Michelle's Blog

2 of my listings can close in time for the 1st time home buyers credit

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:11:41 -0500

If you move on them NOW!!!!

I have 2 listings that are very cute and NOT a bank owned or a short sale. You can even have possession at close and both of them qualify for just about the full amount of the $8,000 1st time home buyers credit. Well, 110 Graceland qualifies for the full amount - depending on your qualification to receive the full amount of course.

However both of them do qualify for the MCC tax credit for the life of the loan........so not only can you get 8,000 grand back but you can have a tax credit every year for a long as you hold on the loan for this home. (restrictions apply so call for details)'

You may have seen an interview on Woodtv that took place last week.............advising you to go private owner sale apposed to a bank owned or short sale...............as there is no promise these kind of sales can close in time. The private owner sale is more controllable............

So do not risk missing out on these great incentives to the 1st time home buyer! 110 Graceland NE

244 Janet SW - Wyoming 3 bds

2 homes on the Thornapple River

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:31:24 -0500

I have 2 GREAT listings on the THornapple River! Both have spectacular views and an AWESOME location. There is just something about living in a river community that makes you want to come home and say AHHHHHHH! You know living on the river with private access means you do not have to spend any money for a vacation, because your home is a vacation.

A destination home - my husband and I are going to move next summer and we want a destination home. We have no grand children yet............but when we do, we want to be the cool grand parents with the cool home where the Grand Kids want to come and visit as much as possible!

I just sold one of my listings in EGR and they are renting now - taking in all of their options........stay here in Grand Rapids or move to another state. The one big reason for their dilemma is that "her" parents own a home in Grand Haven on the lake - they love going there for week ends.........a short drive and they have a vacation every week end..........when they told me this, I knew a destination home was what we wanted!

So check out these destination homes and see why they are spectacular!!! Click on the pic for a tour of the home

Interactive FloorPlan Presentation

YEP! Grand Rapids in the news again!

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:56:13 -0500

Well, this is not the 1st time we have been noticed by a national net work and probably will not be the last. Last year we were on the today show as a great place to live and raise a family...............this time it was a little different.

Grand Rapids home sales are on the rise! We were number 5 on the Today's show list as a place you better buy now if you are looking for that "deal"!

I was telling some one the other day how I am not able to find the steal of a deal as easy as I could this time last year. I am now in bidding wars and homes are selling for over asking price. I have not had to compete for a home purchase in a while...............I have to admit it was fun!!!! I forgot how much fun that can be!

So when the Today show broadcasted this, it only confirmed what I was feeling as a Realtor. I really do feel like we are cleaning out the inventory of the bank owned homes..................well at least the "good ones" !

3 cities in Michigan were named................and in the top 10..............

Because prices are on the rise, if you are sitting on the fence waiting for us to hit bottom, I think you may of just missed it! So time to buy is now!

Watch the video

You know you are from Michigan when................

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:22:17 -0500

I would like to start a blog about you know you are from Michigan when you buy and/or sell a home and.............

I am hoping every one will comment on this, as I think this is great way to let people know who are moving here from out of state what to expect, but in a humorous way. Must be real estate related.

Having relocated here about 9 years ago and have lived many other places in the past, it is very clear to me just some 'traditions" if you will, are expected or accepted here in the state of Michigan but not other places...................we may have some things that are relevant to our city but not all of Michigan.

So I will start....................

.................when you sell your home and think it is no big deal to ask not have to move out for 15 - 30 days after closing and live in the home "free of charge"

.................when you buy a million dollar home on a dirt road and think nothing of it.

Time to get down and dirty with FLOW and WCR

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:17:18 -0500

WOW! We have a great line up of landscapers this year!!! Scenic Expressions, Wildwood, Frontier Lawn and Landscape, Wabeke, Harder and Warner, Signature Out Door Concepts, Bakhuyzen Landscape and WCR is doing one.

The WCR yard is getting landscaped on Tuesday at noon. Enchanted Gardener is coming in behind us and spreading mulch and making it pretty, they do the soft scape. They are a great supplier for low cost curb appeal.

We usually do not do back yards........however, one home owner has a dirt pile for a back yard.........so with a donation of top soil from Romence and Sod from AAA Turf we are going to lay some grass on Wednesday night..........

Both of these projects we could use your help with. Children over the age of 13 are welcome.

If you do not want to get down and dirty and want to help in other wa ys, we could use some pick up and delivery of donated plants and supplies.

If you are interested in helping please contact me.

Michelle Gordon

616-443-0596 or michellegordon@grar.com

www.flowgr.com

Why Landscape - F.L.O.W. does make a difference

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:10:46 -0500

Economic Benefits:

· Landscaping adds an average of 14.8 percent to a home's value.

· Homes with attractive landscaping sell quicker-by as much as five to six weeks.

· As home improvements go, landscaping is an excellent investment. Recovery value at selling time can be 100 to 200 percent.

· Landscaping enhances property values, which add to the community's tax base

• Proper placement of shade trees and evergreen windbreaks reduces cooling and heating costs.

Environmental Benefits:

· Trees moderate urban "heat islands!' created by extensive paved areas. Lawns cool a home at the same rate as a one-ton air conditioner. Lawns also trap dust, absorb noise, and provide outdoor living areas for children and adults.

· One tree removes 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air every year and releases about 13 pounds of oxygen-enough for a family of four on a daily basis.

· Plants reduce noise pollution up to 50 percent.

· Plants control runoff and erosion. They allow soil to absorb water, returning it to aquifers, Decreased runoff means less urban flooding.

· Lawns slow the spread of wildfires to homes.

· Plants provide food and habitat for wildlife, which contributes to biodiversity and a healthier environment.

• Landscaping creates green space for human rest, recreation and renewal

The proof

One of the 2007 F.L.O.W. homes was

recently re-sold -f 10 grand more then it was purchased for, in a time when home values are declining.

The home was on the market less then a month!

I understand the new homeowners are in the yard every nightmaintaining the yard.

The landscaping is one of the reasons that made them pick this home over the others!

F.L.O.W. Does make a difference! Please concider joining us for the flow garden party and garden tour.

F.L.O.W.

Home before top - Home after bottom

In memory of 9/11 - Challange

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:56:14 -0500

I titled this "A challenge" but thinking maybe not so challenging............

I was reflecting on 9/11 today, which this date and the memory of what happen on this day in 2001 still brings tears to my eye's.

The people who lost their lives just doing their every day routine and the people who lost thier lives trying to help others...........

So in honor of the these people and the families left behind to suffer their loss, I "challenge" yo to do a random act of kindness today............

Take a minute to reflect..........we are blessed!

HUD changes rules in MID Stream!!!!!

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:37:10 -0500

New news, not sure how they are getting away with it but here is a paste and copy from e-mail converstaion............so beware before putting in offer with a FHA loan.

ME:

Hi Jeff,

Me again! Just got word that HUD will only pay up to 4,000 worth of painting????? So there homes now offered on line that need more then that and are offered as FHA, but clearly can not go FHA as we cannot stabilize...........one of my fellow associates had a ratified contract and they took it back!!!!!!! How can that be after it was advertised and sold that way.............should I be looking at all the Lead Base paperwork on line to be sure it does not require more then 4,000 worth of painting before putting an FHA offer on a property????

MCB REP:

Michelle, We are fighting this but right now YES this is the case. HUD has now come out as of Sept 1^st and said that if the LBP estimate is over $4000 then it will have to be switched to Conventional or Cash. No if's and's or but's. We are working w i th HUD to change all the listings to UI if this is the case but my suggestion is to look at the LBP inspection and if it is over $4K estimate then do not write it as FHA. HUD is currently making NO Exceptions. If you can not go Conventional or Cash then you will have to cancel and HUD will refund the EMD. Don't kill the messenger. Came from Washington DC.

ME:

Yeah, I know i t is not you!!! I just do not understand how they can take away the ones that were ratified..........this really does not seem legal, as they signed off on an acceptance right???

MCB REP: NO answer as of yet! Surprised?????

It is Garden Party time!

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:14:42 -0500

On behalf of the FLOW Garden Party Committee I want to invite you all to the 2nd Annual

FLOW- Friends Landscaping Our World Garden Party and Tour.

To get information and tickets:

Date: September 25th

Where: Mangiamo 1033 Lake Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Time: 3:30- 6:00pm

Cost: $25 for the Garden Party, $30 includes the Tour on Sat. Contact: Daniell Rowland danielle@daniellerowland.com 616-893-8450

What will we do? Well, appitizers will be served, cash bar or course, local artist auction and Bocce ball will be played..........rain or shine as the tents will be up in the back yard! A true Garden Party!

To see the work to be auctioned off..................look for me on facebook............

Open house Sunday Forest hills - 1st time on the market!!!!!

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:33:40 -0500

Offered at 279,000 A custom built home by Joel Vandenberg!

As you walk in the open foyer and take in the over all floor plan of this 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home(almost completed 4th bed and 1 bath), you will very impressed with the meticulous preservation. The kitchen is open with many windows which let in much sun light through out the whole day. The kitchen offers many cabinets and a lot of counter space with a breakfast area that is the size of most dining rooms. Enjoy the views of the private back yard from this area through the bay window. The kitchen and breakfast area which is open to the great room and offers surround sound. Great room has sliders to the deck which has a stairway leading to lower level patio. However for those more formal events there is a separate dining room, with a built in china closet. 1st floor half bath is also larger then most and 1st floor laundry area includes built in clothes rack to hang clothes and a cabinetry for storage. From this area there is easy access to the garage. The stairway leading to the 2nd level is wider then the norm. The Master suite (and truly a master suite) is large enough for a California king with much room to spare; large walk in closet and master bathroom includes a garden tub with 6 jets and separate area for shower and toilet. The other 2 bedrooms are large enough to be master bedrooms, with double door closets and another full bath which includes a working laundry chute. The lower level is studded and plumbed for another bedroom and full bath and also offers surround sound. This home has been decorated with a contemporary flare but a very transitional home that can easily be decorated to your dream home specifications. When this home was built every detail was thought out and smart decisions were made..you will enjoy the benefits and be the envy of the neighborhood.

Click on picture to see a tour of the home:

Interactive FloorPlan Presentation

Keller Williams Realty - Grand Rapids MI - We ROCK!

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:00:36 -0500

Did you know this about Keller Williams Grand Rapids, MI office?

•· That February of 2008 through January of 2009 we were #33 out of 700 KW Market Centers in the country?

•· That Year to Date (May) we are #1 in our Region out of 29 Market Centers?

•· That Year to Date (May) our PROFIT SHARE is more than YTD last year?

•· That in the latest "Real Trends Report" (February 2008), we are # 239 out of the top 500 Largest Brokers in the U.S. for closed transactions and #285 for closed sales?

•· That Year to Date (January thru May 2009) we are # 15 in written units out of 700 KW Market Centers?

•· That YTD our Listings taken (units) are up 33%

•· That YTD our Listings taken (volume) are up 13.5%

•· That YTD our Listings SOLD (units) are up 13%

•· That YTD our Listings SOLD (volume) are up 6.1%

•· That YTD our Contracts written (units) are up 29.3%

•· That YTD our Contracts written (volume) are up 7.3%

•· That YTD our Contracts closed (units) are up 17.6%

2 listings both are two famlies - Davis NW

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:20:48 -0500

These two homes are great!!!! And let's see.................they fall in the target area for the city of Grand Rapids Down payment assistance, possible 8,000 tax credit and now the MCC tax credit for the life of the loan as long as it stays a owner occupied home! DANG................what else can we give you????

Now in short sale - Listed at 81,000

A landlord with pride..these unit has been updated through out, which includes ceramic tile, new kitchen cabinets, appliances (yes there is a dishwasher in both units) bathrooms were gutted and everything replaced and more. A must see as you will not find many that have been cared for like this one. The yard has been wonderfully landscaped and maintained. This place would make a great owner occupied investment opportunity. Have your tenant pay part of your mortgage! All appliances included. This home falls in target area for the City of Grand Rapids Down Payment Assistance program for qualified buyers..up to $5,000. Also possible 1st time home buyer tax credit. Call your agent for more details. Next door property also for sale at 1339 Davis (currently no sign) - listed for 112,500
Now lets see - Possible 1st time home buyer credit up to 8,000 City of Grand Rapids Down Payment Assistance up to 5,000 and a NEW MCC tax credit for the life of the loan................this home may qualify for it all!!!!! Now is the time to buy..................
Offered by Michelle Gordon - Keller Williams Realty - 630 Kenmoor SE - Grand Rapids MI 49546 - call of text 616-443-0596 for a showing.
To see more pics and info on the homes go to www.grar.com and look up MLS Numbers 759954 and 759947

Are dates on contracts become just a suggestion?

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:54:29 -0500

I wonder in this market environment of REO's and Short sales where we tend to "forgive" contract dates or leave them off totally due to the bank will respond when the bank will respond, has made us tolerant and/or slack in honoring contract dates with "regular" sales.

Not that I get too many "regular" sales these days, but when I do, I conduct business as I was once trained and honor all dates stipulated on the contract.

I do get the home inspections done in 10 days, I do put a date on the counter offer as to when the buyer/seller needs to respond.

There may be strategy behind it or not................but in the end there is somebody on the other side waiting for an answer and want to know why they have not responded by the date given.

Now in some cases there may be a situation where the date given is impossible............However in this high tech world we live in a response can usually be given in the allotted time given or at least a response of some kind.

So at the very least be respectful to the people who are waiting, as none of us like to wait........it is almost like passing up your due date for giving birth!

Mostly be respectful of all parties and communicate ................. most recently I had submitted an offer to a seller and gave 24 hours to respond..............it took 3 days and the house was still being shown. Now If I were the buyer I would have walked............but my buyers wanted the home very badly so they stuck it out.

However, I have to tell you this worked in my favor in the end..............as no other offers came in and then I knew just where I stood as the buyers agent............I knew I was the only game in town for the home and the ball was in my court from here on out. So the listing agent did not do the sellers any favors..........

As always remember the golden rule!

I now understand the importance of title work!

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:35:03 -0500

If I did not understand clearly before what a title company is supposed to do and how important their job is to what we do as Realtors and Lenders..............I do now!

If I did not appreciate the hard working title company , that I deal with enough, before today, I do now!

In an earlier blog I have wrote, I talk about running title before you list to be sure you are not hit with any surprises..............

Well I am sitting and waiting for 2 closings, where I rep the buyer, and the listing agent on one did not do this and YES there was a surprise and the other we knew there were issues going in.

One of my pending deals have a neighboring property line that goes into my buyers "new" home's living room. This home was sold this way at the last sale and the title company at the time let it fly! Well I guess we can say the lender at that time had no problem with it at that time as well.

Unbelievable what we find on title work these days..............that go back with a historty of "issues" that either fell between the cracks or professionals not taking care of business.

So buyers when you look at that charge on your closing statement for insured title work and wish you did not have to pay this bill, think again.................

Your choice of title company and the job they do is very important!

Why do they ask me "why are you moving?"

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:46:09 -0500

I have many times talked to a for sale by owner's who are now getting ready to list with an agent who are frustrated with the sales process.

One of the reasons they decide to list with an agent (among others) is they can not take the "personal" questions.

They do not like getting the hard questions to answer in fear they may answer "wrong".

One question that seems to really hang FSBO's up is "Why are you moving?"

Sellers are wondering do I say:

Looking for a bigger home. But fear this may suggest their home is small.

Looking for a better school district. However fear that this may suggest their home is in a bad school district.

Looking for an area with more kids. However fear this will suggest to families that their kids will have no one to play with or just the oopposite..........too many kids????

Relocation for job/getting married/lost my job - but will this suggest I NEED to sell and get a low ball offer?

It is very hard to for a seller to figure out; who is not experienced in these situations; how to handle these very simple but hard questions.

There are many reason why buyers ask these questions:

1. Just curious

2. How eager are you to sell

3. What can they offer you in exchange for price - If a buyers can not give you full price for your home they may want to know what your needs are...........can they give you time to move, can they delay the closing a bit.............etc..................sometimes price is not the only concern.

However an experienced agent will know how to field these questions by buyers to see what they are really getting at and what they are really asking before answering. Not to suggest we tell them what they want to hear but how understand the question and not take anything personal!

Selling a home is more then listng it................dealing with the public is something not everyone can do! However I enjoy it more then you can know!

OPEN SUNDAY 1-3 1018 San Jose EGR, Michigan

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:00:43 -0500

Come one! Come all!!!! A Great home in East Grand Rapids. Click on the link and have a look see what this house has to offer............interactive floor plan available as well...........put your furniture in this house and see before hand how it will all work out! Then visit us in person this Sunday!!!!

http://photoplan.planomatic.com/3508

WCR 12th Annual Golf Outing July 31st

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:20:18 -0500

YES!!!!! We are having our golf outing again this year............Different location and time!

We are planning on being bigger and better then ever before.

Where - Thornapple Point Golf Club

When - July 31st 2009 - Friday

Time - Sign in at 9am - Shot gun start at 10am

Why - Because we have all been working hard and need a break and it will be FUN!

Don't play golf? Come for dinner

Some highlights:

Par 3's have a $15,000 prize for hole in one

50/50 putting green contest

Door prizes - promotional golf items for give aways to all players

Cart - Breakfast - delivered lunch and dinner included

If you would like to play or sponsor please e-mail or call me for more information

Michelle Gordon michellegordon@grar.com 616-443-0596

Local event - Wine and Art class

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:01:16 -0500

What a cool idea, and sounds like a blast.............this art class is offered by one of my F.L.O.W.artist. She is very talented! Here is the info:

Hi Everyone- It is time for Art Aids 3'rd annual wine and art event. Please set aside the evening of August 20th, we're aiming for live music and painting this year. More details to come. Also below you'll find more information on the class I'll be teaching on Thursday evenings for adults. Hope to see you all soon, Stephanie
Creative Learning (1200 E. Paris-next to CG's Cafe and Bill and Paul's) is hosting a series of ART WORKSHOPS for adults on Thurs. evenings, 6;30-8 PM in our art studio. Come for one class or as many as you'd like. Local artist, Stephanie Timmerman is our inspirational teacher.

This is a night away to be spend time with friends and create great art for yourself or as gifts. Bring in photocopies of your favorite or meaningful photos, wine labels, post cards, tickets, words, articles, etc. for added inspiration (if needed). Your masterpiece may be used as a painting suitable for framing, a transfer to fabric (for pillows, clothing, etc.), or a floor cloth. This class will be fun and you'll have a masterpiece when it's over. You may want to have dinner at CG's Cafe before class and bring your own favorite beverage if you'd like.

Cost: $15/session for all paints and paper. Stretched canvas, floor cloths, etc. extra.
To Register: Visit our website: www.creativelearningtoysandtools.com , stop in to the store, or call (616) 975-9019.

Mold - Escrow item for repair after the sale?

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:52:37 -0500

Well here I am again, wondering if our market "conditions" are moving faster then our government can respond and take action.

HUD/FHA has done a wonderful thing with lead base paint. This harmful chemical has been addressed and no longer can you buy a HUD home and move in with out the lead base paint being remediated.

When buying a true HUD home, HUD takes care of all lead base paint surfaces before the buyer can close on the home.

So why is mold not treated the same..........this harmful substance should be taken care of as well.

I am in the middle of a deal with a HUD home and a catch 22!

A little history:

My client - a single mother, hard working gal! She has been working for a year to buy this particular home. When I met her, she needed to work on her credit a bit...........she has worked so hard to become credit ready, got a great job...........now ready to buy this home.

She is approved for a loan and has a "clear to close" other then the mold in the home, (it was just a small amount in the beginning). The lender had seen the reports on the HUD appraisal there was mold presence and required a new mold report, as we all know it grows. Now to the tune of $3,500.00 worth of repairs. The lender said fine you can add this repair bill to your loan to be paid out to the servicer to re-mediate, however needs to be done before close.................

I have supplied this information to HUD and they say no way, nobody can touch the home till the sale is complete other then fixing the lead base paint. Now if HUD sees lead base paint harmful, why are we not treating mold the same way?

I understand there are several law suits out and pending where banks/lenders are getting sued by buyers for lending them money on a home with mold, where the buyer got very ill. So lenders are now saying "fix it" or no deal. I can not blame them as really we should not be letting people move into these homes with issue.

Here is the statement from one underwriting department:

Even on HUD REO property, the lender (DE Underwriter) is responsible for establishing that the property meets FHA minimum standards. If the Appraiser identified mold, there needs to be a satisfactory inspection from a qualified inspector to establish the next steps. If there is mold present, it must be satisfactorily re-mediated as it is considered a health issue. This cannot be an escrowed item.

Response from HUD:

The HUD Radon Gas and Mold Notice specifically states that this is the buyers responsibility. Work can not be performed prior to closing. This either has to be a post closing escrow set up or you have to change this to Conventional with a lender that is willing to stick by HUD guidelines.

However here is Grand Rapids Michigan I can not even find a lender that will hand out a conventional loan with this amount of mold issues.

It seems to me the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing................FHA will not allow it, but HUD is FHA - kind of, right? So HUD will allow it.

Now my client is willing to pay for it out of escrows - like a prepaid item such as insurance...paid at close to the supplier, just needs to be done before hand. Unlike lead base paint remediation, where HUD takes care of it at their cost prior to close.

Many of our bank owned homes and HUD homes have mold in the home, some very small amounts and some large amounts. This is now a small problem waiting to become a HUGE problem if we do not address this issue real soon, in my opinion.

So what does a buyer and a buyers agent do, other then move on?

WE NEED HELP - 1ST TIME HOME BUYERS AND NON-HOMESTEAD TAXES

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 07:35:58 -0500

I am writing on behalf of all 1^st time home buyers who are running out of time. Most of my clients are 1^st time home buyers of low to moderate income, while I am on the front lines of home buying I think there may be an issue that will slow down sales for 1^st time home buyers, that the State of Michigan may have forgotten to address.

While I understand why we have non-homestead taxes, in the current market we are in, I believe it is going to hurt us; more then help us right now.

Most of us are rushing to the finish line - May 1^st - for our closings for all our owner occupied pending sales. As it can really make a difference in the mortgage payment and for some they can not take the risk as if they do not close by May 1^st they would not be able to afford the mortgage payment. There fore not buying a home at all.

The one positive aspect of this market is 1^st time home buyers - especially those with families, homes have become more affordable and they can buy a great home, that they probably would not of been able to afford in a sellers market. However the non-homestead tax will put this to a halt.

Home sales are up in my territory and I would like to see this continue. I would like to see an exception for 1^st time home buyers; buying a Bank Owned Home - REO.

You may say file for the 1^st time home buyer credit and apply this money towards the mortgage. However many of these homes need work, inside and out. This money will be used bring the home up to date and fix any (or many) repairs that are needed.

Further more the buyer would not get approved for a loan for this particular home while figuring in these taxes as it would make the ratio to high, so penalizing the 1^st time home buyer.

I believe this is an important issue for all of us, weather you are buying a home or just a neighbor of that bank owned home.

Please HELP!

Silently waiting to sell or buy in EGR, Michigan

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:21:49 -0500

I live in EGR, so this should not surprise me, most homes here are sold by word of mouth. However after my listing hit the MLS I was amazed to find out just how many "renters" are in the area that are just waiting for the right home to come a long. Some have been waiting for over a year. Most of these people do not have a buyers agent as well.

Now, after sending out an e-mail to fellow agents (I must admit I do very well at the net working) seeing if there are any homes that could be sold, that are not on the MLS in EGR...............

Again I was surprised!

We really need to pull this all together. When asking home owners who have decided not to list, "why?" They commented they do not want to be the home that sits on the market and does not sell. However I wonder how many people they are missing the boat with by not listing.

When asking renters why they do not have an agent working for them, they said they can wait for the right home to come on the market and feel they can get a better deal if dealing straight with the listing agent.

However this is not always true.........not all homes are listed with a duel commission. So this may not always matter.

And if buyers are not working with an agent how are the going to learn about all those homes that could be sold but not on the market...........they need an inside person!

I would consider myself an inside person, living in EGR and networking like I do. So it you are thinking of buying or selling contact me......maybe we can put a few of you together!

Spring market is here and offers are flying!

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 06:53:53 -0500

WOW! Real Estate is moving. Homes are selling, buyers are coming out of a very long hibernation! I consider myself a very aggressive buyers agent when I need to be. I love the fight and I love to compete for a home. However I have had not much opportunity in the past few years to compete for a home, as I have always had the only buyer.

Not this spring. I have had several offers in where I was one of many bidding on a home. I won a few and lost a few............However, the ones I lost the homes were so over bid from listing price we did not have a ball in the game!

I have to tell you, even though I am sorry we lost, I am happy to see buyers out and homes selling.

It is great to see the excitement once had by home buyers, the eagerness and the jumping up and down for joy when winning a bid!

I work with many 1st time home buyers and some of those had credit issues to work on. They did the work and now ready to buy. What a great feeling they have now. Working so hard to get credit ready and then able to buy a home.

If you are sitting on the side lines wishing you could buy a home and wish your credit was better, and embarrassed to talk to some one...........the only thing to be a shamed of if you do not go get help or advise to take care of your situation.

I can tell you my buyers who thought they would never see themselves as a home buyer and worked on the issues they had and now home owners are glad they did. It came faster then they thought. Lets face it it is not getting better by wishing............

Join in all the fun! Get yourself credit ready too!

910 Pinecrest - EGR New listing - 369,000

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 06:26:40 -0500

The street everyone wants to live on!

This is the home you have been waiting for! Pinecrest Ave, one of the most desirable streets in EGR due to location. Children walk to the Elementary School, Middle School , and the High School is only ten houses down the street! Walk to Gaslight Village to shop, dine, or community events. Friday night football games are "the" popular event or enjoy the beauty of Collins Park on Reeds Lake. This home boasts over 3,000 square foot spacious of living area! A great home to open up and entertain in or to close up for quiet family time. You enter the living room from the foyer through double glass French doors. The spacious living room offers a large bay window seat and wonderful hard wood floors. Off the living room is one of the 4 season rooms currently being used as the "music room" with an antique piano. At the other end of the home is the next 4 season room . This room, called the "computer room" or "office" is surrounded by windows , has wall to wall built in shelves and cabinets . The large family room to the back of the home has a wet bar , mini fridge, and wood burning fireplace /stove offering a great entertainment space. Off the family room is a three season glass and screened porch with the optional hot tub. The master bedroom suite is just that.a suite, a large bedroom with a separate vanity room and a bathroom. The lower level offers a bonus recreational room, butlers pantry, work room and laundry area. The new energy efficient boiler is only 1 year old and the 50 gallon water heater two years old. All new Pella windows with the antique look have been replaced , 90% three years ago. This home is perfect for the growing family, you will never need to move again, as the kids become teen agers the additional rooms will allow for all their friends to come and visit and let the adults have their own space at the same time. This property is more than a house, it is a home that sits in the heart of East Grand Rapids..and home is where your heart is. Many move to EGR for the schools, lake, boutique shopping, restaurants, walking and bike trails. The location of this home puts all of this at your finger tips.

Part 5 - Home buying - The closing

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 06:41:21 -0500

If you have stumbled on this blog 1st go to Part One

Well we have gotten all of paper work in - so we think. The underwriter may ask for additional information and may even run your credit one more time and ask for another verification of employment once again. Do not take these request personal. They have had people quit their jobs right before closing.

It is best during this "waiting" period before closing to just leave everything status quot. You were approved for a loan with your current situation, so keep paying bills on time, but do not change anything. Do not pay off your charge cards.........do not make large deposits into your accounts, leave everything the way it was when you were approved for a loan.

Buyers are very excited about buying their first home and are eager to get into the house. You may want to get in early to clean, move some things in.........etc, especially if the house is vacant. This is not a good idea. Till you own the home you should not do anything to the house. If anything should happen while you are there, you could be held responsible and you are not insured for the home till you own it.

Selling a home while you are still living in the home is/ can be very invasive..........the seller is happy you are buying the home (in most cases) however this is probably a home they have loved and they really do not want to hear how you are going to change things, paint the walls a different color........etc. If the home is being sold as a short sale, they may have been forced to sell and we do not need to add salt to the wound. If bank owned they do not like anyone in the house till after closing.

However you do have the the right to walk through the home before closing to make sure everything is the way it was when you first wrote the offer, and can be scheduled with your buyers agent.

Grand Rapids, Michigan is the only place I have lived and bought a home where buyers have possession so many days after close. However very commonly done here. so if you are one of the buyers that does not get possession till .......... say...........15 days after close, then you will still have have more time to wait after the closing till you can move in.

When pre-apring for the closing, make sure you have reviewed the "HUD" AKA- closing statement. Make sure you understand it, have your lender go over it with you. Many times this can be available 24 hours before closing. Make sure everyone names is spelled right, interest rate is what you discussed with your lender and all cost to be paid for by seller is on the HUD...........if it is not on the HUD, then it is not legal or not being done.

When reviewing the HUD, you will the see how much money you will have to bring to the closing table. In Michigan personal checks are NOT excepted..........money order or certified check only. All buyers need to bring a photo ID as well.

The closing will take about an hour..........the title company rep will go over all the paper work with you before you are asked to sign. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

Once all the paperwork is signed, if you have possession at close you will receive the keys to the home. As always there could be exceptions..........sometimes (especially at early morning closings) the loan would not have funded at the closing table. Meaning the money from your lender has not be wired yet to the seller and they may not give you the keys till this has been done.

CHANGE YOUR LOCKS ASAP! Once you own your home, I can not express enough to change your locks on the door. Who knows who has keys to the house. Neighbors, friends, delivery men........etc........

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE NOW A HOME OWNER! WELCOME TO MANY TAX BENEFITS AND A GREAT FEELING AND LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM!

A great question!

Michelle Gordon (Keller Williams Realty, Independently owned and operated) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 08:16:32 -0600

I was looking for a new quote for my facebook page when I stumbled on this one:

What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?
- Dr. Robert Schuller

What a great question and I would love to hear your answers..............mine would be ....................

Launch a singing career! I love to sing, not sure everyone wants to hear me! I think it is so great to see live concerts and to know the pleasure that artist brings to people who come to hear them. It must be such an over whelming feeling of accomplishment to know so many people came to hear you sing and love what you do.

So what would you do?