Technology – Searching For The Solution, Sometimes Finding It. - 12/19/08 08:17 AM
Here's an example of upgrading, going cheap - and paying the price - twice. 
I use a Motorola Q smart phone. I love it.  I was one of those ‘tethered' users, though. Always had the hard-wired earbud in my ear.  I decided to go Bluetooth. What the heck, the technology had been out there for a while, everybody's using them (or so it seems) and I tried walking away from my desk with the phone dragging behind me for the last time. 
I didn't take the time to really check into the devices, just went to my local Staples, found a … (8 comments)

Howell Condo Market – Buyers Market! - 12/15/08 10:31 AM
Whether you're a Real Estate Professional or an interested consumer, you've likely noted that the condo market is glutted and has more potential deals than the larger total housing market. 
Looking at condominiums that are located in the two Howell, MI zip codes (48843 and 48855) we can see how badly condos are faring in the current economy. 
In calendar year 2007, there were 55 condominium sales recorded in the RealComp MLS. They showed an average sales price of $127,756, a median sales price of $120,000, and a total sales volume (total sales dollars for all 55 sales) of $7,026,554. 
In … (0 comments)

More Local Business Good News! - 12/11/08 11:41 AM
It looks like after many consecutive years of warmer weather and patchy snowfall that the local ski resort, Mt. Brighton, will have a great year!  They opened earlier than ever this year and are making snow like crazy.  A week ago today they had a 16" base on the intermediate hill. Today is the first day that all hills will be open.
 
Skiers and snow boarders eat at local restaurants, buy gasoline, and often shop at area stores while in town for the slopes.  And Brighton has a very strong retail segment between the newer developments at Grand River and Challis and … (0 comments)

Some Local Businesses Doing Well - 12/10/08 01:19 PM
After the daily assault of bad news, it was really great to see recent reports of good news for some local businesses.
First, Lowry Computer Products Inc.,  of Brighton (Green Oak Twp) is one of three suppliers that won part of a $75 million multi-year contract from the U.S. Army.  Lowry has been a bar code leader for many years and has moved into the passive radio frequency identification (RFID) field, too.
The contract deals with ways to track military equipment through RFID, and Lowry is the prime contractor. Motorola and Zebra Technologies, Inc., of Illinois are the other two companies … (0 comments)

It Must be Winter! - 12/07/08 09:03 PM
Our first 'big' snow on December 1st was a heavy, sticky type (great for making snowmen and snow balls!), and between appointments I stopped at a local park.

I love the way snow hangs on the conifers.  This shot is at the golf course at Huron Meadows Metropark, off Rickett and Hammel Roads. I drove through the south end of the park, too. The park roads were plowed and clear but really slick.  I was surprised to see a couple of cars parked at the picnic area with nobody around. Apparently, they were out enjoying the snow on xc skis.
… (0 comments)

Market Observations For Howell Zip Code 48843 - 12/04/08 04:45 PM
For homes in the Howell zip code 48843 (basically the Howell area south of M-59), there are some interesting contrasts between 2007 and 2008.
The total number of homes sold are pretty close, 370 in 2007 (through 12/31/07) vs. 378 in 2008 (through 12/4/2008). The fact that the total number of sales has remained pretty constant is a good sign by itself.  With lenders getting tougher on loan requirements, required down payments and more underwriting scrutiny it shows that there are still buyers out there looking for homes - and they're able to buy!
If we look at just the foreclosed … (0 comments)