real estate: Adorable 3BR Ranch Home Near Silver Lake!
- 05/10/16 03:03 AM
This 3BR, 2BA ranch home features an open floor plan, natural wood-burning fireplace with brick surround, full finished basement with 4th (non-conforming) bedroom plus a full bath, large deck off the dining room, and a quiet, private cul-de-sac location just yards from Silver Lake. It's within walking or biking distance of Silver Lake Elementary, and offers a wooded, landscaped yard, 2-car attached garage, and paved driveway. At $175,000, it's already drawing a lot of attention, so call to arrange your own private showing today! Click on the link below for a virtual tour of the property: https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-kGESmFW8M (2 comments)
real estate: The Michigan Home Rescue Team Makes the News
- 07/05/10 11:08 AM
http://www.morningstarpublishing.com/articles/2010/07/05/grand_traverse_insider/life/doc4c32462a7e4e0010829513.txt By KRISTINE MORRIS Contributing Writer Local realtors offer new website for distressed homeowners NORTHERN MICHIGAN - Local realtors Chuck Gollay and Christine Stalsonburg have created a new website for distressed homeowners who are looking for ways to avoid foreclosure. “We developed MichiganHomeRescue.com to help people see the options that are out there for them,” said Stalsonburg. “It’s heartbreaking to see people on the verge of losing something they’ve worked all their lives for, and though we can’t help everybody, we can help some. “ Many families in our area are facing difficult times with strained economic conditions. If you are (0 comments)
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37827936/ns/business-real_estate/ According to the Associated Press, a growing number of homeowners who sought help from the Obama administration's main mortgage aid program are in danger of losing their homes. About 436,000 borrowers have dropped out of the $75 billion plan as of last month, the Treasury Department said Monday. That's nearly 35% of the 1.24 million borrowers who enrolled in the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) since March, 2009. Those who have dropped out exceed the number of borrowers who are being helped, and the drop out rate appears to be increasing. See the link above for the whole article. (4 comments)
Think foreclosure is your only option? .......Think again. www.MichiganHomeRescue.com was developed to assist distressed homeowners throughout the state of Michigan. It's an informational site that provides consumers with important details about the foreclosure process, and some ways to avoid it. We are developing a network of local professionals to offer counsel on legal matters, tax and financial matters, credit counseling, loan modifications, and even social services. The Michigan Home Rescue Team strongly believes that foreclosure is an avoidable option. We are attempting to reach distressed homeowners BEFORE their situations spiral out of control. Ideally, all homeowners would be able (0 comments)
real estate: Buyer's Agents: Why use one?
- 05/11/10 07:20 AM
I saw a blog on another website recently that debased the value of a Buyer's Agent, and stated that the typical Buyer Broker Agreement is tilted far more to the benefit of the agents, and much less so to the client. I debated the first part-- buyer's agents can add tremendous value and utility to a home buyer. However, I had to agree with his second contention-- the Buyer-Broker Agreement seems more for the benefit of the agent than the consumer. That's why I have developed a different approach. WhenI meet a prospective real estate buyer in the Traverse City, MI (3 comments)
real estate: Traverse City is a Great Place to Live!
- 04/27/10 03:05 AM
One of the largest factors in determining where to buy a home is location. Quality of life is becoming so important for so many consumers. For some, location means close to the workplace, or close to shopping, or within a particular school district. But, on a larger scale, location is more about lifestyles than commuting choices. Formerly from Chicago (a city that I love and hold dear to this day), I woke up one day with a longing for a change in scenery. I grew up in a major metropolitan area, with so much vibrancy and so many choices, and I (3 comments)
Not only is Traverse City the crown jewel of the entire Midwest in terms of sheer beauty, we are also ranked #1 by Livability.com for our cuisine. With over 250 independent restaurants in the five county area, we have restaurants to serve all tastes. With a thriving farmers market and access to the freshest produce and meats, our local chefs can prepare foods that will simply amaze you. And, with 13 wineries and four breweries in the greater Traverse City area, this is becoming a mecca for foodies. Check out the link above for more information. So, what's important (0 comments)
real estate: If you think your property taxes are too high, here's information you can use.
- 03/25/10 08:51 AM
If you live in the greater Traverse City area, and you own a home, then this is for you. Are you worried that your property taxes are too high? Do you need information to challenge the township assessor? If you want information what's happening in real estate in your neighborhood right now, then sign up for your free Market Trends Report to keep up on home values in your neighborhood. http://TraverseCityHomeValues.com
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real estate: Remember, Less is More.
- 03/23/10 03:46 AM
You've been bandying about the idea of selling your home, and you've finally decided to do it. Now what? Let me suggest two things: 1) If you're committed to selling, then stop referring to it as your home, and start thinking of it as your investment. 2) In order to get the best yield on your investment, remember that "less is more." What makes a house a home? It's the personal touches, the photos, the decor, the knick-knacks. It's all those little mementos that have meaning to you and your family: photos that highlight the history of your family; knick-knacks from (0 comments)
real estate: Changes in the lending environment in Northwest Michigan
- 03/22/10 03:01 AM
If you are from a major metropolitan area, you probably have never heard of Rural Development. This is a government-insured home loan program designed for lower density, more rural areas, like all of Northwest Michigan. In such areas, where incomes tend to be lower, comparables harder to find, and financing is more difficult to get, RD fills a huge need. It is the dominant loan program, at least here in the Traverse City area. Rural Development acts as insurer for mortgage loans made by local lenders. But that looks like it is going to change soon. According to a memo issued (0 comments)
Here is food for thought regarding the Traverse City, Michigan real estate market: If you're still on the fence about buying a home, consider this: Home prices are levelling off, and in the lower price ranges, it's no longer a buyer's market. The tax credits are going away after April 30th, and interest rates are poised to rise when the government stops buying mortgage backed securities. So, I have to ask: what exactly are you waiting for? Of course everyone wants to buy at the very bottom of the market, but you never know when the market hits bottom until (0 comments)
real estate: Time to Get Off That Fence!
- 03/18/10 01:17 PM
Here is food for thought regarding the Traverse City, Michigan real estate market: If you're still on the fence about buying a home, consider this: Home prices are levelling off, and in the lower price ranges, it's no longer a buyer's market. The tax credits are going away after April 30th, and interest rates are poised to rise when the government stops buying mortgage backed securities. So, I have to ask: what exactly are you waiting for? Of course everyone wants to buy at the very bottom of the market. Unfortunately, you never know when the market hits bottom until prices start (0 comments)
real estate: Time to Get Off That Fence!
- 03/18/10 01:16 PM
Here is food for thought regarding the Traverse City, Michigan real estate market: If you're still on the fence about buying a home, consider this: Home prices are levelling off, and in the lower price ranges, it's no longer a buyer's market. The tax credits are going away after April 30th, and interest rates are poised to rise when the government stops buying mortgage backed securities. So, I have to ask: what exactly are you waiting for? Of course everyone wants to buy at the very bottom of the market. Unfortunately, you never know when the market hits bottom until prices start (1 comments)
real estate: Tax Credit versus Interest Rates--Which has the Bigger Impact?
- 10/14/09 09:40 AM
The 1st Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit is scheduled to expire 12/1/2009. While it may be extended, I would say that there is an event coming that is of greater importance. Interest rates are going to rise; it's only a matter of time. An increase to 6% or more wouldn't be surprising. That increase in interest will affect buyers and sellers alike. Buyers will be faced with higher mortgage payments, or in order to control costs, they'll have to settle for lesser priced homes. Sellers will find a market that is dampened by the higher interest rate, making a sale that (5 comments)
real estate: What we should have learned from this real estate crisis
- 10/02/09 06:20 AM
Here are seven things I hope we have learned as a result of this real estate and financial crisis. 1) Housing fills the basic human need of shelter. A home keeps us warm and safe and dry. 2) Homes are the foundation for lasting memories. Whether one entertains friends, or raises a family, or hosts holiday dinners, homes help create the memories that will last us a lifetime. 3) Equity is realized by paying down one's principal on the mortgage. Making just one extra payment per year will accelerate equity growth and decrease the interest one pays on the loan. Of course, equity (3 comments)