http://activerain.com/blogs/jonbecker Traverse City real estate market listings & updates, announcments, Traverse City area financing updates, complete Grand Traverse area information and links en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/3305429/very-satisfied-seller <p>I was extremely proud and happy to recieve this email from my sellers today....listed and sold their home in 4 days!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div>Thank you again for everything you have done on the sale of our house.From our first informational <span class="Apple-style-span" style="">meeting before the listing to the closing you were very impressive. Your knowledge about the market, the extensive market analysis and your communication with all of us made it very smooth. You made everything so easy.We have bought and sold homes and dealt with several personalities and real estate agents and it had never gone so smooth and quickly.I really can't say enough about the pleasure of working with you.If we ever need any real estate agent in the future we would certainly call you.Please feel free to contact us if you ever need any reference for a potential client.I really can't believe there was ever a quicker sale on a house.Thanks a million.Pauline</span> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div> <br><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/2/4/8/7/ar133850803478421.jpg" height="335" alt="" width="420"> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Thu, 31 May 2012 16:49:24 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3305429/very-satisfied-seller http://activerain.com/blogsview/3282817/traverse-city-area-home-sales-on-the-rebound- <div class="content bold">Local home sales on the rebound</div> <div class="content">By Bill O'Brien-Traverse City Record-Eagle</div> <div class="content italic">Posted: 05/23/2012 7:14 AM</div> <div class="content italic">&nbsp;</div> <div class="content italic">Existing home sales continued to surge in the 5-county area, and sale prices also are starting to rebound.<br>April home sales totaled 206 across Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim and Kalkaska counties, according to data from the Traverse Area Association of Realtors. That's a 14 percent increase from March totals and up 31 percent from April 2011.<br>The value of those transactions totaled more than $38.3 million, with nearly $21 million of that from Grand Traverse County. Leelanau totaled just over $5.2 million, while Benzie and Antrim were near $4.5 million in total sales.<br>The local numbers mirrored national sales trends in April, when the National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday that April sales rose 3.4 percent from March and increased 10 percent from a year ago.<br>"There's an awful lot of activity in the field right now," said Kim Pontius, TAAR's executive vice president. <br>The median sale price last month in the Grand<a name="display"></a> Traverse area totaled $144,500. That's a 4.5 percent increase from March and up 22.4 percent from April 2011. That's the highest median sale price for April since 2008, but still below the high-water mark of nearly $167,000 in 2006. <br>Nationally, the median existing-home price for all housing types jumped 10.1 percent to $177,400 in April from a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $141,400, up 7.4 percent from a year ago.<br>Local year-to-date sales through April totaled 651 homes, the highest total in at least six years. The median sale price so far this year is $135,000, a nearly 11 percent increase from 2011 and the highest total since 2008.<br>Local demand is strong in the mid-range price levels under $200,000, reflecting interest from first-time home buyers or baby-boomers downsizing into smaller homes, Pontius said.<br>The market for higher-end homes and waterfront properties lags behind the more-affordable options, said agent Jim Noller of the Real Estate One office in Traverse City.<br>"I think it takes longer for that upper range to catch up right now," Noller said.<br>Pontius and Noller said housing sales in Traverse City also are improving.<br>"The market is changing, there's more interest in urban living," Pontius said.<br>Lawrence Yun, the NAR chief economist, said the national sales data suggests a housing recovery is underway.<br>"It is no longer just the investors who are taking advantage of high affordability conditions. A return of normal home buying for occupancy is helping home sales across all price points, and now the recovery appears to be extending to home prices," he said.<br>Distressed homes &mdash; foreclosures and short sales sold at deep discounts &mdash; accounted for 28 percent of April national sales, including 17 percent through foreclosures and 11 percent through short sales. That's down from 29 percent in March and 37 percent in April 2011. <br>Nationally, first-time buyers rose to 35 percent of purchasers in April from 33 percent in March; they were 36 percent in April 2011. <br>Wire services contributed to this report</div> <div class="content italic">&nbsp;</div> <div class="content italic">&nbsp;</div> <div class="content italic">Search all Traverse City area real estate listings at <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/">www.c21jb.com</a> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Wed, 23 May 2012 20:00:30 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3282817/traverse-city-area-home-sales-on-the-rebound- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3258571/traverse-city-makes-national-geographic-s-best-summer-trips- <h2>Traverse City, Michigan</h2> <p class="credit">Photograph by Carlos Osorio, AP</p> <p><a href="http://www.traversecity.com/" target="_blank">Traverse City</a> is the biggest little beach town on the &ldquo;Third Coast&rdquo;&mdash;the U.S. shores of the eight-state Great Lakes coastline. The region&rsquo;s 180 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline basically trace the upper left edge of Michigan&rsquo;s &ldquo;mitten.&rdquo; Add another 149 inland lakes that are 10 acres or larger and you get a rambling Cape Cod-on-freshwater summer playground: quaint port villages, sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, rolling orchards, family-friendly festivals (including the <a href="http://www.cherryfestival.org/">National Cherry Festival</a>, July 7-14), and summer-only <a href="http://www.tcbeachbums.com/" target="_blank">Traverse City Beach Bums</a> pro baseball games (team members bunk with local families). Head northwest from Cherry Capital Airport to the Leelanau Peninsula and <a href="http://www.nps.gov/slbe" target="_blank">Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore</a> (pictured here). Michigan&rsquo;s monumental sandbox is best known for its 150-foot Dune Climb (or roll), but there&rsquo;s also 35 miles of pristine Lake Michigan beach. Take the 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive loop in time to watch the sunset from Lake Michigan Overlook observation deck, perched 450 feet above the water.</p> <p><em>&gt;&gt; Check out our <a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/family-trips/lake-michigan-dunes/" target="_blank">Family Trip: Lake Michigan Dunes</a></em></p> <p><em><img src="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/527/overrides/traverse-michigan-summer-trips_52799_600x450.jpg" alt="Photo: Tourists climb sand dunes."></em></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Mon, 14 May 2012 18:57:12 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3258571/traverse-city-makes-national-geographic-s-best-summer-trips- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3239082/sandy-beach-east-bay-4br-2-5bath-2lots-garage-carport-boat-launch-159-900 <h5 class="posthead pageTitle">Sandy Beach East Bay- 4BR 2.5Bath,2Lots, Garage,carport, boat launch $159,900 <span title="Not yet rated" class="CommonRateControl" id="_ctl0____ctl0____ctl2___Entry___Ratings"><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""></span> </h5> <p style="margin-left: 10px; float: right;"><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Acme_Township/Michigan/Homes/Williamsburg/Acme_Township/Agent/Listing_57689204.html"><img class="Photo ListingPhoto" src="http://media.point2.com/p2a/listing/91d3/c8cd/e9e8/b7e2505a086e5723cabe/w475h356.jpg" border="0" alt="4 BR 2.50 Bath" style="border: 1px solid black;"></a> <span class="cutline"><br><strong>Double Lot, Boat Launch</strong> </span></p> <p class="summary" style="margin-top: 0px;">&bull; <span>2,148 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm ranch "Raised Ranch "</span> <span>-</span> <span id="Price_r" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold;">MLS&reg;</span> <span id="Price_pl">$159,900</span> <span>- Sandy East Bay Access</span></p> <p><span class="dateline" id="LeadIn" style="font-weight: bold;">Acme Township, Grand Traverse County</span> <span> - </span> SANDY EAST BAY BEACH frontage out your front door &amp; boat launch just down the street come w/your 4 BR 2.5 Bath home in desirable Deepwater Point neighborhood. Set on a double,surveyed, peaceful wooded lot &amp; sold furnished. Features newly finished lower level, water heater &amp; softner&amp; multi level deck 2009, 2x6 construction w/energy efficient windows/insulation., possible 5th Bedroom, lots of windows for natural light &amp; nature viewing, spacious main floor living room + lower level family room, main floor master &amp; laundry, lots of storgage space. Previously rented $1800 wk.-summer $1100 month in winter, sleeps 12. Just minutes into Traverse City, Elk Rapids or Turtle Creek Casino. Great Value!</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Acme_Township/Michigan/Homes/Williamsburg/Acme_Township/Agent/Listing_57689204.html">Property information</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Mon, 07 May 2012 14:08:20 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3239082/sandy-beach-east-bay-4br-2-5bath-2lots-garage-carport-boat-launch-159-900 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3221805/new-michigan-principal-residence-exemption-law-passed- <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="">Yesterday, Governor Snyder signed into law the revised Principal Residence Exemption statute. The revised statute changes the filing deadline for the Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit from May 1 to June 1 and adds a new second filing date of November 1. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="">The law will also allow lenders who foreclose on property to retain the principal residence exemption on the property, although a new tax is imposed on the lenders to offset the exemption. However, retaining the principal residence exemption will help subsequent owner-occupied buyers to immediately pay the lower homestead rate.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><strong><span style="">For taxes levied after December 31, 2011, the filing deadline will be June 1 for the next summer tax levy and all subsequent tax levies, or November 1 for the next winter tax levy and all subsequent tax levies. </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="">A principal residence is exempt from the tax levied by a local school district for school operating purposes, which typically means that the property is taxed at the rate of six mills, rather than 24. To claim the exemption, the property owner must file an affidavit with the local tax collecting unit. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="">A copy of the full Bill can be found at:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style=""><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001DDgcS7TfISL4K-LVCcB0UV1y7-knzPRcoa1zarfQc2TPMuCHEYkKjFDIoSBCQmeQMIZKrzh51K5YYtWFBS5fmPQrnyh1XrzYl4IkZgsRkDsItCJ_IGm7GXeKoTxoVlr47ML9FpasKrwxCOcN8ObYlgbf07A08t70vB0cmafzeXBlm-flTtQlMqziFzHBWnfIBxs0h3yPoe_QqzPQ4zr8Vg==" title="This external link will open in a new window" target="_blank">Principal Residence Exemption Bill</a></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Wed, 02 May 2012 12:45:41 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3221805/new-michigan-principal-residence-exemption-law-passed- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3221037/3br-2-bath-1370-sq-ft-24x40-pole-barn-2-45-ac-stream-149-000 <h5 class="posthead pageTitle">3 BR 2 Bath, 24x40 Pole Barn, 2.45 ac., Stream $149,000 <span title="Not yet rated" class="CommonRateControl" id="_ctl0____ctl0____ctl2___Entry___Ratings"><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""></span> </h5> <p style="margin-right: 10px; float: left;"><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Garfield_Township/Michigan/Homes/Traverse_City/Garfield_Township/Agent/Listing_57519190.html"><img class="Photo ListingPhoto" src="http://media.point2.com/p2a/listing/50ee/d949/b573/88139e22f7c34db0d568/w475h356.jpg" border="0" alt="3 BR 2 Bath 1370 sq. ft." style="border: 1px solid black;"></a> <span class="cutline"><br><strong>Pole Barn &amp; Possible River Access</strong> </span></p> <p class="summary" style="margin-top: 0px;">&bull; <span>1,370 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story</span> <span>-</span> <span id="Price_r" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold;">MLS&reg;</span> <span id="Price_pl">$149,000</span> <span>- 2.45 Ac. w/ stream</span></p> <p><span class="dateline" id="LeadIn" style="font-weight: bold;">Garfield Township, Grand Traverse County</span> <span> - </span> Country Living just out of the city- 5 +/- Minutes to Mall, downtown. Enjoy open floor plan living in this well maintained 3 BR/2 Bath home featuring oak hardwood floors, pvt. master suite w/walkin closet, whirlpool tub + shower stall ,dual vanity &amp; relaxing window bench, large laundry room w/wash tub on main floor near bedrooms, central air, full basement &amp; pvt. back deck set on 2.45 partly wooded acres. 24x40 insulated &amp; finished pole barn w/220 amp service &amp; 8 ft. doors for all the toys + garden/storage shed. Small spring fed stream &amp; views/access of/to Boardman River &amp; Sabin Pond via township property in back &amp; walking dist. to nature trails along river, across from Soccer fields.</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Garfield_Township/Michigan/Homes/Traverse_City/Garfield_Township/Agent/Listing_57519190.html">Property information</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Wed, 02 May 2012 08:33:23 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3221037/3br-2-bath-1370-sq-ft-24x40-pole-barn-2-45-ac-stream-149-000 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3180090/grand-traverse-homes-sales-for-march-highest-in-6-years- <h2 id="section_header"><span class="pub_date">April 20, 2012</span></h2> <div id="display"> <div class="user_sized hnews hentry item" id="story_body"> <h3><a href="http://record-eagle.com/local/x1961090873/Grand-Traverse-home-sales-up-in-March" class="url entry-title" rel="bookmark">Grand Traverse home sales up in March</a></h3> <h4 class="subhead">TAAR reports highest March figures in at least six years</h4> <p class="story_meta"><span class="author vcard"><span class="story_credit fn">By Bill O'Brien</span></span><span class="source-org vcard story_source"><a href="http://record-eagle.com/" style="color: #000000;">bobrien@record-eagle.com</a><a href="http://record-eagle.com/" class="url org fn" style="display: none;">The Record Eagle</a></span><span class="updated dtstamp" style="display: none;">Fri Apr 20, 2012, 07:18 AM EDT</span></p> <div class="entry-content"> <p>TRAVERSE CITY &mdash; Mother Nature helped boost home sales in the Grand Traverse region.<br><br>She didn't close any deals, but March's unseasonably warm weather bolstered existing home sales in the five-county region by almost 28 percent compared to February. The 180 homes sold in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim and Kalkaska counties represented the best March numbers in at least six years, and bettered last year's total by more than 10 percent.<br><br>"Anecdotally, the agents out there said the weather did make a difference," said Kim Pontius, executive vice president of the Traverse Area Association of Realtors. "The really nice weather got people out and moving around."<br><br>Local sales outpaced the national trend where existing home sales were down in March but continue to outpace year-ago levels, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. Total existing-home sales declined 2.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.48 million in March from an upwardly revised 4.60 million in February. But, they are 5.2 percent above the 4.26 million-unit pace in March 2011.<br><br>Pontius said TAAR members also report steady activity in April and expects another strong month when sales totals are compiled. First-quarter sales totaled 448 homes in the region, 14 percent above last year's first quarter.<br><br>"I'm hearing from some of my members that they're as busy as they've ever been," he said.<br><br>Home sale prices, however, continued to lag as foreclosures and other short sales eat away at housing prices. There was some improvement in March. The median sales price of $138,250 represented a 17 percent increase from February's median sale price.<br><br>The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $163,800 in March, up 2.5 percent from March 2011. Distressed homes &mdash; foreclosures and short sales sold at deep discounts &mdash; accounted for 29 percent of March sales, compared with 34 percent in February and 40 percent in March 2011.<br><br>Regionally, existing-home sales in the Midwest were unchanged in March at a pace of 1.02 million but are 15.9 percent above March 2011. The median price in the Midwest was $132,800, up 5.2 percent from a year ago. <br><br>"The recovery is happening though not at a breakout pace, but we have seen nine consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases," said Lawrence Yun, the NAR's chief economist. "Existing-home sales are moving up and down in a fairly narrow range that is well above the level of activity during the first half of last year." <br><br>Nationally, investors purchased 21 percent of homes in March, down from 23 percent in February and 22 percent in March 2011. First-time buyers accounted for 33 percent of transactions in March; they were 32 percent in February and 33 percent in March 2011. <br><br><strong>Wire services contributed to this report.</strong></p> </div> <div class="noprint story_tools">&nbsp;</div> <div class="noprint story_tools">&nbsp;</div> <div class="noprint story_tools">&nbsp;</div> <div class="noprint story_tools">&nbsp;</div> <div class="noprint story_tools">Thinking of Buying or Selling Traverse City area real estate? <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/HomesAuthenticated.aspx?tabid=2407271" title="contact Jon Becker">Contact Jon Becker</a> - Century 21 Northland!</div> <div class="noprint story_tools">View Traverse City Real Estate listings, information, links at <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/">www.c21jb.com</a> </div> <div class="noprint story_tools">&nbsp;</div> </div> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:06:14 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3180090/grand-traverse-homes-sales-for-march-highest-in-6-years- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3166985/investment-and-vacation-home-sales-surge-in-2011- <p>WASHINGTON (March 29, 2012) &ndash; Sales of investment and vacation homes* jumped in 2011, with the combined market share rising to the highest level since 2005, according to the National Association of Realtors&reg;.</p> <p>NAR&rsquo;s 2012 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, covering existing- and new-home transactions in 2011, shows investment-home sales surged an extraordinary 64.5 percent to 1.23 million last year from 749,000 in 2010. Vacation-home sales rose 7.0 percent to 502,000 in 2011 from 469,000 in 2010. Owner-occupied purchases fell 15.5 percent to 2.78 million.</p> <p>Vacation-home sales accounted for 11 percent of all transactions last year, up from 10 percent in 2010, while the portion of investment sales jumped to 27 percent in 2011 from 17 percent in 2010.</p> <p>NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said investors with cash took advantage of market conditions in 2011. &ldquo;During the past year investors have been swooping into the market to take advantage of bargain home prices,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Rising rental income easily beat cash sitting in banks as an added inducement. In addition, 41 percent of investment buyers purchased more than one property.&rdquo;</p> <p>Yun said the shift in investment buyer patterns in 2011 shows the market, for the large part, is able to absorb foreclosures hitting the market. &ldquo;Small-time investors are helping the market heal since REO (bank real estate owned) inventory is not lingering for an extended period. Any government program to sell REO inventory in bulk to large institutional companies should be limited to small geographic areas. Even where alternatives are needed, it&rsquo;s best to rely on the expertise of local businesses, nonprofit organizations and government,&rdquo; he said.</p> <p>All-cash purchases have become fairly common in the investment- and vacation-home market during recent years: 49 percent of investment buyers paid cash in 2011, as did 42 percent of vacation-home buyers. Half of all investment home purchases in 2011 were distressed homes, as were 39 percent of vacation homes.</p> <p>&ldquo;Clearly we&rsquo;re looking at investors with financial resources who see real estate as a good investment and who aren&rsquo;t hesitant to use cash,&rdquo; Yun said. Of buyers who financed their purchase with a mortgage, large downpayments were typical. The median downpayment for both investment- and vacation-home buyers in 2011 was 27 percent.</p> <p>&ldquo;Given the tight credit in recent years, many would-be normal home buyers for owner occupancy declined,&rdquo; Yun said.</p> <p>The median investment-home price was $100,000 in 2011, up 6.4 percent from $94,000 in 2010, while the median vacation-home price was $121,300, down 19.1 percent from $150,000 in 2010.</p> <p>Investment-home buyers in 2011 had a median age of 50, earned $86,100 and bought a home that was relatively close to their primary residence &ndash; a median distance of 25 miles, although 30 percent were more than 100 miles away.</p> <p>&ldquo;The share of investment buyers who flipped property remained low in 2011, and many of those homes likely were renovated before reselling,&rdquo; Yun said. Five percent of homes purchased by investment buyers last year have already been resold, up from 2 percent in 2010. The typical investment buyer plans to hold the property for a median of 5 years, down from 10 years for buyers in 2010.</p> <p>The typical vacation-home buyer was 50 years old, had a median household income of $88,600 and purchased a property that was a median distance of 305 miles from the primary residence; 35 percent of vacation homes were within 100 miles and 37 percent were more than 500 miles. Buyers plan to own their recreational property for a median of 10 years.</p> <p>Lifestyle factors have consistently been the primary motivation for vacation-home buyers, while the desire for rental income drives investment purchases. Vacation homes purchased last year were more likely to be in suburban or rural areas; investment homes were concentrated in suburban locations.</p> <p>Eighty-two percent of vacation-home buyers said the primary reason for buying was to use the property themselves for vacations, or as a family retreat. Thirty percent plan to use the property as a primary residence in the future, and only 22 percent plan to rent to others.</p> <p>Half of investment buyers said they purchased primarily to generate rental income, and 34 percent wanted to diversify their investments or saw a good investment opportunity.</p> <p>Sixteen percent of vacation buyers and 14 percent of investment buyers purchased the property for a family member, friend or relative to use. In many cases the home is intended for a son or daughter to use while attending school.</p> <p>Forty-two percent of vacation homes purchased last year were in the South, 30 percent in the West, 15 percent in the Northeast and 12 percent in the Midwest; 1 percent were located outside of the U.S.</p> <p>Forty-four percent of investment properties were in the South, 23 percent in the West, 17 percent in the Midwest and 15 percent in the Northeast.</p> <p>Eight out of 10 second-home buyers said it was a good time to buy. Nearly half of investment buyers said they were likely to purchase another property within two years, as did one-third of vacation-home buyers.</p> <p>Currently, 42.1 million people in the U.S. are ages 50-59 &ndash; a group that has dominated second-home sales since the middle part of the past decade and established records. An additional 43.5 million people are 40-49 years old, while another 40.2 million are 30-39.</p> <p>&ldquo;Given that the number of people who are in their 40s is somewhat larger than the 50-somethings, the long-term demographic demand for purchasing vacation homes is favorable because these younger households are likely to enter the market as their desire for these kinds of properties grows, and individual circumstances allow,&rdquo; Yun said.</p> <p>NAR&rsquo;s analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows there are 8.0 million vacation homes and 42.8 million investment units in the U.S., compared with 75.3 million owner-occupied homes.</p> <p>NAR&rsquo;s 2012 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, conducted in March 2012, includes answers from 2,241 usable responses about home purchases during 2011. The survey controlled for age and income, based on information from the larger 2011 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, to limit any biases in the characteristics of respondents.</p> <p>The 2012 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey can be ordered by calling 800-874-6500, or online at <a href="http://www.realtor.org/prodser.nsf/Research">www.realtor.org/prodser.nsf/Research</a>. The report costs $19.95 for NAR members and $149.95 for non-members.</p> <p>The National Association of Realtors&reg;, &ldquo;The Voice for Real Estate,&rdquo; is America&rsquo;s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.</p> <p># # #</p> <p>*Vacation homes are recreational property purchased primarily for the buyer&rsquo;s (or their family&rsquo;s) personal use, while investment homes are residential property purchased primarily to rent to others, or to hold for other financial or investment purposes.</p> <p>Information about NAR is available at <a href="http://www.realtor.org/">www.realtor.org</a>. This and other news releases are posted in the News Media section. Statistical data, tables and surveys also may be found by clicking on Research.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11px;">REALTOR&reg; is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS&reg; and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate agents are REALTORS&reg;. All REALTORS&reg; are members of NAR.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:15 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3166985/investment-and-vacation-home-sales-surge-in-2011- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3135316/40-wooded-acres-near-state-land-river- <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Paradise_Township/Michigan/Lots_and_Land/Kingsley/Kingsley/Agent/Listing_56257889.html"><img class="Photo ListingPhoto" src="http://media.point2.com/p2a/listing/15b4/d485/083a/aa92403e7a0d0b2523d2/w475h356.jpg" border="0" alt="39.72 wooded acres " style="border: 1px solid black;"></a><span class="cutline"><br><strong>40 Rolling wooded acres</strong></span></p> <p class="summary" style="margin-top: 0px;">&bull; <span> lot / land</span><span>-</span><span id="Price_r" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold;">MLS&reg;</span><span id="Price_pl">$127,000</span><span> - Near State Land &amp; River</span></p> <p><span class="dateline" id="LeadIn" style="font-weight: bold;">Kingsley, Paradise Township</span><span> - </span> Privacy &amp; Seclusion- set well back off road you will love this wooded almost 40 acre parcel. Build your dream home, setup your private camp for the summer, hunt, etc.. Near state land, Manistee river, Kingsley and only 20 mins. from TC, approx. 30 mins. to Cadillac.</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Paradise_Township/Michigan/Lots_and_Land/Kingsley/Kingsley/Agent/Listing_56257889.html">Property information</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:21:32 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3135316/40-wooded-acres-near-state-land-river- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3109620/2011-12-cost-vs-value-big-bang-remodeling-projects- <div class="deck">Find out which remodeling projects will provide the biggest bang for your buck this year, according to Remodeling magazine.</div> &lt;!-- /.deck --&gt; <div class="section-date-author">&lt;!--|--&gt; March 2012 | By <a href="http://realtormag.realtor.org/author/erica-christoffer" rel="foaf:publications">Erica Christoffer</a> </div> &lt;!-- /.section-date-author --&gt; <div class="body-content">&lt;!--&lt;pre&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;--&gt; &lt;!-- troubleshooting--&gt; <div class="main-image"> <img title="" class="imagecache imagecache-400xY" src="http://realtormag.realtor.org/sites/realtormag.realtor.org/files/imagecache/400xY/mar12_F_HD_bigbang.jpg" height="188" alt="" width="400"> <div class="main-image-desc image-desc">&nbsp;</div> &lt;!-- /.main-image-desc --&gt;</div> &lt;!-- /.main-image --&gt; <div>&lt;!--paging_filter--&gt; <p>Optimizing the use of space in a home will not only attract buyers but also give sellers more bang for their buck, according to Remodeling&rsquo;s &ldquo;2011&ndash;12 Cost vs. Value Report,&rdquo; conducted in cooperation with REALTOR&reg; Magazine and NAR&rsquo;s HouseLogic.com.</p> <p>An attic bedroom addition costing $50,148 was expected to recoup 72.5 percent of the cost nationally&mdash;inching up 0.3 percent from the 2010&ndash;11 report. The minor kitchen remodel also fared well, returning an estimated 72.1 percent of the nearly $20,000 job cost.</p> <p>The report looks at the estimated cost and expected resale return of 35 midrange and upscale remodeling projects in 80 markets. The estimated costs and returns were derived from a survey of more than 3,000 REALTORS&reg; conducted last summer. As in past years, REALTORS&reg; picked exterior projects to recoup the most at resale. Among those, new fiber-cement siding was expected to provide the highest return, recouping an estimated 78 percent of the $13,461 cost.</p> <h4>Top 6 Returns</h4> <p><strong>Siding Replacement (upscale) - fiber-cement </strong><br> Job Cost: $13,461<br> Resale Value: $10,493<br> Cost Recouped: 78%</p> <p><strong>Entry Door Replacement - steel </strong><br> Job Cost: $1,238<br> Resale Value: $903<br> Cost Recouped: 73%</p> <p><strong>Attic Bedroom Addition </strong> <br> Job Cost: $50,148<br> Resale Value: $36,346<br> Cost Recouped: 72.5%</p> <p><strong>Kitchen: Minor Remodel </strong><br> Job Cost: $19,588<br> Resale Value: $14,120<br> Cost Recouped: 72.1%</p> <p><strong>Garage Door Replacement </strong> <br> Job Cost: $1,512<br> Resale Value: $1,087<br> Cost Recouped: 71.9%</p> <p><strong>Garage Door Replacement (upscale) </strong><br> Job Cost: $2,994<br> Resale Value: $2,129<br> Cost Recouped: 71.1%</p> <p><em>Remodeling&rsquo;s</em>2011-12 Cost vs. Value Report &copy;2011 by Hanley Wood, LLC. Republication or redissemination of the Report is expressly prohibited without written permission of Hanley Wood, LLC.&ldquo;Cost vs. Value&rdquo; is a registered trademark of Hanley Wood, LLC.Visit <a href="http://www.costvsvalue.com/" target="_blank">www.costvsvalue.com</a> for information on all 35 projects. There, you can also download a free PDF providing information on average cost and resale value nationally, regionally, and in a specific market. Estimates for construction costs were compiled by HomeTech Publishing.</p> <p>Visit <a href="http://houselogic.com/" target="_blank">HouseLogic.com</a> for great remodeling and home maintenance advice.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:26:53 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3109620/2011-12-cost-vs-value-big-bang-remodeling-projects- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3078113/grand-traverse-regional-home-sales-jump-in-february <p><span class="pub_date">March 22, 2012</span></p> <h3><a href="http://record-eagle.com/local/x1646059525/Regional-home-sales-jump-in-February" class="url entry-title" rel="bookmark">Regional home sales jump in February</a></h3> <h4 class="subhead">141 existing homes were sold last month in five-county area</h4> <p class="story_meta"><span class="author vcard"><span class="story_credit fn">By Bill O'Brien</span></span><span class="source-org vcard story_source"><a href="http://record-eagle.com/" style="color: #000000;">bobrien@record-eagle.com</a><a href="http://record-eagle.com/" class="url org fn" style="display: none;">The Record Eagle</a></span><span title="2012-03-22T07:14:44Z" class="updated dtstamp" style="display: none;">Thu Mar 22, 2012, 07:14 AM EDT</span></p> <div class="entry-content"> <p>TRAVERSE CITY &mdash; Local home sales continued a fast start in 2012, and jumped more than 16 percent in February.<br><br>Sales figures from the Traverse Area Association of Realtors showed 141 existing homes sold in the 5-county area last month. That's up from 121 homes sold in January, and represents a 9.3 percent increase from February 2011.<br><br>TAAR executive vice president Kim Pontius said several factors appear to be at work in the local market and range from cheaper home prices to low interest rates to an unseasonably mild winter that kept home buyers and sellers active.<br><br>"I can't help but think (weather makes) a difference," Pontius said.<br><br>Home sales totaled just under $24 million for February, and about half of the homes, 70, were sold in Grand Traverse County. The median sales price of $118,000 is down more than 5 percent from January and off 3 percent from February 2011.<br><br>Home lenders also saw increased activity. Ann Bollinger, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Traverse City State Bank, said the bank's mortgage applications are on the upswing.<br><br>"We're seeing a huge bump," Bollinger said. "In the last month, it's noticeably higher."<br><br>The bank has witnessed an increase in applicants for pre-qualified mortgages, she said, which means they're looking to buy in the near future. Bollinger said the bank has had a blend of applicants ranging from young, first-time home buyers to families looking to "move up" to larger homes, and buyers looking for vacation properties.<br><br>"It's a real good mix," she said.<br><br>Nationally, existing home sales declined in February from an upwardly revised January pace but are well above a year ago, while the median price posted a slight gain, according to the National Association of Realtors. Total existing-home sales slipped 0.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.59 million in February from an upwardly revised 4.63 million in January, but are 8.8 percent higher than the 4.22 million-unit level in February 2011. <br><br>Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said underlying factors are much better compared to a year ago.<br><br>"The market is trending up unevenly, with record high consumer buying power and sustained job gains giving buyers the confidence they need to get into the market," he said. <br><br>Pontius said the northwest Michigan housing market continues to draw interest from outside areas, including southeast and southwest Michigan and other places around the Midwest and beyond. He contends the region's marketing efforts, including the Pure Michigan campaign through the Traverse City Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau, are boosting interest.<br><br>"I really believe what the CVB is doing will do a lot for our real estate markets," he said. "I'm very hopeful we're reaching into markets we haven't reached before."<br><br>Regionally, existing-home sales in the Midwest rose 1 percent in February to a pace of 1.02 million and are 13.3 percent higher than February 2011. The median price in the Midwest was $120,500, which is 0.5 percent below a year ago. <br><br>Wire services contributed to this report.</p> </div> <div class="noprint story_tools"> <div style=""><span></span></div> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:04:42 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3078113/grand-traverse-regional-home-sales-jump-in-february http://activerain.com/blogsview/3069601/housing-market-reaches-turning-point-economists-say- <div class="section-date-author">Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, March 20, 2012</div> &lt;!-- /.section-date-author --&gt; <div class="body-content">&lt;!--&lt;pre&gt;&lt;?/*php print_r($node);*/?&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;--&gt; <div>&lt;!--paging_filter--&gt; <p>Economists say the housing market is starting to heal, but too many people aren't aware of it because they're judging a housing recovery on the wrong sign: What&rsquo;s happening with home prices.</p> <p>Paul Dales at Capital Economics says higher prices won&rsquo;t be the sign that the housing market is on the mend &mdash; that can be a lagging indicator &mdash; but rather an increase in overall home sales. And that's showing signs of improvement: Existing home sales in 2011 rose to 4.26 million compared to 4.19 million in 2010. In the last six months alone, home sales have increased 13 percent.</p> <p>As a recent article at Fortune points out, &ldquo;The evidence reminds us that perhaps we should change our expectations of what a housing recovery might look like, particularly following a crisis marked by record foreclosures and a financial crisis that sent the economy into one of the deepest recessions. The recovery we have been anticipating is defined more on the rate at which the glut of vacant properties comes off the market as opposed to any steady rise in prices, which some think won't happen for another few years.&rdquo;</p> <p><em>Source: &ldquo;<a href="http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/03/20/housing-recovery-prices/?section=money_realestate&amp;utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_realestate+%28Real+Estate%29" target="_blank">The One Number to Watch for a Housing Recovery</a>,&rdquo; Fortune (March 20, 2012)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:10:57 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3069601/housing-market-reaches-turning-point-economists-say- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3034369/2-br-2bath-1720-sq-ft-remodeled-condo-w-sunroom-pond-159-900- <h5 class="posthead pageTitle">2 BR 2Bath 1720 sq.ft. remodeled condo w/sunroom &amp; pond $159,900 <span title="Not yet rated" class="CommonRateControl" id="_ctl0____ctl0____ctl2___Entry___Ratings"><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""></span> </h5> <p style="margin-right: 10px; float: left;"><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Whitewater_Township/Michigan/Homes/Williamsburg/Whitewater_Township/Agent/Listing_55052984.html"><img class="Photo ListingPhoto" src="http://media.point2.com/p2a/listing/3446/090d/9f6a/ac57b76bc204ef611d2e/w475h356.jpg" border="0" alt="1720 sq.ft. " style="border: 1px solid black;"></a> <span class="cutline"><br><strong>New Floors, Appliances, Sun room, Paint</strong> </span></p> <p class="summary" style="margin-top: 0px;">&bull; <span>1,720 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story</span> <span>-</span> <span id="Price_r" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold;">MLS&reg;</span> <span id="Price_pl">$159,900</span> <span>- Pond &amp; Nature Trails</span></p> <p><span class="dateline" id="LeadIn" style="font-weight: bold;">Whitewater Township, Grand Traverse County</span> <span> - </span> You'll fall in love from the first step inside...Brand New Teak hardwood floors, huge living room w/brick gas fireplace &amp; vaulted ceilings ,spacious dining room w/slider to deck &amp; New sunroom. Breakfast bar,Newhigh quality appliances, &amp; large pantry included w/kitchen. Pvt.master suite w/dual vanity,over sized shower, walk in closet &amp; slider access direct to sunroom. All this in 1 floor living condo in wooded country setting w/pond/nature trails &amp; near state land, casino,GT resort ammenties. Also offered completely furnished (down to silverware) with custom high end furntiure &amp; Art work for $185,000.</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Whitewater_Township/Michigan/Homes/Williamsburg/Whitewater_Township/Agent/Listing_55052984.html">Property information</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:28:35 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3034369/2-br-2bath-1720-sq-ft-remodeled-condo-w-sunroom-pond-159-900- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3030998/-3-br-w-partially-finished-basement-3-sheds-fenced-yard-new-roof-69-900- <h5 class="posthead pageTitle">3 BR w/partially finished basement, 3 sheds, fenced yard, NEW roof $69,900</h5> <p style="margin-right: 10px; float: left;"><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Kingsley/Michigan/Homes/Traverse_City/Kingsley/Agent/Listing_7174553.html"><img class="Photo ListingPhoto" src="http://media.point2.com/p2a/listing/3e16/9daa/2e7c/13224d8b948f7fb35f23/w475h356.jpg" border="0" alt="Kingsley Village" style="border: 1px solid black;"></a> <span class="cutline"><br><strong>Walk to schools, stores, Civic Center</strong> </span></p> <p class="summary" style="margin-top: 0px;">&bull; <span>1,706 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm 1 1/2 story "Bungalow"</span> <span>-</span> <span id="Price_r" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold;">MLS&reg;</span> <span id="Price_pl">$69,900</span> <span>- New Roof, Living Rm,Foyer</span></p> <p><span class="dateline" id="LeadIn" style="font-weight: bold;">Kingsley, Paradise Township</span> <span> - </span> Charm &amp; Character in village of Kingsley - 3 BR home features hardwood floors, NEW large living &amp; new Foyer (2011), family/rec. room w/built in bar, formal dining room, den (could be 4th non conforming bedroom), laundry/utility room, updated plumbing 2009, NEW ROOF 2011, huge fenced and tree lined back yard for the kids &amp; pets, deck, wired for hot tub and room to add garage. All Appliances included. Great schools, Civic Center South, stores within walking distance &amp; approx. 12 miles to TC, 2-3 miles to Boardman River &amp; tons of state land!</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Kingsley/Michigan/Homes/Traverse_City/Kingsley/Agent/Listing_7174553.html">Property information</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Sat, 10 Mar 2012 15:23:22 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3030998/-3-br-w-partially-finished-basement-3-sheds-fenced-yard-new-roof-69-900- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2923846/another-happy-customer- <div class="contents"><span style="font-family: monospace;">Dear John,<br><br>Thank you for all of your help in finding this great house! Now I have the not-so-fun project of unpacking. I absolutely love this house, and appreciate all of the feedback you presented during the search that really helped me settle on the perfect home. Being a new resident of Traverse City, I was unfamiliar with the different regions of Grand Traverse County. I really appreciate the input you gave me in helping me to make the best decision for me. I also wanted to let you know that all of the references you gave me were super! Everything from the bank, to the home inspector, to the insurance person...everyone was just as professional, knowledgeable, and prompt in their responses as you were. All of this helped make the closing go effortlessly!<br><br>Thank you for making the home purchase experience be a treasured event, rather than a hassle!<br><br>Anne Sieggreen</span></div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:37:33 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2923846/another-happy-customer- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2923710/your-credit-score-what-makes-it-up-common-mistakes- <p>Buyer, Sellers, and any person out there.....Please read the attached article regarding your credit score. The article explains what components make up your credit score, FICO breakdown %'s, common credit mistakes as well as credit repair soultions.</p> <p>As always if you are considering buying / selling <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/" title="c21jb.com">Traverse City are real estate</a> please <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/HomesAuthenticated.aspx?tabid=2407271" title="contact jon">contact Jon Becker </a>- Century 21 Northland anytime!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>See attached article here:</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/blogs/jon_becker/archive/2012/02/24/1255499.aspx">http://www.c21jb.com/blogs/jon_becker/archive/2012/02/24/1255499.aspx</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:21:22 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2923710/your-credit-score-what-makes-it-up-common-mistakes- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2923684/is-rent-to-own-a-good-option-for-you- <p>Buyers: If you are considering pursueing a home purchase on a lease with option to buy please read the attached article. Great information to consider! In the Traverse City real estate area we do not see many of these available but they are occassionaly possibilities for the right purchaser and seller. If you are considering a lease option or just a regular <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/" title="c21jb.com">Traverse City area real estate purchase</a> please <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/HomesAuthenticated.aspx?tabid=2407271" title="contact Jon">contact Jon Becker-</a> Century 21 Northland anytime!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Sellers: Your home not selling fast enough? Have you already relocated to another home and the home you are selling is vacant? The attached lease-to-own article will also be helpful and informative to you. With the right buyer and contract this may be a great option to generate some cash flow on your home and get a contract sooner rather than later. Please <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/HomesAuthenticated.aspx?tabid=2407271" title="contact Jon">contact Jon</a> anytime to discuss a lease option offer on your home or a regular sale!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>See attached article here</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/blogs/jon_becker/archive/2012/02/24/1255488.aspx">http://www.c21jb.com/blogs/jon_becker/archive/2012/02/24/1255488.aspx</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:18:56 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2923684/is-rent-to-own-a-good-option-for-you- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2827948/3-4-br-2bath-1576sq-ft-10-wooded-acres-w-stream-74-900 <h5>3-4 BR, 2 Bath, 1576 sq.ft.,10 wooded acres w/ stream $74,900 <span title="Not yet rated" class="CommonRateControl" id="_ctl0____ctl0____ctl1___Entry___Ratings"><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""></span> </h5> <p style="margin-right: 10px; float: left;"><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Hanover_Township/Michigan/Homes/Buckley/Hanover_Township/Agent/Listing_53826784.html"><img class="Photo ListingPhoto" src="http://media.point2.com/p2a/listing/b81a/be6f/40ca/da767b493a5fde9df2a7/w475h356.jpg" border="0" alt="3-4 Bedroom" style="border: 1px solid black;"></a> <span class="cutline"><br><strong>3-4 BR 2 Bath + Den</strong> </span></p> <p class="summary" style="margin-top: 0px;">&bull; <span>1,576 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm manufactured home "w/ stick built addition"</span> <span>-</span> <span id="Price_r" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold;">MLS&reg;</span> <span id="Price_pl">$74,900</span> <span>- 10 wooded acres w/ stream</span></p> <p><span class="dateline" id="LeadIn" style="font-weight: bold;">Hanover Township, Wexford County</span> <span> - </span> Peaceful &amp; private country setting at end of private cul-de-sac....move into your new 3-4 BR 2 bath almost 1600 sq. ft. home with den, family &amp; living rooms, private master suite w/ walkin closet, main floor laundry, large storage shed, covered front porch + back deck over looking your beautiful hardwood covered 10 acres w/ stream frontage that feeds to Manistee River approx. 2 miles away. Watch the wildlife and listen to the quiet. Lots of room to add garage and/or pole barn.</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Hanover_Township/Michigan/Homes/Buckley/Hanover_Township/Agent/Listing_53826784.html">Property information</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:47:53 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2827948/3-4-br-2bath-1576sq-ft-10-wooded-acres-w-stream-74-900 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2796681/mortgage-rates-hit-new-lows-again- <div class="section-date-author">Daily Real Estate News | Friday, February 03, 2012</div> &lt;!-- /.section-date-author --&gt; <div class="body-content">&lt;!--&lt;pre&gt;&lt;?/*php print_r($node);*/?&gt;&lt;/pre&gt;--&gt; <div>&lt;!--paging_filter--&gt; <p>Mortgage rates once again inched lower this week, lowering the cost of borrowing and increasing housing affordability.</p> <p>"Most mortgage rates eased to all-time record lows this week as fourth quarter growth in the economy fell short of market projections,&rdquo; Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac&rsquo;s chief economist, said in a statement.</p> <p>Here&rsquo;s a closer look at rates for the week ending Feb. 2:</p> <ul> <li> <strong>30-year fixed-rate mortgages: </strong>averaged a new record low of 3.87 percent, with an average 0.8 point, dropping from last week&rsquo;s 3.98 percent average. A year ago at this time, 30-year rates averaged 4.81 percent.</li> <li> <strong>15-year fixed-rate mortgages: </strong>also reached new lows this week, averaging 3.14 percent, with an average 0.8 point. Last week, 15-year rates averaged 3.24 percent and a year ago at this time 15-year rates averaged 4.08 percent.</li> <li> <strong>5-year adjustable-rate mortgages: </strong>averaged 2.80 percent, with an average 0.7 point, dropping from last week&rsquo;s 2.85 percent average. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.69 percent.</li> <li> <strong>1-year ARMs: </strong>averaged 2.76 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, inching up slightly from last week&rsquo;s 2.74 percent average. A year ago, 1-year ARMs saveraged 3.26 percent.</li> </ul> <p><em>Source: Freddie Mac</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:02:36 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2796681/mortgage-rates-hit-new-lows-again- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2755466/2011-traverse-city-real-estate-statistics- <div class="post"> <h5>2011 Traverse City Real Estate Statistics <span title="Not yet rated" class="CommonRateControl" id="_ctl0____ctl0____ctl1___Entry___Ratings"><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" height="12" alt="" width="6"><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" height="12" alt="" width="5"><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" height="12" alt="" width="6"><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" height="12" alt="" width="5"><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" height="12" alt="" width="6"><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" height="12" alt="" width="5"><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" height="12" alt="" width="6"><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" height="12" alt="" width="5"><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" height="12" alt="" width="6"><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" height="12" alt="" width="5"></span> </h5> <p>Despite the gloom and doom we all hear daily from the news media Traverse City area real estate is moving in a positive direction. A year to year comparison from 2010 to 2011 shows that our local area ( mostly Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, Kalkaska counties) is showing increases in average sales price with less inventory on the market than 1 year ago (2010 - 11,323 listings taken, 2011-9731 listings taken) and less listings expiring (2010- 44.72% all , 36.06% single family 2011 42.18% all, 34.23% single family), meaning a larger % of homes / listings on the market are selling!</p> <p>For all listings ( single family, multi-family, commerical &amp; vacant land) the number of listings on the market was down -14.10% (showing positive growth in the over saturated markets) while single family home listings were down -16%</p> <p>The total number of properties sold in 2011 increased by 1.50% with an average sales price increase of 2.70% ( +1.90% for single family homes)</p> <p>While overall the average days on market increased by 5% (all sold listings) for single family homes it only increased by .50%</p> <p>We are also very proud to say again for 2011 sales increased for Century 21 Northland by +30% and for Jon Becker +54%</p> <p>Century 21 Northland also maintained its status as the #1 Office in the Northern, Mi. Brokers Council and #6 in the Great Lakes Region ( out of 187 offices)</p> <p>Jon increased his average sales price 24% ( well above the local average of 1.5%) and was able to get his sellers, on average, 8.41% more in sales price than the local MLS average! Thats an extra <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">$16,820 in Jon's sellers pockets on a $200,000 home- WOW!</span></strong></p> <p>Remember real estate is local (we even have stronger &amp; softer sub markets within our own MLS area) despite the gloom and doom the media loves to portray Traverse City Real Estate is rebounding and remains a desirable area with historically good resale opportunities.</p> <p>If you are considering buying or selling Traverse City area real estate please <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/HomesAuthenticated.aspx?tabid=2407271" title="contact Jon">contact Jon Becker</a> anytime! Browse all <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/" title="c21jb">Traverse City real estate listings </a></p> <p>at <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/">www.c21jb.com</a> as well as selling &amp; buying tips, local links and information, mortage contacts and so much more!</p> <p>Here's to more positive growth and news in 2012!!!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:47:55 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2755466/2011-traverse-city-real-estate-statistics- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2740237/december-existing-home-sales-show-uptrend <div id="resize"> <div class="section-date-author">Daily Real Estate News | Friday, January 20, 2012</div> <div class="body-content"> <pre>&nbsp;</pre> --&gt; <div> <p>Existing-home sales continued on an uptrend in December, rising for three consecutive months and remaining above where they were a year ago, according to the National Association of REALTORS&reg;.</p> <p>The latest monthly data shows total <a href="http://www.realtor.org/research/research/ehsdata">existing-home sales</a>rose 5.0 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.61 million in December from a downwardly revised 4.39 million in November, and are 3.6 percent higher than the 4.45 million-unit level in December 2010. The estimates are based on completed transactions from multiple listing services that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops.</p> <p><a href="http://www.realtor.org/research/chief_economist_bio">Lawrence Yun</a>, NAR chief economist, said these are early signs of what may be a sustained recovery. &ldquo;The pattern of home sales in recent months demonstrates a market in recovery,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Record low mortgage interest rates, job growth and bargain home prices are giving more consumers the confidence they need to enter the market.&rdquo;</p> <p>For all of 2011, existing-home sales rose 1.7 percent to 4.26 million from 4.19 million in 2010.</p> <h4><strong>Affordability Conditions</strong></h4> <p>According to Freddie Mac, the <a href="http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/pmms30.htm">national average commitment rate</a> for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to another record low of 3.96 percent in December from 3.99 percent in November; the rate was 4.71 percent in December 2010; recordkeeping began in 1971.</p> <p>NAR President Moe Veissisaid more buyers are expected to take advantage of market conditions this year. &ldquo;The American dream of homeownership is alive and well. We have a large pent-up demand, and household formation is likely to return to normal as the job market steadily improves,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;More buyers coming into the market mean additional benefits for the overall economy. When people buy homes, they stimulate a lot of related goods and services.&rdquo;</p> <p>Total housing inventory at the end of December dropped 9.2 percent to 2.38 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 6.2-month supply at the current sales pace, down from a 7.2-month supply in November.</p> <p>Available inventory has trended down since setting a record of 4.04 million in July 2007, and is at the lowest level since March 2005 when there were 2.30 million homes on the market.</p> <p>&ldquo;The inventory supply suggests many markets will see prices stabilize or grow moderately in the near future,&rdquo; Yun said.</p> <h4><strong>Who&rsquo;s Buying What</strong></h4> <p>Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 22 percent in December, up from 20 percent a year ago, while short sales closed 13 percent below market value compared with a 16 percent discount in December 2010.</p> <p>The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $164,500 in December, which is 2.5 percent below December 2010. Distressed homes &mdash; foreclosures and short sales &mdash; accounted for 32 percent of sales in December (19 percent were foreclosures and 13 percent were short sales), up from 29 percent in November; they were 36 percent in December 2010.</p> <p>All-cash sales accounted for 31 percent of purchases in December, up from 28 percent in November and 29 percent in December 2010. Investors account for the bulk of cash transactions.</p> <p>Investors purchased 21 percent of homes in December, up from 19 percent in November and 20 percent in December 2010. First-time buyers fell to 31 percent of transactions in December from 35 percent in November; they were 33 percent in December 2010.</p> <p>Contract failures were reported by 33 percent of NAR members in December, unchanged from November; they were 9 percent in December 2010. Although closed sales are holding up better than this finding would suggest, contract cancellations are caused largely by declined mortgage applications and failures in loan underwriting from appraised values coming in below the negotiated price.</p> <p>Single-family home sales increased 4.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.11 million in December from 3.93 million in November, and are 4.3 percent higher than the 3.94 million-unit pace a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $165,100 in December, which is 2.5 percent below December 2010.</p> <p>Existing condominium and co-op sales rose 8.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 500,000 in December from 460,000 in November but are 2.0 percent below the 510,000-unit level in December 2010. The median existing condo price was $160,000 inDecember, down 3.0 percent from a year ago.</p> <h4><strong>Around the Country</strong></h4> <p>Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast jumped 10.7 percent to an annual pace of 620,000 in December and are 3.3 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $231,300, which is 2.7 percent below December 2010.</p> <p>Existing-home sales in the Midwest rose 8.3 percent in December to a level of 1.04 million and are 9.5 percent above December 2010. The median price in the Midwest was $129,100, down 7.9 percent from a year ago.</p> <p>In the South, existing-home sales increased 2.9 percent to an annual level of 1.76 million in Decemberand are 3.5 percent above a year ago. The median price in the South was $146,900, down 1.1 percent from December 2010.</p> <p>Existing-home sales in the West rose 2.6 percent to an annual pace of 1.19 million in December but are 0.8 percent below December 2010. The median price in the West was $205,200, up 0.3 percent from a year ago.</p> <p><em>Source: NAR</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><strong>Watch for my next blog post coming soon regarding <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/" title="c21jb">Traverse City Real Estate</a> 2011 statistics and trends as well as for Century 21 Northland and Jon Becker!</strong></em></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:02:07 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2740237/december-existing-home-sales-show-uptrend http://activerain.com/blogsview/2706667/world-famous-torch-lake-views-access-20-000 <h5>Torch Lake Views / Access $20,000 <span title="Not yet rated" class="CommonRateControl" id="_ctl0____ctl0____ctl1___Entry___Ratings"><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Poor" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Fair" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Average" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Good" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-left-off.gif" border="0" alt=""><img title="Excellent" src="http://www.c21jb.com/Themes/default/images/common/star-right-off.gif" border="0" alt=""></span> </h5> <p style="margin-left: 10px; float: right;"><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Milton_Township/Michigan/Lots_and_Land/Rapid_City/Milton_Township/Agent/Listing_52542713.html"><img class="Photo ListingPhoto" src="http://media.point2.com/p2a/listing/e482/4c2e/cdd4/77f601ea9a8cbbf5cf04/w475h356.jpg" border="0" alt="Torch Lake Views" style="border: 1px solid black;"></a> <span class="cutline"><br><strong>TORCH LAKE VIEWS/ACCESS</strong> </span></p> <p class="summary" style="margin-top: 0px;">&bull; <span> lot / land</span> <span>-</span> <span id="Price_r" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold;">MLS&reg;</span> <span id="Price_pl">$20,000</span> <span>- Lowest Price in Sub</span></p> <p><span class="dateline" id="LeadIn" style="font-weight: bold;">Milton Township, Antrim County</span> <span> - </span> TORCH LAKE- Rolling hardwoods with seasonal views of Torch Lake &amp; private gated park/beach/playground within walking distance w/160 ft. of frontage on Torch Lake! Access to boat Torch River and Chain-O-Lakes too. Perfect for your summer getaway or year round home! Short drive to world class skiing &amp; golf at Schuss Mt./Shanty Creek &amp; under 30 mins. to Traverse City. BEST PRICE IN NEIGHBORHOOD- SELLER SAYS BRING ME AN OFFER! Current SEV $38,000.</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/Milton_Township/Michigan/Lots_and_Land/Rapid_City/Milton_Township/Agent/Listing_52542713.html">Property information</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:57:58 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2706667/world-famous-torch-lake-views-access-20-000 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2690142/traverse-city-area-rentals-now-available- <p>Starting January 2012 the Traverse Area Association of Realtors will now be offering residential rentals to be posted listed/ posted through our local MLS ( multiple listing service) just homes for sale are. If you are looking for a residential rental in the Traverse City area or possible a lease w/ option to purchase please <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/HomesAuthenticated.aspx?tabid=2407271" title="contact Jon">contact Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</a> to assist you. Jon will have access to all listed rentals in the area.</p> <p>Also if you have a home that you would like to list for rent and want Jon to assist you in finding a renter he can help with that as well.</p> <p>Please contact Jon at 231-929-7900 or <a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>You may also search all Traverse City real estate listings at <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/">www.c21jb.com</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:14:56 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2690142/traverse-city-area-rentals-now-available- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2683777/what-had-the-biggest-impact-on-housing-in-2011- <div class="section-date-author">Daily Real Estate News | Friday, December 30, 2011</div> <div class="body-content"> <pre>&nbsp;</pre> --&gt; <div> <p>The &ldquo;government, the mortgage industry, and forces of nature all shook the housing market in 2011,&rdquo; according to a recent Time magazine article, which highlights the key issues that had the greatest impact on the real estate market this year--and what&rsquo;s expected to have a major impact in the new year as well.</p> <p>Here are a few of the issues that the Time magazine article by Jed Kolko, Trulia&rsquo;s chief economist, notes as having some of the greatest impact:</p> <p><strong>1. The robo-signing scandal</strong></p> <p><strong>The issue:</strong> Banks were accused of approving numerous foreclosures without proper reviews when a robo-signing scandal first broke in October 2010, continuing well-into 2011.</p> <p><strong>The fallout:</strong> Banks slowed their processing of foreclosures greatly in 2011, making sure to take extra precautions. Regulators and states are working on a settlement with banks over the scandal &mdash; one that could include reducing loan balances of current home owners, if approved. Once a settlement is in place, housing experts predict the pace of foreclosures to pick up in 2012.</p> <p><strong>2. Natural disasters</strong></p> <p><strong>The issue:</strong> A series of natural disasters wreaked havoc on real estate in 2011, from tornados, floods, and hurricanes. The National Flood Insurance Program was pushed into the spotlight, a program still financially strapped after Hurricane Katrina. The program&rsquo;s insurance premiums were not fully covering insurance claims in disasters this year, according to the Time magazine article.</p> <p><strong>The fallout: </strong>For home owners living in flood-prone areas, &ldquo;you can&rsquo;t get a mortgage if you don&rsquo;t have flood insurance,&rdquo; the Time magazine article notes. &ldquo;Without NFIP, housing markets in these areas would skid to a stop.&rdquo; NFIP recently received an extension until May 2012 but experts say the future of the program still remains uncertain.</p> <p><strong>3. The conforming loan limit </strong></p> <p><strong>The issue:</strong> In October, the government lowered the conforming loan limit for loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as well as those insured by the Federal Housing Administration from $729,750 to $625,500 in most areas. The real estate industry urged the government to keep the conforming loan limits higher. In November, the government raised the loan limits back up for FHA loans, but they left out Fannie and Freddie loans.</p> <p><strong>The fallout: &ldquo;</strong>Mortgage lenders are willing to charge lower rates for loans that are backed by Fannie or Freddie; with a lower conforming loan limit, a small number of loans that used to qualify for federal backing no longer do,&rdquo; the Time magazine article notes.</p> <p><a href="http://moneyland.time.com/2011/12/29/5-events-that-really-mattered-for-housing-in-2011-and-beyond/?xid=rss-topstories&amp;utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29" target="_blank">Read more about the key issues for the real estate industry in 2011. </a></p> <p><em>Source: &ldquo;<a href="http://moneyland.time.com/2011/12/29/5-events-that-really-mattered-for-housing-in-2011-and-beyond/?xid=rss-topstories&amp;utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29" target="_blank">5 Events That Really Mattered for Housing in 2011 -- and Beyond</a>,&rdquo; Time Magazine (Dec. 29, 2011)</em></p> <p><strong>Read More:</strong><br><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/daily-news/2011/12/28/whats-in-store-for-housing-in-2012">What's in Store for Housing in 2012?</a></p> <p>Looking for Traverse City Real Estate? Contact Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland 231-342-5401 or <a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a> for all your real estate needs!</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com/">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings, local links, maps, &amp; information</p> </div> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:47:54 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2683777/what-had-the-biggest-impact-on-housing-in-2011- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2652107/client-success-stories <p><span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our almost new log cabin on Lake Superior was up for sale for 3 years. We were relying on the local Realtors to market it for us. We hardly had any showings by them. This past year we decided to try another agency in the area and they did not even show it once!! We were so frustrated because we knew what a beautiful place it was, in a quiet serene area and knew with the right agent it would probably sell. I had been watching Jon Becker's performance with his agency on facebook and voiced my frustration to him, telling him that I wished he was up in our area so he could sell our cabin. He showed an interest in co-listing with a realtor in our general area so that he could market it in his area and help us out. Jon took the initiative to contact select Realtors in our general area and interview them. We selected a realtor 40 miles away to co-list with Jon. Jon took the time out of his busy schedule to come up and meet with the realtor and view our property. He immediately put a marketing pkg. together and placed our listing in the system. Within 30 days we had a buyer! Thank you Jon, for helping us out and believing in our beautiful property!</span></span></p> <div><span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Connie and James LaPointe</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="display: none;"> <img src="http://media.point2.com/p2a/htmltext/e33d/44a7/673e/825c0c274070d78d3f8f/original.jpg" alt="" style="width: 640px; height: 480px;"></span></span></span><img src="http://media.point2.com/p2a/htmltext/e33d/44a7/673e/825c0c274070d78d3f8f/original.jpg" alt="" style="width: 207px; height: 162px; float: left;"> </div> <p><span style="font-size: small;">When purchasing our first new home Jon was great at making sure we understood the entire process. If I had to choose 3 words to describe Jon they would be Transparent, Knowledgeable &amp; Organized! Transparent- there was no hidden agenda, if he know anything we would know! He kept us informed all the time, sometimes multiple times a day and he wanted to make sure we knew every step of the way. Knowledgeable- although we were new at the housing market scene, going through it was a learning process and Jon was so well versed and so up to date on everything in the industry it was impressive and comforting. Come to find out now, after owning our house for 3 months we have realized his strength for knowledge even more! Pretty amazing how someone can keep all the codes, rules, laws, etc straight and know them to a &ldquo;tee&rdquo;! Not only know them, but be able to explain them so well that we could understand. Organized- one of my favorite! I thought I was organized&hellip;. Wow, never once was he unprepared for us! His paper work was in precise order, follow up emails all sorts of times of the day. There is no doubt that he is planning for hours in his office for every client. I can&rsquo;t talk about Jon without mentioning one other aspect of him as a professional&hellip; although he is super professional, understanding, thoughtful and smart&hellip;. He is so much FUN too! We enjoyed our time learning about the housing industry and all aspects of purchasing our home and we are so happy Jon Becker was there with us every step of the way! What a great experience for us!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Alison Ockert </strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p> <p><strong>read more client testimonials at <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/">www.c21jb.com</a></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p> <p><strong>If You're considering buying or selling real estate in the Traverse City/Grand Traverse area please contact Jon Becker - 231-342-5401, <a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a>, <a href="http://www.c21jb.com/">www.c21jb.com</a> for quality service!!!</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland</p> <p>ABR, Green, SFR, Quality Service Award</p> <p><a href="mailto:jon@c21jb.com">jon@c21jb.com</a></p> <p>231-342-5401</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21jb.com">www.c21jb.com</a> for all Traverse City area real estate listings &amp; information</p> </div> Jon Becker (Century 21 Northland) Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:48:19 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2652107/client-success-stories