Livingston County & Brighton Real Estate Information

Leadership Livingston at Cleary College in Howell Mi

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:18:04 -0500

Over the last year I have become more involved in the community in which I live in, and honestly, I never before this time, understood what all the hype was about.. Every business person I spoke to said to get involved but never really explained why it was so important.. So I continued to dig into the "why" and through several strange coincidences (actually God did it :)), I stumbled upon group after group that actually fit my personality very well.

The first thing I found out through a great friend and Business Partner Matt Ikle is that I needed to learn about what Livingston County had to offer it's current residents and also people looking to move into our County. So he set me up with the right person to talk to and I joined a 9 month class called Leadership Livingston that is sponsered by Cleary College in Howell Mi. This was the foundation I needed to start to build my awareness of the Community in which I live. One Friday a month from 8am to 5pm is how it was laid out with everything I needed to know about Livingston County.

I made many friends from Police Seargents to the local Pastor of Crossroads Church of God Mike Harris. This upbeat church is located in Howell Mi.

Thanks to the class of 2008 for changing my life!

Joel Schmidt

www.TheJoelSchmidtTeam.com

313 215 4284

Sunshine appears to be a lead generator

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:19:12 -0500

While walking through Meijer today, talking with whoever seemed friendly, I noticed that people had a bit of Spring in their step.

I also have noticed that I have been generating alot more business lately as well. Coincidence? I think not.. With Spring around the corner and interest rates STILL at an all time low, Brighton Mi and Howell Mi homeowners that waited for spring to hit should begin putting their homes on the market pronto..

If you are looking for a Real Estate Team that delivers iresults in a difficult real estate market, then you should give us a call and give us a shot! You can learn more about www.TheJoelSchmidtTeam.com by visiting the website above.

Short Sale's are becoming quite popular and extremely lucrative for sellers- Part 3

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:26:33 -0500

If you are wondering what to do because you are behind on mortgage payments but still want to sell, there is still hope for you. Short Sales are a GREAT way to still sell even if you owe more than what the market is showing you you could sell for. Just a few things to think about..

Your first step when deciding whether this is the right decision for you is to think carefully about your future plans. By doing a short sale you are subjecting yourself to having a mark on your credit report stating, "account settled".

Secondly, how much time do you have left before your home goes into the banks possession? You need 6 months to be safe. If you have this time left, you are on the right track.

Lastly, do you have one or two mortgages? If you have one, you have a great chance to be accepted. If you have two mortgages, you now have two banks to negotiate with. Normally you can get the first mortgage company to accept but the second has alot more to lose. With the second mortgage company you may have to set up a payment plan with them so it is not the best choice for you.

Call The Joel Schmidt Team for more details!!

Visit: www.TheJoelSchmidtTeam.com for more information about short sales and what advantages you may have!

Short Sale's are becoming quite popular and extremely lucrative for sellers- Part 2

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:58:35 -0500

Wow. Short sales. What a good topic. Our good buddy President Bush has passed a law just recently that has helped the homeowner not have to pay the difference between what you owe the bank after what you sold the property for and what you owe the bank. The law now states that, " any person that forecloses on a property or short sales a home, is NOT entitled to pay a 1099 for the difference, click below to learn more about what The Joel Schmidt Team can do for you..

Visit: www.TheJoelSchmidtTeam.com for more information about short sales and what advantages you may have!

Short Sale's are becoming quite popular and extremely lucrative for sellers- Part 1

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:13:47 -0500

With the Michigan Economy taking such a toll on the average american, home owners are looking for ways to sell their home instead of giving it back to the bank and winding up with a foreclosure on their credit report.

Short Sales are a great way to avoid this catch 22. There are obviously certain items that the bank is looking for to give the home owner the OK and to get an offer from a buyer accepted.. You must have the inside scoop to how these types of transactions are being done.The process is a lenghtly one and takes alot of patience by ALL parties involved, except the bank :)

We are setting up appointments now for home owners who are facing any of the following conditions:

1) Interest Rate just adjusted and money is tight

2) You lost your job and loss of money

3) Health problems have caused you to fall behind on payments

Visit: www.TheJoelSchmidtTeam.com to learn more about what we can do for you!

Talking House Transmitters and signs etc. for sale

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:45:56 -0500

I was just cleaning up my office and noticed that I have quite a few Talking House Transmitters and lots of extras that I would like to sell and figured what better place to sell these than on ActiveRain to my buddies..

If anyone wants to buy these, they are 125.00 per transmitter and depending on what you buy, I will have to determine what the extras will cost. I gave the first offer to my office, but no takers. I don't mean to make this a classified ad so take this more as a gift to Rainers.. I figured Realtors on here would appreciate, and use them more than in my marketplace :)

Out and About in Livingston County- February/March 2008

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:19:58 -0600

Monday, February 25, 2008:

Community meal - Fish and Loaves

A free community dinner and pleasant conversation, runs from 5:30-6:15 p.m. at St. George Lutheran Church, 803 W. Main St., Brighton. Call (810) 229-6661.

Hoops challenge - The 2008 Hoops Shoot Challenge

Starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Howell High School Fieldhouse. This free event requires registration. Ages 8-15 are welcome. Winners move on to compete at the next level and a chance to compete at the Palace of Auburn HIlls on April 13. Contact Howell Area Parks and Recreation at (517) 546-0693 for details.

Play - "I Hate Hamlet"

presented by Hartland Players Main Stage Theater, starts at 2 p.m. at the Hartland Music Hall, 3619 Avon St., Hartland Township. Reserved seating is required. Tickets are $12 for adults or $10 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at the Hartland Music Hall or the village branch of Cromaine District Library. Call (810) 632-5849 or visit the Web site http://www.hartlandplayers.org/.

Breakfast - 8 a.m. to noon

At Pinckney Memorial Post No. 419 of the American Legion, 9807 Whitewood Road, Hamburg Township. Cost is $6.50 for adults and $5.50 for seniors. Children ages 9 and under are $3.50. Call (734) 878-9522.

Paddle and picnic

The annual Winter Paddle and Picnic of the Crossroads Group of the Sierra Club starts at noon below the Kent Lake dam to launch canoes and kayaks on the Huron River for a two-hour excursion to the Placeway Bridge site. A picnic with a campfire, hot dogs and hot beverages will follow. The event is free and open to the public. Call Lorne Beatty at (810) 632-7766 or send an e-mail to lorne.beatty@michigan.sierraclub.org.

Turtle and Snake Care

2 p.m. at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center. This hands-on session will teach how to properly care for reptile friends, and is for ages 4 and older. Cost is $2. Registration is required. Call (800) 477-3178 for details.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008:

An addiction and recovery program, "The Cultures of Addiction and Recovery"

Runs from 7:30-9 p.m. at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center auditorium, 5305 Elliott Drive, Ypsilanti, for all interested in the topic. The program is free and no registration is needed. Certificates of attendance are available. Call (734) 485-8725 for details.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008:

Photography group - The Livingston County Photographers Group

Meets at 7 p.m. at Independence Village, 7700 Nemco Way, Brighton. Photoshop CS3 for digital photographers will be presented by Drew Loehr. Learn techniques for color-cast problems, creating darker skies, creating softer skin and creating out-of-bound effects. Call (810) 220-3354 or visit the Web site www.livcophotographers.com.

Blood drive

The Livingston County chapter of the American Red Cross hosts a blood drive from noon to 5:45 p.m. at the chapter office, 1372 W. Grand River Ave., Howell. Call (517) 546-0326 for details.

Grief workshop

"Let's Talk About Grief" is a free workshop presented by Ann Christensen on dealing with grief. It runs from 4-5 p.m. at The Village at Woodland, 7533 Grand River Ave., Genoa Township. Make reservations at (810) 844-7477.

Garden club

The Howell Potpourri Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, 123 Washington St., Howell. The topic is "Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden" and is presented by Joyce Schuelke, owner of Wildernest in Brighton. The club is open to prospective members and friends. Make reservations by e-mail at howellpotpourri@yahoo.com.

Thursday, February 28, 2008:

Bike clinic

8 p.m at D&D Bikes, 9977 E. Grand River Ave., Brighton. This is the 13th class in a 13-week series. The topic is "Tricks of the Trade: Advice and wisdom from a forum of the clinic's experts." The class is open to anyone interested in bicycling and is free. Call Dawn Tomczyk at (810) 923-4582.

Concert

The Black History Month Concert runs from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Brighton Education and Community Center, 125 S. Church St., Brighton. Locally renowned musicians Matt Watroba and Robert Jones will be performing civil-rights and underground-railroad music. This is sponsored by Community Unitarian Universalists of Brighton's Social Justice Committee, St. Mary Magdalen Pax Christi and the Livingston Diversity Council. Contact Julie Bohnhorst at (586) 924-3303, visit www.cuub.org or contact Matt Watroba by sending e-mail to matt@watrobanetwork.com.

Spaghetti dinner

6:30 p.m. at Brighton Church of Christ, 6026 Rickett Road, Brighton. Call (810) 229-7051 to register the number in your group that will be attending. The dinner is free.

Cancer support

The Women's Cancer Support Group meets at 7 p.m. at Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 9411 Hilton Road, Brigthon Township. Call Becky at (586) 703-2095 for details.

Book fair

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital, 620 Bryon Road, Howell. A selection of Imagine Nation Books will be available, featuring best sellers, hobbies, cookbooks, devotional, children's and educational books, as well as games, and other gift items. Proceeds benefit the Student Art Project at the hospital. Call Linda Smith at (517) 545-6296.

Friday, February 29, 2008:

Concert

The Celtic Kettle Coffeehouse presents singer/songwriter Dick Siegel at the Hartland Music Hall, 3619 Hartland Road, Hartland Township. Doors open 7:30 p.m. Open mic is at 7:45 p.m. Advance tickets are $8 or $10 at the door. Children age 10 and under are free. Call (248) 684-9234 or visit www.celtickettlecoffeehouse.org.

Lenten dinner

A Lenten fish fry runs from 5-8 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 6481 Faussett Road, Howell. Cost is $10 for adults or $5 for children. Call (517) 546-9807 for carry-outs.

Fish dinner

A Lenten fish dinner runs from 4:30-7 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10601 Dexter-Pinckney Road, Putnam Township. Dinner includes choice of potato, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, cut vegetables, roll, and jello. Adults are $9. Seniors are $8. Children under age 12 are $4. Cost for a family (immediate only) is $25. Take-outs are available. Call (734) 878-3161.

Fish fry

A Lenten fish fry is held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Activity Center, 425 E. Washington St., Howell. Fried and baked fish dinners are $8. Shrimp dinners are $9. Mac and cheese and kids meals are available. A senior discount for those 60 and older of 10 percent runs until 6 p.m. Call (517) 546-0090, ext. 115, for details.

Lenten fish dinner

Southern-fried or baked catfish will be available from 5-7:30 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 504 Prospect St., Howell. Cost is $7.50 for adults and $4 for children age 12 and under. Macaroni and cheese is $5. Take-out orders are available by calling (517) 546-3660.

Concert

The Acoustic Cafe Winter Concert at The Opera House features Joe Hessel and Scottie Alexander on keyboard and guitar. The event runs from 8-11 p.m. at 123 W. Grand River Ave., Howell. The entry fee is $5 per person. Light refreshments will be available. Call (517) 540-0065 for details.

Magic show

The SELCRA Family Leap Year Magic Show runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Maltby Middle School. The event features the entertainment of magician Bill Martin followed by pizza and pop. Cost is $20 per family. Registration is required. Call (810) 299-4140.

Play - "Waking Beauty" an updated twist to the classic fairy tale by Anne C. Levy, is presented by The Phoenix Players and Phire Phlies at 7:30 p.m. at the South Lyon Theatre, 126 E. Lake St. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $8 for children. Call (810) 227-4594.

Book fair

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital, 620 Bryon Road, Howell. A selection of Imagine Nation Books will be available, featuring best sellers, hobbies, cookbooks, devotional, children's and educational books, as well as games, and other gift items. Proceeds benefit the Student Art Project at the hospital. Call Linda Smith at (517) 545-6296.

Saturday, March 01:

Antique show

The Brighton Masonic Lodge sponsors this annual event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hartland Educational Support Service Center, 9525 M-59, Hartland Township. Items from 56 dealers include furniture, clocks, watches, china, primitives, advertising memorabilia, pottery, hunting and fishing items, linens, and vintage and depression glassware. Admission is $2 per person. Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund for local students. Call (586) 214-3784.

Play - "Waking Beauty"

an updated twist to the classic fairy tale by Anne C. Levy, is presented by The Phoenix Players and Phire Phlies at 7 p.m. at the South Lyon Theatre, 126 E. Lake St. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $8 for children. Call (810) 227-4594.

VIABIL meeting

The Visually Impaired and Blind in Livingston meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Brighton Lions Den, 465 W. Main St., Brighton. Call (810) 231-1277 for details.

Media sale

The Howell Carnegie District Library hosts a used book, movie and media sale from noon to 4 p.m. Call (517) 546-0720 for details.

Run fundraiser - The Steppin' for the Library 5K Run

A fundraiser for the Pinckney Community Library, begins registration at 8 a.m. The run begins at 10 a.m. at Pinckney Elementary School, 935 W. M-36, Pinckney. Medals for the top three finishers in each age group, and overall male and female awards will be handed out. Registration is $22. Call (734) 878-3888 for details.

Band Boosters Host Bingo Every Saturday

The Fowlerville Band Booster's is a non-profit organization that holds bingo every Saturday night at the VFW Hall, on Veteran's Drive. Games begin at 6pm. Proceeds are used to purchase instruments, band camp, trips and travel.

Big Moola Ball

Join the Brighton Chamber for the party of the year "The Big Moola Ball" Saturday March 1st at Crystal Gardens. Tickets are $100 per person and include a premium open bar, awesome food, dancing, gambling, and your chance at $20,000 in Big Moola cash prizes! 93-5's Mike, Jon & Mo will be the Big Moola MC's and you can reserve a table for up to 12 people. Only 800 tickets will be sold! (License #R94409) For more information call the Brighton Chamber at 810-227-5086.

Parenting Workshop

Author Chick Moorman will present an inspirational and entertaining parenting workshop on Saturday, March 1st. The 10 Commitments of Parenting Workshop will be held at Maple Tree Montessori Academy in Brighton, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. This event is free of charge and open to the public!

Antique Show

The Brighton Masonic Lodge is sponsoring an Antique Show featuring over 50 dealers at the old Hartland High School on M-59. The show is Saturday, March 1st from 9am-5pm. Admission is $2. For more information call 586-3784.

Sunday, March 2^nd:

The Livingston County Chorale Concert

Joint concert with the Steiner Chorale of Lansing at 4 p.m. March 2 at the First United Methodist Church of Howell, 1230 Bower St., just south of M-59, across the street from Northwest Elementary School.

There is no admission charge, although donations are welcome.

The theme of the concert is "Prelude to Spring," as the choirs are slated to sing a variety of numbers both separately and together.

Monday, March 3^rd:

Senior Craft & Gab

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Paul Bennett Recreation Center - Howell Parks and Recreation

925 W. Grand River Ave.

Howell, MI

(517) 546-0693

Friday, March 7^th:

Bowl For Kids Sake

Bowl for Kids Sake is coming up Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 7th, 8th & 9th at Striking Lanes in Hartland. Organize and register your 5 person team now and get ready for a huge bowling party to help raise money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Livingston County. Enjoy complimentary pizza, Pepsi and door prizes while you bowl! Call Big Brothers and Big Sisters at 517-546-1140 during regular business hours today!

HHS Presents Once on This Island

The Howell High School presents Once on This Island with performances March 7th, 8th & 9th. Admission is $7 for students and seniors and $9 for adults.

Monday, March 10^th:

Senior Craft & Gab

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Paul Bennett Recreation Center - Howell Parks and Recreation

925 W. Grand River Ave.

Howell, MI

(517) 546-0693

Monday, March 17^th:

Senior Craft & Gab

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Paul Bennett Recreation Center - Howell Parks and Recreation

925 W. Grand River Ave.

Howell, MI

(517) 546-0693

Saturday, March 8^th:

Pinckney Athletic Boosters Host Auction

The Pinckney Athletic Boosters will host an auction at Whispering Pines Golf Course on Saturday, March 8th from 7pm-11pm. They will have music, dancing, hot & cold appetizers and a cash bar. The event will raise money to provide irrigation and drinking water on all outdoor practice and game fields at the high school. For more information call 734-878-1821.

Livingston Symphony Orchestra

Overtures and Endings, a concert presented by the Livingston Symphony Orchestra, is March 8th at 8pm at Shalom Lutheran Church on M-36 in Pinckney. The program will include exciting works for all ages. Tickets will be available at the door.

Got Art 2008

The Livingston Arts Council hosts the 9th annual GOT ART Exhibit on March 8th, 9th and 10th at The Howell Opera House. GOT ART exhibits youth inspired art from Howell and Brighton schools, that include a mix of watercolor, oil, ceramics, sculpture, and photography. The event is free of charge and is open to the public Saturday from 1pm-3pm, Sunday 11am-3pm & Monday 3pm-7pm.

HHS All Night Senior Party Fundraiser

Don't miss open skating at the Kensington Valley Ice House in Brighton on March 8th to benefit the HHS All Night Senior Party! Open skate is from 7pm-9pm, with skate rental available. Admission is $5, with a family rate available. All ages are welcome!!!

Sunday, March 9^th:

Pinckney's St. Patrick's Day Kick-Off Celebration

Pinckney's St. Patrick's Day Kick-Off event is Sunday March 9th from 1pm-5pm at the American Legion Post on Whitewood Rd. The event will benefit the Pinckney St. Patrick's Day Parade and includes Irish food, music and a dance contest! For more information call 734-878-7020.

Tuesday, March 11^th:

Fowlerville Fireworks Chili Cook Off Fundraiser

The Fowlerville VFW is the place for a chili cook-off to raise funds for the Fowlerville 4th of July Fireworks show. There is a $10 cost to enter your chili. The chili dinner includes your choice of chili, salad, dessert and beverage. Dinner is $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. There will be 50/50 drawings and other raffles. Call Peggy 517-223-3454 for more information.

Wednesday, March 12^th:

Hartland Home and Garden Club

The Hartland Home & Garden Club meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Hartland Senior Center, within the Hartland Education Service Support Center on M-59. Call 248-887-6561 or 810-494-9112 for details.

Teen Substance Abuse Workshop

A workshop series that focuses on providing information for families and others concerned about a young person experiencing problems related to substance abuse is coming to Livingston County. Called "Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do", the workshop is will be held in Howell at St. Joe Mercy Livingston Hospital. Part 1 will be held March 12th, with part 2 on the 19th. Registration is requested for the workshop and can be done online at teensusingdrugs.org or call 517-545-6213 for additional information.

Thursday, March 13^th:

Love Inc. Fundraiser Dinner

The public is invited to the Love Inc. Heart for Giving Fundraiser Dinner. The dinner will be held at Cornerstone Church on Hilton Rd. in Brighton on Thursday March 13th, from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Dinner begins at 7pm, with speakers and live music.

Friday, March 14^th:

WRC Shamrock Shimmer Benefit Auction

The Women's Resource Center's 13th annual Shamrock Shimmer Auction is Friday March 14th at Crystal Gardens in Howell. The event will also benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Council and Healthy Families Livingston. Festivities begin at 6pm with dinner, live music, silent and live auctions. For more information call 5 517-548-2200. 17-548-2200.

Saturday, March 15^th:

There will be plenty of things appearing, disappearing and floating in the air in Brighton on March 15, as "Magic Spectacular" comes to the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts.

The show is set for 7 p.m. March 15 at the BCPA, located at Brighton High School.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children (age 16 and under), available in Brighton at Brighton Community Education, and in Howell at Aria Booksellers and the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus. Tickets can also be reserved by calling (517) 204-5977.

The show is being held to help raise money and awareness for the Boy Scout programs in Livingston County.

Saturday, March 22^nd:

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny in Linden

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny will be held in Linden on March 22nd at the Linden Mason's Hall. The breakfast begins at 8:30am and they will also hold an egg hunt at 11am at the park on Walmar St. If you would like to donate items for the hunt or to purchase tickets in advance call the Linden-Argentine Events Chairman, Chris Mathews, at the Linden Toy Factory 810-735-8697.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Howell Nature Center

Seating every two hours beginning at 9:00 am

Adults $8 - Children under 12 $6

Wee ones under two, free

ADVANCED RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!

517-546-0249

Enjoy a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast, visit with

the Bunny and receive a special bag of treats, go on an old

fashioned egg hunt. Photo opportunities available for a small fee!

All proceeds go to support the Wildlife Programs at the Nature Center.

Monday, March 24^th:

Senior Craft & Gab

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Paul Bennett Recreation Center - Howell Parks and Recreation

925 W. Grand River Ave.

Howell, MI

(517) 546-0693

Saturday, March 29^th:

Dollars for Scholars Alumni Dinner/Dance

The 8th annual Howell High School "Dollars for Scholars" Alumni Dinner and Grad Gathering is Saturday, March 29th at Crystal Gardens in Howell. The buffet dinner is from 6pm-midnight and with a cash bar, raffles, a live auction and free portraits! All HHS grads are invited and the dinner will help raise money for scholarships for future grads! The deadline for reservations is March 15th. Tables of 10 are available!

Sunday, March 30^th:

St. Mary School Offers Smoke Free Bingo

St. Mary School in Pinckney offers smoke-free bingo every Sunday. Smokers are able to smoke outside the facility in a designated smoking area. Doors open at 1pm, the school is located at on Dexter-Pinckney Rd in Putnam Township, next to Pinckney High School. Please call 734-878-5616 for more information.

Monday, March 31^st:

Senior Craft & Gab

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Paul Bennett Recreation Center - Howell Parks and Recreation

925 W. Grand River Ave.

Howell, MI

(517) 546-0693

Recycle Livingston Needs Volunteers

Recycle Livingston needs your help unloading & sorting recyclables. Individuals & groups, one shift or two! Become involved in the community while helping the environment. Volunteers are needed for shifts on Wednesday & Saturday, call 517-548-4439.

Livingston Chapter of American Autism Society

The Livingston County Chapter of the American Autism Society is a nonprofit organization and a group of volunteers concerned with the growing issues of Autism. Their goal is to bring awareness and education to parents, schools and the community. They meet every 3rd Monday of the month from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the First National Bank on Challis Road in Brighton in the community room. Anyone is welcome to attend. Membership information is available on their website www.livingstoncountychapterasa.com.

WRC Career Boutique

The Career Boutique has a large selection all-season clothing available to women in need. A service of the Women's Resource Center, the Career Boutique helps women make successful transitions into the workforce by providing interview and business appropriate suits, jackets, skirts, slacks, blouses and dresses, women may receive up to 5 outfits. Boutique hours are Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 3 pm, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30am - noon. Call the Women's Resource Center at 517-548-2200 to schedule an appointment. They are always in need of clothing donations; please bring your 5 best outfits to the center on Grand River behind Pier One in Howell.

In General

Weight loss

The Peoples Church, 425 W. Unadilla St. in Pinckney, will hold a 13-week Bible-based weight-loss program at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays. Cost is $20. Registration is helpful, but is not required. Call Debbie at (810) 231-2662 for details.

Senior drivers

The Fowlerville Senior Center is taking reservations for an AARP driver-safety class to be held at the center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 17-18. The cost is $10. Registration deadline is March 14. Call (517) 223-3929 for details.

MDA fundraiser

Buffalo Wild Wings in Green Oak Township is holding a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through St. Patrick's Day. Call Kim at (517) 706-0348 for details.

Maple presentation

Kensington Metropark will hold Maple's Sweet Story at the Farm Learning Center on Saturdays and Sundays through the month of March. Observe the maple-sugaring process from noon to 3 p.m. A pancake and waffle breakfast is available from 9 a.m. to noon. Weekday programs are available by appointment for organized groups. Call (800) 477-3178.

Fencing program

Howell Parks and Recreation is offering Fencing for the Novice and Intermediate Fencing classes for ages 8 and up. Classes will be held from 4:15-5:15 p.m. and 5:15-6:15 p.m. Wednesdays through April 2. Cost is $65, $90 or $130, based on residency. Call (517) 546-0693, ext. 0.

Boater safety

Howell Parks and Recreation is offering a boater-safety course for ages 12 and up. Three separate classes will be offered from 6-9 p.m. March 10, March 11 and March 13. Classes are held at the Paul Bennett Recreation Center. Cost is $20, $25 or $35, based on residency. Call (517) 546-0693, ext. 0, for details.

Community closet

Free clothing, household items, baked goods, toys and more are available from 3-4 p.m. every Tuesday at the Church of Christ, 6026 Rickett Road, Brighton. Items are sorted and in good condition. Everyone is welcome. Bring a bag to fill. Call (810) 229-7051.

School fundraiser

Lakeland Elementary School is continuing its fundraising program with the Hamburg DQ Grill & Chill each Tuesday evening. The school will receive 10 percent of the receipts. Receipts should be turned into the school. Call Cathy or Ann at (810) 231-1991 for details.

Greyhound adoption

Retired Greyhounds As Pets is looking for Livingston County residents who are interested in adopting a rescued greyhound. REGAP has greyhounds that have been returned by families who have lost their homes, dogs from racetracks that are closing and a class graduating from the Coldwater Prison program at the end of February. There are several upcoming meet-and-greet events scheduled throughout southeastern Michigan through the month of March as an opportunity to learn more about these dogs. Call (800) GO-HOUND or send an e-mail to Gretchen Waters at gwaters@wowway.com.

Tax help

The Howell Senior Center is offering seniors age 50 and over tax assistance for federal and state income tax forms, and heating credit and homestead property tax forms. AARP-trained volunteers are now scheduling one-hour appointments from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 19, April 4 and April 9. Call the Howell Senior Center at (517) 545-0219 to make an appointment. This is free assistance, but donations to the senior center are accepted for this service.

Fashion show

GMD Photograpy is seeking interested high school juniors from Livingston County high schools to participate in the second annual "Lights, Camera, Fashion" fashion show to be held at Crystal Gardens. Last year, nearly $2,000 was raised for area school programs. Students must cary a minimum grade-point average of 2.5 to participate. Runway models and spokesmodels will be chosen in early March by an independent panel. Call Donna Davison at (517) 546-8783 for details.

Spousal loss

St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospice is offering a series on spousal loss. The six-week series runs from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays through March 6 at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital, 620 Byron Road, Howell. The program is free. Call Kate Ritter at (517) 540-913.

Bowling fundraiser

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston County will hold its annual Bowl For Kids' Sake March 7-9 at Striking Lanes and Fire Rock, 1535 N. Old U.S. 23, Hartland Township. Register your five-person team by calling (517) 546-1140 or send an e-mail to bbbslc@sbcglobal.net.

Winter sports conditions

Call ahead to check winter sports facility conditions at Kensington Metropark. Because ice and snow conditions vary from day to day, it's always best to call ahead before traveling to any metropark. A vehicle-entry permit is required to enter any metropark. An annual permit is $20, or $12 for a senior citizen 62 or older. A daily pass is $4. For general information, call (800) 47-PARKS or visit the metroparks' Web site at www.metroparks.com.

Skating lessons

Grand Oaks Ice Arena and the Livingston Figure Skating Club are offering figure skating lessons from 5-5:50 p.m. for all ages through the winter months. Call (517) 546-3090 or stop by the arena at 970 Grand Oaks Drive.

Re: Can you use ClassifedFlyerAds.com on Point2agent?

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:13:34 -0600

I have been looking for a good online flyer company to display our listings on that we can use our own custom html coding and have finally found www.ClassifedFlyerAds.com! Now my question is... If I haven't upgraded my point2agent website, can I still syndicate my listings and use the classifiedFlyerAds.com templates for my listings? Please help!!

Re: Livingston County Research

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:42:50 -0600

It has been dubbed the fastest growing county in Michigan.

Livingston County is conveniently located in the heart of southeastern Michigan. Located less than an hour's drive from four major metropolitan areas, the county is made up of commuters who work in the city and prefer to live in the country. Livingston County is located at the crossroads of I-96 and US-23 which puts it within one hours drive from Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor, and Lansing which is a good thing because the county only has 6 jobs for every 10 residents.

Livingston County offers something for everyone - historic downtowns, rural landscapes, quaint hamlets, hundreds of lakes, upscale homes, beautiful farmland, and much more. Shopping destinations offer both upscale choices and bargains galore. A plethora of restaurants satisfy every taste. Recreational facilities offer everything from downhill skiing to horseback riding. And the school districts offer quality educations and innovative opportunities. Add in the friendly, welcoming people who reside here and it is easy to see why Livingston County continues to be a destination for families and businesses alike.

Livingston County is located in the southeastern section of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Its county seat is Howell. Livingston County occupies an area that was originally part of Shiawassee and Washtenaw counties. This county was named after Edward Livingston, Secretary of State under President Andrew Johnson, and Minister to France.

In the Early 1800's following the war of 1812 the Federal Government offered free land to those who fought in the war. Although the U.S. Surveyor-General in 1815 reported the soil in this area to be of such poor quality that it was unsuitable for farming, the Chippewa and Potawatomi had farmed it for years. This was eventually realized and the region became an important agricultural area for livestock and grain. Most veterans took free land in other states. The State of Michigan did not see things the same way; partially due to the fact history indicates both the Pottawatomie and Chippewa Indians had farmed the area. The State ordered up its own survey and found that much of the land to be very well suited for agricultural purposes. This prompted the State to begin selling parcels for $2.00 to $3.00 an acre rather than give it away. After World War II, many people moved to Livingston County to escape the city. This caused agriculture to decline in importance.

During the 1970's, Livingston County was the fastest growing county in Michigan, but 20,000 acres of public land were kept from development to retain the area's natural beauty. The Brighton Island and Pinckney State Recreation areas make this a great county for recreation. Recreational facilities include Mt. Brighton Ski area; over 20 private and public golf courses; camping, boating, fishing and swimming at three large metro parks; soccer hockey, baseball facilities and more.

For just plain fun you can try the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, the Howell Melon Festival, the Fowlerville Fair or the Brighton Art Festival.

Shoppers can choose between historic downtown Howell, upscale shops in downtown Brighton, Kensington Valley Factory Outlet Mall, Meijer, Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Elder Beerman, Home Depot, Lowe's just to name a few.

State-of-the-art educational facilities including public and private schools; the Livingston County Technical Academy; Cleary College; and the Michigan Technical Education Center.

Health care facilities include McPherson Hospital in Howell which is part of the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System as well as Brighton-based facilities for Saint Joseph Mercy health Systems and the University of Michigan Medical Center.

In my quest to find out more about what is currently drawing so many people to Livingston County, I polled several local families who have moved here within the last decade. Interestingly enough, their answers were similar.

"We are from Ann Arbor and it was so expensive to live there so when we were looking at houses it brought us out this way. I like how I have nearly 3 acres, growing up in Ann Arbor that is a lot of land (although we lived on several acres when I was growing up it dropped to an acre and then we moved to less than ½ an acre). I like having areas for the kids to play and room enough to have horses and other animals!"

"We moved here in October 2006. My mom has been an attorney in Brighton, and has lived in Pinckney, for 15 - 20 years now. (During that time I was living in New York City, Connecticut & Kentucky.) After the birth of our daughter in late 2006, I realized that I wanted to be closer to my family & her "Grammy" - so here we are!
I grew up in Lapeer County MI, and went to school in Ann Arbor, and have been visiting my mom in Pinckney/Brighton for years, so this area was somewhat familiar to me when I moved here.

The things that I like best about Livingston County:

Lots of stuff to do out here, particularly family-oriented and outdoor-oriented things. It is a real community with wonderful community events! Santa visited the Pinckney town square in December and the Xmas to-do at the park on Brighton. And our kiddo loves the Xtreme Bounce Zone in Dexter, the Bounce gymnastics center in Hartland, Castaway Cafe, etc.

It is a very forward-thinking area in terms of being "green," eco-conscious, preserving nature, farms & opens space, etc. It is also forward-thinking in terms of holistic medicine, yoga, meditation, organic & natural foods, etc. (I just moved here from Northern KY and there was NONE of that down there!!) Lots of GREAT restaurants!!!

It is a stone's throw from Ann Arbor - home of an amazing amount of fun stuff to do, great places to eat, concerts, parks, live comedy, canoeing, Zingerman's Bakehouse, etc.

The culture in this part of the world has a Midwestern warmth & friendliness that is unique among any of the places I've lived. It just feels like home. (My husband feels that way too, and he grew up in New York City!)

There are still many farms and much green, open space here! That gives it so much beauty, charm & character!"

"I went to UM, but was tired of living in Ann Arbor...over-priced...too many people. I missed the country (I grew up in a small town in the thumb of MI) and space, so the closest area that I could afford that had some land and was still a good driving distance was in Brighton. People are nicer than in Ann Arbor. Lots of things for the kids. Shopping is close, but I can have a small piece of land."

"We relocated here from Wayne county-Allen Park in February 2003! Yikes it just feels like yesterday! My husband worked in Ann Arbor and was tired of the commute. We wanted to be near his place of work but also in a cleaner environment for our kids! We picked out this area because of the rural feel but still the close proximity of shopping! We wanted to be in a sub, but with large lots. In Allen Park there would have been at least 4 houses on our property we have now... it was a nice balance! A huge factor to Livingston County was all the parks (State, Metro, and County) My husband is a huge fisherman and would always drive out her to fish now we are minutes away from his favorite spots!"

"My husband and I grew up in western Wayne County and moved to Washtenaw (Scio Township) county and lived there for 10 years before moving to Livingston County in August 2002. Quite frankly, it was because we wanted a house with a decent sized yard and also be able to eat and stuff. It was about all that we could afford at that time, although where we are is not close to anything. (Northern fringe of the county and nearly the western side as well...think kitty-corner to Brighton on the county map). We liked that it was affordable. We liked getting "land" with it. The traffic is way better than places like Ann Arbor or Novi. People are somewhat nicer on a general basis. It is picturesque in many ways. We don't get that freeway soot all over everything (seriously, where do you think the worn down treads on your tires go?). We cannot reach out the window and shake hands with the neighbors (who are also in their home). The school bus stop is at the end of our driveway. We have a barn."

"I moved to Livingston County because of my then boyfriend, now husband. We bought a house in Howell. I have lived here for 7 years. The house prices were appealing given the markets in Oakland County and the proximity to his family. I do like that it is becoming a little more urban or city...I don't have to drive to Lansing or Novi for shopping anymore :) I am a MSU grad so I try to avoid Ann Arbor :)"

"When we moved back up from Florida, we decided to move out this way instead of Wayne County (where we're both from) because it's not as crowded as Wayne County and the schools are wayyyy better. We moved out here in November 2004. I love the fact that you still have everything you need but it isn't overcrowded like Wayne County, and that you can still take a drive out in the "country" and see farms and animals etc. You can buy land and have a house and not have your neighbor staring in your window."

"I came out this way because I liked the area. Many parks nearby and not every inch of land is built up. I've been here since June of 2007. I think the downtown areas of Howell, Fenton, and Milford are great. Along with many more parks and rec areas to enjoy being outdoors. Plus it doesn't feel so congested...like Warren or Sterling Hgts."

Whether you are a resident of Hell or Howell, more and more people are calling Livingston County home.

Livingston County Websites and Locations of Interest

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livingston_County,_Michigan

http://www.infomi.com/county/livingston/

http://www.livingstondaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=COMMUNITIES

Re: Online Flyers- Anyone know the best flyer for using html coding?

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:48:12 -0600

I have been reading several blogs on the different options available for using online flyers, BUT... to my surprise, I have not found any flyers that allow you to use custom html in the flyer..

I would like to add this info:

Is this possible to add the above to postlets or Vflyer? I have tried but not been successful.. Any other suggestions on good flyer possibilities?

Re: Market Stats- Does anyone see the market picking up?

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:39:25 -0600

Over the last week and a half, one of my buyers agents has been told SEVERAL times that the home she is going to show is pending! That is a good sign for it only being late January.. We are hopeful that this continues through the winter and into the spring!

Just for the records, the price range is 130-160 that this has been happening.. Let's keep our fingers crossed :)

Short Sales: Any experts here on active rain?

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:02:03 -0600

It seems as though short sales are a goldmine in a buyers market but require quite a bit of extra work.. I have only found one GOOD site to learn the process thus far. I am interested to hear if anyone has had any good experiences doing short sales. I seem to hear only bad things about doing them from Realtors in my area..

I would like to know if you feel it is a good market to tackle.. Please...

Livingston County Buyers - Read this Info!*		Livingston County Sellers - Read this Info!*

Acoustic Music at Howell Opera House...

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:28:30 -0600

You don't have to travel to Ann Arbor to enjoy live music...

The Acoustic Café is taking over The Opera House on Friday in a pilot program bringing music to the venue. New Age guitarist Roy Scoutz kicked things off last Friday.

The program, which will offer light refreshments, will be open at 8 p.m. Fridays through Feb. 29 in the lower level of The Opera House in downtown Howell. Cover charge will be $5. Cohoctah Township's Neil Woodward, honored by the state Legislature as Michigan's official troubadour, will take to the stage next Friday.

Deals: Anyone know where to buy signs on posts cheaply??

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:41:44 -0600

We are looking to change from the one piece sign to the hanging sign where we can begin to utilize the rider for advertising purposes.. I have seen many different companies, and prices, but want to make sure that I have a reputable company with fast turn around.. Riders are equally important and we are unsure where to get these cheaply as well. any suggestions?

Technology: Any suggestions on a quality but cheap video camera?

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:29:21 -0600

I believe I am ready to begin looking into the video camera technhology and am interested to hear the experts opinions on what the most cost effective video recording device is.. I don't know what the most important things are that I should be on the lookout for and what to avoid. I assume, and I say ASSume lightly, that it probably better to not buy a camera slash video recorder and go for the video camera by itself. Am I correct?

I appreciate any comments about this that you know. Thanks!

Lead Generating: My first GUARANTEED lead and listing appointment from Active Rain!!

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:21:10 -0600

This has been an exciting month for me with activerain.. I have met many very intelligent, internet saavy, and helpful people. This real estate business seems to make people HIDE their best kept secrets, which I completely understand but yet wish there were more open people giving their secrets. I have tried and tried to pick peoples brains (on the outside) for their information, sharing any info I feel to be worthy. Not much luck receiving any info though.. Active Rain for whatever reason, has managed to open up the gateway to Realtor's secrets and I am first to admit, I am taking in every last bit of info I learn! :-)

I just thought that I would encourage all of the newbies, like me, to continue doing what you are doing on active rain. Just today, I received my FIRST email from a human in Brighton wanting to sell their home. I set the appointment and away I go.. I am thankful for all the people sharing their secrets and promise to do the same.. Thanks everyone!

How do I get outlook email to show up on several computers?

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:23:18 -0600

I have 2 computers and my cell phone receiving emails thoruogh outlook and I am getting frustrated when I get an email I need at the office and I get home and it's not on my outlook there.. I have checked the box on outlook that says "Leave mail on server" but the mail is still not getting to me! Is there something I can be doing differently? I would leave it on my phone until i got home and then forward the important ones but that's a pain. Large amounts of email also bog down my cell. Help!!! Any suggestions?

Technology: Just signed up for technorati!

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:37:16 -0600

After contemplating how involved I should become in blogging, I have decided that it is WELL worth the time and effort to begin searching out ALL avenues of advertising and personal growth. This new tool (to me at least) is quite brain numbing when I think of the new iron I just put in the fire.. It looks as though the top dogs on active rain are using this so I guess experience wins this battle again! Are there any suggestions as to how I can best utilize technorati and cut down on my learning curve?

Technorati Profile

Livingston County Real Estate Outlook for 2008

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:36:15 -0600

Well another year has flown by and I didn't get the chance to do everything I wanted :-( This year will be the year..

So.. I would like to share my humble top 10 Real Estate insider tips for the Real Estate outlook in Livingston County Mi for 2008. Here we go.

1) There will be a larger supply of homes for sale this year due to foreclosures

2) Foreclosures will double because the interest only and 1-3 year arms will be adjusting at double the rate of 2007

3) Sellers will need to make sure that they have their pricing in line with their lowest competition to even compete in the market

4) Buyers will be on the look-out for the BEST deals out there and NOT just foreclosures

5) Lending institutions (mortgage companies) will be tightening up on who will be approved this year

6) Sellers will need to look into staging companies to make their home STAND OUT from the rest

7) Realtors in the county will need to turn to the internet more for advertising or they will begin to lose more market share and clients

8) There will be more Real Estate Teams forming because they see the value in Teamwork and Customer Service and so do the Buyers and Sellers in the marketplace

9) More people will be looking on the internet for their next home than ever before

And last but not least..

10) It IS still a GREAT time to Sell IF you price your home to sell. A Professional Realtor can help you with that!

Lets's all have a great 2008 and Happy New Year to all!

Happy New Year Everyone!

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 08:03:41 -0600

This has been a great 2 weeks of activerain for me.. I just began learning seo and how to use the proper keywords (so basically a novice) and I checked this morning and I am respectively number 17 and 18 on google, for FREE! This can only get better!!

I want to wish everyone a happy new year and remind you to make your 2008 goals high and add them to a vision board for visual clarity as to what your goals are. Every day do the things that will get you ONE step closer to what you want to achieve. Baby steps will get you there. One at a time..

Wow adding pictures is easy!

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:49:49 -0600

I found a great place to find FREE pictures.. Go to http://www.sxc.hu/ and download thousands of pictures! I might as well try to add one just for fun.. I haven't quite figured out all the details on what the proper sizing is and how to make the page still look good once you add pictures, but at least I can find them now!

Thanks to http://activerain.com/ashleysellshouses for this info! Boy is there alot to learn!

Brighton Michigan Real Estate

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:36:52 -0600

This is how I feel about ActiveRain..

I am having a hard time believing that ALL Realtors don't get on here and learn how to run their business better.. I am thankful for all the people that have been leaving their trails of information for SOOO long to help the newer Rainers start off correctly! What a great group this is!!!!

The Active Rain Addicts Group is a group that I don't believe will ever dissolve :)

An excellent QUICK soccer video

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:26:01 -0600

I have played soccer since I was five and eventually became in love with the sport. At one point I tried out for and made the Detroit Rockers Indoor Soccer Team. Unfortunately, I had several Rental Properties and working 60 hours a week at another job and I could not afford to live on the money they were going to pay me!

Anyways, one thing I have always noticed that annoyed me about soccer, was the faking of injuries.. This video clearly depicts how it happens :)

Whoever has played or watched the sport will love the detail..

You tube video about the long tail theory

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 12:55:01 -0600

If you have ever heard and read the book by Chris Anderson explaining the "long Tail" philosophy, you are probably looking at the internet a little different than most.. I found a LIVE video of Chris explaining this concept. It may hurt your brain a bit but you will walk away with a NEW mentality about the internet and how it affects Businesses.. Enjoy!!

Enjoy!!

Brighton Mi Real Estate Information

The Joel Schmidt Team The Fastest growing Team in Brighton Mi (Re/Max Platinum) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 12:50:04 -0600

After reading this article, I thought that I would share it with everyone.. The Brighton City Council is exploring a new tool to potentially revitalize residential neighborhoods. Officials are investigating establishing a Neighborhood Improvement Authority that could capture funding for infrastructure improvements to revitalize up to four residential areas. A portion of current property taxes would be allocated to fund the authority, which officials stress would not be a new assessment. They also noted that identifying eligible districts would be tricky because in order to be effective, there must be significant capture of revenue and some commercial properties would likely need to be included. Brighton is one of the first communities to explore this option and City Manager Dana Foster says council has made it a goal in these hard economic times to focus on various residential areas in the city and maintain them. Some council members expressed concerns that such an authority could take a lot of time and expense, without any guarantee it would pay off in the end. However, Lansing is also considering setting up an authority and Brighton officials plan to hold a meeting with them in January to discuss how its going.