Ann Arbor and Saline Michigan Real Estate

Take The Garbage Out !!!

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:56:27 -0400

"Take the garbage out #5&**!!

I suppose there isn't a parent anywhere that hasn't yelled at their kids to take the garbage out.

I don't do garbage, with 5 kids and a hubby, just not my thing.

But, today I did, not my house garbage but.......

My computer garbage or Trash.

I deleted over 40,000 emails in my garbage trash can.

Every Sunday night I clean up my Inbox, and NO I have never gotten to that mythical land call "Inbox 0" but I do feel more organized starting a new week.

I have a folder for each of my Buyers and Sellers in Ann Arbor. Every bit of communication with my client is dragged into the clients folder. When the transaction is CLOSED or SOLD, I drag it into a folder called PAST Clients.

In each clients folder there is anywhere from 99 to 598 emails, the most being when it is a Short Sale.

I regularly delete my Junk Mail but have never really wanted to delete my TRASH because many times if I am searching for something it pops up in TRASH.

Today I did the dirty deed.

The easiest way to Empty your trash is to sort your emails by FROM. (see the graph below)

The email program you use with sort them alphabetically like: Active Rain Notices, Groupons, Tiger Lead Notice, Face Book, Twitter, Lowes, etc... basically if you hit FROM in Outlook or the Apple Mail Toolbar.

Then you can delete them all at one time.

Nothing like football to get me into cleaning, except when Michigan is playing. GO BLUE!!

How do you manage your email?

I feel like Missy the Maid.....

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Short Sale Urban Myths – Short Sales with No Late Payments

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 17:49:54 -0400

Ann Arbor sellers, do you have to be behind in your payments to do a short sale ?

No not necessarily.

But, in my experience they take longer as the buyer is still paying and they are not loosing money yet.

Like Melissa says in her post, it is totally up to the hardship letter and the financial work sheet.

Via Melissa Zavala Realtor® North San Diego County Homes (Broadpoint Properties):

It happens all the time: I have sellers and agents call me at the office to ask whether a short sale seller (their prospective client) can list in a short sale because the seller has not missed any mortgage payments.

Or, I may get a call from an agent who tells me that the bank told the seller that he or she could only get evaluated for a short sale if mortgage payments have been missed. Apparently, there’s this masked employee who seems to work at all the banks and spread this misinformation like wildfire. (It’s almost like the beginning of one of those urban myths—you know the friend of a friend who brings home a Chihuahua from Mexico but it turns out to be a rat).

Can a borrower participate in a short sale if s/he is still current on his or her mortgage?

Quite simply, the answer is yes. However, there are certain criteria that may impact an agent’s ability to successfully negotiate a short sale for a borrower who is current. So, here’s what you need to consider when taking a short sale listing like this:

Does the borrower have a hardship or a legitimate reason for participating in a short sale? If the seller is simply sick and tired of being upside down on the mortgage, some banks may be a little bit less flexible in their short sale approvals. Banks are looking for solid reasons that sellers need to sell—job loss, divorce, death, illness, etc.

How many liens exist on the property? Depending upon the number of mortgage loans and also depending upon the state where you live, there are many different programs available for short sale sellers. However, sellers who are current and who have second liens held by collection agents may find it necessary to throw in a little bit of cash in order to make the second lien holder agree to the short sale. (Don’t forget that you need to get the first lien holder’s approval in order to make a cash contribution to the second lien holder and that contribution must appear on the settlement statement.)

Who are the mortgage lenders? With respect to folks who are still current, some mortgage lenders are a little more flexible than others. Many mortgage lenders will check the borrower’s credit and look into all aspects of the sellers’ financials, while others will be a bit more flexible and forthcoming with short sale approval letters.

So, the next time you hear that the bank has told your seller to miss a few payments, you had better double check to make sure that the Chihuahua doesn’t smell like a rat.

Photo: flickr creative commons by crispee

Melissa Zavala
BROKER/REALTOR® ● DRE #01324959

BROADPOINT PROPERTIES, INC.
760.839.3838

Search San Diego County Homes For Sale | Search Riverside County Homes For Sale
Southern California Short Sale Support | Short Sale Expeditor Negotiation Services

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What's the Difference Between an Offer and a Contract?

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 17:45:15 -0400

Ann Arbor buyers just because you write and offer doesn't mean you have a contract.

Good post by Chris Ann Cleland explaining the ABC's.

Search Ann Arbor Houses

Via Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Northern VA (Long & Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA):

What's the Difference Between an Offer and a Contract?

The language we use when talking about real estate transactions is important. In fact, in some situations the difference in one single word used over another can be critical to understanding what is happening, or what is expected in a real estate transaction.

You'll often see the word CONTRACT used when the word OFFER should be used. There is a very big difference between the two words. They are not interchangeable. Real estate professionals know the difference, but so should you as a Buyer or Seller.

An OFFER is what a Buyer makes to a Seller, or vice versa. It is all the terms under which the Buyer would like to purchase the property. It has been accepted in writing by only one party, that one making the offer.

The Seller can counter-offer those terms, making changes and sending them back to the Buyer for review. Again, if this were the case, the terms have been changed and the changes have only been accepted by one party.

You don't get to the point of CONTRACT until all parties all agreed to all the terms IN WRITING.

As a Buyer you make OFFERS on properties. You do not write CONTRACTS. You are putting forth the terms under which you would like a contract to exist. When accepted by the Seller your OFFER will become a CONTRACT, but not until it is accepted in writing. Knowing the difference can be critical when explaining a multiple offer situation. If you said you were dealing with a Seller than had multiple CONTRACTS, you are dealing with a Seller who has agreed in writing to sell one property to multiple Buyers. That is a nightmare. If you are dealing with a Seller who has multiple OFFERS, you want to be the one the Seller signs and turns into a CONTRACT. It can be a competitive situation, but is not screaming for one or more lawsuits.

When a CONTRACT exists both parties to it have obligations to perform. An OFFER has no such obligation until the terms of the OFFER are accepted by all parties.

Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker- Licensed in Virginia, GRI, SFR, Northern Virginia Short Sale Specialist. Affiliated with Long & Foster, 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155. To contact Chris Ann, call 703-402-0037 or email chrisann@LNF.com. Or you can visit her website: www.nvarealestate.net.

Header is a combination of photos, taken by Chris Ann Cleland, of various listings and neighborhoods in the Bristow-Gainesville-Haymarket area.

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Saline, Michigan Market Reports

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:32:15 -0400

Saline, Michigan Market Reports

When I think of the market in Saline, I like to see a comparison of where we are now vs where we were a year ago.

You can see from the chart below that our inventory is DOWN. That is a good thing, unless you are a buyer looking in a certain price point or neighborhood.

The other thing I like to look at is the price of homes, are they up or down?

When working with buyers looking to purchase a home in Saline, Michigan it is important to know if the community is consistent, down or increasing in value.

You can see from this graph that we hit a low ($192,000.) in March 2011 but now the price point is up to almost $220,000. This brings me back to the first point, inventory in Saline, Suppy vs Demand equals higher sale prices.

The next chart is done monthly by Affinity Valuations, a local appaiser that I have known for years and trust completely.

I like this chart because Pete graphs out for Saline, Michigan over a three year period. In this graph which Petes gleans from the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors, You can see the trend in price per square feet, number of sales each month.

The trend is price per square foot in Saline, Michigan has been consistent for the last three years.

On my Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk blog you can get monthly updates on the market in Saline, either by checking back monthly or signing up for Executive Reports to be emailed to you.

Originally posted Saline Market Report on Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk.

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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This needs to be seen by as many Realtors as Possible! Closings MAY be delayed if word does not get out!

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:43:29 -0400

Notice to Ann Arbor residents, new appraisal guidelines are coming September 1st.

In my case I have already had appraisers starting to do this on my listings under contract.

Appraisers must complete appraisals in what is defined as UAD or Uniform Appraisal Dataset format. This is a GSE Fannie, Freddie requirement.

Via Mary Thompson Lake Lanier Appraiser in Georgia (LakeFrontPros.com):

Pass this along to every Realtor you know. Re-blog this post, whatever you can do to get the word out!

As of September 1, 2011 appraisals will change drastically. We now must complete appraisals in what is defined as UAD or Uniform Appraisal Dataset format. This is a GSE Fannie, Freddie requirement.

What does this mean for you? The new reports will look foreign to you and your clients with all the codes we have to use in the reports, so you will have to be versed on what the codes mean. Instead of the old days where we described a property as being Good in condition or Good in Quality of Construction, we will now be using codes such as Q=3 and C-2, etc. It will be far less user friendly to read and more automated system friendly. Fannie and Freddie want consistency across the board for all appraisals nationwide and the codes are the way they are trying to get this accomplished. They have clearly defined what Fair, Poor, Average, Good, Very Good and Excellent Quality and Condition should entail. No more leeway in how appraisers determine this on their own. Lenders are also gearing up for uniform delivery of their loan packages and the UAD is part of this whole process.

If you GOOGLE UAD or Uniform Appraisal Dataset you should find a wealth of information on this topic. Be prepared and prepare your clients!

What do we as appraisers need from you? One of the big changes is we must know in what YEAR any renovations to the BATHS and KITCHENS were completed. In addition to the comments you already place in FMLS/MLS about renovations, we need the renovation year for the kitchens and baths. If the exact year is unknown then we need a specific range, ie: less than 1year ago, in the past 5 years, in the past 10 years or in the past 15 years.

If we cannot get this information in FMLS/MLS for the SUBJECT we must contact the owner if available or the Realtor and get this information and this takes time and mayt also delay closings! For all the comparable sales and listings that we use in our reports, we of course cannot contact the owner, so we will be contacting you the Realtor unless you have this information in your comments and photos. While we do NOT have to indicate year of renovations for the comparables, we really need this information in order to properly compare them to the SUBJECT. So any listing you have, please include as much detail about renovations as possible!

What else do we need from you? We need photos! Lots of them, more the better. Photos of the renovations and if you can add descriptions under your photos, please include the YEAR the renovations to kitchen and baths were completed or use the range noted above. Also needed is extent of renovation! Was it a REMODEL or just an UPDATE. For appraisal purposes a Remodel means a significant change, Gutting of the bath or kitchen, all new fixtures, flooring, cabinetry, appliances, etc. VS. Updating which brings it to current market appeal and standards without a total REDO! New Paint, Some new fixtures, refacing of cabinets, etc.

We must have this information included in every appraisal report. So if all Realtors add this information in the comments or under your photos, life will be easier for all as the appraisal will be completed SOONER and the deals will closed faster. Win/Win for everyone! Not to mention, the homeowner needs to get full credit for renovations and when they were performed!

** FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO PROVIDE GREAT DETAIL AND PHOTOS IN YOUR REPORTS, APPRAISER'S AND OF COURSE THE SELLERS THANK YOU!

I hope this POST is featured as we have to get all Realtors on board with this ASAP! So please pass this along to your Brokers too and let me know if you have any questions.

In Future Posts I will define in more detail the codes (which will look foreign to everyone for awhile) and what they mean and how they are defined in our reports

Thanks guys!

Mary Thompson

Certified Appraiser

http://www.lakelanierappraiser.com

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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I Don't Care Who You Are, This Will make You Cry...We Let A Stranger In Our House...And A Friend Into Our Hearts

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:25:37 -0400

This is the most touching story I have read on Activerain in forever. Thanks to Elizabeth for reblogging it and now I am.

Heading to my home town this week for a wedding and I had already thought about going to see if I could walk through my home I grew up in, in Paducah, Ky.

Via John McCarthy Your Seacoast NH REALTOR® (Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello Group):

I Don't Care Who You Are, This Will make You Cry...We Let A Stranger In Our House...And A Friend Into Our Hearts

In early July, I admit, we did something most people would consider a very foolish thing. We let a total stranger in our house.

It was a Sunday morning and my Chris and I were about to pull out of the driveway on our way to find breakfast at a yet to be determined restaurant, when I noticed a car was pulling over to the side of the road opposite our driveway. I asked Chris to roll down her window as I expected the solitary gentleman in that car might have a question or perhaps need directions.

"Do you live here?" the fortyfive-ish stranger asked,
"Yes we do," Chris replied.
"This is the house where I grew up," he said. "Could I visit for a minute. I won't take much of your time. I can see you are on your way out."
With that, I stepped out of the car and said, "Why don't you pull into the driveway and get your car off the road."

In the next minute, we were shaking hands in the driveway and he introduced himself as Pete Martin. He asked if the Kelleys still lived next door and pointed to the second floor bedroom that was his and described how the chimney ran right up through the middle of the room. I asked if he would like to tour our home. He happily agreed.

As we passed through each room, Pete shared some little memory about the room and about the house and asked if the lilacs were still behind the house where he had buried his much loved dog. I showed him that the lilacs, and most likely his dog, had been relocated to another part of the yard to make room for the pool that we now enjoy. Through this stroll down memory lane, Pete shared a bit about his life.

Pete told us he had retired from a military career in the Air Force and now lived in Tennessee. After over twenty years of service, he was still not ready to give up flying and serving our country, so he became a Government contractor flying special operations forces in combat missions over Afghanistan, and tomorrow, he would be on a plane going back there and not returning until September.

Out of pure coincidence, he was visiting a friend in Londonderry, NH and asked if he could borrow his car to drive over to North Hampton in the hope we might be home when he knocked on our door. He had made this drive some years earlier, and we were not home. :-(

When we finished the tour of the house, Pete asked us if we could take a few pictures of him with his mobile phone and we took a few with our camera. We exchanged email addresses to stay in touch. As he was getting ready to leave, Pete made it clear, that by inviting him, a total stranger, into our home, we had given him something he something he would never forget. We had given him, the WORLD....and yesterday, well, he turned around and gave it back to us, in a way I know I will never forget.

While I was at my first showing yesterday, Chris called me on my cell and told me we had received a package from Afghanistan from Pete. I could not get home fast enough from the showing.

Seated at the kitchen table, Chris handed me the package and asked me to open it. Inside, was an American Flag, a copy of the Stars and Stripes daily newspaper published for members of the military, a copy of the July 2011 edition of Freedom Watch Afghanistan magazine and the following letter and special presentation:

Now, most of you know I am a Pease Greeter at Pease AFB in Portsmouth, NH, welcoming our troops home from duty or sending them overseas to Iraq or Afghanistan. If you enjoy freedom, thank someone in the military. Maybe you could stop by Pete Martin's Facebook page and thank him. I know that's where I'm headed as soon as I publish this blog.

If you would like to know why I chose Seacoast New Hampshire to make my home, click here to email me, and I can make a real convincing argument for you to choose it too! Or, if you would like to do your own home search, sign up NOW on my website for our exclusive Home Scout Program.





          John McCarthy
          Your Seacoast NH Realtor
         408 Lafayette Rd, Hampton, NH 03842
       603-601-1110 Office
         603-418-1521 Cell

          Visit My Website            Email Me



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Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Buying 3 Months After You Sell Your Home in a Short Sale

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 10:23:20 -0400

Looking for an Ann Arbor Area Lender who can do a Short Sale for a buyer of mine. It has been 2 years and great credit.

Surely there is someone locally in Ann Arbor Area who can do this, if Larry Bettag in Chicago can.

Call me 734-926-9797

Via Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage:

It just happened. I spent about 1.5 months getting this guy's ducks in a row. Sounds almost too good to be true. But it is true. You can't do it on a conventional loan. You can, however, do with an FHA mortgage with:

TWO CRITICAL CAVEATS!!!!!

The bank can't be reporting a deficiency and;

The borrower can't have any 30 day lates reporting either.

I feel almost guilty on this, but I've come to learn that we've done a myriad of them at our company this year.

My buyer was denied by two other mortgage companies over the last two months. The other mortgage banks didn't look at the 4155 (or the FHA guidelines). Realtors, this is critical. A buyer still needs to qualify, but if they sell their home in a short sale and meet both of the aforementioned criteria, then....you have another happy buyer!

Loan officers need to have the support. They need to know the guidelines. Buyers do have options.

If you choose, you can find me here:





                                         NMLS ID#158606               An Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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As A Keller Williams Agent Why I'm Stickiing with Docu-Sign

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 09:41:40 -0400

A few months ago, Keller Williams released a new software program called E Edge. It recently won the Innovator Award at Inman Connect in San Francisco.

Included in E Edge is Dot Loop. It is similar to Docu-sign in that it does electronic signatures and is part of the package we pay $15.00 a month for.

I'm sticking with Docu-Sign

I started using docu-sign a year ago and have used it to write an offer for a buyer who lived on a sail boat in California, he loved it.

That was my first experience and he loved the fact he didn't have to pull into shore, find a print store and print and then scan or fax back.

Now a year later I use docu-sign for all of my transactions.

I have found that even more "mature adults" have no issue with it.

It is safe, user friendly and saves me so much time.

Dot Loop which is part of the KW E Edge package does not have the profile sheets for listing contracts set up.

So if I list a home for sale in the Ann Arbor Area, I can do it all in Dot Loop but then have to go over and do the profile sheet in Zip forms.

Now who wants to do that?

Not me!

What's the point if you have to send two different documents to my clients.

I told my Assistant that I would not be switching to Dot Loop. It is frustrating as I send the listing contract to my clients, they sign, we go in, print it off, then Robert has to scan it in, upload to Dot-Loop and turn in the Green Sheet.

But, that is what we have to do as all transactions must be entered into Dot Loop to get paid.

Data Bases

Someone one told me that the best data base is the one you use. I feel the same way about Docu-Sign, I use it and love it.

The First

When I first started using docu-sign, I heard a lot of WOW from REALTORS in other Brokerages that weren't using it but found they loved it.

Recently the listing agent was away planning her daughters wedding, and I told her "if you give me your clients emails I will send them the document to sign" so you don't have to worry about it while out of town." She did and the sellers and buyers were both able to put in writing what we had agreed to verbally on the counter offer. Had she not done that it would have been 3 days before it was signed. That is something I was not willing to take a chance on.

SOLD

Count me SOLD on Docu-sign.Even if I have to pay the $19.95 extra on top of Dot Loop, I am sticking with what has worked and gets the job done.

Disclaimer: "This post is a submission to the DocuSign/ActiveRain Electronic Signature Stories Contest. It's possible I will win a prize for writing this post. You could win a prize too by going to the Contest Announcement and sharing your own story".

Dot Loop is only one of the features of E Edge and the rest of it is AWESOME!

****************************************************

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Torwood Subdivision in Saline, MI 328 Castlebury for Sale

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:11:54 -0400

328 Castlebury in Saline Michigan, located in Torwood subdivision is on the market for sale.

Saline Schools in Torwood

328 , Castlebury, Saline, MI 48176 View Map

Former Model,beautiful home with refinished hardwood floors in foyer, kitchen, nook, hall.

10 ft ceilings in Formal living room, first floor study, Great room opens to family room.

Crown molding in formal dining room.

Professional finished LL with bed, bath, rec room, and ex room, for media or work-out room.

Master suite w. corner jacuzzi tub, double vanities and walk in closet.

Private back yard, great landscaping.

Located in highly desirable Torwood.

1000 S. F in LL makes this a really large home.

Details

Asking Price:

279900

MLS:

3105774

Sq. Feet:

3228

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

150

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Torwood

Year Built:

1998

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Missy Caulk
Associate Broker

Cell 734-216-2822
Dir 734-926-9797
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Beautifully finished and impeccible condition. Newly finished hardwood floors in foyer, kitchen, nook.

You will love the back yard with mature landscaping, refinished deck and perrennial flowers.

If you are looking for a large home, this is IT, professional finished LL, with bed, full bath, work out room. Egress window in the lower level bedroom.

Peaceful Master bedroom retreat with double vanities, corner spa tub and huge walk in closet.

Looking to move and do nothing ? This is the home for you.

Refinished hardwood floors
Fresh Paint
Family room opens to kitchen
Fireplace
First floor study
Formal living and dining room
10 ft ceilings in formal living room
Finished LL with bed, bath, rec room and work out room
Double vanities in Master suite
Impeccable Condition
3228 Square feet (1000 finished in lower level)

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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1900 Dexter Rd. Ann Arbor, MI West Side of Ann Arbor

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:42:26 -0400

1900 Dexter Rd, is located on the Westside of Ann Arbor and withing walking distance to downtown.

Beautiful,large home with many updates and remodeling in the last 3 years.

New cherry hardwood flooring in foyer,living room,dining room,and great room.
New additional powder room, with granite counter tops.
HUGE master suite with sky lights,walk in closet,and gorgeous new master bath.
Finished lower level with built in cabinets,1/2 bath, and workshop.
First floor office, GR opens to deck stairs to private patio.
Complete overall of landscaping, privacy hedge around property,pebble walk around house with perennial gardens.
Immaculate condition.
Walk to downtown.
Across from Maryfield Park & Wildwood Park.

1900 Dexter Rd. - $349,900.00

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.5

Year Built: 1901

Lot Size: .21 acre

Garage Size: 2.5

School District: Ann Arbor Huron

Square Footage: 3648

Agent Name: Missy Caulk

Broker: Missy Caulk

MLS #: 3105443

Price: $349,900.00

Flexibility: Negotiable

1900 Dexter Rd

Ann Arbor, MI 48103

View Map

View More Photos

Real Estate Shows

Range/Oven
Full Refrigerator
Washer/Dryer
Dishwasher
Sink Disposal
Microwave

Hardwood Floors
Vaulted Ceilings
Basement

Patio
Grass Lawn
Secluded setting
Across from park
Pebble walk around
Gardens

Missy Caulk

Missy@MissyCaulk.com

734-926-9797

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 64076004

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Seriously???

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:29:14 -0400

What the heck is going on with all the spam on ActiveRain?

I can't keep up, reporting, deleting.

Does anyone have a solution? I know I'm not on here much, BUT this is beyond belief?

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Fun, Fundraising, and University of Michigan Woman's Football Academy

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:45:02 -0400

What a fantastic day was spent on Saturday at the University of Michigan Woman's Football Academy.

Besides over $100,000.00 raised for the Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Missy Caulk TEAM was able to contribute $750.00.

Thank you so much for all my past clients and blogging friends that were able to help us out.

The Schedule

In the mornings after introductions, everyone was divided into teams and each team rotated with a position coach where we learned the stances, and the proper technique's.

After about 15 minutes with each University of Michigan Coach and the players we rotated to the next position.

Before we rotate we would all get in a huddle and raise our hands together. The Coaches would yell, "BEAT" and we would yell back "OHIO"!

Believe it or not the kicking and the punting were the hardest. Although I did fall flat on my face zig zagging through the cones. Hey the grass was wet.

The Scrimmage

After lunch we got in our assigned teams. My team was coached by Coach Jeff Hecklinski, (Coach Heck) the Wide Receiver Coach.

Our team played against Coach Jerry Montgomery's team, who coaches the Defensive Line. Coach Heck, turned the actual plays over to Roy Roundtree, Wide Receiver and he wanted everyone to go long. Imagine that!

Coach Heck said the one thing he heard over and over again all day was, "OMG there is Denard!" Next year he suggested they just put Denard in the middle of the field and have everyone line up.

One of the most fun things was running through the tunnel and getting to scrimmage in the the BIG HOUSE.

I really enjoyed spending time with some the coaches wives as Christa and I helped them in obtaining a home in Ann Arbor.

Well a picture is worth a thousand words, so let the video show you have much fun we had at the U of M Woman's Football Academy.

If you would like to play on our team next year, let me know because I would love to be able to spend the day with you and help raise more money for the Comprehensive Cancer Center. GO BLUE!

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Can you Help the Missy Caulk TEAM Help U of M Comprehensive Cancer Center?

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:19:33 -0400

This Saturday is the Annual University of Michigan Womans Football Academy.

This will be the second time I have played, attended it. The first time was in Summer of 2004 and I broke my pinkey finger catching a pass with Lloyd Carr looking on.

I was playing Wide Receiver in the afternoon scrimmage and and I was not suppose to be thrown a pass. It was a running play but the running back got tackled, the QB looked up and saw me open so through me the ball and I caught it. (breaking my finger)

I walked up to my Coach, who at the time was Braylon Edwards, and said, "I think I broke my finger."

"Nah," said Braylon, "Good catch, get back in there."

But, I walked off the field with my finger hanging and went into the locker room, where Paul Schmidt, Athletic Trainer for the Wolverines said, "Missy, get out to Saline Hospital and get an x-ray right away." (Paul is from Saline and knew me from there.) So I did...3 days later I had surgery and wore a halo cast for 3 months.

Now I am playing again!!

But, this time we signed Medical Release Forms. Wonder why?

My husband played QB in high school, and the Marines (anyone remember when the Marines had a team?) and all my 3 sons played in high school. NOT ONE of them ever had a serious injury, but mom goes out one day and OUCH!

Now even though we will have a lot of fun at the Womans U of M Football Camp, it does serve a higher purpse and that is to raise funds for the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since its creation in 1999, the program has helped more than 15,000 cancer patients and their families.

I never have begged asked for support on my Ann Arbor Real Estate Blog, but TODAY I am.

Can you help us raise money for this worthy event by donating to The Missy Caulk TEAM's efforts for U of M Comprehensive Cancer Center?

Christa and I are excited to be helping them out and you know after reading my story about my broken finger I would not be doing this again, if not for a worthy cause.

If you are one of my 2430 friends on Facebook, or 3826 Followers on Twitter...or all my Activerain Friends and Subscribers.

...if eveyone could give $5.00 to $10.00, $50.00 or $100.00 we would be so very grateful.

DONATE HERE Thank you!!

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Find the Perfect Neighborhood FIRST, Then Select Your Dream Home

Sun, 29 May 2011 08:38:52 -0400

Ann Arbor homebuyers, this was written by my good friend Debe Maxwell. I could re-write it and make it for buyers looking throughout Washtenaw County..but why?

The truth is the advice is perfect for anyone looking in any area, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Sometimes when home buyers are not sure which community they want to purchase a new home in I tell them to have lunch in Chelsea, dinner in Ann Arbor, go to McDonalds for awhile with their kids in Saline etc...

Each community has their own flavor, and uniqueness. Find the one that is right for you. Here are the MEAP scores by School Districts in Washtenaw County.

Via Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (iCharlotteRealEstate.com Savvy + Company Real Estate):

Buyer Tips: Locate the Neighborhood BEFORE You Look for a New Home

Charlotte has a multitude of areas, subareas, communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods and if you’re new to the area, you really do need a knowledgeable agent to guide you through the process of elimination as far as neighborhoods are concerned.

There are a few good sites that I recommend to my clients to learn more about the different areas/neighborhoods in Charlotte.  First, you’ll want to consult your agent and let him/her know, specifically, what you’re looking for. Ask your agent if he/she is a Charlotte Certified Neighborhood Specialist. If so, he/she will be able to assist you in matching your current neighborhood to one very similar in your destination city. If at all possible, consult one in your destination city–you’ll be glad you did!

1. Make a list of all of the amenities that are near the neighborhood you are considering as your destination neighborhood. Keep in mind what distance is acceptable to and from frequented locations (work, school, worship) and the routes which you’ll be taking. Map them to see if the traffic pattern is going to be easy to alternate in the event of rush hour or accident traffic.

2.  Determine the best features of a couple of neighborhoods; this is especially helpful if you are deciding between a few different neighborhoods in a few different areas. What lifestyle needs are important in your community and home selection?

Are there parks located nearby? Where are they located?
Is the neighborhood scenic and visually appealing?
Are the people friendly?
Is the neighborhood clean?
Are there nice trees and foliage; are there evergreens for year-round privacy and beauty?
Are the lots large or small?
Are there sidewalks and are they easily accessible?
Is the neighborhood safe?
What are the market values of the homes in the area?
How many homes are for sale?
How long ago was the community developed?
Are residents making improvements and updating interiors to help maintain property values?
What are the age demographics in the area?
Are there families with small children in the area or is it an ‘empty nest’ community or a neighborhood of young professionals with or without children?
What is the proximity to schools?
Does the neighborhood have community events or an active homeowner’s association?
Are there any new nearby industrial or retail building planned for the future? Any power plants? Highways?

3.  Take a stroll around the neighborhood. The best way to determine the cleanliness and friendliness of the neighborhood is to walk around in it and meet its residents.

4. Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and different days of the week. Are there people out and about in the neighborhood, walking, riding bikes, socializing?

A lot of these items cannot be adressed by your real estate agent because of Fair Housing but, as a Buyer, you can and should do your homework–taking the time to investigate will save you headache and hardship down the road. My clients are encouraged to visit the neighborhood and meet some of the neighbors. Discuss their likes and dislikes of their own neighborhood with the neighbors. Find the answers to some of your questions above.

Here are a few sites that I recommend to help you answer the questions above are:

(Local Demographics By Zip Code)

Charlotte Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations! You are now on the road to being able to narrow your list down to the neighborhood that you know you’ll enjoy living in for years to come!

Homes for Sale in Charlotte NC

Homes for Sale in Charlotte NC on Facebook

Search Charlotte Homes for Sale

Search Charlotte Neighborhoods



Disclosure of material contained within.

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Passing along some information from Agent Genius

Wed, 25 May 2011 14:10:30 -0400

Occassionally I run across information on blogs that I feel is important critical to pass along to the Activerain Community.

This is one of the those times.

Lani Rosales, New Media Director on Agent Genius, recently wrote a post on Using Web Images in Your Blog Post from Flickr.

Now I love Flickr and use the:

1) Advanced Search

2) Creative Commons

3) Those images used for Commercial Use (yes we are commercial)

4) Adapt or Modify Photos.

5) Then I link to the photographer from the post.

Bases Covered, right?

Lani has a fantastic way to protect yourself even further in your WordPress blogs. I'm not going to repost it. It is all over there on Agent Genius with a graph to show you how to do it in the back-end of your wordpress blogs.

This is an example of a modified photo in Flickr with credit given to the photographer.

Seriously, you want to read it.

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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ActiveRain’s Weltanschauung

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:30:47 -0400

Dug this post by Jon up today, in light of the recent discussions here in the rain.

These are good guiding principals and the former philosophy of Activerain.

Perhaps you are new here and have not read the Weltanschauung's.

What is a Weltanschauung? A world view.

Let's hope it continues.

Via ActiveRain Corp.:

Weltanschauung: The guiding principles and philosophy of an organization. A world view.

1.    We understand that the value of the ActiveRain community rests entirely with its members. We admire the spirit of real estate professionals and believe our goal is to fully engage their talents and knowledge for the benefit of all members of the real estate community.

2.    We believe that real estate professionals will thrive if they demonstrate their local market expertise. With ever greater access to listings, local knowledge is now the key differentiator.

3.    We believe that homeownership is a positive force for social good. ActiveRain is committed to empowering real estate professionals so they can help people achieve the dream of homeownership.

4.    ActiveRain welcomes the active participation of all real estate professionals, irrespective of their affiliation with industry groups or trade associations. We believe a vibrant and diverse real estate community is essential to maintaining a strong organization.

5.    We believe that the constructive dialogue at ActiveRain fosters transparency among consumers about the industry. We understand that ActiveRain plays a key role in demonstrating the integrity and professionalism of those engaged in our industry.

6.    ActiveRain prides itself on editorial independence. We believe that an open, free exchange of ideas is our primary reason for being. We are not captive of any point of view or agenda – other than to advance the interests of homebuyers and sellers and real estate professionals.

7.    We encourage dissenting or contrarian points of view because our industry is better served by continually examining the status quo. Challenging conventional wisdom is often essential for the evolution of our industry and the development of new opportunities.

8.    We believe in spirited discourse, but personal attacks or predatory behavior will not be tolerated. Respect and civility are the shared values that unite all of us.

9.    ActiveRain does not stand on ceremony or hierarchy. ActiveRain is a two-way street. We believe that a continual conversation with our community is critical to our continued growth and vitality. We are fully committed to incorporating member feedback and ideas to improve ActiveRain.

10.    ActiveRain believes that it is in the best interests of real estate professionals to build a community that is focused on educating one another. ActiveRain believes its future depends on members of all experience levels openly sharing their experiences and best practices with others in the field. This communal dialogue offers a unique opportunity for professional growth and is the way to share in the dynamism and excitement that constitutes the modern real estate business.

-The ActiveRain Team

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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A $60,000 Eulogy for ActiveRain

Wed, 11 May 2011 07:03:25 -0400

Please comment on Jorgans blog and not here, although I will leave comments open.

Jorgan was the main programer for Activerain. Now you know why all the problems.

I know many will think, "hey it is just corporate or business, but we are so much more than that here in the Rain at least all of us that have been here for a long time and poured our heart and soul into the community.

Via Jorgen Hahn:

Welcome dearly beloved, friends, and family. We are gathered here today to honor the memory of ActiveRain, taken from us before her time.

I haven't known ActiveRain as long as many of you. We were introduced through a mutual friend early in 2008. Full of laughter and grace, I couldn't help but fall in love, and committed myself fully to her free spirit during that perfect Washington summer.

Some are born to do great things. ActiveRain didn't just provide a forum for real estate professionals and consumers; she fostered friendships and forged enduring connections that will last long after we've left this burial plot and her name is little more than a faded memory.

She didn't talk much about the cancer. Jon cared for her tirelessly and believed, even until the bitter end, that he could save her. But ducem mercatum is an insidious disease and knows no cure.

Her grace under pressure should serve as an inspiration to all. After learning that Matt and James, once counted among her dearest friends, had sold her out to ducem mercatum for 30 pieces of silver, she simply smiled. No complaints or bitter recriminations accompanied the news of her now-certain death. When Jon was stripped of his power of attorney (née chairman of the board seat), leaving her adrift and under the care of "new management", she offered no protest. And when death finally arrived, she passed secure in the knowledge that she had made a difference in the world.

A wealth of journals filled with wonderful memories still line her shelves. I know that she would want you to keep your writing alive, and encourage you to collect your belongings before the house is sold or razed.

Why the $60,000 eulogy? That's the blood money her new caretakers offered me to reanimate her lifeless cadaver. I choose instead to remember her as she was on that summer day when we first met, full of life and ready to set the world on fire.

We will always love you, ActiveRain. Rest in peace.

Jorgen Hahn, former CTO, VP, Product Development, ActiveRain

(Should this eulogy vanish mysteriously at the hands of our corporate overlords, you can find a permanent copy at http://niveon.com/a-60-000-eulogy-for-activerain.html)

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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STOP Worrying So Much About SEO and Blog Things With Merit

Tue, 03 May 2011 09:37:20 -0400

We read,worry and obsess so much over SEO,(Search Engine Optimization) but is it necessary?

Here is a fantastic video I found by Matt Cutts, Google WebMaster that cuts to the chase on optimizing your sites.

It was just published in April 2011 so up to date information and hopefully will take your stress level down a few notches.

I've been blogging since 2006 and honestly I have never worried to much about it. I use a few little things to enhance my blog posts and when I teach I share them. Thanks to Karen George who coached a few of us on Activerain, a few months into blogging in the rain I learned a few little techniques and have stuck with them.

If you haven't read Karen's blog who passed away a few years ago from breast cancer you should read every word she has ever written.Michael her husband now blogs under her profile .

When I teach on blogging, I want folks to walk away with only a few things to make their posts more SEO friendly and that is IT.

Key Words not too many
Anchor Text
Alt Tags
Call to Action

If as Matt Cutts says in his video Google looks at On Page Content and Off Page Links. (backlinks) If you want to know more about this read Katerina Gasset, a wonderful blogging coach.

Now go have some fun...

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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NUMBERS DON'T LIE. . . . WHEN LISTING AGENTS RUSH TO GET A HOME ON THE MARKET, THEY RISK A MUCH LONGER DOM.

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 07:55:07 -0400

Ann Arbor home sellers, get your home ready before you list it. Go ahead and meet with the agents you are considering. But, don't rush.

Good post my Lenn Harley.

On our TEAM the photos are done first, which means the house is good to go.

We upload the photos within minutes of the home going in the MLS.

Why?

Because many buyers are set up in the MLS flash system in Ann Arbor, they get the new listing the minute they are listed so photos going in ASAP are critical.

Via Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland (Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate):

YOU HAVE DONE YOUR HOME WORK. YOU HAVE A SIGNED LISTING AGREEMENT. TIME TO GET BUSY AND GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT THE HOME FOR SALE. . .

WAIT! The seller isn't quite as tuned into the market realities as is their agent. When you interviewed for the listing, you were focused on what YOU WOULD DO to sell the property.

WHAT DID THE SELLER PROMISE TO DO??  Oh, simple things like

Get the carpet cleaned
Touch up those scuffs on the wall
Spruce up the landscaping with a trimming and fresh mulch
Push the button on the self-cleaning oven
Replace that broken window in the basement
Designate a place to store toys not in use
Clean out the mechanical area in preparation for inspections
Wash windows
De-clutter the house
Dispose of stored belongings no longer in use

And the list goes on.

"I'LL TAKE CARE OF THESE THING RIGHT AWAY", promised the seller when they signed the listing agreement. Now, you've got your sign up, but the house for sale isn't ready for prime time OR FOR BUYERS.

THE NUMBER OF BUYERS FOR ONE PARTICULAR HOME FOR SALE ISN'T UNLIMITED. What to do when the house is under a listing contract, but not ready to show?? If the house is priced right, there should be some broker traffic early on. Phone calls to the listing agent or monitoring the lockbox activity will let a listing agent monitor traffic.

WHAT IS A BUYER'S AGENT TO DO WHEN THE LISTING REMARKS OR CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO SHOW ARE MET WITH:

    "Seller preparing home for sale"
    "Owner sprucing up house"
    "Showings begin on (week in the future)"
    "House being painted. Ready in a week"
    "New roof being installed on ____"
    "Sellers on vacation, showings begin _____"

NEWS FLASH!! There are only so many ready, willing and above home buyers for each property offered for sale in a week, a month or . . . . a year. If your listing is ACTIVE, that means a buyer's agent should be able to show NOW. Every prospective home buyer who is turned away is a potential offer to buy LOST. One thing for sure, relocating home buyers (my favorite) are not going to wait. They're on a buying trup and need to see everything in their area of choice and price range TODAY.

DAYS ON THE MARKET means something to many agents and prospective buyers. When buyers contact me about homes listed for sale, one of the questions often asked is, "How long has it been for sale?".

STAYING POSITIVE. If the listing agent and seller have priced the property right, showings should begin quickly. In many markets today there is a degree of pent up buyer demand. It makes sense for these buyers to be able to tour the property when it's listed and not be turned away while the seller is "getting the house ready". At this time, I have two buyers previewing new listing (as am I) for homes for sale in the area and in their price range. When a home comes on the market, I'm there ASAP to preview and if it looks like it may appeal to the buyers, we look at quickly as possible. The last thing we need is to see a new listing and not be able to see it because the "seller is getting the house ready".

AVOID THE NEGATIVE. By broadcasting that the seller is "getting the house ready", the question then becomes, "what have they neglected in the past?" The last thing a listing agent wants is a house for sale where, 4 weeks after listing, the seller is still "getting the house ready".

LISTING AGENTS ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN CONTROL THE MATTER OF WHEN A HOUSE IS READY TO SHOW.

Encourage home owners to get the house ready NOW.
Don't enter the listing in the MLS until it's ready (include showing date in listing contract).
Put up a "Coming Soon" rider at your own peril. BOR are beginning to monitor.
If the listing is entered in the MLS it can be in a status such as "OFF MARKET" until ACTIVE.

WHAT?? NO INTERIOR PHOTOS???   Of course not, the owner hasn't made the interior of the property ready for photos. So, anything you publish today will have to be updated (double work) as soon as the photos can be taken and published. Worse, the interior photos may never make it to your Internet advertising or the MLS listing and the syndicated sites.

I CAN'T SELL IT IF I CAN'T SHOW IT!

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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How to Prepare Your House for Photography: Stainless Steel

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:15:57 -0400

Ann Arbor home owners, we have a lot of stainless steel in our appliances. I have been converting mine over as needed to more energy efficient.

This is a post by a photographer, Joshua Vensel in Atlanta, who sees as much stainless steel as I do. I like his recommendation on which product to use to keep it smudge free.

He recommends Weiman Stainless Steel Wipe. (not WD40)

Via Joshua Vensel (Joshua Vensel Photography - Atlanta, GA):

Stainless steel is a material with which we have a love/hate relationship. We love that with one glance, in seeing stainless steel appliances, we know a kitchen has been updated. We love its sleek, modern, appeal. We hate that a closer look at stainless steel often reveals fingerprints and smudge-marks.

Photographing real estate properties, I see a lot of stainless steel. Mild smudges may not show in a photograph, but big ones will, and all smudges show in person once the photos have driven traffic to your listing.

When you're preparing for your house to be photographed, whether it's going in Architectural Digest or the MLS, clean your stainless steel. There are a plethora of products on the market that claim to clean stainless steel - nearly every household cleaning manufacturer has their own version. Not all cleaners are created equally. Method brand, one of my favorites for a variety of other products, has not worked well for me. Multi-purpose products like Pledge Multi Surface, have also not cut it in my experience.

I've seen one home-owner use (and I do not recommend it) WD-40, which actually worked pretty well. However, I can assure you that you don't want your kitchen smelling like a garage when it's being shown. You also probably don't want to explain to your spouse why the door handles are so slippery.

My favorite tool for cleaning stainless steel is Weiman Stainless Steel Wipes:

For me, this wipe eliminates nearly all traces of streaks and smudges, and leaves a satin-smooth finish that is absolutely brilliant. It smells very pleasant too. Scroll down to see a step-by-step of the difference.

Here's the original door. From a distance, it's actually passable in a photo, but the streaks below the water dispenser really show in person:

Here's the door after using Pledge Multi Surface. In my opinion, these streaks are actually more noticeable than the originals:

Here's the door while the Weiman wipe is being applied. I rub it in like suntan lotion, and it leaves a white trail; Don't freak out.

5-10 seconds later, the white has disappeared and all that is left is a silky-smooth appearance.

Joshua Vensel specializes in real estate photography and photography of luxury interiors and furnishings. Joshua is based in East Cobb county, near Marietta, and photographs properties in the entire metro Atlanta area for real estate agents and interior designers alike. Call 404-786-5328 or view Atlanta area real estate photography on Joshua's Facebook page.

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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"Google Places"... Are you there?

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:11:33 -0400

How do buyers find you?

Everyone knows I am big on lead generation and have no problem sayin' it. One of the things that I have noticed is how the consumer is searching. It is a way that I would not have believed but it is happening so consistently I wanted to share.

Google.com/Places

Now the other interesting thing is the potential buyers are searching my companies name. The back end of my web site shows me how they found me with the exact string the home shopper put in. ex... Keller Williams agent Ann Arbor.

Now I would NEVER search by a company name, as I am sure you wouldn't. I would just want to search for a "Realtor in Ann Arbor", "Ann Arbor MLS", "Ann Arbor homes for sale", you know the normal way. But, is there a normal in how buyers think?

Now if you go to Google Search and put in Keller Williams Ann Arbor, my site SearchAnnArborHouses.com comes up first with a map. Then I have four other positions on Google for that same search term with two more of my web-sites and my two blogs.

We are currently working a buyer now whose dad called me on Thursday. I asked him how did you find me? He said on your Google Profile.

Cool!

Interesting

If you haven't added your name and location to Google Places, it would be a good idea to do that. If I had seen this only once or twice I would never pass the information on, but this is happening five or six times a week.

One other way I am seeing the buyers search which is funny is Ann Arbor House. Not home, not plural but house. Weird, huh?

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Saline Schools, Open House, 4858 Hack Rd. Sunday April 10th, 2011

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:11:38 -0400

4858 Hack Rd. in Saline School District is open on Sunday, April 10, from 2 to 4.

Gorgeous 10 AC parcel with beautiful views of the pastorial country-side.

Hosted by Brent Lauerman, Buyer Agent, Missy Caulk TEAM.

Property Amenities

- Directions from Downtown Saline
- Take Macon Rd out of town, stay on Macon until you hit Hack Rd, turn left and 4685 Hack Rd is on the left .

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Walking Distance To U of M Hospitals (607 Kellogg, Ann Arbor)

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:31:03 -0400

607 Kellogg in Ann Arbor is a completely renovated home, with walking distance to U of M Hospitals.

The current owner has spent the last few years renovating the home from top to bottom.

One of my favorite features besides the location, is the updated bathroom and the kitchen with all new appliances, sub-zero refrigerator, Gaggenau cooktop, and double ovens. These are features you would not expect to see in a home of this size and price.

The enclosed sun porch is fantastic, with ceramic floors and can be used Summer, Spring and Fall.

Here is a list of all the updates for 607 Kellogg:

1.    New house roof in 2006
2.    New roof on garage in 2010
3.    Refinished hardwood floors upstairs 2008
4.    Refinished hardwood floors in rest of house 2010
5.    Restored wood windows in the house (Sanded, primed and painted the outside - and reglazed EVERY pane of glass) 2008-2010
6.    New hot water heater 2007
7.    New electrical in the kitchen
8.    Updated most kitchen plumbing, including new disposal
9.    New windows in attic and kitchen
10.    Insulation added to attic and kitchen
11.    New Italian range hood 2011
12.    New paint in kitchen (walls, ceiling, trim) 2011
13.    New slate floors 2009
14.    Updated bathroom plumbing
15.    New shower stall 2010
16.    New bathroom vanity 2011
17.    New tile in bathroom
18.    New tin ceiling in bathroom 2010
19.    New paint in bathroom 2011
20.    New electrical in the bathroom
21.    New electrical in attic
22.    New paint inside and outside of garage 2010
23.    New paint outside of house 2009
24.    New Italian porcelain tile on the front porch
25.    New laundry tub
26.    New basement windows (except 1) 2009

Walk to Kerrytown, Argo Park, the U of M Hospitals, Gandy Dancer and more. Perfect for all the U of M Medical Residents coming into Ann Arbor.

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Sunday OPEN House, 901 Barchester, Westland, MI 48185

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:01:41 -0400

Open House on Sunday from 2-4 located at 901 Barchester, Westland, Mi.

This home is completely updated from top to bottom, with refinished hardwood floors, new interior and exterior doors, new kitchen, new baths, with high end fixtures. Large fenced in back yard.

I love the Cherry Kitchen cabinets in the kitchen and the new appliances.

Great starter home in Westland, Michigan.

Directions: South of Cherry Hill and one block West of S John Hicks.

All open houses in the Ann Arbor Area are on the Board Web-site each week.

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Growing Your Sphere In Social Media

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:36:02 -0400

I've been busy.

Restructuring...

If you want to read more, on that topic you can do it on Agent Genius.

In Real Estate there are two sides to our business...

Working in the Business
Working ON the Business

Here is a little tip I wanted to share with my Activerain buds today. Maureen McCabe wrote on post on Activerain a day or so ago and on Paper.li. Then I read a post on Telivant by Joe Spake on paper.li.

I thought, "I can do this."

Take the time, learn it, do it, Missy.

I've been seeing it for months and just didn't have the time to check it out. Read Maureen's post for more details, but it is basically a Twitter newsfeed converted to a newspaper.

First you must have groups set up on Twitter. I have all or most of the people I am following assigned to groups. So if you don't yet, then you have to do it first.

So I set up several newspapers which will grab the tweets of people I am following and put them in newpaper format. When your article in pulled, you get a tweet on it. Kool, huh?

Here are the ones I set up:

One for my Blogging Friends I follow
One for Technology Tips from people I follow
One for Ann Arbor
One for Michigan

Pat Katano set my A2BreakingNews up.

Here's the point of the post, it really wasn't about paper.li. While I was on Twitter I found Who To Follow up at the top. So I clicked it on and based on who I now follow it suggested people I could pull from:

I went to LinkedIn and found a bunch of people I didn't realize I wasn't following. So I added them and then added them to my LISTS so they would show up in one of my Paper.li Newsletters.Now here is the easy part...when you go to WHO TO FOLLOW, and click to LinkedIN you can just add all your connections on LinkedIN as one Twitter saved group.

As a busy Realtor in Ann Arbor, I am all about automating,connecting and staying in touch with my friends. This was sooooooo easy to do and and easy way for me to read the tweets of my buds.

If you don't use Twitter you can also share the Newsletter on Facebook. What an easy way to share with your friends!

Go have fun.

If I am not following you then leave your Twitter handler in the comments and I will follow you and add you to my Blogging Friends, paper.li.

Let me know if you need help, but I don't think you will.

***Hint, Hint...I think Activerain needs a Activerain Paper.li, don't you?****

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-926-9797 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our Team of 6 agents are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

Find Homes for Sale in Ann Arbor
Find Homes for Sale in Saline

Find Ann Arbor Real Estate Information
Get a FREE Home Evalutation of your Homes Value

Missy Caulk Ann Arbor REALTOR® Google Profile

Move In Nashville