I met with Shelley my wife today...and I shared with her we have just noticed a slow down in the market again over the last two weeks.
1.  Weather....has not helped.
2.  Or has the news.
3.  Lending...

For an updated stats...I thought these were interesting.  Overall sales of homes on the GRAR board this year of 2009.

Jan  836  units sold.
Feb  904  "   "
Mar  1126  "    "
April 1185   "   "
May  1066   "    "

The short sale/repo percentage of homes sold on the market.

Jan  69 %     In 2008 it was only 14%.  Yes the market has changed.
Feb  68.5%
Mar  65%
April 60.5%
May  53.75%     Slight change in the right direction.

Showing homes to buyers.....meeting with potential sellers....working with current listing clients...

It really is amazing how much we are in the business of helping people.  Ex.  For buyers, the more and more we are in the business, helping others look for the first time home, investors buying and scooping up great values, to buyers looking for the dream home on the lake or in town is a great thing.

When selling, working with current listings and possible sellers to help give them ideas on what it takes to move, determine the right action steps to take next.  Or sharing with sellers that are not financially in a good position to sell options...Just yesterday one of our clients said they never heard of the options from other agents.  Maybe financially they cant move...but lets talk options.
The more and more we are in the business, i am really amazed and love to help others when we can in our business.

One of the joys...of looking at many homes is there are always some cool things and ideas you run into when showing homes to buyers.

Well, this one took me by surprise.  I had to take a picture.

The Grill was directly out the window.  No need to deal with the Michigan weather when you can open the window and check the steaks and burgers..

This has to rate as one of the best I have seen!!  They even built the roof to allow for the grill!!!

Here is a story....

At the closing the other day my clients were sitting at the table selling/closing on their home. 

In the other room were the buyers...with cameras...gifts and celebration.  There was a party in there.  Hooting and cheering it up.  What a big contrast in the market.

One room...Big Party with getting their home of there dreams at a good price.
One room...Happy its sold...but no big party.

I thought...how true this is in our market today.  Its tough selling...but the buying side is a PARTY!

Its the best time for investments...and move up buyers.

Call us today.  Steve and Shelley.  662-9664.

Today...there were more coyotes....right between my home and my neighbors.  I have seen more coyotes than deer this winter.  I have never seen one before in 30 years of hunting until this year I have seen 5 different ones in my backyard.  Crazy!!!  Lock the doors...  :-)

The first photo...close up from back door...and the other one farther out when they were heading to the woods.

This chart says it all.  This graph shows the stats...and the market trends of homes that are selling.  The graph shows last month 70% of all home sales were short sales or foreclosures.  This is troubling for normal sellers like you and me.  If you want to move your home...pay attention to this graph...WOW...it is staggering from just 2 years ago in 2007.

As each day goes forward and we talk to more and more people....when we share that my wife are in the real estate business you should see their reaction.  Usually the eyebrows go up...and their comment says...oh my.  NOT GOOD THEY SAY.. Then we get a chance to respond.  Actually what we share is that the 2008 was a challenging year...but believe it or not it was our best year.  Then you see their reaction.  We are thankful for the year and look forward to this year.  Give us a call if you have any questions with your home or if you are thinking of buying.  Steve Frody

Here we go!!! What is going to happen in 2009??

Store closings...More layoffs....All we hear is negative.

Kinda reminds me of the year 2000...remember Y2K?  There was so much concern and unknowns it was driving everyone crazy.   Now in 2008 it is bringing alot of uncertain times.  There are alot of positives out there as well.  Yes it is going to be challenging for all in our community.  It will be a year to remember for sure.  We are just finishing a greatest year in real estate. Last year was our best...now we finished this year better than last year.  We are thankful!!  Thanks goes to you for your referrals.

We look at the year and think wow....what a blessing it has been. Lets keep going!  See you in 2009.

We were sure surprised this morning in our back yard.  Mr Wylie Coyote appeared.  He came from across the lake and walked right behind the neighbors.  This picture was when he was taking off getting out of here.  He eventually ended up going right back were he came from.  You never know what happens on the lake.

Christmas is Here.  Family coming over in a few minutes.

I had a neat experience I will never forget.  I was able to get tickets for the Bears/Packers game couple days ago on Monday night Football.  Its been a long time since I have been to a professional game.

Game time...was only 3 degrees.  Great Seats on the 45 yard line.  4 rows up.  Bears 20-17 in OT.