driveway he thought was his belonged to the neighbor. Surprise! I must admit I read this one, it didn't happen to me or any of my agents!

The buyer walked down the driveway, looked in the garage that was open at the time....said to the seller, "nice garage...even has a new garage door". The seller said, Yeah it is nice, even has a work bench. The seller never said it was his or that it wasn't. The buyer assumed it came with the house, since the siding was the same color. The listing said no garage. The buyer bought directly from the seller and never questioned the buyer further.

Surprises can happen...using a professional to help you purchase and sell can help you identify issues before the become surprises.

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

H1N1 Virus....Trick or TREAT Really?

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:27:14 -0500

Trick or Treat!

This Halloween brings back all the memories of the fun we had when we were kids. This year it might bring more than costumed goblins to your doorstep!

The H1N1 Virus is a real threat to children and those with immune system problems. Myself included. I have a left over problem from Vietnam. I had malaria...which by the way is not on the government list as a treated issue for Vets.

To make a long story short my liver was damaged because I was over medicated to get me back in the field and fighting. I was in a 20 man recon unit. Anytime we were short a unit went out without the normal firepower. That be what it may....my liver function dropped 30% from last year to this year.

This means handing out candy could expose me to the H1N1 Virus. My situation isn't isolated, anyone with an immunity issue should consult their doctor to know the dangers. For Example, I have avoided my granddaughter's school this year. I have not gone to see her with all the other kids at gymnastics practice, something I would love to do.

I don't mingle in large crowds. Caution is the word for me. I could be in serious trouble if I caught the virus. I am not allowed to take the vaccination either. I did get a flu shot that was recommended by my physician. Thousands of people like you and me might think twice this year to opening our doors to faces smiling with anticipation.

I see the media warning about wearing rubber gloves, using hand sanitizers, masks and various other precautions for the kids and the parents to reduce the possibility of spreading the virus.

So is the Halloween a Trick or a Treat? Is seeing all the kids and the fun you can have with them being wide eyed when you hand them a treat worth the risk?

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699 Local: 616-784-2360
Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Stigmatized Property....Trick or Treat?

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:49:52 -0500

Stigmatized properties can be a Trick or a Treat depending on if you are selling or buying.

Many people do not know that if a death happens in or on a property it does not have to be disclosed by the seller or sellers agent in Michigan and most other states.

The reason? The death natural or otherwise reduces the number of buyers when disclosed. This in turn reduces the sell price the subject property and all properties in the vicinity.

So, the ruling was to help stabilize prices when a death occurs. If you do find this issue you may be able to use it to your clients advantage because of the sellers own worries about selling the property and get a great buy!

A simple rule that I have adopted when acting as a selling agent....interview the neighbors about the property. Ask questions to give you a clear picture of the property and the sellers. Neighbors always spill the beans!

Neighbors...anyway some of them love to tell you the juicy stuff.

Ask simple concise un-intrusive questions....and let the neighbor talk. Sometimes you have to cut the conversation shot you could be there a long time!

•· Why are they sellers moving?

•· Did they buy another home?

•· How do their children feel about moving....only ask this if they have obvious signs of children. You might find out they hated the school system!

•· Do you know of anything wrong with the house...anybody die....laugh after delivering this question....If they say, How did you know?" You hit the jackpot. Sometimes you will find out about water in the basement, heating bills through the roof or termite infestations....you'll be surprise.

Then again you will be equally happy to know that nothing is out of the ordinary and the house is simply a Treat for your buyers!

So what do you think? Is a Stigmatized Property a Trick or Treat?

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Having Trouble Selling?

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:17:43 -0500

The Michigan market has many homes on the market longer than it usually takes to sell.

It is no wonder....the unemployment rate is over 15% the number of foreclosures has consistently in the top five for the nation, month after month. I just heard the new number of foreclosures is 2200 for Kent County Michigan where I am located. It isn't just bad times it is hard times for many families. They didn't cause their situation....they just lost their jobs and have no way of making the mortgage payments.

Wondering what to do? You need to sell but don't see a buyer on the horizon anytime soon!

There is a couple strategies that can help you sell and fast without lower your homes price a dime! I know, I must have a head injury, you have already lowered your price 4 times and no offers. It doesn't work for every situation but it works and works well.

Not all agents can help you understand the available options. If you have already moved and need your home sold....a perfect option is to sell it for top dollar to someone that wants it....right?

You want to sell it to someone that will take care of it...you have been considering renting but don't feel comfortable. You have heard all the horror stories of damage, stopped payments on the rent...the maintenance issues that you still have to do.

I have a system to take all those concerns away and get your home sold. Now if I let you in on a little secret, promise not to tell anyone, I mean really....promise? Thousands of agents across the nation know how to do this.

This method gets properties sold in weeks not months. It is called a lease/option, email me or contact your local real estate agent. Make sure your agent has experience in handling these types of programs.

If you need a referral to an experienced agent, I will give you the name of a local agent in your area that can help you. This may not be the right option for you but it works and gets your home under contract fast.

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Stress, Inspections for Buyers & Sellers

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:35:09 -0500

Stress, Inspections For Buyers & Sellers

There is a real push nationally for licensing inspection companies and inspectors.

Like any industry under the microscope some of the national organizations that offer certifications, continuing education and compliance standards based on national construction and building codes, have flourished. It doesn't mean that all inspectors or companies abbide by these guidelines or care about the national building standards. Some are simply in it for the money.

Here is a perfect reason why this issue in gaining steam. This week an inspector, (unlicensed, none required in Michigan), determined a furnace had a major CO2 leak. The problem....it didn't.

He put in writing that the CO2 readings were dangerously high. He also scared the buyer so bad that the home was unsafe, the buyer nearly pulled out of the purchase contract. The only thing that kept the buyer was my relationship with the buyer's agent over the years. I told the buyer's agent we would have the furnace professionally inspected and if the furnace was an issue we would repair or replace. No responsible home owner wants to jeopardize their loved ones either.

I immediately shared the outcome with the seller concerning the inspection and contacted a licensed heating and cooling contractor to evaluate the furnace (which both the buyer and seller agreed upon). I have had 10 furnaces reported as bad and not one has been bad. That does not mean you should ignore the findings of an inspection of an inspector BUT, confirm any findings that are technical in nature.

This same inspector has misdiagnosed two furnaces on my listings in 3 weeks. This time I sent him the findings including the last one that was cleared for the same problem.

The stress the seller felt was immense, he wasn't sure he could keep his family in the house. The buyer was so skeptical of the furnace because the report stated "elevated CO2 levels, dangerous CHECK immediately.

Here is the bottom line...the inspector didn't know the level required by federal guidelines and quoted the wrong number. That is bazaar in itself. He didn't have the right equipment to do the test properly and lastly wasn't licensed or trained to evaluate the furnace to the depth he was willing to report. Over stepping your area of expertise whether a Realtor or other professional can cause you some serious harm in reputation and monetarily, should you be sued.

The seller has mailed the inspector his $130.00 invoice to be reimbursed. I wonder how that will be handled?

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Survey Says........What's the price of gas this week?

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:52:24 -0500

Over the past weeks I've been like everyone else... noticing the gas prices inching (jumping too) up a little more every week.

On some good weeks, they've even surprised and went down, a little. But this week has been an incredible leap. Here is Michigan we went from 2.49 to 2.75 for regular. Where does it go from here?

Where are your gas prices at today? The predictions say we will go higher because of the demand has outpace production. Hard to imagine this is not a intentional attempt to raise fuel oil and other heating products for profit.

Here is something many may not know. Out costs are directly linked to the strength of the US dollar. So if the dollar weakens against foreign money the cost of goods goes up. They simply raise our cost of a barrel of oil. For many traveling this is going to increase the cost of your vacation and travel as well. For those that can't travel based on economic conditions it is simple. Only drive to and from work and the grocery store.

I know these spikes don't seem like a big deal but the difference in a weekly budget can be huge. Spending $20.00 more a week in gas means something else has to be dropped from the budget For many families it is food.

Families have been living on credit cards...the rates have sky rocketed if you haven't noticed. In many cases the credit card was used as a short term gap filler. Now with the rates in the 20 plus percentage range they too have become a debt machine cranking up the dollars owed to the point that minimum payments for many families is shock when they have received their new monthly billing.

No more putting the gas on the credit cards!

How are some of these issues affecting you and your clients?

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360
Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Tell them you love them, with a Security Camera!

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:26:45 -0500

Well, it happened again!

The house where my in-laws live is on a quiet little cul de sac street. It has always been a stable, safe neighborhood, but lately there has been a rash of garage break ins. They have lived there for 47 years...we arn't moving them with a bulldozer!

It happened again during the week to the same neighbor. In September of this year, 5 out of the 19 homes garages were broken into. Some reports minor theft of returnable pop cans, boxes of trash bags and small items. The one neighbor had $300.00 worth of tools stolen. This happened at different times and gone unnoticed until the occupants of the property went to use a tools or turn in the pop cans.

Then the news spread across the small neighborhood. Time pasted and the scare had calmed down...but started all over again this past week. Yup, The same neighbor who had his tools stolen was robbed again? They broke into a garage service door during the night. The neighbor had installed a padlock on his garage and they broke the lock, went in and stole over $300.00 more tools and other items. Police and forensics were called in and not a print anywhere. They are upset as you can imagine, plus the fact that they have 2 small children adds to their worries about safety.

I had mentioned to my in-laws when this had initially started that we should consider putting in a motion detector lights as a precaution. They were concerned it would bother the neighbors and said no. Now after this happened again, I told them the best gift I can give them was the security light to protect them. I might even add a security camera, if they let me. Nothing works better than a criminals picture for the police to find the person. Hopefully getting the thief on camera will put an end to the problem. Based on the types of items being taken I think it is someone with a drug habit or someone out of work and desperate.

The neighborhood watch has increased it's efforts. I sent a pamphlet on home security tips to all the local residents of the neighborhood. This was well received with some thank-you phone calls.

I know it is a tough world nowadays, but we still have to protect our loved ones and what better way than with security lighting and a camera.

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360
Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Thought for the Day ~ Are We Thankful Yet?

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:03:06 -0500

No, I don't have my months mixed up.

I know it's October and Thanksgiving isn't until November 26th. I'm sure after all the candy has been passed out for halloween and everything is settled down, we'll begin our preparations for Thanksgiving and the traditional Thanksgiving Day weekend.

But what if we extend it just a bit further this year and get thankful earlier. Why stop at a day or a weekend...try something completely different and try being thankful for the month. October is cancer awareness month...notice it's a month. I have been thankful for years over the recovery of cancer victims...they call them survivors. I have lost family memebers to cancer. I have had family member surviors too. My thankfulness doesn't stop at the end of a month.

With all the doom and gloom, there is many things to be thankful for, why not make our focus for the whole month of November? A time of being thankful and appreciate everyone and everything. I'll bet it will give your Thanksgiving Day Weekend a whole new meaning.

Here is a few thoughts, I am thankful for my children...they don't always do as I do but they do more than I could ever wish for. I am thankful to have such great grandchildren that make me smile and happy to be alive to share with them the joys of growing up.

I am so thankful that I have a wife that is committed, understands and shares everything with me as a life partner, friend, lover and most of all, my soulmate.

I appreciate my friends from all walks of life. They add the glue to keep me grounded and focused on the difference that makes the world so interesting. I appreciate my clients for trusting me to help make a difference in their lives. I appreciate that most of my clients have jobs in a state where 15 unemployment has hit nearly every family in some form or another. I pray for those that don't have jobs they will be able to find solice in family and friends while they are looking for employment. I pray that their life sustaining funding will be extended until employment is created.

I apprciate the cultures of the world for presenting different viewpoints so I can expand my global view beyond just my city, state and country.

When you consider what we have to be thankful for and to whom it will take more than a day.

Just some passing thoughts as I was going over my calendar for next week. Have you given any thoughts to being more thankful than just a day?

Live in the Grand Rapids or West Michigan area, not under contract? Like to sell or buy a home....give me a call. It could save you thousands in your next real estate transaction. Always confidential, Never Pressured.

Just Listed, Show my home-no walking on floors or carpets!

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:37:45 -0500

I just listed a home for a past client.

He has spent thousands of dollars getting in readying the home not counting personal hours painting, cleaning and updating.

I laughed, during the signing of the listing documents my seller says, "show my house but don't walk on the floors or carpets they are perfect." He looked at me laughing and then says, "What?" with a shrug of his shoulders. So I say, "how exactly how do you expect me to levitate myself and potential buyers through your home?" Buyers have to feel comfortable and be able to look over the property.

My seller just remodeled and installed all new flooring and carpet throughout. He worked a few months getting the home ready to sell and it looks great...nicely done. So nice in fact, that we listed it and already have several showings scheduled. So now he is concerned with the rain and nastier weather that they will soil the carpets and mark up the flooring.

Clinck the link below to fixing up the inside of your home and other useful selling tips. http://www.flexitrealty.com/RealEstateTips/HomeSelling/getready4.html

Options for these issues is simple. I shared with him to purchase the plastic runner material and place on the carpets before the showing, or there are these slip over the shoes covers. They sell then by the box and can easily take care of the problem. Or we simply ask people to remove their shoes.

My suggestion was to go with the plastic carpet runner versus the slip over shoes booties. If you leave the booties some may not take the time to put them on and/or take them with them , thereby increasing his costs. I know the plastic carpet runner costs a bit more, but I thought the flooring would have more protection and less chance of someone ignoring the "remove" shoes request.

I have used the plastic stretch material in high traffic patterns for hallways, in front of window, bathrooms and bedrooms with a strip of the runner in front of each closet as well.

He's going to think about it and get back with me on which method he wants to use for showings and open houses.

People take pride in their homes no matter how simple or expensive and want it protected from damage during the selling process. Keeping carpets and flooring clean is one more issue to contend with in foul weather.

What works best for your showing and selling process?

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

NEW LISTING! 2209 May SW Grand Rapids, MI $44,900

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:06:05 -0500

Gary L. White | FlexIt Realty | 616-784-2360

2209 May SW, Grand Rapids, MI

Updated Charmer

2BR/1.5BA Single Family House

offered at $44,900

Year Built	1923
Sq Footage	942
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	3,484 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This is a charming home that has recently been updated. Come see for Yourself! Close to expressway, shopping, schools. A Must See

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central heat

- Living room

- Refrigerator

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Contact info:

Gary L. White

FlexIt Realty

616-784-2360

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 23, 2009, 1:55pm PDT

NEW LISTING! Updated and Move-in Ready 1800 Jennette St NW

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:55:34 -0500

Gary L. White | FlexIt Realty | 616-784-2360

1800 Jennette Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI

Updated Home

2BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $69,900

Year Built	1949
Sq Footage	745
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Beautifully updated home... New Carpet and Paint, nestled in a great neighborhood and conveniently located and close to everything.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Living room
- Stove/Oven	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of Home

Contact info:

Gary L. White

FlexIt Realty

616-784-2360

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 23, 2009, 1:42pm PDT

The Big Giveaway...Does It Work?

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:24:19 -0500

Many sellers wonder if offering incentives really works.

I have seen incentives for Buyers, Agents and a combination of both. The reason for an incentive should be crystal clear....the seller wants to sell faster.

What works and what doesn't?

Pricing right in the beginning of your sale works best. You get more traffic and more offers at a higher price!

That being said, what about offer to pay closing costs, taxes, carpeting, painting, association fees, new cars, trips and the list is a imaginative as you can be.

This week a client asked if we offered a trip to some exotic island would that lure buyers? NOPE...they want a good deal not a trip. Now before you send me email we are not talking about the EXCEPTION....we are talking about a marketing plan poised around a give-away. Sure a few people might bite on a trip "IF" the home was the right home and they were going to buy it anyway! Wrong home...NO SALE!

What about that carpet allowance? It helps buyers if you need to update or replace your carpet...no sense in buying new carpet and having the buyers rip it out the day after close! You have wasted money...on the other hand does nasty old carpet help you get more money? NO. So if you need to update your carpet select a neutral color, not coral blue!

What about closing costs? Save your breath...if the buyer needs closing cost they are not bashful...they will ask! What about offering to pay taxes for a year? That would be nice...can you help me with closing costs too? Again it might sound nice but buyers will ask for more anyway...so save your money...it isn't going to bring you more buyer's and usually cost you more because you offered.

Ok if that doesn't entice buyers how about painting? If your home needs painting you should already have done that to get a higher price...again if it is the outside you want to have already painted...the inside, buyers willl do it themselves, in most cases. Not a big motivator to buyers...yet having a shabby outside is a big turnoff to most buyers and will fetch you lower bids or worse, NO Bids!

Association fee may bring a few buyers but what it really does is focus on the association fees, it makes buyers wonder if the fees are higher than normal.

Now that shiny new car...first of all if you are offering a car your home is priced to high....and the car isn't going to change the fact that the buyer knows it's priced to high.

How about a trip to some exotic place? Chances are the buyer won't be able to afford the plane fare and if they could they wouldn't enjoy themselves knowing they should have cashed in the trip to by carpet, paint, furniture or a yard! The truth these incentives are not going to bring you a bunch of buyers...you might have a few exceptions but the reality is buyers know what they want and the head turning incentives only cost you money.

The best is yet to come....what about offering the buyers agent more commission....use greed to have the Realtor sway buyers to your property. Here is the rub...if an agent does this and it can be proved they have broken their fiduciary responsibility to their client, the buyer. That word fiduciary is another word for legal obligation. It's not nice to break the rules an agents license could be gone for this infraction. So if the agent is doing his or her job to begin with, your home is already on the "to see" list, because it meets the buyers needs.

One last thing, what works best? Pricing Your Home RIGHT to Sell!

Hope this clears up a few misconception on incentives and what works best. Buyers buy what fits their needs...always have and always will!

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Inspection Report says..... It's the furnace..... AGAIN!

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:32:42 -0500

What is your most frequent item that needs to be addressed when inspections are complete?

For the last 10 years, mine has been furnace issues, specifically the CO2 readings. This happened again just the other day on a listing. I received offer and inspections are next! Inspections were complete and the report was in....the furnace! CO2 was at a high and needs to be checked and reinspected. I asked the same questions I've asked throughout the years.... Did they test the furnace when it was up to temp, was the furnace on and running, etc. etc.

I use a licensed heating and cooling company to reinspect every time I get this type of repair report. First before you inspectors start sending me a rash of hate mail I think there are great inspectors out there doing a fine job. I also think like in real estate there are inspectors and agents under trained and skills are less than professional but they have a pen and must justify their costs.

Right now I am 15/15 meaning out of 15 times I have been told the heat exchanger was cracked or the chimney was clogged and not drawing properly, the licensed heating and cooling contractor has not been able to duplicate the problem. This does not mean homeowners should not have inspections! I will make you sign a wavier if you decide not to have an inspection because I think they are that important.

Choosing your home inspector is just a critical as choosing your Realtor. Knowledge and experience come with training and time.

Thankfully, I have a seller who understands these issues, and after explaining the findings of the inspection is immediately calling a heating company to have them perform a service call and see what their findings are, and if anything, correct so we can continue and close. He has even gone a step further and turned the furnace off and is staying with family till he knows for sure the results. Better to be safe than sorry, both for himself and the new owner.

Since the results were so elevated I recommended he stay away until the heating and cooling contractor can inspect the unit. This unit looks like new, as if it was just installed. The hot water heater is in superb condition...but like many things on the surface it can be perfect on the outside and inside can be a whole different story.

My safety concerns are always protect the sellers and buyers and confirm. There is always the first time even a new stove, furnace, hot water heater or dishwasher can fail. This unit is about 15 years old and looks perfect. I have my doubts but I never expressed them just suggested confirmation by a licensed contractor.

These are the sellers who make transactions smooth..they listen and an understanding of what needs to be done and do it.

We will see what the results of his service call are when the heating company comes out. I've had several inspections performed over the years that all say it's the furnace and CO2 readings are high, and it's been because the inspector did a quick test without the furnace being up to temp or even on and received a false reading.

What's the most frequent item that comes up on your home inspection reports?

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699 Local: 616-784-2360
Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Feeling a bit Squirrely?

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:01:34 -0500

Every year in the fall squirrels get into people's homes.

They are looking for that ideal warm spot to store their food supplies for the winter. One of my clients has been invaded!

The pesky little critters ate through the trim on the muti-unit home and were in the attic. The tenants were calling, the kids were laughing and the landlord was not smiling!

Owning multiple rental units can keep you busy but add squirrels and you might be in for some not so nice nature fun.

For the most part trapping and releasing squirrels is pretty simple. The local hardware stores sell small animal traps.

The next step is the bait...pretty easy this time of year when the squirrels are storing winter supplies. An apple, peanut butter and a few nuts sprinkled on top and you have the perfect bait. Squirrels might chew another hole to get at the bait! I think catching is the easy part of the task.

The move and release step requires a bit more caution. Typically these traps have little lift-up doors. The last thing you want to happen is be bitten by a frightened squirrel. That is why some folks think a pellet gun is the best option. I personally think the live catch and release is the right way to handle these persistent little intruders.

I wear leather gloves make sure I don't put my fingers where little sharp teeth can chomp and place my trapped little intruder in the back of my pickup. I do put a cover over the cage so it tends to calm the animal down.

My friend liked my suggestion and captured the first of a small family that had set up home in the attic. Transporting to a friends farm with land to roam and tall trees was a pleasant and satisfying release option. They arrived released the squirrel and it immediate ran for the barn and has a new home! The farmer friend was less than thrilled that he has a new tenant. He said, "well it won't be long and the squirrel will find the woods...the cats don't like to share very well."

So squirrels can be destructive to property and a bit of a task to catch and they can offer an adventure too!

Remember the peanut butter and those leather gloves! Do you have a squirrely story?

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

PRICED REDUCED ~ OWNER WANTS SOLD 4154 18th St Dorr, MI

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:17:34 -0500

Gary L. White | FlexIt Realty | 616-784-2360

4154 18th Street, Dorr, MI

Cozy Bungalow with fenced yard, all updates done, roof,
furnace..see for yourself.

2BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $79,900

Year Built	1975
Sq Footage	960
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	13,266 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central heat	- Living room	- Dining room
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Washer
- Dryer

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Second 2 story barn, use for arts & crafts, extra storage, studio?

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front of home	Private patio and garage
Large open kitchen	Nice living room
Large fenced private lot	Additional 2 story barn

Contact info:

Gary L. White

FlexIt Realty

616-784-2360

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 14, 2009, 2:09pm PDT