What Can Hurt a Home’s Appraisal - 08/28/12 09:58 AM
Daily Real Estate News | Monday, August 27, 2012   --> Owners can take steps to avoid having their home appraised at a lower value than the asking price.
“Taking the time to understand the areas that can positively influence your appraisal can help ward off the chances that your home will be appraised at a lower value than the asking price,” according to a recent article at Realty Times, which highlights ways sellers can prepare for an appraisal.
Here are a few ways that home owners can hurt their appraisal, according to the piece.
Leaving the home untidy. Having an … (1 comments)

Housing Market Shows 'Sustainable' Improvement - 08/28/12 09:56 AM
Daily Real Estate News | Monday, August 27, 2012   --> Home sales and prices are ticking up, despite a sluggish economy. In fact, the rebound has economists predicting that housing will likely add to economic growth this year for the first time in seven years.
Existing-home sales increased 2.3 percent in July and are up more than 10 percent compared to year-ago levels, the National Association of REALTORS® reported last week. What’s more, home prices soared 9.4 percent in July compared to last year at that time—to $187,300—marking the largest price gain in six-and-a-half years.
New-home sales also have been … (0 comments)

2.50 acres with storage shed, Near TONS of state land $8900 - 08/22/12 12:50 PM
2.50 acres w/storage shed, drive- Near Tons of State Land $8900 Near Tons of State Land
• lot / land - MLS® $8,900 - Below market Value
Union Township, Grand Traverse County - Country setting on 2.50 acres cleared & ready for building your home, hunting/weekend/snowmobile camp with 12x16 storage shed 2 track style drive already in. Located just minutes from TC, Fife Lake, Kalakaska, & Cadillac and near tons of state land. Survey, disclosures, arial views and plat map all on file. Priced below market value at only $8900!
Property information
… (0 comments)

Mortgage Closing Costs on the Decline - 08/08/12 11:54 AM
Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, August 07, 2012   --> Closing costs have dropped by 7 percent over the last year, according to an annual survey on closing costs conducted by Bankrate.com. Closing costs average $3,754 nationwide.
Title insurance and other third-party fees also saw a drop in the last year, falling 12 percent, and origination fees fell 1 percent, according to Bankrate.com’s survey.
“This is the second year in which lenders are required to estimate third-party fees within 10 percent of the final cost. It seems like they’re getting more accurate, which helps explain the sharp decrease in these … (1 comments)

'Not Every Distressed Property Is a Bargain' - 08/08/12 11:51 AM
Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, August 07, 2012   --> Foreclosures can offer some home buyers big bargains, with the typical discount on a foreclosure about 19 percent, according to National Association of REALTORS® data from May. But buyers should be careful not to be guided by price alone, housing experts warn.
“Distressed properties can have great appeal,” says Wendy Forsythe, executive vice president at Atlantic Pacific Real Estate. “Discounted prices and historically low interest rates make these homes affordable to many families who might otherwise not be able to buy a property. But buyers also need to be selective … (2 comments)

3.8% Investment Tax - Effective January 2013 - 08/08/12 09:36 AM
3.8% Investment Tax - Effective January 2013
Applies to: ! Individuals with adjusted gross income (AGI) above $200,000

Couples filing a joint return with more than $250,000 AGI

Types of Income: Interest, dividends, rents (less expenses), capital gains

(less capital losses)

 

Formula: " e new tax applies to the LESSER of

" Investment income amount

" Excess of AGI over the $200,000

or $250,000 amount

 

For complete details and examples please see the attached brochure....this does not apply to all real estate transactions...only some.

http://www.c21jb.com/blogs/jon_becker/archive/2012/08/08/1373412.aspx 
… (1 comments)

 
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Jon Becker

Traverse City, MI

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Century 21 Northland

Address: 241 E. State St., Traverse City, Mi, 49684

Office Phone: (231) 929-7900

Cell Phone: (231) 342-5401

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Keep yourself informed on Northern Michigan Real Estate information including listings for sale, price changes, listings sold, area community information, real estate related laws/ taxes as well as financing information and real estate buying & selling tips & information. For more complete information and to search ALL area listings, photos / slide shows & listing brochures please visit www.c21jb.com


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