Jay Spencer Real Estate Blog

It's a Beautiful day to do Real Estate!!!

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:01:54 -0500

Here I sit in Grand Rapids, Michigan and it is one of the Chamber of Commerce days. You know the type - the sun is bright, the sky blue with little wisps of white clouds dashed in for effect and the tempurature are awesome.

I was thinking that today is a great day for someone to participate in the real estate market. One of the comments I keep hearing is "I am waiting to make sure we are at the bottom of the market".

I am glad to say, It appears that we have passed it! First let's go back to the fall on 2008. Both the University of Michigan and an Economist from Comerica Bank said that we, West Michigan, would start its' recovery in about a year. GUESS WHAT FOLKS, IT'S BEEN ABOUT YEAR!!

Just in the last several days, Ford reported an increase in sales for the first time in two years. The office furniture index is showing improvement. It was announced yesterday that Michigan firms will divide up $1 Billion to make Electric cars and batteries. Homes sales in the Grand Rapids Area are up for the sixth straigh month. Nationally the home sales are up for the fifth straight month.

All of this is great news! What I think it means is that we have reached the bottom. Interest rates, while still are great, are starting to creep up. Homes are getting multiple offers and in some cases over the list price - one of our clients won out by a single dollar!!!

This tells me that the gap between the listing price and the actual sold price will be closing. Great deals are still out there.

If you don't get in now your are almost about ready to lose $8,000 automatically. The first time home buyer tax credit is set to expire November 30th. The house has to close by then. It may take 45 to 60 days from the date of an accepted offer to close - so you should have an accepted offer no later than the end of September. It may take a while to find a home that you like - you need to get looking now. You don't want to miss that money if you are entitled to it.

Even if you are not a first time home buyer and you have a house to sell; maybe it would be home to be bought by a first timer. I guessing that they will take a break from the market until February or so. They will have missed the $8,000 tax credit and wait to see what, if anything, the government will do to help them.

Get out there and start participating in the real estate market. It's a beautiful day to do real estate!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:50:57 -0500

This is the shore of Lake Michigan like Kid Rock talks about in his song "All Summer Long"

A Moment in History

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:40:44 -0500

I happen to live in Grand Rapids, MI. Like other communities around the country, Grand Rapids has several neighborhoods of those houses. Houses that in the day were top of the line. In the last week I have had the opportunity to visit two such homes.

One of these is the Meyer May House that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It is classic FLW. This home has been completely restored by office furniture maker Steelcase.

This is the first time that I have made it in the home, though I have driven by and admired it many times. The attention to detail is amazing. You can find out more about this great home at Steelcase's Link for the Home.

The other home that I visited this week is the Women's City Club. Again, completely different in construction and style, but just as spectacular.

As a REALTOR(r) I get to see a lot of differing floor plans and construction quality. Having toured these two homes recently helped me remember what can be done with good design and a little craftmanship.

Something Funny Happened to Me on the Way to a Meeting

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:11:26 -0500

Some days are just interesting...this is how I started my Monday morning!!!

Yes, that is the back end of a cow, on the highway in Grand Rapids, MI!!!

Free Holiday Stuff - 9 song Coldplay Album

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:10:18 -0500

It is Friday morning and I am just finishing up a couple of things before I start the holiday weekend.

I got an email from the band Coldplay updating me on their current European tour. The band is acutally one of my 12 year old son's favorite, that is now also one of mine.

They also reminded us to get our FREE nine song album from their site. I have downloaded this and it is a great album - even if it wasn't free!!

Happy Fourth of July!! Rock On!!

Inspiring Video

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:28:40 -0500

What I love is that you have a leader (Guy #1) who steps out and does what he thinks is right in the MOMENT - without regard for what others may think. Then there's Guy #2 who feels the same way, but was waiting for someone else to start. Finally, Guy #3 makes the event legitimate and EVERYONE wants to act in the moment. Then there is the woman in the black sun dress who missed the moment, by not joining in until the song was over. Which person are you?

Open House Sunday 6/14 ~ 1 to 3PM

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:26:18 -0500

Jay Spencer | U.S. Home & Realty | 616-301-7000 x201

1024 52nd ST SE, Kentwood, MI

Great Farm House in Kentwood

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $122,900

Year Built	1900
Sq Footage	1,932
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.60 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This original two story farm home is awesome. There is a ton of storage space and nice sized rooms. There are multiple gathering spaces (Living Room, Dining Room & upstairs Family/Computer/Study Room). The yard is LARGE and useable highlighted with a expansive deck. The home has a Sheriff-Goslin (warranted) roof which adds to the character. This home may qualify for the $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit!!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Office/Den	Dining room	Refrigerator
Basement	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4

Contact info:

Jay Spencer

U.S. Home & Realty

616-301-7000 x201

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 2, 2009, 7:00pm PDT

To Land Contract or Not To Land Contract...that is the question!

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:04:19 -0500

A couple of weeks ago I met a wonderful person how has been trying to sell her home for the last two years. We were scheduled to meet this week to list the home. She called me to let me know that she may be selling the home on land contract to a friend.

I think it is great that her home is going to be sold, though I did offer some suggestions. I thought I would share those suggestions here:

1. As a seller, make sure you have a clear understanding "Why?" the buyer needs to purchase your home using a land contact. There are a number of variables that would cause one to need to want to use a land contract. Most common would be that they don’t financially qualify for a tradition mortgage product – mostly due to credit issues. In my opinion, I would not allow someone’s bad credit history this to be the only reason not to sell on a land contract – though you need to try to get to the bottom of the whole story. Is the buyer’s situation chronic or a result of a one time event, i.e., divorce, job loss or down sizing, medical issue, etc.

2. How much of a down payment should be paid? On a typical land contract you would want to collect enough to cover your costs (title insurance, closing fee, real estate commission, etc). This might mean that a 10% down payment may be necessary. This means that on a $120,000 house the buyer would need to come up with $12,000. In some cases that may be a challenge for a buyer to come up with.

3. How much would the payment be? There are a couple of ways this could go. In our area the payment on a land contract is typically 1% of the original land contract balance. So, using our example above the original balance would be $108,000 and 1% of that is $1,080/month. You could also use a loan calculator that will allow you to put in all the particulars and give you the amortized payment. Some land contracts also have a balloon payment after a period of time (three, five or ten years). This is when a buyer has to pay the remaining balance after agreed upon time period.

4. How much interest should I charge? Each state has maximum limits on how much interest a seller can charge on land contract – in Michigan it is 11%. This amount is negotiated between the buyer and seller and is dependent on the current market.

These are just some of the questions I get about selling homes on land contract. Feel free to contact me with a specific question you have about your property.

Jay Spencer

Lease Option & Seller Financing Specialist

U.S. Home and Realty

jay@USHomeOnline.com

616-301-7000 x201

Great Kentwood Farm House

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:29:25 -0500

Jay Spencer | U.S. Home & Realty | 616-301-7000 x201

1024 52nd ST SE, Kentwood, MI

Great Farm House in Kentwood

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $122,900

Year Built	1900
Sq Footage	1,932
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.60 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This original two story farm home is awesome. There is a ton of storage space and nice sized rooms. There are multiple gathering spaces (Living Room, Dining Room & upstairs Family/Computer/Study Room). The yard is LARGE and usable highlighted with a expansive deck. The home has a Sheriff-Goslin (warranted) roof which adds to the character. This home may qualify for the $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit!!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Office/Den	Dining room	Refrigerator
Basement	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4

Contact info:

Jay Spencer

U.S. Home & Realty

616-301-7000 x201

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 2, 2009, 4:58pm PDT

Contact/Transaction Management Programs

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:32:32 -0500

Here is one of the frustration that I have....For a long time I used a contact/transaction management program that was on my hard drive that I loved. As I progressed in my career I quit using it because it tied me to on computer at my office, which at the time didn't fit my work style. Then for about 16 months I paid for Top Producer and never took the time to figure out all of the 'tricks' to make it work.

So what I am looking for is advice on what contact/transaction management program people are using. I would prefer something online.

Thanks,

Jay

Great Wyoming, MI FOUR Bedroom Home

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:47:49 -0500

Jay Spencer | U.S. Home & Realty | jay@ushomeonline.com | 616-301-7000 x201

1637 Kentfield Street SW, Wyoming, MI

This home has been meticulously maintained and cared for.

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $139,900

Year Built	1959
Sq Footage	1,789
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.20 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Curb Appeal and Pride of Ownership....this home has it. It is truly the nicest home in on the block. There are four bedrooms and two baths. The lot is to die for...there is sooooo much room; even with the large garden area. Extra large two stall garage. The basement has glass block windows. There is a storage area that this owner uses as additional living space. There is a crawl space that can be used as extra storage or for the kids to build a fort.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Hardwood floor
Family room	Living room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Basement	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside	Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Jay Spencer

U.S. Home & Realty

jay@ushomeonline.com

616-301-7000 x201

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 19, 2007, 11:59am PDT

The Big Debate: Technology vs. Touch

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Wed, 09 May 2007 12:43:06 -0500

As I have been working the past several weeks with my clients. I have really started to evaluate how they have come into my life. Some have come from web site leads. Yet others have come mainly from signs in front of our listings.

One thing I have discoved is the ones with whom we actually have a conversation (Touch 1) are more likely to become a client.

I have noticed that all of our listings are getting 'viewed' a great deal on the web. However, it seems that we are not getting the actual foot traffic that is needed to sell the home. I am puzzled because we have some great listings that are bringing a lot of look, but no formal action.

So all of this has made me wonder...Do we depend on our computer screens to keep a barrier between us and other people?

Until next time,

Jay

Thought for the Evening

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 21:25:29 -0500

By the time this evening is over, we will know if Sengya is booted from American Idol; if Imus still has a job and if we will be snowed in in the morning. America what a country! I forget, most of the time, to be grateful for all that I am able to do.

I was thinking the other day about the people in Iraq. I was wondering if they want us to leave their county as much as people in the USA want them to leave Iraq. I wonder if we are truly making a difference. I guess short of going there myself we will never know for sure. I can only hope that we can get good information from our military on the firing line.

I am so tired of this weather, why do we live in Michigan? That's right the FOUR seasons. I'm ready for the next season. Though since Drew (my 10 year old son) has some video game thing he wants, I didn't have to shovel the drive way :)

We are seeing the phone ringing more in the office. That means that there are people out looking at our signs and wanting to buy our homes. This is a good thing!

Have a great evening.

Jay

Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Update

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:47:55 -0500

No matter where I go, I am asked, "How is the Market?" I usually ask "Why do you ask?" If they are trying to sell a home they know that prices are coming down and the time to sell a home is taking longer. U.S. Home & Realty does a monthly Grand Rapids Area Total Market Overview and by our calculations we are showing that there is currently an eleven month supply of home on the market.

If they are a buyer, now is a great time to become a first time home buyer or even better time to be a move up buyer. Interest rates are still at near historical lows, the inventory of homes is high (which means that prices are coming down {more about this later}) and for seller's who homes are on the market they are motivated.

The summary of all of this is...if you are buying a home NOW is a great time! If you are selling a home you will have to be realistic in your pricing and on how long it will be on the market.

My First Blog

Jay Spencer (U.S. Home & Realty) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:27:12 -0500

Well, I guess I have entered yet another high tech advancement...the world of BLOGGING. We will discuss the current and future state of the Grand Rapids and Michigan real estate market. We also will touch on what is happening in the business world. And then just to keep things light-hearted I am going to just discuss life in general.

I look forward to hearing what you have to say in your comments, so feel free to post them.

Sooner,
Jay