Greater Lansing Real Estate Blog

I'm not old enough to have a child live on there own!

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:17:50 -0700

Today my daughter moves into her first apartment. She is going to be starting her 2^nd year at Michigan State and is now going to live just off campus. She is only going to be 12 miles form our home so it's not like I'm not going to see her but I'm still kind of bummed. Her lease is for a year so she will be there next summer as well and then probably into her nexst apartment or she will stay there. She is probably never really going to be living at home again

When she left last fall to move into her dorm room it bothered me a little but I knew she would be back home. Now it seems like it's the next step. She might be home for spot stays but I know it won't be for very long. We are pretty close and do a lot of things together but I guess it's a new era. She is extatic about having her own place and no classes for a month and I am happy for her but I don't know that I am ready to be old enough to have a child on their own.

It's all part of life and something that is all good but today will be a mixed day for me.

Jeff Thornton

Superior Walkout Ranch on 1.7 Acres Cul-De-Sac Lot

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:41:09 -0700

Jeff Thornton | Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood | 517-719-4430

1524 Carol Ln, Dansville, MI

Newer Walkout Ranch on a 1.7 Acre Cul-De-Sac Lot

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $229,900

Year Built	1997
Sq Footage	2,613
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	1.7 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

GREAT ROOM WITH WOODBURNING FIREPLACE & CATHEDRAL CEILING. DINING ROOM WITH HARDWOOD FLOOR, STEP OUT BAY WINDOW. SUNNY BRIGHT WHITE KITCHEN WITH CENTER ISLAND, GRANITE COUNTERTOP. FULL FINISHED WALKOUT LOWER LEVEL. 2.5 CAR ATTACHED GARAGE WITH OPENER & FINISHED INTERIOR.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Basement	Laundry area - inside	Yard
Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Guest parking

Laundry on-site

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Finished Walk-Out Lower Level

Cul-De-Sac Lot

Cathedral Ceilings

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 30, 2008, 4:03pm PDT

Check out the Video of this Fne Home

My Other Great Properties for Sale

Homes For Sale in the Greater Lansing Area

Jeff Thornton
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

Is your Home Ready to Sell?

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:55:47 -0700

It is crucial that your home looks it's best for the potential buyer if you are to get the best possible price in the least amount of time. A little time now can pay big dividends when you sit down at the closing table. Remember, you are competing with other sellers in your area. Here are a few tips from experts in Real Estate sales.

1. Look at your home through a buyer's eyes.

Look at other similar homes for sale in your area. How does your home compare?
Tour model homes. These are normally in move in condition. This is an excellent method to understand a buyer's expectations.

2. Make a list.

What are the obstacles preventing your home from showing its full potential?
Begin with Curb Appeal. Lawn, Fences, Walks, Driveway, etc.
Next move to the Inside. Closets, Kitchen, Bed Rooms, Bath Rooms, Play Rooms, Living areas, and Garages.
Categorize your findings and create an action plan:
1. Un-clutter - Get rid of it!
2. Clean - Clean it!
3. Repair - Fix it if you can. If you can not, hire someone that can!
4. Optimize - Build on your homes features to help the buyer to connect with your home.

3. Complete the necessary tasks.

Scrub, Spackle, Paint, Trim, Throw Out, Plant, Dust, Decorate and Organize.

4. Keep your home in showing condition at all times.

Buyers can be unpredictable. Showings often happen at the least convenient time possible. Don't miss a potential buyer because of a un prepared home!

Jeff Thornton
Associate Broker
Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

10 Acre Wooded Setting

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:43:15 -0700

Jeff Thornton | Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood | jeff@jeffthornton.com | 517-719-4430

1830 Germany, Williamston, MI

Contemporary Home on 10 Wooded Acres

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $379,900

Year Built	1984
Sq Footage	1,918
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	4
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	10 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

PRIVATE CONTEMPORARY RETREAT ON 10 ACRES! OAK KITCHEN WITH DOORWALL TO DECK, DINING ROOM WITH DOORWALL, WHIRLPOOL MASTER BATH. LIVING ROOM WITH FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS, CATHEDRAL CEILING, WB SOLID BRICK FP. DINING ROOM WITH DOORWALL TO THE DECK, CATHEDRAL CEILING, SKYLIGHTS. OAK KITCHEN WITH OAK PLANK FLOORING, DOORWALL TO THE DECK. MASTER BEDROOM WITH PRIVATE WHIRLPOOL BATH, OAK PLANK FLOORING. 2 CAR ATTACHED GARAGE WITH DOOR OPENER. LL FAMILY ROOM WITH WET BAR. TO SEE A VIDEO http://jeffthornton.com/virtual_tours/Germany1830.wmv OR FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.JeffThornton.com

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Office/Den	Dining room	Breakfast nook
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Basement	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard
Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Jeff Thornton

Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood

jeff@jeffthornton.com

517-719-4430

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 4, 2008, 3:37pm PDT

Buyer Agency Services

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 19:58:21 -0700

Make the SMART Choice

The Thornton Team would be pleased to represent you as a Buyer's Agent. As your Buyer's Agent, we will represent your interests exclusively. Our complete responsibility and loyalty will be to you. Having the Thornton Team help you find a home and represent your best interests during the negotiation process doesn't cost you anything, and will save you time, money and energy.

Our Buyer Agency Services include the following:

Giving you daily updates by email within 24 hours on every new listing that meet your criteria for a home
Assisting you in computing the fair market value of the home you are interested in purchasing
Creating a personalized negotiating plan to help you acquire this home at the best price and terms
Assisting you in obtaining the best possible financing plan suited to your needs
Assist in scheduling all necessary inspections for your new home to guard against unforeseen problems and repairs
Handling all the closing details to make certain that your home closes quickly and smoothly
Providing information and advice on how to get your existing home ready to sell, if desired

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us. We look forward to working with you in finding the home that is perfect for you.

Jeff Thornton
517-719-4430
Jeff@JeffThornton.com

3 Bedroom home in Williamston

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:37:40 -0700

2383 Hiddenview Ln

2383 Hiddenview Ln
Williamston, MI 48895

MLS: 177127
List Price: $209900

DESCRIPTION

Great Location! Cul-de-Sac Lot! Near Williamston High & Middle Schools. Hardwood floors, Full Finished Lower Level, Laundry on 2nd floor and 1st Floor, 1st Floor Master Suite, Beautiful Landscaped Lot

PROPERTY FEATURES

Cul-de Sac Lot
Beautiful Gardens
Spacious Kitchen w/ Center Island
Great Room w/ Cathedral Ceilings
1st Floor Master Suite
Hardwood Floors
Finished Lower Level w/Wet Bar
1st Floor laundry and 2nd Floor Laundry
Large Front Porch
Skylights

CONTACT INFORMATION

Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff Thornton
3695 Okemos Rd
Okemos, MI 48864
517-706-2492

Greater Lansing Real Estate
My Blog
Active Rain Blog
Watch Video
My Profile and Listings

SEARCH FOR HOMES IN GREATER LANSING

MY OTHER PROPERTIES

BUYER SERVICES

IS YOUR HOME READY TO SELL

Jeff Thornton
Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

Taken advantage of and it was my own fault.

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:12:03 -0700

I guess I am more gullible than I thought.

Over the winter I had an evergreen tree come down at a rental house I owned. I hadn't had it taken care of yet when I received a call from a local who was short money and was willing to work cheap. I hired him to take care of the tree for what was a very reasonable fee. Two weeks later more storms in Michigan and another tree down at the same property. This time it was much larger. I called the same guy up and hired him to take care of this tree. He was short money and asked for $75 up front, so my wife, with her big heart, wrote him a check for $100. A week later and a couple of reasonable weather related excuses later the tree wasn't taken care of. Instead he needed another $60 as his assistant with the chain saw couldn't or wouldn't help him finish. 2 days later I received another call and another excuse. He wasn't able to get a large enough chain saw and didn't have a place to take the leftover brush. I'm beginning to get a little annoyed but I needed the tree taken care of and I wanted to help this guy make some money. We discussed some ideas and he decided he would try one. The next day comes and I receive a message that he can't do the job and he didn't have my money. I needed to wait 5 days until he had some money coming in. I let it go and waited for my money. Today I get a call form a new tenant who took on the tree and finished the job in one day as he said he would. It reminded me that the other guy hadn't brought my $160 back on Thursday as he promised. When I called all I got was an answering machine. So I drove over to his home. He was on vacation, probably visiting Duane Marlink in beautiful Saugutuck, and he has a brand new grill in his back yard.

II stayed home this weekend to work on my home, something I seem to only have time to do on a holiday, and he is enjoying himself. I thought that it was just my kids that new how to manipulate me.

Jeff Thornton
Associate-Broker
Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

1st Floor Master, Finished Walkout Lower Level, Williamston Schools

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:05:48 -0700

VIEW COMPREHENSIVE VIDEO

Jeff Thornton | Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood | jeff@jeffthornton.com | 517-719-4430

476 Cedar Run Court, Williamston, MI

Beautiful 2 Story Home w/ Finished Walkout Lower Level

3BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $299,900

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	1,927
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	15,770 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

FABULOUS 2001 PARADE HOME. WALKOUT LOWER LEVEL, OVER 2900 SF FINISHED LIVING SPACE. QUIET CUL DE SAC YET CLOSE TO EVERYTHNG. VERY PRIVATE BACK YARD WITH WOODED VIEWS! EXCEPTIONAL HOME!LOADS OF UPGRADES! LIVING ROOM WITH A GAS FP, 2 STORY SUNNY FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS, FRESHLY PAINTED. FORMAL DINING ROOM WITH GLASS SLIDING DOORS TO THE DECK, PILLARS. 1ST FLOOR MBR SUITE WITH PRIVATE BATH. $22,000 WORTH OF UPGRADES! GOURMET KITCHEN WITH OAK FLOOR, WHITE CABINETS, ALL TOP OF THE LINE GE APPLIANCES. FINISHED WALKOUT LL, BERBER CARPETING, GUEST ROOM, FULL BATH. 3 CAR ATTACHED GARAGE WITH A FINISHED INTERIOR. TO SEE A VIDEO http://jeffthornton.com/virtual_tours/CedarRun476.wmv OR FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.JeffThornton.com

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Tile floor	Family room
Living room	Office/Den	Dining room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Basement	Washer
Dryer	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Central Vacuum

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Jeff Thornton

Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood

jeff@jeffthornton.com

517-719-4430

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 4, 2008, 3:46pm PDT

MY OTHER PROPERTIES

HOMES FOR SALE IN GREATER LANSING

BUYER INFORMATION

SELLER INFORMATION

OPEN HOUSES

Jeff Thornton

Associate-Broker

Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood

Jeff@JeffThornton.com

517-719-4430

All the Upgrades and Half the Price

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:25:41 -0700

View A Video

Jeff Thornton | Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood | jeff@jeffthornton.com | 517-719-4430

4711 Pardee, Webberville, MI

3200 Sq Ft Ranch on 2.55 Acre Lot

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $269,900

Year Built	2004
Sq Footage	3,255
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	2.55 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

SPACIOUS 2004 RANCH ON 2.5 COUNTRY ACRES! LIVING ROOM WITH WINDOW WALL, FAM RM WITH FP, 3 CAR GARAGE. TIMBERTEC DECKING & RAILING, BRICK PAVER PATIO, ANDERSON WINDOWS & CUSTOM BLINDS THROUGHOUT THE HOME. ENTRYWAY HAS A CHERRY FLOOR, 9' CEILING, LIVING ROOM HAS A FULL WINDOW WALL, DINING ROOM HAS CHERRY FLOORING & A LARGE PICTURE WINDOW, HICKORY THOMASVILLE KITCHEN, 1ST FLOOR FAMILY ROOM WITH A GAS FP, 4 SEASON ROOM, MASTER BEDROOM SUITE WITH PRIVATE BATH, 3 CAR ATTACHED GARAGE. RESERVED TO SEE A VIDEO http://jeffthornton.com/virtual_tours/Pardee4711.wmv OR FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO http://www.JeffThornton.com

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Yard	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Jeff Thornton

Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood

jeff@jeffthornton.com

517-719-4430

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 4, 2008, 3:29pm PDT

See My Other Properties

All Homes For Sale in the Greater Lansing Area

Buyer Services

Resource to Sell Your Home

Jeff Thornton

Associate Broker

Coldwell banker Hubbell BriarWood

517-719-4430

Jeff@JeffThornton.com

Gorgeous Lakefront Property

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:48:47 -0700

Jeff Thornton | Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood | jeff@jeffthornton.com | 517-719-4430

7195 W.Hidden Lakes, Shaftsburg, MI

Executive Lakefront Home

4BR/4.5BA Single Family House

offered at $549,900

Year Built	2000
Sq Footage	6,078
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	4 full, 2 partial
Floors	3
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	4.5 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

LIVING ROOM HAS A SOARING 22' CEILING, GAS FIREPLACE WITH CHERRY & STONE SURROUND. SUNKEN DINING ROOM. CHERRY GOURMET KITCHEN WITH GRANITE ISLAND, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, BREAKFAST NOOK. 2 MASTER BEDROOM SUITES WITH PRIVATE JACUZZI TUB. L.L. FAMILY ROOM WITH WET BAR, REFRIGERATOR, DISHWASHER. 3 CAR ATTACHED GARAGE. RESERVED: DOORBELL CHIMES, VALANCE IN FULL BATH 2ND FLOOR TO SEE A VIDEO OF THIS HOME http://jeffthornton.com/virtual_tours/7195%20Hidden%20Lake.wmv OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS HOME OR MANY OTHERS FO TO htp://www.JeffThornton.com

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Stainless steel appliances	Basement	Washer
Dryer	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard	Swimming pool	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Lake

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Lakefront

Wet Bar

Finished Walkout Lower Level

Central Vacuum

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Jeff Thornton

Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood

jeff@jeffthornton.com

517-719-4430

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 28, 2008, 4:07pm PDT

The World of a Michigan Realtor

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:45:59 -0700

What an interesting week it's been for me.

On one side my sales have been up and fairly strong for what seems to be the first time in a while. But on the other side I am still being reminded about how difficult the market has been as it was announced that my branch of the company was going to be closing in 2 months.

I have had one of my busier weeks in quite a while. I am in different stages of having sold 1 million with 7 units. As good as that is for me, just a couple of years ago 7 units would have been close to 1.5 million. I don't know about you but units are great but volume pays the bills. I'm really not complaining as it feels real good to struggle to find time to return the calls. My wife likes it to as she was getting tired of seeing me at home at night watching the tigers working on my computer.

On a less than thrilling note my company decided to close the Williamston Branch of Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood. It wasn't a shock as the market has made it difficult to make a profit and my branch is very small in a small town. In fact one of our main branches is just a few miles away. I knew it was coming: It only makes sense. However I had it made. It's just a minutes from my home, is a great facility with lots of room and resources that I didn't have to share with 40 people. I like people but I am here to work and not to spend hours socializing.

I look back and see a mixed bag. Some good stuff and yet the reminder that we still have a lot of issues in our state and in the real estate industry. Sales are picking up in a lot of different areas of the state. However values seem to still be softening. We have been dealing with mostly negatives in the industry for a couple of years, so any positives are great.

Real Estate is a great way of life. I can't imagine doing anything else

Thanks for reading my ramblings

Jeff Thornton
Associate-Broker
Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

Newer Haslett Walkout Ranch

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:54:33 -0700

16982 Broadview, East Lansing, Mi

Haslett Schools

Over 2200 Square Feet

3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths

Walkout Lower Level

Private Rear Yard

Oak Floors, Solid Surface Counter Tops and Stainless Steel Appliances

Only 339,900

Here is a Video for your enjoyment

More Information

My Other Properties

Homes For Sale in Greater Lansing Area

My Seller Services

My Buyer Services

Jeff Thornton
Associate-Broker
Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

Newer Country Ranch

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:16:30 -0700

Gorgeous 4/5 Bedroom Ranch on 1.18 acres lot. Located in Fowlerville School district with a Webberville address this 2005 built ranch offers easy access to I-96. This home is located I a quiet rural area with an easy commute to work in either Lansing or Metro Detroit. The walk-out lower level is partially finished with a family room, office and bedroom and full bath. The bonus room above the garage offers adaptability as a bedroom, office, exercise room, or whatever you need it to be. 3 full baths, up to 5 bedrooms, fireplaces, cathedral ceilings fenced yard, shed, 1^st floor laundry are just some of the other features. At JeffThornton.com you can get additional information on this great home or see a video. Why you are there check out my additional homes for sale or all of the other homes that are available in the Greater Lansing Area.

I am new to Active Rain and need some help

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:56:09 -0700

I joined because I thought it might help my natural positioning in the search engines so that I could reduce my costs with pay per clicks. Since joining I have found a tremendous amount of other benefits see Brad Andersohn's 10 Top Excuses to Be On ActiveRain. It sums it up quite well.

I would like to contribute as well but not sure what kind of posts will help me reach my goals. My priority is obviously to create more business and pay my bills. Active Rain helps through referrals, increased knowledge, as well as SEO. My first thought were to write about the area I live in with lots of links to try to reach the consumer but I'm not sure that's the best way to do it. I personally find myself drawn to the other posts where I can learn something but not necessarily about an area. But I am not sure that I should be writing to another Realtor first or the consumer. Any advice would be appreciated.

Jeff Thornton
Associate-Broker
Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

Great things are happening this Summer in Lansing

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:43:08 -0700

Summer always brings lots of fun to the Greater Lansing Area. With many events in and around the surrounding areas

The class A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, The Lansing Lugnuts, has a full schedule. They provide great entertainment beyond baseball, from the Friday Night Fireworks to Thirsty Thursdays. A night at Oldsmobile Park is great fun for the whole family.

Common Ground Music Festival provides seven nights of live entertainment. Live music and comedy acts are all performed on two stages from July 7^th through July 13^th on the banks of The Grand River at Adado Riverfront Park in downtown Lansing. Acts include Seether, Finger Eleven, REO Speedwagon, Snoop Dog, Kellie Pickler, Lyle Lovett and many more. Don't forget to try some of the many foods and drinks while enjoying the great entertainment.

The Wharton Center offers many plays, musicals, and other acts. Located on Campus of Michigan State University, The Wharton Center offers easy parking in the attached ramp as well as close proximity to many great restaurants.

The areas many golf course offer an array of challenges. From the difficult links style course Eagle Eye to the up north style Timber Ridge. Visit Brookshire Inn & Golf Club in Charming Williamston on Lansing's East side for a round of 18 and some of the areas best Steaks and Ribs.

Lake Lansing in Haslett (I know its strange being named Lake Lansing and located outside of Lansing in Haslett) is a great place to take your family to picnic, play Frisbee or just lay on the beach with a good book.

Potter Park Zoo is relaxed pace zoo. A great place to take kids of all ages as they offer many educational classes for children in the 1^st through 7^th grade.

Lansing a great place to Live

Jeff Thornton
Associate-Broker
Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

The listings I want are different today

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 09:09:45 -0700

Selling homes for small local banks and credit unions is another more profitable enterprise. Usually these properties are going to sell quickly as well, if maybe not quicker than a relo. I never enjoyed working for the large nationwide Asset managers and their clients. The pay is usually less, the communication worse, and the common sense can be terrible. With your local small banks and credit unions you usually find them to be just the opposite. You have a local contact you can establish a rapport and trust. They will listen, respond quicker, and make good decisions. Basically I think they care more about what they are doing. The homes are almost always in worse condition then a relo but there isn't a referral fee.

Unfortunately, in today's real estate world you have to look at every listing harder to decide if you want it. I used to look at my ability to work with the seller first and then the property. Today you have to make sure on a lot of them that the seller has the money to sell them. Do they have the equity or cash in pocket to close? I know about short sales and grudgingly will consider them. If your seller isn't behind in their payments it seems that you don't have a chance. Do you tell them to stop making payments? Not me, let there attorney tell them that. What do you do when it's a family member, close friend, or past client? You really can't afford to carry non-performing properties today yet it is hard to not be there for these people. More and more I am turning them down.

The issues that we deal with today are very different than they were just a few years ago. They are short term but you still need to adapt to what is happening now.

Jeff Thornton
Associate-Broker
Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

Williamston, Mi Title Town?

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:04:32 -0700

I know that sports are not what schools are all about but I still enjoy watching the games and the kid's accomplishments. Williamston Schools have enjoyed a phenomenal success this past school year. This small town in the East suburbs of Lansing has won 5 state titles with 1 still to be decided. This past fall the Boys Cross Country team won a state championship (they have been 1st or 2nd 7 out of the last 8 years and the only year they weren't 1st or 2nd they were 3rd or 4th). This spring the Boys Track Team won both the MiTCA and the MHSAA state championship. The girls have won a state Tennis championship, the MiTCA state championship and play for a possible 6th state title on Saturday in Soccer. In the Lansing State Journal High Scholl Power Poll 3 out of the top 4 teams were from Williamston. Not only were the kids excellent on the field but also in the classroom as both the boys and girls cross country team were in the top three GPA's for the state. I know it doesn't mean anything but I am still a proud parent of a Student at Williamston high school (who by the way is a straight 4.o student way to go Josh).

If you would like your kids to go to Williamston and you need to find a home call me.

What a great place to raise a family!!

Jeff Thornton
Associate-Broker
Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

Working with Foreclosure Specialists

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:03:56 -0700

In today's market you are bound to sell a foreclosure. I understand the selling of a foreclosure is going to be more work and take longer. I've become accustomed to that. what I am struggling with is the lack of professional courtesy some of the foreclosure specialists exhibit. It's a common occurence to hear about an agent who calls up to show a foreclosure a couple of days in advance to verify the availablility of the home and get instructions to enter. The specialist or their assistant calls you back with instructions and to let you that the property is still available. The agent shows the home and immediately writes an offer, calls the specialist to have them tell them it sold 2 days ago. The same day they called to verify that the property was still available. I've personally had problems with the specialist not getting back to you. I had one tell me that the commission in the MLS isn't right that it was 1% lower than advertised. I agreed to split the lower amount out of courtesy to them and then found out at closing they were asking me to split half of their referral fee. The commission was accurate in the MLS all along. I wonder if they would like to sell one of my relo properties and split my referral fee? Now I am haveing them require me to get the bids for the work to be done on behalf of their seller. I am irritated but without a lot of options as home sales are down and I still have a family to feed. I wonder what is going to happen to those specialist that show no courtesy when foreclosures aren't as prevalent? Not all of the Foreclosure specialist operate this way. There are still some very good professionals in the field but way tom many who are forgetting the spirit of cooperation

Jeff Thornton

NAR Call for Action

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:50:42 -0700

NAR has a "Call For Action" out and we are trying to get everybody involved. NAR's "Call For Action" ia a way with 2 clicks you can have an e-mail sent to your Senator or Congress Person outlining a position we might have as a group regarding Real Estate related issues. Please go to Realtor.org and make sure you email address is correct. By doing this you will receive emails from NAR and your State Association on imortant issues. This e-mail will contain a link that allows you with 2 clicks to send out a pre-written email or you can edit it to the way you would like it to read.

I am pasting a letter form Matt Davis, past Chair of Michigan's RPAC Trustees and Current RPIC and Grassroots Coordinator, with his permission of course. this letter has an easy link to assist you in acting now on this very important issue. Please ACT NOW and forward this information to other NAR members

Http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/higherloanlimits NAR has launched a call for action to encourage our two US Senators to support a bill that would increase the loan caps on FHA mortgages as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac products. All the info you need to take action is in the link above. I humbly request that you follow this link NOW and complete this call for action (CFA). We are in a war with other interests on issues before our Congress, it is incumbent upon us all to do our part to make a difference. This is the easiest thing you can do to make a difference. After you compete your CFA, I am going to ask you to do two other things: 1. Send this to all the agents in your office 2. Send this to all of your peer friends that you have a good relationship with in this business. We know in our business that peer-to-peer, "sphere of influence" requests are taken much more seriously than mass mailings/emails from NAR and MAR. Please send this link to everyone in your address book. Then ask them to do the same. If you send it to 10, and they send it to 10 and so on, we will make sure all 30,000 or so REALTORS in this state get the reminder message (or in some cases get the first message). Then it is critical that we ask for the order--that we make sure that our peers know just how important completing the info in the link is. So far, only about 10% of our membership has responded to the two CFA's this year. That is only roughly 3,000 each. Think of how much more weight our collective voices would have if we doubled or even tripled that number. Please help me get our grassroots program up and running to a high level today. Do the CFA, send this reminder to all of your office mates, and finally, send this reminder to all your peer REALTORS in the business. Together we can. Below is another take on how important our Calls For Action are. Kindest regards,
Matt Davis, NAR's RPIC for Michigan (grassroots coordinator)

Jeff Thornton
Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

The Wings in 6

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:08:15 -0700

The Red wings are going to take home the cup tonight in Pittsburgh. The Penguins showed a lot of grit but the better team was obvious and the wings experience will come through in a big way. They will take home their 4th cup in 10 years. They are the Hockey Franchise and Detroit is Hockey Town.

Michigan's a great place to live

Jeff Thornton ABR CRB CRS CSP e-Pro GRI — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:57:22 -0700

What a great place to live!

The Greater Lansing Area is centrally located in the southern half of the lower peninsula. Lansing is located within 75 miles of almost all of the other larger cities in Michigan, I can travel just about an hour to go watch the world class Red Wings and Pistons. I can drive just a little over an hour to watch the Detroit Tigers and then go to the casinos or have a great dinner. I trave a short distance to visit one of our Great Lakes or hundreds of our inland lakes. You can ski, snowmobile or ice fish in the winter. You can anchor your boat on a sand dune with hundreds of other boaters, hike, ride bike or just camp and relax. Mackinac Island is wonderful weekend get away. Catch the vibrant display of color in a fall tour. If you are a hunter Michigan sports some of the best hunting around. One of my favorite assets is Michigan State University with their world class baskeball program. MSU also offers many plays and Musicals at the Wharton Center. In beginning of July Common Ground hits the stage. common ground is a 9 or 10 day out door Music festival held in downtown Lansing. I have seen ZZ Top, Ted Nugent, Seether, REO Speedwagon as well as many country groups I'm not as familiar with.

Greater Lansing has a low cost of living and very affordable housing. Our idea of a traffic jam is having to slow down for 5 minutes during rush hour where 496 and 127 meet. I had clients in from Seattle who almost died laughing when I complained about a traffic jam that took us just a couple of minutes to navigate. We have low crime and great educational opportunities.

You don't have to worry about hurricanes, earthquakes or forest fires. We do have tornados but I have lived here my whole life and never seen one.

If you want a great place to raise your family then check out Michigan and the Greater Lansing area.

Move to the Greater Lansing Area

Jeff Thornton
Associate-Broker
Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff@JeffThornton.com
517-719-4430

Greater Lansing Real Estate Blog

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Superior Walkout Ranch on 1.7 Acres Cul-De-Sac Lot

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10 Acre Wooded Setting

Buyer Agency Services

3 Bedroom home in Williamston

2383 Hiddenview Ln

2383 Hiddenview LnWilliamston, MI 48895

MLS: 177127List Price: $209900

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PROPERTY FEATURES

CONTACT INFORMATION

Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWoodJeff Thornton3695 Okemos RdOkemos, MI 48864517-706-2492Greater Lansing Real EstateMy BlogActive Rain BlogWatch VideoMy Profile and Listings

Taken advantage of and it was my own fault.

1st Floor Master, Finished Walkout Lower Level, Williamston Schools

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Williamston, Mi Title Town?

Working with Foreclosure Specialists

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The Wings in 6

Michigan's a great place to live

2383 Hiddenview Ln
Williamston, MI 48895

MLS: 177127
List Price: $209900

Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood
Jeff Thornton
3695 Okemos Rd
Okemos, MI 48864
517-706-2492

Greater Lansing Real Estate
My Blog
Active Rain Blog
Watch Video
My Profile and Listings