Pat's Blog

Looking for a new home?

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:01:24 -0500

As you begin to look for that new home, you may want to EVALUATING YOUR ACTIVITIES AND LIFESTYLE:

The neighborhood you choose can have a big impact on your lifestyle, for example - safety, available amenities and convenience all play a part in home ownership satisfaction. Think about the activities you like, (shopping, movies, health club, organizations). Determine how far you would like to travel from each neighborhood to your favorite activity locations.

Here are some HELPFUL WEBSITES:

http://century21.com "Buy" area

http://www.homes.com/Content/Neighborhoods.cfm

http://realestate.yahoo.com/re/neighborhood

http://find.intelius.com

http://www.moving.com/community/

http://www.schoolmatch.com

http://www.patmccray.com Home search tool.

Short Sales

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:42:20 -0500

Are you a homeowner on the verge of a foreclosure and have questions about doing a short sale? You're not alone. recent statisics show 1 out of 5 homeowners in the U.S. are in the same situation. Admitting you need help is one of the 1st courageous things to do. After admitting you need help you can now take action, find a professional who you can work with toward a solution.

Banks really don't want to foreclose on property because the process is very costly to them. If you qualify for a short sale, it will most likely be considered.

Lenders are looking for verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall or pending shortfalls or what seems to be something unsolvable.

There may be enough time to negotiate a short sale before foreclosure. While a short sale may be very timely, foreclosure is also a process, and there may be time to make decisions that may result in better outcomes.

Short sales are difficult to execute and homeowners do need to learn about the process. Remember, a short sale is not impossible.

Banks are trying to do what they can, within reason, to avoid foreclosure. So before thinking that a bank would deny a short sale, ask them.

There are many potential buyers out there that are very interested in looking at short sales as well as foreclosures, even before they look at sale of private owned properties.

I wish the best for you.

LOG HOME ON 10 WOODED ACRES, Mussey Twp.

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:52:38 -0500

Beautifully & Tastefully done is this log HOME in the woods. Open floor plan w/cathedral ceilings, custom hickory cabinets, knotty pine, maple hardwood floors & cedar railing and master w/loft. 10 acre wooded parcel gives you complete seclusion. Central Air, Anderson Windows and River Rock Chimney with Wood Stove. Capac Schools. MLS#30711906

This home is being offered by
CENTURY 21 AAA North
107 N Main
Capac, MI 48014
(810) 395-1800

Call For More Information, ASK for PAT McCRAY

SLASH THOSE ENERGY BILLS

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:24:51 -0500

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/save_energy.html), a typical American family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills. But you can save energy-and money-with these tips to make your home more energy-efficient.

1 Get a home energy survey from your local utility. Many will do a free analysis of your home and provide specific ways to save money on your utility bill.

2 Replace old furnaces and air conditioners with newer ones that are more energy efficient.

3 Install programmable thermostats.

4 Swap light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs bearing the Energy Star label.

5 Air dry dishes.

6 Turn off lights and ceiling fans when you leave a room.

7 Turn off computers and TVs when they are not being used.

8 Plug home electronic devices into power strips, and turn them off when the equipment is not being used. These devices often have a "standby" mode that uses power even when they are off.

9 Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120° F.

10 Install a low-flow head on your shower. Opt for showers, not baths.

11 Only run the washer or dishwasher with full loads.

12 Purchase appliances that have the Energy Star label.

These tips can help you lower your energy use up to 25 percent, according to the DOE. That will not only save you money now, but reduced utility bills could also help you command a higher price for your home when you sell.

You’re Invited to a Buyers Seminar - May 12, 2009

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:40:17 -0500

You're Invited to a Buyers Seminar

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

6:30pm - 8:00pm

Century 21 AAA North, 107 N. Main St., Capac

Century 21 AAA North with Team 1 Mortgage

is sponsoring this free seminar.

                                                        · Mortgage Qualification
                                                        · Secrets to Improving Your Credit
                                                        · $0 Down Mortgage Programs
                                                        · First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
                                                        · How to Purchase a Foreclosed Home

Also

Real Estate Professionals from Century 21 AAA North will be available to answer all of your questions regarding today's market.

If you are considering buying or selling a home...

Do Not Miss This Opportunity.

Call to reserve your spot: 810-395-1800

A SPECIAL EVENT FOR EMMETT, MI 48022

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:04:13 -0500

May 16 & 17, 2009, Saturday & Sunday - 10 AM~5 PM.
Lilac Festival Sunny Fields

No Appointment Necessary for this special event.
Enjoy the fragrant lilacs of Michigan's most complete lilac collection in seven colors.
There will also be a food concession, several educational garden related seminars, plant sales, music, and several craft vendors to provide fun for every one.
The unique botanical park is open other times by appointment and currently features 85 different varieties of daffodils enmasse, soon to be followed by eye-popping colors of over 136 different varieties of ornamental crabapples--- the region's largest collection. Please-no pets. Best wishes and hope to welcome you at the park.

5444 Welsh Rd., Emmett Twp.
For more information, visit http://www.visitsunnyfields.org/ or call 810-387-2765.

Try to attend at least one day if not both. I am sure you will not be disappointed. I attended last year's event and was totaly amazeda and had a wonderful time.

Berlin Township, MI 48002

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:50:22 -0500

107 N Main
Capac, MI 48014
Each Office is independently owned, operated.

You'll find this 3 Bedroom/1 Bath home with a 2 Acres corner lot and a pond on a hardtop road. Large living room, Eating area off kitchen with door wall to deck that leads to the gazebo. Two car attached garage. Lennox Whisper Heat Furnace with Lennox High Energy Filter, Central Air, Central Vacuum, partially finished walk out.
MLS# 30547127 $148,000

Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed.
Call Pat McCray @ (810) 395-1800 x114
patmccray@century21.com

Imlay Township, MI 48444*****SOLD

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:34:01 -0500

       Total Sq.Ft 2,948        MLS# 30694015
107 N Main                   5.89 Acres                     $165,000
Capac, MI 48014               4BRs/3BAs
Each office is                     Paved Road
independently owned,
operated.

Natural gas, 30x56 Pole Barn with loft. This home offers you the open concept, beautiful oak kitchen with lots of pull outs and counter space. Bathrooms are roomy, master bath has jetted tub and double sinks.
Also included central air, central vacuum & 2 car attached garage. A place to call home!

Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed.
Call Pat McCray @ (810) 395-1800 x114 patmccray@century21.com

It was just BEAUTIFUL !

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:26:16 -0500

What a beautiful day it was here in Berlin Township, St. Clair County !!!!!!!!!
I hope most of you here in Michigan was able to experience the same. Isn't it amazing what a bit of sun shine can do for ones self.

Do you think that if the media would shed a bit of optimism, it would change how people are reacting to our economic situation. I'm not saying that we should have our heads in the sand, so to speak. Temporary (hopefully very short term) job lose has hit our family. I can share in the uncertaintyof it all. But all doom and gloom does not help peoples' emotional status.

Michigan's auto industry got a big hit, they our trying to get back on track. Let's applaud them for that. It is my opinion that they were dealt with a bit to harshly. It has had it's domino affect in many different directions. And we as American need to try the best we can to buy American when we can. Just maybe we could bless the American industry with our dollars. That would be on more step forward. This is America, let's be proud of that.

Well, spring is just around the corner, that's a good thing. And I pray the the Lord will bless each one who reads this post.

A snowy day in CAPAC, MI

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:57:48 -0600

A snowy day in Capac, MI. If you look down the street you can see the bulldozer as it is in the center of the road where it has pushed the snow. The snow will be lifted to a dump truck to be carried off.

Just thought I'd share this photo.

STAY WARM :)

BE STILL

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:31:48 -0600

Are you in situation that seems as though everything is coming at you at once? Seems like there was not a moment for yourself?

I was there just recently. It felt as though I would not make it through. This person wanted this, that person wanted that. And it seemed as though everything was to take place on the same day several differnet times.

I had my eye on the situations and forgot all about my Lord. Until the Bible verse of Psalms 46:10 came to me. What I did with that verse was put it on my computer as a screen saver.

"Be still, and know that I am God" Psalms 46: 10

It became a reminder before my very eyes when I needed it most, then and now.

Well, I made it through, everyone was happy and God is still in control.

What verse do you refer to in times of need?

Thank you Tara @ Shore Mortgage

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:11:31 -0600

Tara went out of her way to help our client through the mortgage while buying a bank owned home.
Tara kept her cool, busted through road blocks and brought our buyer to the closing table. The property was in Imlay City, MI and her office is located in Birmingham, MI.
With Tara's permission I am sharing her contact information:

Tara Nelson
SHORE MORTGAGE
777 South Adams
Birmingham, MI 48009
Office; 248.205.3300 x5162
tnelson@shoremortgage.com

If you need a mortgage or have a client in need of one, give Tara a call.

What's Happening

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:50:10 -0600

Real Estate sales continue to on. The prices may be lower and the closing time stretched just a little. Unfortunately many of the sales are the REO, Foreclosed or Short Sale properties. Business goes on as usual and I am here to help you in your real estate transaction of buying or selling.

If you are a seller and think you may have to sell at to low of a price and the price can work for you remember as be turn around and become the buyer, your purchase price will also be lower. If those lower price are not acceptable to you, the time to sell is not now.

TAX CREDIT FOR THE 1ST TIME HOMEBUYER

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:05:30 -0500

$$$$$

The $7,500 tax credit is for people buying their first home, and was passed as part of the Housing and Economic recovery Act of 2008. You must qualify for this the full amount tax credit. To do so, one must earn less than $75,000 annually as a single person. Couples may earn up to $150,000. Individual buyers with an income of up to $95,000 and couples with an income up to $170,000 are eligible for a partial credit.

This is how it works: Buyers who have not owned a home in the past three years can take a tax credit worth 10% of a home's sale price, up to $7,500 whichever is smaller. The credit is good for homes that closed after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009, and can be taken on taxes filed during 2008 or 2009.

For more information on this tax credit, go to http://money.cnn.com/ .

Things to do - St. Clair County

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:30:00 -0500

May 9, 2008 Fri. & May 10, 2008 Sat.
Emmett Lions Annual Yard Sale
8am - 4pm Emmett Lions Hall
10830 Mary St., Emmett Village

May 10, 2008 Saturday
Flea Market & Perennial Exchange
9am - 2pm
Riley Twp Park next to the Twp Hall at 13016 Belle River Rd.
Proceeds to to Riley Twp Parks & Rec.
any questions call Sue Hudema-Evands at (810) 392-2611

May 10, 2008 Saturday
Saturday Science for Families
1pm- 2:30pm $4/family
Registration required at least one week before event.
This program is geared toward children in grades 3-5, though other ages are welcome to join in activities.
any questions call (810) 325-9109
Location: Pine River Nature Center
2585 Castor Rd., Goodells
prnc@sccresa.org

May 17, 2008 Saturday
Goodells Farm Museum & Saw Mill
Open House & Show
8310 County Park Drive, Goodells

May 17, 2008 Saturday
Lilac Festival Sunny Fields
11am-5pm FREE-Donations accepted
Wald the trails of lilac & crabapple blossoms.
Crafters, Live Music, Food.
Seminars: 12:30pm Plants / 4pm Organic Choices
5444 Welsh Rd., Emmett Twp.
http://www.visitsunnyfields.org/

May 17, 2008
ALL YOU CAN EAT SPAGHETTI DINNER
Fund-raiser for Vietnam Memorial Wall
4pm-7pm Cost: DONATION
American Leg Post 566 (810) 392-3237
34330 Bordman Rd., Memphis
(810) 392-2784/ (810) 384-6616

May 26, 2008 Monday
Emmett: Memorial Day Ceremony
12pm at Emmett Cemetery

May 26, 2008 Monday
Memphis: Memorial Day Parade
Begins: 10am & ends at Memphis Cemetery

May 28, 2008 Wednesday
Berlin Twp Perennial Plant Exchange
6pm Under Park Pavilion
Park is near the Senior Center at 740 Capac Rd)
586-784-9969

Over the Rainbow

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:01:42 -0500

I do hope as you read this blog you have had a wonderful week end. Here in Berlin Township, Michigan, as I write the temperature is at 55 degrees. We have had a lot of clouds this day, some rain and then what seemed to be an immediate burst of sunshine. You all know what we usually get with that situation..................yep a rainbow. Just thought I'd share it with you all.

My husband was wondering which end of the rainbow the gold could be found....................What do you think?

This is what it says in Genesis 9:16 NIV "Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

Amazing !!!!!!!!! That's God

Vacation

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:46:31 -0500

My husband and I visited his sister and her husband in California. What a beautiful state! Everything was very green this time of the year. Flowers were blooming. The weather was a little cooler than we had hoped for, but we had a wonderful time. Thank you Carolyn and Richard. You were a wonderful pair as host and hostess.

While there Carolyn and Richard treated us to a concert of Carol King's. She was wonderful, down to earth and full of energy. We just enjoyed the concert beyond explanation.

We also visited a couple of beaches. I fell in love with Sycamore Cove Beach.

If you should see Caroly and Richard, in their Westlake Village community, tell them Ken and Pat says "Hello".

Expired Listings

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:11:51 -0500

An "expired" is someone who has previously listed a home with a real estate professional without success.

There are a number of reasons why the listing contracts expire;

1) overpriced property
2) underexposed property
3) or maybe you just don't need to sell.
If the reason is number three, what I tell my client is that if they don't need to sell, now may not be the best time.

Does this some familiar, are you one of the homeowner who's home did not sell?
What do you think could have been different, either with what you or your agent did or did not do.

Your home is the STAR

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:40:59 -0500

In Hollywood they are called stylists. They are fashion professionals who help celebrities shine by outfitting them in the right clothes and accessories. In the world of home buying and selling, real estate professionals fill the same role, but in this case the "star" is your home. Here are five things you can do to stage your home for sale.

Staging is an important part of the home sale process.Staging is presenting your home in its best and most appealing light to the majority of buyers. In the end, it may even lead to less time on the market and a better sales price.
1. De-clutter and de-personalize: Remove all clutter and reduce the number of personal pictures and mementos. You do not have to purge everything, but packing away items at a friend's house or in storage might be a good idea.

2. Go for an updated look: If you have well-worn, wall-to-wall carpet, rip it up and replace it. If your kitchen cabinets are dated, spruce them up with new paint. Making your home look its best may take some money and some elbow grease.

3. Create a warm and cozy environment: You want your home to have a welcoming feel. Rearrange seating to create conversation areas. You want buyers to want to stay and relax.

4. Lighten up: Use table lamps to create a warm glow and mirrors to reflect the light around the room. Open up blinds and shades to let the sunshine in. A fresh coat of paint in an inviting, neutral tone will play up the sense of light and warmth.

5. Use accessories: Accent pillows, throw blankets, fresh cut flowers, bowls of polished fruit and artfully arranged books, can help you complete the sophisticated and inviting scene. Remember, you want buyers to imagine themselves living in this setting.

Your real estate professional is your greatest resource when it comes to preparing your home for sale. Work with them to create the home of your buyer's dreams.

Mom's Country Kitchen

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:07:56 -0500

If you live or travel through Mempbis, Michigan you should try "Mom's Country Kitchen". The have very good food, reasonable prices, lots to eat and the sevice is great. The restraunt is located at the corner of Bordman and Belle River roads.

The last time I visited Mom's Country Kitchen, I ordered Mom's Taco. It was very good and tacos don't reheat well, so good I ate the WHOLE thing. Nothing for lunch the next dayl My husband on the other hand ordered the Meatloaf Dinner. Guess what....................he took home lunch for the next day.

Have you tried this restraunt? What is your favorite menu item?

The Phones were Ringing

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:54:15 -0600

Today was a very busy day. Business seemed to keep me hopping. This is a good thing. I'm sure my seller clients would agree. It has been a few months of to much idle time.
Is real estate taking a slight upward turn? I certainly hope, that would be a dream come true. Has any one else noticed a change. I hope it last.
I'd love to hear from you.

SENIOR INFORMATION for Berlin, Capac, Emmett, Imlay City, Richmond and Yale

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 18:43:16 -0600

Be sure to call phone numbers listed for any changes in schedules.
____________________________________________________

Foster Grandparent Program:
600 Grand River, Port Huron, MI 48060 (810) 987-8813

Senior Nutrition Program:
Infor & Referral; (810) 982-4400
also, 3 First Street, Yale, MI 48097 (810) 387-2162

Berlin Township Seniors:
Berlin Township Senior Center
740 Capac Rd.
Allenton, MI 48002
(810) 784-9969
Potluck 4th Tuesday at Noon.
Cards 1st Wednesday at Noon (sack lunch).
Exercise every Thursday at 10am-11am.

Capac Seniors:
Capac Senior Center
315 Meier St. (Lions Building)
Capac, MI 48014
Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Info: (810) 395-7889
Transportation: (810) 395-7748
Meet for lunch at Noon, Mon-Fri at 11am on Mon.,Wed.,Fri.
Call (810) 395-7889 for scheduled dates and time for the following;
Lunches, Cards, Table games, Puzzles, Crafts, and Exercise programs.

Emmett Seniors:
VFW Hall
3128 Main Street
Emmett, MI 48022
Infor: (810) 395-7998
Meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday at Noon.

Imlay City Seniors:
Casa Maria Sr Apts
600 Maple Vista
Imlay City, MI 48444
Infor: (810) 724-6300
or campagnc@trinity-health.org
Meet 3rd Thursday, 6pm-7pm for presentations.
1st Friday of month for breakfast, 8am-10am, Speaker at 9am.
Resgistration Required > 2nd Tuesday of month at 2pm for Community Tea Party.

Richmond Township Seniors:
Richmond Township Center
Info: (586) 727-6700
Meet on Mondays at 1pm for potluck lunch,
except for the last Monday of the month they meet at noon.
Call Info: (586) 727-6700 for location.

Yale Seniors
Yale-Mitchell Senior Center
3 First Street, Yale, MI 48097
Info: (810) 387-3720
Transportation: (810) 387-2162
Meet for lunch Monday-Friday at noon.

Be sure to call phone numbers listed for any changes in schedules.
__________________________________________________________

What's your favorite..................

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 20:56:57 -0600

I'm curious. You know all that free stuff you receive in the mail from Realtors. What are item you tend to keep and what items do you tend to file in the trash pile?
You see I love to get my information out to the public so when the time come to buy or sell real estate, that someone may need a Realtor, they can call on me.
So.............I don't want to end up in the trash.

In the past I have sent out magnet calendars, jar grippers, pens,
note pads and recipe cards.
What is your favorite items.

Thank you in advance for helping me out.

Pat McCray, ABR CGRN
CENTURY 21 AAA North
107 N Main Street
Capac, MI 48014

More Safety Tips for Seniors

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:43:18 -0600

MAKE YOUR HOME SAFE AND SECURE

1. install good locks on doors and windows. Use them! Don't hide keys in mailboxes and planters or under doormats. These are the first places an intruder might look. Instead, leave an extra set of keys with a neighbor or friend.

2. Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you are the least bit worried, call the company to verify.

3. Be sure your street address number is large, clear of obstruction, and well-lighted so police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly.

4. Consider a home alarm system that provides emergency monitoring for burglary, fire, and medical emergencies.

Not always a happy ending.

Pat McCray, ABR (CENTURY 21 AAA North (Capac Office)) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:32:55 -0600

Homeownership isn't always a happily ever after story. There are times when owners can no longer meet their mortgage obligations. In this case, there are several options.

One is foreclosure. In this scenario, buyers have a grace period where they can stay in the home and try to make good on their outstanding debts. Eventually, if they are unable to reverse their current course, the bank or lender will evict the owner, reclaim the home and place it on the market for sale.

A second, lesser-known option is called a short sale. Here the lender agrees to take a loss on the home in exchange for recouping most of what is owed to them. In other words, if you owe $90,000 on your mortgage, your bank may agree to take $80,000 and consider the debt paid. The benefit for the lender is that the case is expedited and closed without the added expense of a foreclosure proceeding. Of course the seller would not see any profit from the sale.
If you find yourself in such a position, research the short sale option further. Start by using online resources to learn about the agreement. If you think it is feasible for you, consult with your lender and a real estate attorney who is familiar with this arrangement

Also, it is very important that you understand the tax implications in a short sale. While the lender may be willing to accept less than what it is due, the government will consider the debt forgiveness as income and a taxable gain. Speak with a certified public accountant that is well-versed in this area.
When you closed on your home, you surely did not envision yourself in this situation. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a job loss, can put you in a position you never imagined. It is imperative that you look at all options, including bankruptcy, foreclosure and the short sale before you select the one that will work best for you.