real estate: MI Real Estate Answers: How Can I Get What My Home Is Worth?
- 03/13/09 06:07 AM
Q. I want to move to a bigger house but every agent I talk to tells me I won't get what I want. It's not that I "want" it, I need it be able to make a move. A. If you're serious about selling, better to price where the market is selling rather than 'chase the market down', by continuing to reduce your price. This usually results in a longer time on the market plus a perception by buyers that there is something 'wrong' with your house because it has been on the market so long. That said, you … (3 comments)
real estate: January 2009 Market Report
- 03/01/09 02:26 AM
I know, its the first day of March, but better late than never. The January statistics issued by our local MLS Realcomp indicated home sales continued their upward trend. In fact, sales increased 25.7% over January 2008. Most home sellers who don't have to sell are staying put or leasing until things start to recover. Most homes on the market are well priced and inventory is down 21.1% over January 2008. The first-time home buyer market remains strong and should continue with the recent passage of the $8,000 credit for first time buyers, which unlike the 2008 credit, … (4 comments)
real estate: MI Real Estate Answers: HUD Home or Fannie Mae
- 03/01/09 02:17 AM
Q. If you had a choice between buying a home owned by Fannie Mae or HUD, which one would you choose, all things being equal? A. What is most important is finding a home you're crazy about in an area you like that is mechanical sound. That said, however, the advantage of HUD is that they are offering a $2,500 owner occupant incentive which is applied toward your either your closing costs, tax prorations & repairs to the home. If all other things are equal, that's pretty nice incentive. When you couple that with the $8,000 tax credit given to first … (1 comments)
real estate: MI Real Estate Answers: Westland City Inspections
- 02/22/09 01:41 AM
Q. I'm interested in a Westland MI home that's a short sale. Who pays for real estate city inspections and how do I know if one has been done? A. Unless specifically negotiated in the purchase agreement, it's the seller's responsibility to schedule and pay for the inspection, which is $180 for a single family residence. A City inspector reviews the major mechanical systems, health & safety items, and any issues that violate the Property Maintenance Codes. Call the City of Westland Building Department at (734) 467-3210 to see if the inspection has been completed. If it has, you can go … (2 comments)
real estate: December 2008 Market Report
- 01/29/09 11:28 PM
Residential sales ended 2008 up 19% higher than 2007 with December's strong finish. In fact, according to Realcomp, every county in the entire MLS showed increased sales and pending sales, which bodes well for 2009. Sales for the entire MLS during December 2008 were up 31.6% over December 2007, reflecting the 12th straight month of growth. Strong 2008 starter home sales (those priced under $125K) were up 61% over 2007 due in large part to affordable home prices and low interest rates. Even though December's inventory was down over 18% over December 2007, the supply of homes remains greater than the … (2 comments)
real estate: January is National Radon Prevention Month
- 01/07/09 03:49 PM
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates January as "National Radon Prevention Month".Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that is naturally occurring in the earth's crust and sometimes seeps into homes through openings in foundations or walls. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and the second leading cause among smokers. In August I wrote a blog post on the importance of testing for Radon because of a recent experience with a crazy high radon reading in a Northville MI home. According to a proclamation signed by Governor Granholm last year, one in eight homes in Michigan (EPA's … (1 comments)
real estate: To Sell or To Lease...That is the Question
- 01/06/09 01:43 PM
The good thing about making a move in this real estate market is that there are lots of good deals out there. The question is, what do you do with your home? When faced with that situation, many Northville MI owners are opting to lease. Before you consider leasing, you should first check with your lender to get preapproved to make sure you can afford your next home. Also, check your existing mortgage because leasing may invalidate the terms. I've heard homeowners with good and bad leasing experiences. Many would simply prefer not to become landlords. If you do … (0 comments)
real estate: Reflections in the Rearview Mirror
- 10/30/08 03:39 PM
Two months ago, I started using a new Blackberry Curve. Besides being a great telephone/email tool, it has a halfway decent camera. So in early September, I launched a photo blog to highlight the places and things I see in my real estate travels. I haven't documented anything too wild and crazy so far, but I have seen some interesting things.Here are some of my favorites the two minute duck parade offered me a chance to transfer my irritation from my car being stopped into a photo op catching the Sturgis or Hell sign at the Plymouth Chili Cook-off finding Plymouth … (3 comments)
real estate: The Social Networking Buzz: TweetBeeps & Tweet-Ups
- 10/27/08 04:31 PM
Once I mastered the Twitter basics, I set up TweetBeep (kinda like Google alerts) to email me when someone wrote a tweet on something that interested me. For example, any time someone wrote a tweet including the word "Plymouth", I'd get an email. Do you know how many cities are named Plymouth in the world? Lots. Next, I noticed people talking about "tweet-ups". I had no idea what they meant, but had a hunch it might have something to do with getting together. As luck would have it, one of the local agents I was following organized one last week and … (11 comments)
real estate: September Market Report
- 10/25/08 06:42 AM
As if the Michigan economy didn't have enough challenges, the past month of national and world financial chaos certainly hasn't helped. Even with all those challenges, the Southeast Michigan counties of Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, and Macomb all experienced higher sales volumes than last year for the month of September. Depending on the zip code, the number of September sales in Plymouth increased 48.5%, Livonia between 30-54%, Northville 15-175%, Westland 22-100%, and Canton 27-29%. However, sale prices are continuing to decline. The good news is that between the higher number of sales and Sellers choosing to wait out the market and not … (1 comments)
real estate: August Metro Market Report
- 09/17/08 03:51 AM
Even with the news of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bailout, there is still strong activity and confidence in our local market as sales remain 11.7% higher than last year for the eighth straight month in 2008, according to RealComp, our local MLS. When comparing this year's results to the record-breaking sales of August 2005, sales are only down 1.1%.
Additionally, Pending sales this year are up in all counties, with a 45.1% increase in Wayne County and 25.9% in Oakland County over the same period in 2007. Compared to 2005, pending sales are actually up 19.8%!
It … (0 comments)
real estate: MichiganMoves Me
- 09/07/08 02:58 AM
I love taking pictures and after I got a new Blackberry Curve, I decided to give photo blogging a shot. I've followed St. Paul, Minnesota real estate agent Theresa Boardman and her All T All Day blog, especially enjoying her "on the street" perspective. I'm not a native Michigander. Although I cherish my Dakota roots and love my California past, today I enjoy a nice life in Michigan. Even with our battered economy, it's a great place to live (ok, I could do with a few less months of Winter). Some of the things I hope to do is … (6 comments)
real estate: July Market Report
- 08/25/08 03:52 AM
According to RealComp, our local MLS, the market activity trend reflected a 15% increase in activity over the same period last year for the seventh straight month in 2008. Additionally, Pending sales were up significantly over the same period in 2007.
While interest rates have remained low, values have continued to trend downward. The good news is there were more private owner sales in July than foreclosure sales. Also fewer homes are on the market this year than in 2007 reflecting the fact that many people are sitting tight if they don't need to sell.
While the news … (1 comments)
real estate: Annexation Plan Goes Down in Defeat
- 08/15/08 07:04 AM
Tuesday, August 5th, Livonia voters and seven Northville Township residents on the old Northville Psychiatric Hospital voted against the plan to annex the 414 acre property. As a former Northville resident and current Livonia resident, I was conflicted about the debate. Mostly, I'd love to see new life given to this beautiful parcel, regardless of whose responsibility it is. As it turns out, the developer dropped their $100 million lawsuit against Northville Township in exchange for 100 acres of land. Now that the annexation vote is behind them, that agreement can proceed. Given the big push to stop the annexation, I found … (0 comments)
real estate: 2 Bedroom, 1.1 Bath Northville Condo Just Listed For Lease
- 08/06/08 04:30 PM
Highland LakesNOW AVAILABLE FOR LEASE, So Bring Your Stuff And Move Right In! Lovely Bay Window in Living Room And Gas Fireplace in Family Room * Updates Galore Including Kitchen Counter Tops, Remodeled Jack-n-Jill Main Bathroom With Cool Vessel Sink and Ceramic Tile * Newer Carpeting, Windows, Hot Water Heater & Washer * All Appliances Stay * Large Patio With Storage Unit and Gas BBQ * 2 Assigned Parking Spaces Plus Tons of Guest Parking Association Fee Includes Structure Insurance, Grounds Maintenance, Snow Removal, Water & Gas * Enjoy The Many Wonderful Amenities This Community Has To Offer As Well As … (0 comments)
real estate: Mid-Year Market Review
- 07/20/08 03:43 AM
While we've continued to see values decline, activity is up year to date with Wayne County posting the largest increase in June according to the Detroit News.
In fact, for the sixth straight month this year, the number of homes sold increased 13.1% over 2007 in June according to an article in Crains Detroit Business.
However, there has been a lot conflicting press, particularly when it comes to recent sales. Karen Kage, President of Realcomp, our local and Michigan's largest Multiple Listing Service, clarified the reason for this in a recent Detroit Free Press article saying the MLS data … (3 comments)
real estate: 39544 Village Run, Northville MI 48168
- 07/18/08 09:57 AM
Absolutely WOW! Country Club Village - State Of The Art Kitchen With Granite & Stainless Steel Package With Planning Station - Thermador, Viking And Top Of The Line Appliances, Bamboo Planked Hardwood Throughout The Condo, 2 Fireplaces With Furnace Grade Remote, Home Automation System; All Rooms Wired With Cat 5e Cable; Positively A Must See For All The Upgrades! Property information - $344,900 2,379 sqft, 3 Bedroom, 2.1 Bath Ranch … (0 comments)
real estate: 14720 Susanna Livonia MI Open Sunday
- 06/28/08 11:40 AM
Castle Gardens - We invite everyone to visit our open house in Livonia at 14720 Susanna this Sunday, June 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. From a new cherry and granite Kitchen to over 700 square feet of finished living space in the lower level, this totally renovated Castle Gardens brick ranch shows like a model home! Property information -- $192,900 South of 5 Mile/West off Newburgh on Lyndon … (0 comments)
real estate: Leasing Market Heats Up
- 06/28/08 11:29 AM
As lenders have tightened up credit in the wake of the foreclosure fallout, many people are finding they can no longer afford to buy a home resulting in rents rising around the area. For example, a condo I listed last year leased for $1,400/month while this year they are getting $1,550/month. Many of the first time buyers I'm working with are telling me they are buying because it's cheaper than what they'll pay when their lease is up. If you'd like to check out whether you can buy, give me a call. If you plan on moving out of … (1 comments)
real estate: 42516 Lake Success, Northville MI Open Sunday
- 06/23/08 03:43 PM
Highland Lakes - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 42516 Lake Success Drive this Sunday, June 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This 2 bedroom, 1.1 bath condo features an updated Kitchen, spacious bedrooms, renovated bathrooms, and partially finished lower level. Come check out the many wonderful amenities this community has to offer! Property information - $112,900 West of Meadowbrook, South off 8 Mile on Silver Springs, Right on Lake Success … (0 comments)
Q. I want to move to a bigger house but every agent I talk to tells me I won't get what I want. It's not that I "want" it, I need it be able to make a move. 
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