I haven't been shy about stating my opinion when I feel the asset managers of foreclosures in Macomb County Michigan are dropping the ball and shirking their responsibility to neighborhoods.  This morning however I would like to give a big THANK YOU to all of those involved with the care of one particular home.

Many home buyers in the Metro Detroit area are not only viewing the foreclosed upon homes that are for sale, but they are making offers to purchase them.  Most of what we have been seeing however are homes that are clearly distressed and in need of more tender loving care than owner occupied homes.  I've ranted about the lack of basic maintenance, the common practice of not turning on the utilities to prevent problems, and the deterioration of neighborhood property values when lenders and asset managers don't take care of the homes in the most simplest of manner.

This lovely neighborhood in Sterling Heights is home to many hard working
people who take care of their homes, support their schools and look out for
each other.  

Recently a bank owned home came on the market.  My buyer client and I viewed it within a few days of its appearance and one of our first reactions was "What a lovely street!"   All of the homes had what we like to term curb appeal.  The bank owned home also appeared to not stand out like a sore thumb and that gave us hope for the interior.  A couple of neighbors were outside when we got out of the car, and gave a friendly wave.   What a simple thing to do - a friendly wave spoke highly of the neighborhood and
let us know that the neighbors were keeping an eye on the happenings
around the home.

Upon viewing the inside of the home we were even more excited when we realized that the electricity was on and we didn't have to use our flashlights.    Another plus.


The home was everything my buyer client had been looking for and she wrote a strong offer for the home.  As with all foreclosure purchases we both knew that patience would be the key, and this was no exception.  It did take several days for a response from the seller, and 15 more days after that to receive signed documents, but this home was well worth the patience.  There was also a rush to get the gas turned on in the home for the inspection, but again, it was well worth the time invested.

Yesterday I drove back out to the home to take the final water reading and marveled once again at what a pretty neighborhood it was, and how well the property manager was taking care of the home.  (Grass had been cut and the electricity was still on.)   There was a mother and her child walking down the street and they waved, the little girl pausing to watch me take photos.  The mother smiled and said she was thankful that the home would have a new owner and they looked forward to meeting them.


Sometime before June 15th this home will have a new owner.  I'm sure one of the first thing she'll do is brighten up the exterior of the home to give it more curb appeal for the neighbors and herself.

The friendly neighbors will in turn have a wonderful addition to their family and I'm sure make her feel welcome. 

The asset manager and bank owner of this home will have one more Macomb County home that they don't have to worry about and will receive a fair price for the home.

The city of Sterling Heights will have a new resident, and a new taxpayer.



A big THANK YOU to all who were involved in the care of this home, the marketing of this home, and the purchase of this home.  Everyone did a super job for this neighborhood and the community!

© Kris Wales 2008                                    http://macombhomes.com