Great FSBO in Utica - 07/31/07 11:32 AM
GREAT HOUSE right outside of DOWNTOWN UTICA, Mi.
>> $188,500 for a Bungelow with...>> - 4 Bedrooms all with walk in closets!>> - 2 Full Baths!>> - Finished Basement>> - 2.5 Car Garage>> - Fully Fenced in Yard>> - Laundry Room>> - Mud Room>> - NEW NEW NEW Kitchen>> - Original Hardwood Floors>> - NEW Furnance, Central Air, & Hot Water>> - Enclosed front porch and great back patio!>> - All Updates Throughout!!!>>>> Moving to Arizona - This is a MUST SEE HOME!>>>> Let me know if you or anyone you know may be interested!>>>> Thanks, Keith StonehouseVice President Franklin Title … (0 comments)
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Auburn Hills CONDO - 07/29/07 11:02 AM
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MICHIGAN Open Houses - 07/29/07 10:25 AM
Lately, I am starting to see open houses during the week - and no, not a realtor open house.
I visited a condo down the street from mine that had an open house through Real Estate One in Downtown Auburn Hills and talked with the Realtor... she said is was because of the traffic in the area is busier during the week vs the traditional Sunday.
Have you seen these weekday open houses AND if so, do they work?
… (2 comments)
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The 3 Bullet Points - 07/28/07 10:09 PM
What are the 3 Bullet Points of what you as a Realtor and or Loan Officer look for in a Title Company!
AFTER you put together your 3 bullet points - Go to my profile and see if the title company you are using right now is offering what Franklin Title Agency offers.
Thank You - Keith Stonehouse
… (3 comments)
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The Power of a Profile - 07/28/07 10:05 PM
I have put some time and effort into my profile...wondering if you think it even matters - If anyone really even checks out profiles here in Active Rain?
Do you think it is more important to focus on Localism or just in general?
I am obviously focused on grabbing the attention of Michigan Realtors and Loan Officers and wondering, judging by my profile if you think I am doing a good job in doing so... if not, please provide me with the tips and advice to do so from a title company.
THANK YOU so much for your feedback - Keith Stonehouse … (7 comments)
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JULY JULY JULY - 07/27/07 06:42 PM
Is it me... or is July every year DEAD!
I am noticing more and more every year that my numbers drop in July! HUGE before and steady after... but DEAD IN JULY! Is it the fact that everyone is on vacation? Relaxing? Recharging? ... not too sure! But it does give me a good chance to get caught up on all the little tasks I need to and catch up with all the contacts I need to as well!
Let me know if this is the same for everyone across the board! Thanks!
- Keith Stonehouse
… (5 comments)
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Open Houses Out of the Box! - 07/27/07 06:39 PM
OK... So, I have been to a lot of open houses on Sundays from all ends - the buyer, the looker, and the nosey lol
I have been to Realtor open houses as well during the week.
My clients usually let me know so I can help get the word out for them and get some traffic to their properties.
I am wondering from all of you - what out of the box ideas do you have that differ from the norm when it comes to a traditional open house? I want to provide this to my clients here in the Metro Detroit area! … (2 comments)
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FSBO turnaways - 07/27/07 06:33 PM
So, I know someone who is selling their house for a steal FSBO!
Offering a ton for well under market value... and I have the title work on this deal.
To help the sellers, I emailed it to my entire database and then to all the realtors email address' I know of.
When I checked my email later in the day - One of the realtors replied to me with - Please take me off of your email list. Now, please explain to me when I ONLY send listings to that database including this realtor why he would turn that away? If … (7 comments)
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Falsified Bank Statements - 07/26/07 09:38 PM
I had a closing set for tomorrow, Friday (last Friday of the month) for one of my best Realtors!
It was a great deal and great pay day on top of that for all involved. With July's numbers down - this closing was a nice way to end the month ...well, so we thought.
I got a call from my processor earlier today letting me know that the deal was not going to close tomorrow and was canceled! Of course I asked why and she told me that the buyers had falsified their bank statements, needless to say leading on that they … (12 comments)
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Your Active Rain Profile - 07/26/07 09:17 PM
How much time and thought have you put into your Active Rain Profile? Do you think it is really important how great your profile looks or more what is easier to see right when it comes up?
I definately put some time and thought into mine to be not only eye catching, but atleast interesting enough to want to scroll down and see what else there is. (Atleast I think so lol)
Let me know what you think (from a title company) is important in a profile and what catches your eye and what is going to keep you there?
Check out … (2 comments)
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NETWORKING - 07/26/07 09:12 PM
OK, I do a lot of business networking amongst other business professionals in the Metro Detroit area. Everyone who knows me - Knows this only too well!
For awhile I was attending an event a day sometimes 2! One in the morning over breakfast and or one after work hours - maybe a mixer or maybe a round table. These events were all different but yet, ALL THE SAME!
After awhile I really grew a name in the area for networking around the area attending so many events and meeting so many great people everyday. I even attended events educating me how … (7 comments)
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Seminars? - 07/25/07 10:08 PM
Real Estate Seminars are a hit or miss!
I have co-hosted a dozen seminars on everything from getting approved for a mortgage and what house to choose to education on the market and how to invest in real estate. I have found the less money you spend on the seminar - the more you get out of it - I am being totally honest and I am sure this is going to throw some flags up for some people - others who have hosted seminars I am sure!
With that in mind... I am talking about catering food and or providing … (1 comments)
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BE HONEST - 07/25/07 05:52 PM
When you hear a title company say they are going to pay for your customers 1 year home warranty - what first comes to mind?
I am not getting the flood of business from realtors I thought I was going to get in this area since I started it 1 year ago today! I want to know what I am doing wrong and make it work!
I think it is a great product for me to offer my clients to market to their potential customers as they can say they are offering it and Franklin Title Agency will pick up the tab at … (0 comments)
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MOBILE Marketing - 07/25/07 05:41 PM
Do you find any worth in putting marketing on your vehicle?
Whether it be magnets, wraps, stickers, etc etc? I have magnets on the sides of my truck advertising Franklin Title Agency and have only gotten a few calls after 2 years! I am wondering when I get my new car in a couple months if I should get new magnets or stickers for the website on the back window.
Who has benefited from this mobile marketing that you know of? and what did they have on their car, truck, suv, or van?
Thanks - Keith Stonehouse
… (4 comments)
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Negative to POSITIVE - 07/25/07 05:37 PM
When it comes to the market right now - we all know that numbers are down and there is a bit of a struggle to get exposure and the numbers you are used to!
With that in mind - All I am hearing is NEGATIVE feedback from those out there who are used to the business coming to them vs them going out there are working for it! I do not have this mentality so it is really hard for me to comprehend all the negative talk about their referral sources, the market, people in the business, and any other reason they … (4 comments)
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Credit Unions - 07/25/07 05:30 PM
I just spent half the day in the lobby of a credit union which is now a new account of mine of Franklin Title Agency.
I shared a table with a Real Estate Agent talking to the customers or members walking in doing their banking. The Realtor handed out her cards and listings as I handed out literature on our Free Home Warranties.
As for the response we got - Hit or miss for sure... I definately got the "I don't want to be sold to" vibe.
This was the first one we did and I think we learned a lot about to … (0 comments)
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Key to the Condo - 07/25/07 07:55 AM
I have seen my clients struggle over the past few years in selling condos! Especially conversion condos.
What is the key to selling the condo in todays market?
I visit all their listings and check them out for the most part when I can. The condos are beautiful and offer some great amenities all for a great price. But, then yesterday I visited a condo that did not offer much but was in a rather small downtown area so it was priced around $40k over the same condo in other areas. What is the key to selling this condo? I know … (3 comments)
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Earnest Money Deposit - 07/24/07 02:05 PM
MICHIGAN - OK...
I have SERIOUS question about EMD's or Earnest Money Deposits!
If the Buyer on a house puts a EMD down and there was nothing put on the Purchase Agreement about the Seller or the Seller's Agent keeping that money if the financing falls through - then the Buyer or was the buyer gets that EMD back right?
The Seller has to sign off on that after the deal goes south or the sellers agent?
Thanks for your feedback!
- Keith Stonehouse
… (3 comments)
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Online Marketing - 07/24/07 01:39 PM
Hello, my name is Keith Stonehouse with Franklin Title Agency here in Michigan.
I do a ton of online marketing weekly from networking online to email blasts.
I do a weekly update to my entire database every Monday entitled "Your Weekly Update" including local Metro Detroit business networking events, charitable fundraisers, and marketing events in the area. Along with that I do my promo emails and blasts to all my potential clients including Loan Officers, Realtors, Credit Unions, Banks, and Investors weekly.
Along with the emails I have put myself and company on several online websites like Activerain promoting our products and … (1 comments)
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Title Companies Getting in the door... YOUR DOOR! - 07/24/07 08:40 AM
Hello, my name is Keith Stonehouse with Franklin Title Agency. I am always intrigued into how everyone in this business gets their business so I ask. I ask you; how do title companies get in the door... your door?
How do you as a Realtor or Loan Officer set up appointments, take calls, and deal with cold calls and drop ins from Title Companies day to day? How do you choose who to talk to? Is it from a warm referral? Is it from a great advertisement, or maybe is it from a great presence of the rep on a drop … (4 comments)
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Michigan Title Companies - 07/23/07 01:53 PM
Hello, My name is Keith Stonehouse, Vice President of Franklin Title Agency.
I am inquiring about the Michigan Title Companies out there today!
There are a ton today closing their doors and throwing in the towel. There are another group laying off half of their work force. These title companies are everything from the biggest names in title to the little 3 man shops! Franklin Title Agency is hiring reps and growing our clientel daily!
Why is this? Why are so many title companies shutting their doors today and we are growing every day?
I am not complaining by any means... but … (2 comments)
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COLD CALLING - 07/23/07 01:44 PM
Cold calling vs warm leads...
Obviously nobody likes the cold call! If you do - you are definately unique!
Is there a key to the cold calls that I am not getting! Luckily in my career I have not had to do much if any at all so I am not too familiar with the concept and what works and does not work! Usually, when I do find myself making some cold calls - I end up the voice mail wasteland to never be heard from again! That is the opposite of what I am trying to accomplish when making these calls... … (3 comments)
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Rent or Own! - 07/23/07 08:59 AM
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MICHIGAN MICHIGAN MICHIGAN - 07/18/07 04:19 PM
MICHIGAN is now known for it's Foreclosures unfortunately!
I am seeing more and more of them coming across my desk ready for the closing table everyday!
It used to be a rare deal in my office and now it is the norm! It is sad to see so many people literally just let it go into foreclosure and think that is the easy way out - That is the HARD way out and going to make it HARDER on your for a long long time! These short sales are a real treat nowadays in dealing with the banks, attys, lenders, and … (1 comments)
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Cell Phones or Cell Leashes? - 07/17/07 10:50 PM
OK -Everyone is telling me I need to step up my game from the regular cell phone to the Blackberry style phone since I am a big fan of emails and get a ton of calls throughout the day and sometimes into the night for closings and questions pertaining to a file or something for the next day that seem to cannot wait... I think it can 90% of the time.
My theory is with these hand held computers aka leashes there is no personal time left. No family time or freedom to unwind and be you!
You cannot be successful in … (3 comments)
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Putting everyone Together - 07/17/07 10:36 PM
Networking your network is my motto ...
Putting the people in your database together as a benefit to THEM is going to be HUGE for YOU!
Today I put together a real high end Loan Officer together with a high end Financial Consultant in working with his clients on everything from wills, trusts, esates, and of course Mortgages!!! When the Loan Officer left after breakfast - I had my friend who is a Estate Planning Atty come in and meet with the Financial Consultant - They are all fired up to work together now since they all had the same mindset in business … (0 comments)
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Work with your twin! - 07/17/07 10:28 PM
I have noticed in the recent years of building relationships with my clients that I work much better with those who share the same love and motivation for the field, for their job, and for their clients!I tend to refer much more business their way and check on their deals and files that much more!
Those who treat this business as a 9-5 or a talk about when the business came to them and when times were better tend to get put on the back burner just because they don't have the fire under them to get the deals done promptly and … (0 comments)
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WHY do you use... - 07/17/07 10:22 PM
your title company? I am interested in the reason you chose your title company first. Second, why are you using them today? Is it pricing? customer service? extra products? speed of service? etc etc? what is it that makes you loyal to your title company if you are? I have a large group of loyal customers (loan officers and realtors) but some that flip flop with other title companies or have faded away... Let me know...thanks! … (4 comments)
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Search engines - 07/17/07 10:15 PM
How important is it to be exposed on search engines?
I have been working on tips and techniques I have been getting from collegues about working my way to the top but I am wondering who has benefited from it overall? I have gotten a few calls for FSBO's in my local area from searches.,, but I am looking to step it up... thanks!
… (4 comments)
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Love the Opportunity - 07/16/07 03:17 PM
Some great info and advice By Jim Rohn
Somebody said you have to love what you do, but that's not necessarily true. What is true is that you have to love the opportunity. The opportunity to build life, future, health, success and fortune. Knocking on someone's door may not be something you love to do, but you love the opportunity of what might be behind that door.
For example, a guy says, "I'm digging ditches. Should I love digging ditches?" The answer is, "No, you don't have to love digging ditches, but if it is your first entry onto the ladder of … (0 comments)
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10 Myths of Selling - 07/16/07 02:03 PM
Myth #1: "You Don't Have to be Good at Selling"
Show me a Vice President of Sales with a network marketing company or a MLM distributor earning a million dollars or more a year that is not good at selling, and I'll buy you a new car. Let's get this straight once and for all: Network marketers are entrepreneurs and successful entrepreneurs are good at selling and communicating; Lousy entrepreneurs are not good at selling and communicating. Which one are you?
Myth #2: "You Have to be Pushy and Aggressive"
This is one of the most common misconceptions about professional selling today. The … (2 comments)
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Referrals - 07/16/07 01:18 PM
Another way to get referrals... without asking!!!
Picture this: You walk into your best friend's house and say "Mary, could you do me a favor? I'm looking for some new friends and I was wondering if you knew anybody like yourself that you could refer me to. And oh, by the way, I'm going to be selling them something. And if you wouldn't mind doing an introduction for me, I'd really be a happy about that. And oh, by the way, thanks."
Doesn't that sound ludicrous? Doesn't it seem imposing? Doesn't it border on rude? And still your friend may even agree … (3 comments)
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Ohio Savings Bank - 07/16/07 01:13 PM
Effective August 1, 2007, AmTrust Bank will no longer accept LandAmerica Group, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliated agencies as escrow agents and providers of title commitments and title insurance for table-funded transactions. This suspension will not apply to title commitments issued before August 1, 2007 and the resulting title insurance policies. Click here for a list of LandAmerica's subsidiaries (which includes Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company), as reflected in its 2006 Annual Report.
IMPORTANT
Effective August 1, 2007, AmTrust Bank will not purchase or fund any loan with an escrow, title commitment or title insurance policy from LandAmerica or any subsidiary or affiliated agency, except … (0 comments)
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Metro Detroit Weekly Update - 07/16/07 11:56 AM
Hello and welcome to the 3rd week of July 2007! Here are your local Metro Detroit Business Networking events, Charitable Fundraisers, and Marketing events for this week!
7.16.07 12th Annual Hon. Frank E Jeannette Memorial Golf Outing11:30AM lunch, 1PM shotgun start, 7PM DinnerGowanie Golf Club 24770 South River Road Harrison Township, MI$175 golf package, $50 dinner only - 586-582-7509
7.16.07 Companions in Courage Charity Golf Outing11:30AM Burning Tree Golf & Country Club Macomb County, MIwww.CiC16.org $200 pp
7.16.07 The Kadima Golf Classic11:30AM Tam O'Shanter Country Club 5051 Orchard Lake W. BloomfieldGolfing fees plus lunch and dinner: $350 Reception & dinner only: $100248-559-8235 … (0 comments)
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Third Parties are a NO NO! - 07/16/07 11:22 AM
OK - This BLOG is dedicated to those investors and realtors out there who believe or think that there can be a third party where a check can be cut to or money wired into a floating or off record account! This BLOG is dedicated to those who try to get title companies to cut checks or wire funds to a third party that is not disclosed in the deal at all! This BLOG is dedicated to those who think that making an invoice for "services rendered"!
I am here to let you know that it is illegal - it is … (5 comments)
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MICHIGAN THOUGHTS - 07/16/07 10:41 AM
For all of you OUTSIDE of Michigan - what are your thoughts on Michigan Real Estate?
I know and am sure that you have heard about our ups and downs and I am sure more about the downs... Especially in the city of Detroit! There is a lot of out of state money right now investing in Detroit properties investing or should I say - gambling in and for the future of the city and the area! Great to see the riverfront development happen and vacant and foreclosed homes being bought up for sure! As the BIG 3 is struggling - … (0 comments)
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THE SIGN IN THE FRONT YARD! - 07/15/07 10:30 PM
OK REALTORS... Real Estate Agents... Real Estate Consultants... Real Estate Professionals, whatever suits you - I wanted to post a blog on how you market your houses listed!
All Realtors and All Real Estate companies do it different obviously... but, I live in a growing area surrounded by other growing areas with homes going up for sale left and right - and in Michigan that means left, right, east, west, north, and south - Houses have signs in front of them down every road in every city more than ever - sometimes every other house - literally!
OK - With that … (4 comments)
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Business Networking - 07/15/07 09:54 PM
There is definately an art to business networking.
Networking with other business professionals in a group setting around a table, an expo, an event, or any format takes a little stepping outside of your box or comfort zone. Talking with new people in fields not pertaining to your own takes a little more than an event with all real estate minded people ie. Mortgage, Realtors, Title Insurance, Appraisers, etc.
I myself do a fair share of business networking growing my name and company name throughout the week. In doing so I have built my companies name, Franklin Title Agency rather well as … (6 comments)
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What catches your eye or stops you in your tracks? - 07/12/07 08:42 PM
When it comes to choosing a title company for your transactions... what is it that catches your eye or stops you in your tracks?
I have dabbled in a bit of everything to gain business from Michigan Realors and Loan Officers from Paying for 1 yr home warranties, closings anywhere-anytime in the state, and ticket give-aways. Also, offering same and next day turn over times on orders, half off closing costs, and online ordering and tracking...
To get all that out there... I try everything from faxing 1 page ads, mailouts, promo item giveaways, email campaigns, calls, referrals from people looking for … (2 comments)
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HOW DO YOU GET THE MAJORITY OF YOUR BIZ? - 07/12/07 06:36 PM
HOW DO YOU GET THE MAJORITY OF YOUR BIZ?
Do you get it from networking? How about marketing in the yellow pages or on the internet? Referrals?
Well, whatever way you find that you are getting the majority of your business... are you following up on that?
Let me know what drives in the calls...what get's you the replies.
What is getting you the listing or the application signed?
I personally get the majority of my business from word of mouth referrals. (Example: Loan Officer tells his or her realtor all about me and my services and or visa versa.) From that I … (5 comments)
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Rochester Hills Condo MUST sell! - 07/12/07 11:49 AM
2BR, 1 Bath, approx 900 sq. feet, Rochester Schools, Covered Parking, Pool, Tennis and volleyball courts Amenities/Updates: Windows - 2003 Furnace - 2004 Water Heater - 2004 Kitchen Cabinets, countertops, sink - 2004 Stainless steel stove, dishwasher, refrigerator - 2004 Over-the-range microwave - 2004 Ultra capacity washer and dryer - 2004 Bathroom vanity - 2003 Pergo Floors - 2004 Guardian alarm system - 2004 Association Dues: $82/month, include all exterior maintenance, water, and garbage/snow removal Electricity ~ $40/ month; Gas ~ $25 in summer, $50 in winter Taxes approx $1600 per year
$133,000.00
Contact me at keith@franklintitleagency.com for more info.
… (0 comments)
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Michigan Condo Conversions = A hard sell! - 07/11/07 08:37 PM
It is no secret that condo conversions (once apartments) are the hardest thing to sell period... well, next to mobile homes! The condo conversion in a unique set up in that for the price in today's market you can get a house with a yard in some areas for the same price or a larger condo in the same range as well.
The condo conversion has a niche market in that the associations are sometimes lower than other condos and neighborhoods offering less amentities to the consumer. Thriving areas like Royal Oak, Ferndale, Berkley,Rochester, and Birmingham are the most notorious for … (0 comments)
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Getting a grasp on Foreclosures in Michigan - 07/11/07 08:18 PM
WOW - there are a lot of opportunities for Lenders and Realtors to jump on in dealing with Foreclosures here in Michigan! I see and hear about them everyday from my clients emailing me list after list of new foreclosures by county to the deals I close every week saving the homeowner from themselves.
*For more information on Foreclosures in Michigan, please contact me at keith@franklintitleagency.com
… (0 comments)
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Downtown Auburn Hills - 07/10/07 11:59 PM
Downtown Auburn Hills... where do I begin?
lol ...well, those who are reading this right now most likely do not know there is or ever was a downtown Auburn Hills formerly known as Auburn Heights! Before 1983 known as Pontiac Township, yes apart of the city of Pontiac.
The downtown today is small, located between Adams rd and Opdyke - main intersection of Squirrel and Auburn rds just west of Rochester Hills, just east of Pontiac, just north of Bloomfield Hills, right off the intersection of M-59 and I-75 connected with 2 large parks, the Clinton River, Oakland Community College, and … (2 comments)
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A great home for a great price in Commerce Twp. - 07/10/07 11:05 AM
Great home for a great price out in Commerce Twp.
$689,900 luxury home with 3.5% to the buyers agent.
This home can be seen at its own web page http://www.3314timberlake.com/
Contact mjpresser@comcast.net for more info
- Thank You, Keith Stonehouse - Franklin Title Agency
… (0 comments)
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5% TO THE BUYER'S AGENT! - 07/10/07 10:54 AM
Auburn Hills Condo For Sale! REDUCED! $89,900.00 w/5% to the Buyer's Agent! Included: - 2 spacious Bedrooms, 1 new bath - Eat in kitchen with seperate dining room - Laundry room in condo - Open Floorplan - Custom paintjob to buyer's specifiacation! New: - Paint - Fixtures - Appliances - Closets - Bathroom Location: *Prime location right on the border of Bloomfield Hills and walking distance to Avondale High School and the downtown Village Center area!
- Let me know if your clients may be interested or contact my client: Joel Ervin with RE Realty @ jervin@soldbyre.com If you have … (0 comments)
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WHY Michigan is going For Sale By Owner! - 07/10/07 10:52 AM
Michigan Home Owners deciding to sell as FOR SALE BY OWNER
Unfortunately today's home value's are simply not there! Homeowners are noticing that the house they bought 3 years ago is now being appraised for the same amount or in a lot of cases in the state, lower than what they purchased it for. The average homeowner does not have the value or equity in their home to afford the luxury of using a Real Estate Agent, so they decide to sell their home on their own or For Sale By Owner. When the homeowner decides to do this they definately lose the marketing … (0 comments)
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FREE 1 YEAR HOME WARRANTY! - 07/06/07 10:00 AM
IS YOUR TITLE COMPANY OFFERING THE FOLLOWING?
1. FREE HOME WARRANTIES ON ALL PURCHASES!
2. I CLOSE ANYWHERE - ANYTIME IN MICHIGAN!
(in your office, my office, their house - Anytime)
3. SAME & NEXT DAY TURNOVER TIMES ON ORDERS!
4. ONLINE ordering, tracking, updating, & scheduling!
5. QUICK & EASY Jr. LOAN POLICIES!
6. SAME DAY ONLINE RECORDINGS!
7. COMPETITIVE CLOSING RATES!
$150. Refinance $250. Purchase &
$450. with Home Warranty!
________________________________________________________
SMALL enough to still care,
LARGE enough to always be there!
Let us compete for your business
__________________________________________________________________
Keith Stonehouse, Vice President
Office: 248-564-4022
Website: http://www.franklintitleagency.com/
Email @ keith@franklintitleagency.com
… (0 comments)
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