April 29, 2007 Photos of Wolverine Lake (Michigan, Oakland County, Commerce Township) - 04/29/07 03:41 PM
Here are photos from various spots around Wolverine Lake
Wolverine Lake Village Posts monthly information on their sign located at the corner of Glengary and South Commerce Rd. The Village Website is:
http://www.wolverinelake.com
Oakland County is in the process of removing all septic tanks from lakefront homes and installing sewers. Wolverine Lake Village is also installing municipal water from the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.  Sewer ejector pump pit. Green portion only sites above ground.
 
 Traveling west on Glengary Rd from South Commerce Rd you will come to the Village Offices 425 Glengary Rd. Boaters can take the road next to the Village … (0 comments)

Wolverine Lake Fishing Areas - 04/27/07 10:07 PM
 
Wednesday some friends and I fished Wolverine Lake (too) early in the morning. While conditions were not ideal, we did boat one walleye on minnow tipped jigs. They dropped me off at 9:00 am, and caught their limit of fish before the morning was done. Not to give away any secret fishing spots, the best walleye fishing is usually on the drop offs to each of the submerged lakes. Northern pike, bass, crappie, and blue gill are also plentiful in the lake.
Wolverine Lake was at one time a string of six lakes; Spring, Mayie, Pork Barrel, Bickling, Taylor, and Bradley. Around 1920, … (0 comments)

Ten Trees for $10.00...? - 04/26/07 08:35 PM
Once Upon a Time...  northern Michigan was covered with virgin White Pine forests. With the expansion of our country westward, thousands of men clear-cut these forests and sent the trees to sawmills near the Great Lakes. One of those mills was located near Brimley, west of Sault Ste. Marie. The north east waters of Wiaska Bay are still partially covered with thousands of pieces of scrap lumber and bark. This is still clearly visible lying on the bottom a hundred years later.  Local Casinos now bring money and tourists to the area and a historical museum is in the works.
When I … (15 comments)

Take Back the Weather - 04/23/07 09:52 AM
 
I was sitting this morning in my favorite hangout (don't tell my wife), the Union Lake Big Boy at 7726 Cooley Lake Rd, when I noticed that most of the bulbs had been converted to Compact Flourescent Bulbs. I would like to acknowledge this effort to help the environment. Oh, and the service is terrific!
While I was, "relaxing" looking through my free paper, I noted the lack of environmental topics in all area papers. There was one exception. Michael H. Hodges of the Detroit News wrote the only climate related story in today's paper. Kudos, Michael.  His story was about Margaret Hetherman who out … (5 comments)

“…Tell Me, Are We Alive, or Just a Dying Planet?...” - 04/22/07 10:26 AM

These lyrics have been stuck in my head over a week! They're from the song "Love is the Answer". While these words, don't necessarily have anything to do with Earth Day, something in my gut just won't let it go. It's the kinesthetic part of my being. For you non- kinesthetics', "my spider sense is tingling".
No, I'm not a super hero, just a human. A mere mortal, who's color isn't even true green. And, like Bob in the movie What About Bob?  I am taking baby steps towards my goal.
Today, as part of my celebration to Earth Day, I … (12 comments)

Earth Day Coupons, Games, Offers, and Family Activities - 04/21/07 11:52 PM
When I heard that The Home Depot was giving away one million Compact Florescent Bulbs for Earth Day, I immediately went online to email all my Michigan friends and customers. There are several locations in Michigan. The two closest are in Commerce Township and White Lake Township.
Because many people do not receive photos and links in their emails, all information will be posted online. Please  check here for lots of information from these Companies. Keep checking back, additional links will be added.
The following companies offer some type of Earth Day discount, activity, or suggestion.
Home Depot eco-options
Lowes  environmental
Earth911.org complete survey for coupon
Starbucks planet green … (26 comments)

Kids!...Roofus Saves the Day??? - 04/21/07 01:25 PM
 
The other day Jeff Turner wrote a spectacular learning article entitled What Rufus Xavier Sarsparilla Can Teach Us About SEO and YEO teaching the importance of utilizing nouns instead of pro-nouns.
The name Rufus stuck in my mind. During my search for Earth Day information for kids, I found that the US Department of Energy also created a Roofus character (pun intended for name) to teach kids the importance of current and future energy conservation in the neighborhood.
In Roofus' Solar & Efficient Home there are "facts" about solar energy and an energy efficient home geared towards children. Take a few minutes to … (2 comments)

EEK! Michigan Schools Get an Alternative Energy Plan - 04/21/07 09:49 AM
 
From some of the skeptical comments found on blog comments in the Eco-All Stars Group, it's clear that not everyone is concerned about alternative energy, global warming, and other environmental conditions. This is America, and everyone has the right to their own opinions. In fact, in trying to keep my commitment to 12 articles for Earth Day, I've found some very slanted points of view from each side of the argument.
My concerns were partially alleviated when I found out about the following projects Michigan students were participating in. This is only a partial list. If you know of other projects … (1 comments)

How "Green” is Your Funeral? - 04/18/07 10:58 AM
 
Back in the "Ma and Pa Kettle" days, most rural funerals were done on the family farm. There may or may not have been a casket. But, if there was it was made of wood.  Since that time, the trend in funerals has been for the remains to either be cremated or embalmed and buried.  Both choices potentially pollute the earth.
I grew up with the first Earth Day.  My generation frequently wrote their own wedding vows, practiced sustainable agriculture, and composting. It is only fitting that my generation choose to return to the earth and a non-polluting after-life.
According to information I was … (21 comments)

Help!...Do You Give Eco-Friendly Closing Gifts? - 04/17/07 12:32 PM
 
Help! I have some eco-friendly buyers and need some suggestions for eco-friendly closing gifts. Here are some ideas that I've come up with, but I'd like some additional ideas.
Hemp (or similar material) Welcome MatPack(s) of CFL bulbsRecycled art Purchase Carbon Reduction CreditsAngies List - The Green Edition I would like to thank janeAnne for these two blogs with additional ideas. The Challenge of Unique Closing Gifts and a closing gift that keeps on giving: green as green can be, you see (part 4) green remedies
 If you have a source for "green" or "eco-friendly" closing gifts please place your idea or a … (41 comments)

Select Michigan Products - 04/14/07 10:41 PM

Back in the 70's and 80's, my wife and I lived an organic lifestyle. We subscribed to Mother Earth News and practiced organic gardening and living methods from the magazine. I would double dig our small garden, and we spent hours working together. We dried our own food, made organic baby foods, canned, picked rose hips for tea, and made our own jams and preserves. In the late 80's we stopped receiving the magazine when they switched to a new glossy print version. Now that information is available on the Internet, I've come back to the magazine. The organic lifestyle is not … (6 comments)

"One Small Step for Man...?" - 04/13/07 03:21 PM
 
Saturday, April 14, 2007 is the first National Day of Climate Action. At least 1300 events are scheduled in all 50 states. According to the StepItup2007.org website ; "Despite the varied backgrounds of the participants and the uniqueness of each event, they are united in delivering a critical message: For Congress to put America on a course to cut carbon emissions 80% by 2050."
The Step It Up website smartly utilizes Viral Marketing to send it's message among supporters. Step It Up also does not make any specific recommendations, but they do have a substantial list of environmentally conscious websites to visit.
How … (3 comments)

“Energizing Michigan’s Economy” - 04/12/07 07:54 AM

This year the "Mighty Mac" celebrates its 50th year of service connecting Michigan's Peninsulas. Driving south across the Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Bridge from St Ignace, I always cringe at the site of two large wind turbines ruining the view. I have nothing else against wind power, just don't ruin scenic views.
Michigan is blessed with numerous areas of excellent to superb wind corridors. (see photo) Most of these areas are also located near scenic view points and natural areas.
Plans are currently underway for two large wind farms in Michigan. One is proposed for the tip of the "Thumb" area and a … (2 comments)

Homes Currently For Sale in White Lake Township - 04/11/07 03:13 PM
As a resident of White Lake Twp, I thought you'd be interested in the homes currently for sale through all real estate companies. Real Estate One, my broker, is the largest full service real estate broker in Michigan. Homes are provided by Realcomp II, LTD Internet Data Exchange (IDX)
White Lake Homes Click on featured listings
Search most of Michigan (over 70,000 homes, vacant land, small businesses)
Search by Map  (over 70,000 homes, vacant land, small businesses) Homes also appear below map when you decrease search size to less than 150 homes.
Need more information? I can provide information on most homes in S.E. Michigan. … (0 comments)

"One Billion Bulbs" - 04/11/07 01:43 PM
 
Most advocates of a "Green America" suggest switching from the present incandescent light bulb to either of these two technologies.
Compact Florescent Light (CFL)Pro: uses 70 percent less electricityCon: contains mercuryLight Emitting Diode (LED)Pro: uses 90 percent less electricityCon: extremely expensive cutting-edge technologySymmetric Technologies wants to change one billion bulbs. On their website OneBillionBulbs.com you can report your personal steps to decrease carbon emmisions Michigan is only at 65 percent of the companies goal towards reducing emissions. Please do your part to reduce your carbon emissions and work towards a "Greener Michigan".
Compact Florescent Light (CFL) bulbs are rated by the governement. Here … (10 comments)

Michigan Open Houses - 04/11/07 11:16 AM
Updated April 25, 2008 This site includes the majority of homes available in The Big Open House for April 27th. 
Looking for a Michigan home. Open Houses are one way to go. Please follow these safety tips BEFORE visiting any Open House.
The agent working the Open House is always required to represent the Home Seller.Any information you give must be given to the Home SellerAny information you give, can lead to a Procuring Cause issue, preventing you from having any other agent from representing YOU! in the purchase of an Open House home.Your Buyers Agent is NEVER too busy to show you any home. If they … (5 comments)

“100 MPG X-PRIZE” - 04/10/07 10:37 AM
 
E-85 Ethanol, hydrogen fuel cells, wind, water, and solar power these all have a role to play in the greening of America. But, most of the technology is either not cost efficient or cannot be produced on a large enough scale to wean us from oil.
But, Americans rise to the occasion if there's enough money or prestige involved. Enter the X-Prize Foundation, who's motto is "Radical Breakthroughs for the Benefit of Humanity". This foundation is doing it's part to green our planet and rid us of our dependency on foreign oil.
According to their website; "People love their cars. They are … (3 comments)

March Detroit Area Results: Bank of America Monthly Real Estate Agent Survey - 04/10/07 08:42 AM
The following information was received this morning from the latest Bank of America Survey (April 5, 2007) of Real Estate agents in the Detroit Area. It is important to note that appraisals of new homes in the Detroit area continue to tighten up due to the increased number of foreclosures. This will also affect your homes value.
Detroit, MI (7,355 single-family permits in 2006, 36th largest market in the country)
Traffic remains well below agents' expectations. Our traffic index improved slightly
to 25.0 in March from 18.8 in February, but remains far short of a neutral reading of
50. 65% of agents said traffic was below … (0 comments)

"No Impact Man" - 04/09/07 04:03 PM
12 Steps to Reducing Your Carbon Imprint. Lets start with a couple already trying to decrease their Carbon Imprint. 
I was patting myself on the back for purchasing 20 CFL bulbs last October from the White Lake Township Home Depot. Then today, I hear about Colin Beavan aka "No Impact Man"
Imagine trying to go green in a ninth floor Manhattan apartment. Colin Beavan, Michelle Conlin, and their daughter Isabella are 4 months into a year long experiment. They are trying to live with the least carbon impact on the environment. Colin was on Talk of the Nation today on Michigan Radio, … (7 comments)

Fair Housing and Internet Consumers - 04/07/07 02:11 PM
 
As an Internet Professional Realtor® (e-PRO), I know that the Internet has leveled the playing field and improved the ability for the consumer to find an affordable home in an area they want to live. Why? Because I never get to meet the majority of my customers until they are ready to commit to seeing or selling a home. By that time, we've generally communicated several times.
Most Internet consumers are only willing to give initials, or the occasional "Donald or Daffy" Duck. I've got a "Satisfied Homeowner", a "W Westbay", "Jdfljisdlfj Dljfklasd" and countless more fictitious names. This makes it … (0 comments)

What Are Your Plans for Earth Day? - 04/04/07 04:17 PM
 
As a real estate professional, I would like to give something back to my community for Earth Day (April 22, 2007). From the corporate world, I learned that "None of us is as smart as ALL of us" and therefore am requesting your thoughts, suggestions, and help.
I would like to have one or two sites with lots of information by lots of people and AR seems to be just the place. So far, I've only found one environmental group, the Eco-Allstars. My information will be posted to that group and I will be directing my prospects to that site for … (6 comments)

Michigan’s “Hidden” Treasures - 04/03/07 09:52 PM
 
Carefully I pick my way through the woods near my home. It's a little early in the year, but one forum indicated some are already being found in southwestern Michigan. Of course, you can't always trust an anonymous source on the web. They said they found some on March 28th.
Step by step, searching the ground I see nothing but brown leaves, brown leaves, and more brown leaves. I can remember doing this since I was just a little kid. The whole family would be out in the woods, right around Easter, looking under trees and near swampy ground. There!  Poking out … (0 comments)

Does Michigan Owe You Money? - 04/02/07 04:04 PM
 
Wow!... did you know Michigan could be holding your lost money? They were holding $250.00 of mine, and I found my son's name from an old employer. The State of Michigan Department of Treasury's unclaimed money division holds money from these sources:
Common types of unclaimed property include:
Bank accounts and safe deposit box contents Stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and dividends Uncashed checks and wages Insurance policies, CD's, trust funds Utility deposits, escrow accounts   Unclaimed property does not include real estate property
Use this link Michigan Treasury Department to go to the site, enter your name and look down the list. Found a … (1 comments)

Recent Homes Sales for Commerce Township - 04/02/07 03:38 PM
 
As of 4:00 pm, April 2, 2007, 29 homes sold in Commerce Township. This are includes the Cities of Commerce, Walled Lake, and Wolverine Lake Village. Homes averaged 118 days on market (DOM). Realcomp II, LTD plans a system upgrade that will track the total time a home is on the market with ALL Realtors starting in May. Currently, Days on Market is only with the last real estate agent.
 
Based on information from the Realcomp II Ltd. MLS for the period January 1, 2007 through April 2, 2007. Properties are listed and sold from all brokers. (Edited 4/4/2007  approx 8:30 pm)
Near the end of April, information … (0 comments)

Common Sense and Your Home's Value. - 04/01/07 04:27 PM
 
According to Suzette Hackney in today's Detroit Free Press, "Metro Detroiters experienced a significant drop in the market value of their homes last year, another sign that the real estate market is unable to help bouy the struggling economy in southeast Michigan." Her article includes an excellent graphic, created by John W. Fleming, containing the median sale price and number of homes sold in 2005 and 2006.
The Michigan Association of Realtors website provides monthly statistics on homes sold by each Realtor® Board. Year end residential sales statistics indicated there were 118,407 home sales through Realtors® in 2006. This was a 13.62 … (0 comments)

Oakland County Road Construction Updated 4/17/07 - 04/01/07 01:50 PM
 
Last year there was a daily 20 minute wait on Cooley Lake Rd during construction season. Realtors® and customers allow me to help you safely navigate this year. According to the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), several Lakes Area construction projects planned for this summer.
1. Benstein Road intersection of Oakley Park. RCOC has planned for widening of the intersection and bridge. This is expected to take all summer. Alternate routes not yet posted.
2. Paving and Improvements to Williams Lake Rd from Cooley Lake to Elizabeth Lake scheduled April  through October.
3. Paving of Oxbow Lake Rd  Paving and installation of two … (3 comments)

 
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Gary Smith

Commerce Township, MI

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