Livingston County real estate update - 11/28/08 08:38 PM
Here is what is happening in the real estate in Livingston County.  As you can see the about the same number of Livingston County homes sold last Sept as this Sept but the median prices are much less.  Though you will notice that the number of Livingston condos sales has fallen dramatically.  The median Livingston County condo prices fell dramatically last year too.

For more on Livingston County real estate and Livingston County lake homes call me on my cell 313-310-9855 or email me at info@russRavary.com        
                              Comp and Listing Information Courtesy of Realcomp II Ltd
… (0 comments)

Highland Lakes, Northville MI - 11/28/08 08:19 PM
 
 Northville MI Subdivisions
Here is the latest Northville real estate updatefor Highland Lakes Subdivision Neighborhood of August 18, 2008There are 5 Northville homes currently for sale in the sub.  The average list price is $269,780 and on the average has been on the market for 132 days 3 homes have sold in the last year with an average price of $234,133 after being on the market an average of 75 days.
Whether you are relocating to Michigan or just moving to within Wayne County MI feel free to browse my other websites Wayne County real estate or Metro Detroit real estate
Comp and … (0 comments)

Michigan trivia, Michigan fun facts - 11/28/08 07:57 PM
Michigan facts
Things Michigan has THE MOST of:1. fresh water coastline2. variety of minerals3. number of state parks4. number of inland lakes-- 11,000
Michigan is fourth nationally in grape production and sixth in wine making. Michigan is a four-season tourist attraction. Tourism brings more than 25 million travelers to Michigan each year. Things MI grows more of than any state:
1. red tart cherries2. navy beans3. pickling cucumbers4. Christmas treesThe Cereal Bowl of America, Battle Creek, produces most cereal in the U.S. 
Michigan's four Great Lakes make up 3,000 miles of coastline making it the longest freshwater shoreline in the world.
… (2 comments)

Staging your Wayne County home - 11/28/08 07:24 PM
I use the word stage but many of you may be unfamiliar with the term.  To "stage" your home is to get your Wayne County home ready for sale.  To "set the stage".  To put on it's best "suit".  To show off the homes best characteristics and sometimes to cover or camouflage problems or unusual characteristics.
Now I don't mean to cover up electrical problems or water leakage.  What I mean if you have ugly yellow tile in the bathroom then you might want to accent something else in the bathroom.  Or color coordinate the whole bathroom.  Or you have outdated dark paneling … (1 comments)

Dear Oprah, - 11/28/08 06:54 PM
I know this might sound like a letter to Santa but we need you to act.  You cried when Barack got elected but it doesn't really matter who got elected.  Our elected officials can only do so much.  Our nation's economy depends on you Oprah!  Did you know that?
There is no way any bank bailout is going to save the nation.  All these pet programs like NAR's housing stimulus program or the union's save a job program is not going to jump start the the economy.  Sure it might help that sector or save a few jobs in real estate … (14 comments)

What I am Thankful for - 11/27/08 08:10 PM
Yes I am thankful for the many wonderful things I have
I can walk, talk, think, hear and see..... Thank you
I live in the United States where I have many comforts and benefits many people in other parts of the world do not have..... Thank you
I have the ability to work, to reason, and have common sense.  I can earn money to pay my and my families way......  Thank you
My family and I have had health problems ( Marianne has had 3 bouts with cancer, I have re -occurring bouts with kidney stones and acid reflux) .... but … (9 comments)

3 Metro Detroit cities make the top 100 safest cities in the US - 11/27/08 07:36 PM
Canton MI is the 24th safest community in the United States with Troy ranking 22nd.  Other Michigan communities in the top 50 include Farmington Hills, Ann Arbor, Livonia, and Sterling Heights, . An independent for-profit company has issued its 2007 safest communities list for the United States.  The company utilizes F.B.I. crime statistics to determine its rankings.
Over the years, Canton has been in the top 50 on numerous occasions.  Based on statistics reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Canton was the one of the nation's safest municipality with a population over 75,000 during 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006.   Creating and maintaining a … (1 comments)

Can the Lions set the record? - 11/27/08 01:48 PM
I am from the Detroit suburbs and pretty much lived here all my life.  But I don't have a football team.  Sure the Detroit Lions are metro Detroit's team but they have never given me anything to cheer about.
It is my believe that the Ford family is happy to have an "average" team so long as the team is profitable and making money for them.  The last great star we had was Barry.  The Lions is one of those teams that can have a lead all the way up to the fourth quarter and then lose the game.  The Detroit … (9 comments)

Plymouth MI real estate data and information - 11/27/08 12:55 PM
Most of the students that reside in Plymouth and Plymouth Township go to Plymouth Canton School System.
The median home price for Plymouth real estate in 2006 was $294,112. 
 There are homes in Plymouth MI that were built in the 1800's and there are new homes and new Plymouth subdivisions that were built as late as 2008.  So there is a wide range and variety of homes in Plymouth and Plymouth Township MI. 
                                                                   
 There are little 800 square foot bungalows all the way up to mega mansions worth over a million dollars.  
                     
 The Milleage rate for the City of … (2 comments)

Thanksgiving what it means - 11/27/08 07:17 AM
I spent time in the Military and being away from the family during the holidays is always a lonely time.  Instead of a real turkey being carved you usually got a slice of white turkey meat.  One thing I can say the military cooks were good.  I had quite a few good meals in the military.  Sure they were not gourmet but they were good.
I give thanks to all those men and women protecting us around the world far from there families and friends.  To them I raise a drumstick salute.  May you stay safe and return to your family.  … (4 comments)

Come on what is going on with this weather! - 11/24/08 08:25 PM
It has been a crazy month here in metro Detroit.  Last we had wind chill of one degree!!!!  I like snow and I want a white Christmas, but this wet snow and cold before Thanksgiving is getting me down.  It has never been this cold for so long in November.  Somehow I think this is going to be a very long, long winter. 
I am one of those people that get the mid winter blues about the end of February.  I usually need to get away to see the sun and get some warmth.  I probably need one of those lights … (9 comments)

Should you sell For Sale by Owner (FSBO) - 11/22/08 08:42 PM
 I am a Realtor but I am firm believer that if you want to try to sell by owner.... try it.  Everybody likes to save a buck.  In the past I believe that some For Sale by Owners were over priced and with the mortgage scandals they were able to get the house to over appraise.  Now with the banks tightening up the appraisal review process I think the days of For Sale By Owners to get a stretched appraisal will never happen again.
Many Metro Detroit area For Sale By Owners are living in the past.  They still want prices … (5 comments)

Who's right and who's wrong? - 11/22/08 08:21 PM
I have a friend who got laid off about 9 months ago.  He's a nice guy and his wife works at a bank.  So I recommended him to another friend that needed help.  Let's call the laid off guy "George".
From the stories I hear "George" has a different type of work ethic.  He won't work if it interferes with his golf day.  Calls it a day early when it is poker night.  Now "George" is only getting a few days of work on and off.  Yet he won't work if it is golf day.
Me I'm a workaholic.  I would … (7 comments)

Plymouth MI subdivisions - 11/22/08 08:10 PM
If you want to know more about a certain Plymouth MI neighborhood click on the Plymouth subdivison.  I have included both Plymouth subdivision and Plymouth Township subdivisions.  Some of the subdivision data included is:
number of homes styles of homes streets in the subdivision characteristics of the homes recent sold Plymouth homes current Plymouth homes for sale  age of homes  If you are relocating to Michigan this might help you get a feel of the neighborhood.
Downtown Plymouth HomesAndover Lakes SubdivisionBeacon Estates SubdivisionBeacon Meadows SubdivisionBirch Estates SubdivisionBrecken Ridge SubdivisionCambridge Green SubdivisionCambridge Village SubdivisionColony Farms SubdivisionCountry Acres of Plymouth SubdivisionDeer Creek SubdivisionFox … (0 comments)

Southeastern Michigan Foreclosure update - 11/22/08 08:00 PM
Wayne County Foreclosures, Oakland County Foreclosures.
Here is the latest update on how many properties are showing up as bank owned or government owned on theWestern Wayne County MLS that are currently for sale.
Plymouth MI  foreclosures  - 24
Northville MI  foreclosures - 13
Novi MI foreclosures -30
Farmington & Farmington Hills MI foreclosures -105
Livonia MI foreclosures -85
Canton MI foreclosures - 44
Detroit MI foreclosures -3550
 Can you believe the amount of foreclosures in Detroit.  I'll bet they have more foreclosures than the rest of the cities in Wayne County.  If you want to search Southeastern Michigan homes for sale go to my website Livonia … (0 comments)

Northville Township, MI demographics, city data - 11/22/08 07:39 PM
 Northville Township is located in Western Wayne County about 20 minutes from Downtown Detroit.  Plymouth Mi is on the southern border on Northville Township, Livonia is on the Eastern border, and Novi is to the North.
Most of the terrain in Northville Townshipis rolling hills with some flat areas.  Maybury State Park is located in Northville Township.  For detailed information on Northville and Northville Subdivisions visit my websites.
The city of Northville is located within the township.
Demographics for Northville Township, Wayne County, MI

 
 
… (0 comments)

Plymouth Mi local events - 11/21/08 08:54 PM
Here is what happening in Downtown Plymouth Michigan
 Friday November 21, 2008 ~~Kids Workshop at Creatopia Paint It Yourself Pottery Studio 7:00-9:00pm For ages 6yrs-12yrs holiday clay angel or wreath project with pizza and pop provided. $25 RSVP (734) 453-8797 ~~Live Music at Sean O'Callaghans Irish Pub - 9:30p.m. Ted Lamont will perform 821 Penniman Ave (734) 459-6666 ~~Penn Theatre Weekend Movie "Ghost Town" : 7:00pm and 9:00pm Friday & Saturday Tickets $3.00 (760 Penniman Ave 734-453-0870) Saturday November 22, 2008 ~~"Twas the Night Before Christmas" Exhibit at the Plymouth Historical Museum -1:00p.m.-4:00p.m. 155 S. Main Street Cost $5.00 adults, $2.00 … (0 comments)

What is Metro Detroit terrain like? - 11/21/08 08:40 PM
Do you come from a rolling hilly country like Pennsylvania, or do you come from a beach area like Myrtle Beach?  Or do like the woods or do you come from the fields of Iowa?  If you are relocating to Michigan from out of state do you want to feel at home.
Here is a run down of some of the local cities.  Most of southeastern Michigan is flat.   But there are some hilly areas.
Northville MI - rolling terrain.  Some wooded areas and some small lakes and ponds.  Near downtown Northville there are some areas that are secluded and almost like … (0 comments)

Am I making a difference in Metro Detroit real estate - 11/20/08 07:43 PM
I recently went over the 500 blog posts mark.  To me to it went by unnoticed until I saw somebody saying how many blog posts they had.
Then I thought it is not about quantity but also about the quality.  So I thought to myself "Is my blogging helping clients and prospective buyers and sellers?"  I have done neighbor hood updates on many different subdivisions.  I have taken pictures of different areas.  I have done buyers tips and sellers tips on many different blogs. 
I'm not a great writer.  I'm not a English major.  But I am just a Wayne County … (2 comments)

Northville taxes and Northville milleage rate - 11/16/08 07:26 PM
You should be getting ready to fight your Northville property taxes or Novi property taxes.  Home values in Northville and Novi have fallen dramatically.  Looking at many recent Novi and Northville sold homeprices (comparables) I think some Novi subdivisions like Chase Farms are now selling close to what many homeowners have in them.  (Original purchase price + landscaping costs + interior costs like finishing basements). 
It is hard to imagine that you could buy a home over 12 years ago and now the Northville home is back to the price you paid for it.  It is happening in Novi and Cantontoo.  NORTHVILLE … (2 comments)

Northville Michigan subdivisions - 11/14/08 08:39 PM
If you are moving to Western Wayne County Northville Michigan is a great city and township to move to.  Northville is an upscale community that is only 20 minutes from downtown Detroit.Whether you are buying a Northville home or selling a Northville home these pageg will help you.  Below are Northville subdivisions that have been built after 1985.  I have included what Northville homes have sold for as of certain dates. Also included are Northville homes for sale.  I will try to give you approximate age of homes, style  of homes, how many homes in subdivision, common areas, nearby schools district, how many … (1 comments)

Paying off your mortgage early - 11/13/08 10:07 PM
Have you ever been approached my your mortgage company or another company to join a bi-monthly payment program?
They usually want to charge you a $250-$500 setup fee.  Then they want you to send in half of your payment ever two weeks.  So lets figure this out.  Let's say your mortgage payment is $2000 a month.    So normally you would send in a total of $24,000 a year. 
But this new bi-monthly company wants you to send in a $1000 every two weeks.  They hold the first $1000 until you send in the the second $1000.  Then they send in your mortgage … (7 comments)

Can you afford this? - 11/12/08 09:27 PM
One of the questions I always like my clients to ask themselves is can you really afford this.  In this market we are seeing thousands of Michigan foreclosures.  People that took chances, people that did questionable mortgages.  Most of these home buyers never could have predicted the events that caused some of these foreclosures. Some lost jobs, got divorced and could sell their Michigan home.
But there was a percentage of Metro Detroit home buyers that never thought beyond buying that new home.  Some buyers stretched themselves into the home.
That is what I don't want you to do.  I don't … (3 comments)

About me - 11/11/08 08:38 PM
Have you written about yourself lately. Sure we write about our experiences.  Sure we write about what we do.  But once in a while we need to give a little back ground about ourselves.  For example I don't know if a veteran means that you were in a combat zone or that you were just in the military.
Before I become a Plymouth MI Realtor I spent four years in the Army.  I started out at Ft. Benning Georgia as a "grunt"  I went through jump school there too.  But when I went to Ft. Bragg North Carolina they were looking for … (2 comments)

Can you believe this? - 11/10/08 08:49 PM
MSN did an article today about homeowners being in denial about what their house is worth.  Here is the link to the article. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27648884
As all of us real estate professionals know that is the toughest part of the job right.  There is a big disparity between what the market value of a home and what most homeowners think their home is worth.  I go through it weekly with clients and prospective clients.
It sometimes takes a lot of talking, a lot of recent sold homes that we can show the client.  The bigger the stack of homes that have sold in … (7 comments)

Mortgage Closing costs an explanation - 11/09/08 08:32 PM
On your mortgage closing statement you may see a processing fee or mortgage underwriting fee.  A underwriting fee is the fee the lender charges for underwriting and getting your money.  Whether you go to a mortgage broker, a bank, a lender you will usually see the underwriting fee on the HUD settlement statement.
A mortgage broker, and some other companies will usually have mortgage processing fee in addition to the underwriting fee.  This processing fee pays for the overhead and processing costs.
But just because a mortgage broker has a mortgage processing fee in addition to the underwriting fee doesn't mean that … (3 comments)

Novi Home sales - 11/08/08 05:01 AM
Here is the latest Novi real estate update for homes in the $300,000 to $500,000 range that have sold in the last six months.

 As you can see there have not been a lot of homes that have sold in the last six months in the City of Novi.  The Average time on the market for Novi Homes for sale has been 144 days with some in the higher price range being on the market for 438 days.
 Comp and Listing Information Courtesy of Realcomp II Ltd, Properties shown have been listed and sold by various MLS member REALTOR® agents,
… (1 comments)

Andover Lakes Subdivision real estate update Plymouth MI - 11/07/08 08:53 PM
Plymouth Real Estate and Plymouth SubdivisionsAndover Lakes Subdivision
 
For more on Plymouth Real estate or Plymouth Michigan information and Plymouth Michigan data go to my websites or email me at info@RussRavary.com
 Comp and Listing Information Courtesy of Realcomp II Ltd, Properties shown have been listed and sold by various MLS member REALTOR® agents,
 
… (0 comments)

Canton Township Michigan events - 11/07/08 08:43 PM
Here is the latest Canton Mi Events

For more on Canton Real estate or City of Canton info and data go to my websites or give me a call on my cell at (313) 310-9855
… (1 comments)

Livonia Hazardous Waste Day - 11/07/08 08:35 PM
LIVONIA MICHIGAN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE/ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION
Wayne County will be conducting a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day on Saturday, November 8th from 8:00am to 2:00pm at the Westland DPW Yard.  (37137 Marquette - East of Newburgh Rd, 1/2 mile south of Ford Rd).The November 8th drop-off event is your final opportunity in 2008 to rid your garage, basement and shed of unwanted and potentially hazardous waste; including paints, stains, dyes, lawn & garden chemicals, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, etc.  Electronic waste will also be collected including computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, cell phones, fax machines, copiers, televisions, etc.This event is open only to the residents … (0 comments)

Wayne County Michigan real estate statistics - 11/07/08 07:57 PM
Wayne County Michigan real estate

As you can see the number of Wayne County Homes sold in September 07 and September 08 were relatively the same.  Though August real estate home sales were half of what they were last year.  The median sales price fell from last year years median homes sales prices.
More Wayne condos are selling this year as compared to last year.  Again the median Wayne Condo  sales prices has fallen from last year.
To search Wayne County Michigan or Oakland County Michigan homes for sale go to my websites.  You can search at your convenience whenever you … (2 comments)

Michigan property taxes - homesteaded taxes - 11/07/08 07:45 PM
In Michigan we have Homesteaded and non-homesteaded taxes.  Basically "homesteaded" means that you live in the property as your primary residence.  When you get the homestead exemption on your property you will get a reduction in your taxes.  When you look at Michigan mileage rates you will see homestead and non-homestead millage rates.  There is about a 30% reduction in your taxes when you claim the homestead exemption.
You can only have one homesteaded property.  You can not have a primary residence in another state and claim homestead status in Michigan.  You can not have your wife claim one homesteaded property and … (0 comments)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about short sales - 11/06/08 08:48 PM
What is a short sale?  A short sale is where the seller owes more on the house than the house can sell for.  So the selling list price is less than the mortgage amount owed.  The bank has to approve the sale and the purchase agreement because they will be losing money on the mortgage loan.
How long does a short sale take?  A short sale can take from 2 weeks to 6 months.  Banks are understaffed to take care of short sales.  They may not even look at the purchase agreement for a month in some cases.  You have to have … (9 comments)

Another beautiful day in Metro Detroit - 11/05/08 09:28 PM
It was 70 today in Metro Detroit.  The phones have slowed like normal after the spring and summer real estate season.  Homes sales slow in September, October, and November in Metro Detroit.  Homes are still selling but just at lower prices.  If you plan on selling your home in the winter months get it ready to sell.
Does your Plymouth home have curb appeal?
Do your rooms appear spacious?
Does your Novi home need cleaning?
Do you have too many knic-knacs out?
Does your Metro Detroit home appear cluttered?
Does your Farmington Hills home have wild colors or a unusual decorating … (2 comments)

Do you really think you can sell your Michigan home? - 11/04/08 08:03 PM
For the same price you bought it at a year ago?  I don't think so.  Metro Detroit home values have fallen over the last year.  I talked to a young lady that was moving to Chicago with her husband.  They had bought their Plymouth home a year ago for $425,000.  They now have it listed for $430,000 and hoping to get a $425,000 offer.
I myself think they are out of their mind.  I wonder if their listing agent told them so.  It is very unlikely that any home buyer would only offer less than 2% below list price.  In the Metro … (3 comments)

Are you prepared to buy a Michigan home? - 11/03/08 08:45 PM
So you are ready to buy a Metro Detroit home, but have you thought beyond buying that dream home.  If you are stretching to get into that Northville home or that Farmington Hills home, can you afford to keep it up?
I have seen a lot of homes for sale lately with my buyers that were in major disrepair.  These were not all Metro Detroit foreclosures.  Many were private owners not bank owner and they needed lots of comestic work.  I have seen Northville homesthat need lots of wood replaced because the Northville home had not been painted or caulked for … (0 comments)

 
Russ-ravary-transparent-3 Ambassador_large

Russ Ravary - Metro Detroit homes - Michigan Real estate & Mortgage info

Novi, MI

More about me…

Keller Williams Commerce

Address: 2900 Union Lake Rd Suite 210, Commerce Township, MI, 48382

Office Phone: (248) 406-2976

Cell Phone: (313) 310-9855

Email Me

Michigan and Metro Detroit area real estate. Local, up to date by a Michigan real estate specialist. Novi Real estate, Livonia real estate, Northville real estate, Wayne county real estate, Oakland County real estate, Livingston county real estate. Buyers and sellers tips


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find MI real estate agents and Novi real estate on ActiveRain.