Macomb County Real Estate Blog - Mike Mitchell

22021 Englehardt, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 ~ Just Listed

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:29:17 -0600

Another Extreme Home Makeover! Truly in move in condition. You don't want to miss out on this one. Beautiful hardwood floors, NEW Maple Kitchen Cabinets, GRANITE Counters, all NEW Appliances including a Bosch dishwasher! NEW Vinyl Windows through out. New carpet in master bedroom. Partially finished basement (waterproofed 09) with half bath & glass block windows. GFA and Central Air. NEW concrete driveway, new sod and landscaping. Storage shed in backyard. Priced to sell at $95,000

For more info or to schedule a private tour of this fabulous home contact Mike Mitchell

If you'd like to start looking for homes and take advantage of this buyers market in S.E. Michigan sign up for a free Listingbook account and search the mls on your own personal website! Absolutely FREE!

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com/

Brokers Open ~ 22021 Englehardt, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:04:37 -0600

BROKERS OPEN HOUSE

Where: 22021 Englehardt, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080
When: Thursday, November 19th
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Directions: South of 9 Mile, 1 block west of Mack.

Lunch will be provided courtesy of Janet Cordero of Mortgage 1.

Please join us for lunch and be one of the first to preview this newly remodeled Shores brick bungalow.

1128 square feet +/-
Gorgeous Hardwood Floors
Freshly Painted Throughout
New Kitchen Cabinets
Granite Counters
New Kitchen Appliances
Partial Finished Basement (waterproofed 09)
New Vinyl Windows Throughout
New Concrete Driveway
Aggressively Priced at $95,000
ML# 30749811

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com/

Wordless Wednesday ~ Somewhere Over the ........

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:09:51 -0600

If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in St. Clair Shores or the surrounding Macomb County area, give me a call or email and I'd be happy to assist you. To start searching for homes for sale, sign up for a free Listingbook account.

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com

Wordless Wednesday ~ Veterans Day

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:38:47 -0600

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com

Unemployment and Tax Credit Extended ~ it's Official

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:27:05 -0600

Yes, it is official now. Yesterday President Obama signed the tax credit extension and expansion into law! Not only is this great news for first time buyers, but buyers who have lived in their existing homes for 5 out of the last 8 years will also be eligible for up to $6,500 tax credit. Click here for Tax Credit Comparison Chart.

Extension highlights

The first time buyer tax credit of up to $8,000 is extended to April 30, 2010
You must have a signed purchase agreement by April 30, 2010
You must close the transaction by June 30, 2010

Expansion highlights

Current home owners who purchase a home can qualify for up to $6,500 tax credit
Current home owners must have lived in their homes for 5 out of the last 8 years
You must have a signed purchase agreement by April 30, 2010
You must close the transaction by June 30, 2010

Details on the Tax Credit Extension / Expansion

Even more importantly included in this bill is that unemployment benefits are going to be extended for 20 weeks! With the high rate of unemployment in MI this is good news for many families.

For more info on the St. Clair Shores Real Estate market, contact Mike Mitchell,REALTOR ®

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com/

Applebee's Restaurants Offering Free Food to Veteran's on November 11, 2009

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:43:06 -0600

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):

If you know an active duty military family or veteran then let them know to head to their local Applebee's Restaurant on November 11th to choose one of the six free dinners especially for them.

If you work with military families this is a great chance to send out a message and be in touch on Veteran's Day.

There isn't much else to say but thank you for all who are actively serving and those who have served our country.

Location of Applebee's Resaurants in Northern Virginia

LET'S EAT!

Saint Clair Shores Real Estate Market Report ~ October, 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:41:39 -0600

If you would like to know what your St. Clair Shores home is worth in today's market, give me a call to schedule an appointment for a free market analysis (cma). No pressure, no obligation

ST. CLAIR SHORES REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT FOR OCTOBER - HOMES

There were 64 single family homes that closed in October. One positive thing that I noticed with the past month was bank owned homes made up only 31% of the sales! That is encouraging considering they made up 50 - 75% of the sales earlier in the year.

The official last day for the first time buyer tax credit is still November 30th. The last I heard, the extension for the tax credit has passed the senate but still had to be voted on by the house and signed by the president. Although it looks promising for an extension, anything could still happen.

Saint Clair Shores Real Estate Market Report ~ September, 2009

Saint Clair Shores Real Estate Market Report ~ August, 2009

Saint Clair Shores Real Estate Market Report ~ July,2009

Saint Clair Shores Real Estate Market Report ~ June,2009

October Statistics

There were 64 home sales that closed in October
The average list price was $80,145
The highest list price was $334,900 & the lowest was $27,900
The average sale price of those 64 transactions was $75,186
The average current days on the market was 61
The average total days on the market was 166
Number of canal front homes closed 2
Number of lake front homes closed 1
Number of bank owned homes closed 20

Selling Price # of homes

under $50k - 18
$50k - $100k - 36
$101k - $150k - 7
$151k - $200k - 2
$200k - $300k - 1
$400k - $500k - 0
$500k - $600k - 0

ST. CLAIR SHORES MARKET REPORT FOR OCTOBER - CONDOMINIUMS

There were 7 condos that closed in October, equal to Septembers sales
Average list price of those 7 condos was $42,471
The average sale price of those 7 closed condos was $37,000
Average current days on the market 127
Of the 7 sales, list prices ranged from $20,000 to $89,900. There were no high end units sold causing the monthly avg. sale price to drop from previous months. In fact, 4 of them sold for under $30,000

The buyers market continues, which makes it a great time to purchase a home or condo in St. Clair Shores. As of November 3rd, there are currently 336 single family homes for sale ranging in price from as low as $18,000 investor specials to lake front homes just over 1 million. Of those homes on the market 09% or 32 of them are bank owned. There are many homes to choose from, no matter what your price range, now is the time to take advantage of this market, prices will not remain this low forever.

Interest rates are at record lows and there are some great FHA loans available for those that need a lower down payment. In addition there is a 2009 tax credit up to $8,000 for First Time Buyers!

For more info on the St. Clair Shores Real Estate market, contact Mike Mitchell,REALTOR ®

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com/

39092 Rivercrest, Harrison Township, MI ~ New Price!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:15:43 -0500

39092 Rivercrest Harrison Township, MI

Great Opportunity - Listed at $209,900 $200,000 subject to short sale approval

* 3 bedrooms

* 3 full baths

* 2266 square feet

* finished walk-out basement

2 Story Great Room with gas fireplace! Fabulous Kitchen with ceramic floor.

Oversized kitchen with dining area and doorwall to deck / balcony with fabulous view of your private backyard!

If you would like more information or to preview this fabulous home contact Mike Mitchell,REALTOR ®

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com/

Wordless Wednesday ~ Halloween

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:45:39 -0500

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com

Gain an Hours Sleep!

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:01:52 -0500

Doesn't that sound good! It's that time of the year again, time to fall back and set your clocks back 1 hour on Sunday, November 1st.

So after a long night of trick or treating, or other Halloween festivities you get to gain an hours sleep the next day when daylight savings time ends.

This is also a great time to change the batteries in all of your smoke detectors!

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com

photo credit Free Digital Photos

Awwwww, that's nice, but NO!!!

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:32:58 -0500

If you are thinking about putting your house on the market this is an excellent post to check out. Home staging can make a huge difference in getting your home sold for the most money and in the least amount of time. Thank you Jennifer Grant for allowing me to reblog this post.

Via Jennifer Grant (Low Country Home Staging & Interior Design):

Please take the magnets, pictures and drawings OFF the refrigerator!

As a Mom of 5, I totally understand all the love and special things that are proudly displayed on the refrigerator.

As a home stager, I cringe when people expect to show a property with ALL these things displayed to the potential home buyer. Remove all items from the exterior of the refrigerator. Rather than have a buyer remember all your lovely kids, dogs, great Aunt Sally and cousin Lou along with what sporting events your kids will be at the next month, let the refrigerator blend into the room as part of the space, not an island unto itself. DEPERSONALIZE! You want the potential home buyer to "imagine' themselves in the house and that can't be achieved with your wonderful pictures of the family plastered all the refrigerator. It can also be distracting....after all you want them looking at your gorgeous, clean kitchen, not the photos of your family!

Don't forget home buyers look EVERYWHERE! The refrigerator seems to be the location that attracts some of the ugliest of grime. Yet, it is one of the most important places to keep clean. Make sure you clean and organize your refrigerator disposing of any foul odor foods, wiping down all the ketchup stained bottles and a thorough cleaning, especially if you are including appliances in the sale of your home. Don't forget to wipe down the outside of the refrigerator before showing the home for sale. Your motto should be sparkle and shine!

Replacing appliances in the kitchen will be one of the biggest returns on investment. If the refrigerator is beyond help please suggest to your clients they replace it and any other kitchen appliance that is beyond repair or reconditioning. They should be able to easily recoup the cost or take it with them when the home sales.

Thanks for visiting my site! Please visit often for upcoming homestaging tips and creative ideas!

Jennifer Grant
843-457-2167
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Low Country Home Staging & Interior Design
Website:http://www.lowcountryhomestaging.com
Email:jennifer@lowcountryhomestaging.com

Let's Get it in Writing!

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:48:50 -0500

Have you ever heard:

My friend knows someone that wants to buy my house -
My neighbor has a family member that wants to buy my house -
buyers agent feedback: my client likes your listing and is going to make an offer -

PUT IT IN WRITING!

There's nothing wrong with hearing the above. In fact it's kind of good to hear isn't it? Wouldn't you rather hear positive things about your listing than negative? Sure who wouldn't. My point is I don't want you my seller, my client, getting too excited until I have a purchase agreement in front of me.

Verbal offers mean nothing in real estate. They are just that - verbal.

I've seen the above examples happen many times. Some even had me thinking we were getting an offer but until we have that p.a. in our hands, we do not have an offer. Believe me I want nothing more than to have an offer on your home. That's why you hired me, that's my job as your listing agent - to sell your home!

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com

Extending the First Time Home Buyers Credit for Military Families

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:56:13 -0500

This is a reblog from a post Cindy Jones wrote. I thought this was really great news and wanted to help spread the word. Thanks for the info and for the well written post Cindy!

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):

The US House of Representatives overwhelming voted to extend the first time home buyers credit for an additional 12 months to anyone in the military who has served overseas for three months in 2009. In a vote of 416 to zero the bill now has to go the US Senate and the President for final approval.

This extension could give up to 350,000 military families currently deployed overseas unitl November 2010 to take advantage of the current tax credit. In addition the IRS "recapture" rules will be waived for any service member who is deployed and must sell or rent their home.

Known as the Service Members Home Owners Tax Act this bill also contains the provision to waive the income tax liability currently in the expanded Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program.

The next step for this bill (HR 3590) is for the Senate Finance Committee to review the bill and hopefully move it to a vote in the full Senate.

This seems to be one time that the US Congress, Senate and President should be able to agree. Extending the tax credit for our military is the right thing to do no matter what your political beliefs.

The Clock is Ticking ~ Want the First Time Buyer Tax Credit? Hurry!

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:34:52 -0500

The clock is ticking - 52 days and counting for the first time buyer tax credit. It seems like there's been a surge in activity as many buyers are scrambling to get a home under contract this month.

It can still be done - make sure you have a good buyers agent and a good mortgage representative. Also make sure your Realtor and Mortgage officer are aware that you are trying to close in time for the tax credit. Good communication is going to be the key to success.

In order to claim the first time buyer tax credit, you must close on your home by November 30th, 2009. That means as of today, there is just 52 days left. If you were hoping to take advantage of this tax credit & I'm not trying to panic you, but if you do not have a home under contract right now, you realistically only have 2 - 3 weeks to find a home when you consider it takes 30 to 45 days to close from contract. There is no guarantee that it will close in time, so I would not recommend waiting until the very last minute. Also, Thanksgiving will come into play, where many title company's and lenders will be closed for possibly 2 days.

Do you qualify to receive this credit?

You must be a first time home buyer. First time buyer defined as not having owned a principal residence in the past 3 years
Home purchased must be used as your principal residence
Home must be purchased between Jan. 1, 2009 & Nov. 30, 2009
Max. income of $75,000 for single person & $150,000 for married couples
Must own home for 3 years after purchasing

What's the difference between last years first time buyers tax credit and this years? The 2009 tax credit has been raised by $500. from $7,500 to $8,000 and most importantly, the 2009 tax credit does not have to be paid back, as long as you own the home for 3 year after purchasing.

For more info read First time buyer tax credit FAQ's

If you'd like to start looking for homes and take advantage of this tax credit and buyers market in Macomb County sign up for a free Listingbook account and search the mls on your own personal website! Absolutely FREE!

For more info on the Macomb County Real Estate market, contact Mike Mitchell,REALTOR ®

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com/

Wordless Wednesday ~ What a View!

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:08:55 -0500

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com

What's Happening in the Shores? Real Estate Market Report ~ Sept. 2009

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:52:29 -0500

If you would like to know what your St. Clair Shores home is worth in today's market, give me a call to schedule an appointment for a free market analysis (cma). No pressure, no obligation

ST. CLAIR SHORES REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER - HOMES

There were 70 single family homes that closed in September. The listing inventory is down almost 15% from last month - see August Market Report. Don't forget, the clock is ticking for the first time buyer tax credit.

Saint Clair Shores Real Estate Market Report ~ July,2009

Saint Clair Shores Real Estate Market Report ~ June,2009

September Statistics

There were 70 home sales that closed in September
The average list price was $70,447
The highest list price was $229,000 & the lowest was $9,900
The average sale price of those 70 transactions was $67,221
The average current days on the market was 57
The average total days on the market was 189
Number of canal front homes closed 4
Number of lake front homes closed 0
Number of bank owned homes closed 37

Selling Price # of homes

under $50k - 25
$50k - $100k - 35
$100k - $150k - 5
$151k - $200k - 5
$200k - $300k - 0
$400k - $500k - 0
$500k - $600k - 0

ST. CLAIR SHORES MARKET REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER - CONDOMINIUMS

There were 7 condos that closed in September!
Average list price of those 7 condos was $71,600
The average sale price of those 7 closed condos was $64,112
Average current days on the market 115

The buyers market continues, which makes it a great time to purchase a home or condo in St. Clair Shores. As of October 5th, there are currently 367 single family homes for sale ranging in price from as low as $17,000 investor specials to lake front homes just over 1 million. Of those homes on the market 09% or 34 of them are bank owned. There are many homes to choose from, no matter what your price range, now is the time to take advantage of this market, prices will not remain this low forever.

For more info on the St. Clair Shores Real Estate market, contact Mike Mitchell,REALTOR ®

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com/

The Big Game ~ Michigan / Michigan State Rivalry

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:41:19 -0500

It's that time of year again!

Michigans big in state college football rivalry game is here. The Michigan / Michigan State game will be played in East Lansing this year.

Kick off is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. and it is televised on The Big Ten Network.

Michigan is off to a good start with a 4-0 record and ranked 22nd.
State is coming off of a 3 game losing streak with a 1-3 record.
The Spartans won last years matchup and will be looking to make it 2 years in a row.
The Wolverines have won 6 of the last 7 meetings.
This will be the 102nd match up between the 2 teams.

No matter who you're rooting for, this should be a great game, it is a huge tradition here among many. Whether you're tailgating and have tickets to the big game or watching it at home, enjoy the game and have fun!

Go Blue? Go Green, Go White? Who are you rooting for?

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com/

61 Days and Counting for The First Time Buyer Tax Credit

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:26:07 -0500

In order to claim the first time buyer tax credit, you must close on your home by November 30th, 2009. That means as of today, there is just 61 days left. If you were hoping to take advantage of this tax credit & I'm not trying to panic you, but if you do not have a home under contract right now, you realistically only have 2 - 3 weeks to find a home when you consider it takes 30 to 45 days to close from contract. Also, Thanksgiving will come into play, where many title company's and lenders will be closed for possibly 2 days.

Do you qualify to receive this credit?

You must be a first time home buyer. First time buyer defined as not having owned a principal residence in the past 3 years
Home purchased must be used as your principal residence
Home must be purchased between Jan. 1, 2009 & Nov. 30, 2009
Max. income of $75,000 for single person & $150,000 for married couples
Must own home for 3 years after purchasing

For more info read First time buyer tax credit FAQ's

For more info on the Macomb County Real Estate market, contact Mike Mitchell,REALTOR ®

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com/

Wordless Wednesday ~ Creepy Crawler

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:15:59 -0500

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com

Wordless Wednesday ~ Follow Me

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:16:57 -0500

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com

Friday Night Lights - St. Clair Shores Lakeview Football

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:22:10 -0500

Lakeview High Schools football team is off to a great start this season. With a new coaching staff, the Huskies are off to a 3 - 0 start for the season.

The Huskies next game is away, Friday 9/18 at Madison Heights Madison who also has a 3-0 record. Should be a great game in a match up of 2 unbeaten teams.

This game is also up for GAME of the Week on FOX 2. As of this morning the Lakeview / Madison game is in the lead for game of the week with aprox. 80% of the votes.

GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!!

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com

Wordless Wednesday ~ Ah Nuts!

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:30:30 -0500

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:49:52 -0500

College football starts Saturday! Which Big 10 team from MI do you root for? Here's the upcoming schedules for the fall 2009 season!

Michigan State Football University of Michigan Football

Date Opponent Date Opponent

9/5 vs Montana State 9/5 vs Western Michigan

9/19 @ Notre Dame 9/12 vs Notre Dame

9/26 @ Wisconsin 9/19 vs Eastern Michigan

10/3 vs Michigan 9/26 vs Indiana

10/10 @Illinois 10/3 @ Michigan State

10/17 vs Northwestern 10/10 @ Iowa

10/24 vs Iowa 10/24 vs Penn State

10/31 @ Minnesota 10/31 @ Illinois

11/07 vs Western Michigan 11/7 vs Purdue

11/14 @ Purdue 11/14 @ Wisconsin

11/21 vs Penn State 11/21 vs Ohio State

For information on the Macomb County, MI real estate market, contact Mike Mitchell,REALTOR ®

If you'd like to start looking for homes and take advantage of this buyers market in S.E. Michigan sign up for a free Listingbook account and search the mls on your own personal website! Absolutely FREE!

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com/

Saint Clair Shores Real Estate Market Activity ~ September 03, 2009

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:59:45 -0500

Here's a quick overview of the real estate market in Saint Clair Shores as of September 3rd, 2009. Listing inventory remains pretty much the same as it has throughout the year. August sales were up slightly from July.

I will post my regular detailed monthly market report for August soon.

Saint Clair Shores Real Estate Market Report ~ July,2009

Saint Clair Shores Real Estate Market Report ~ June,2009

For more info on the St. Clair Shores Real Estate market, contact Mike Mitchell,REALTOR ®

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com/

* Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Information taken from MiRealSource multiple listing service. Above sales were sold by agents and/or brokers. These statistics do not include for sale by owners. Selling prices did not include any sellers concessions. Rental properties were not included in stats.

Wordless Wednesday ~ An Afternoon at the Ball Park

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:07:54 -0500

Mike Mitchell - REALTOR ®
GMAC The Kee Group
Direct: (586)291-2652

http://www.mmhomesearch.com