home selling: The Second Mouse Gets the Cheese
- 08/20/09 08:55 AM
Years ago, I heard the expression "The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese." Makes sense once you think about it, especially when it comes to real estate. So often, an agent takes a listing, spends a bunch of money and time on it, only to lose it when the listing expires. When I started in this business more than 20 years ago, I had just moved back to the area and knew relatively few people. The "Sphere of Influence" approach was going to leave me pretty hungry and door-knocking and cold-calling from the phone … (21 comments)
home selling: IMPORTANT UPDATE ON $8,000 TAX CREDIT!! HOT OFF THE PRESSES!!
- 02/24/09 05:13 AM
HOT OFF THE PRESSES!! The IRS has just released a new form (Form #5405) to deal with the new $8,000 tax credit and it appears buyers WILL be able to claim the credit on their 2008 taxes if they close on a home prior to submitting their 2008 taxes (on or before April 15, 2009). As always, it is best to consult a tax attorney or CPA for verification on whether the credit can be claimed on your 2008 taxes. Based on reviewing the new form, it appears to me that a home purchased in 2009 will be eligible for this … (1 comments)
home selling: Your Home is an Investment ... but so much More
- 02/22/09 07:39 AM
In all of this talk of foreclosures, bailouts, short sales and refinancing, what is sometimes lost is that money spent buying real estate is an investment, and, like any investment,its value can go up or down. Why is the prospect of losing our homes so damaging to our economy but even more devastating to our national psyche? Stock prices plummet and you lose money. You knew the risk ... or should have. It may break the bank but it doesn't break your heart. Homes are different. A home is the only investment most Americans make which keeps them warm at night. … (1 comments)
home selling: $8,000 Tax Credit to Home Buyers - FREE INFORMATION
- 02/16/09 09:29 AM
There seems to be a great deal of confusion over the $8,000 tax credit for home buyers which President Obama plans to sign into law tomorrow. Who qualifies for the tax credit? Is it for anyone or is it limited by income? Will I be required to repay the tax credit? When must I buy to get the tax credit? Here is a chart to help understand the changes with the bill being signed tomorrow by the President. If you have any questions, call me! 616.648.0800, e-mail me: don@donphelan.com, or sign up for one of my upcoming seminars on HOME BUYING! … (1 comments)
home selling: Kentwood Walkout Ranch, Just Listed, Open Sunday 2 - 4
- 02/12/09 05:44 AM
4915 Farmview Lane SE (W off 5000 Breton SE to Mapleview to Farmview Lane) 3,200 sq. ft. walkout ranch in move-in condition, 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, great room with fireplace and formal dining area, cathedral ceilings, master suite, private bath with Jacuzzi tub, formal living room, family room with fireplace, game room, wet bar, extra large deck on cul-de-sac and private setting. $174,900 See it with Don Phelan, RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Inc, 616-648-0800 or 791-0110 ext. 2121 or visit www.donphelan.com
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home selling: Looking for foreclosures and short sales?
- 05/02/08 05:38 AM
If you're looking for a list of foreclosed properties currently listed or properties that are being marketed for potential short sales, or properties that MIGHT be foreclosed upon within the next several months, I can help! I have several internet resources I use to identify potential short-sale and foreclosure properties, including those currently on the Multiple Listing Service. Sometimes the best foreclosure buys can be found on those homes that are nearing foreclosure but not quite there yet. I subscribe to two search resources to identify future foreclosures. If you're serious about buying a foreclosure property, call me. 616.648.0800 (cell) Or 790.0110 … (1 comments)
home selling: SAVE $20,000!! OPEN MONDAY 6 - 8 PM
- 05/02/08 04:48 AM
Professionally-appraised in Fall 2007 at $189,700, this homed is priced today for a fast sale at $169,900! 1762 Pinecroft SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 (Directions: South off 44th St. SW on Burlingame to Whitewood, West to Pinecroft Lane.) Visit http://www.donphelan.com/ and click on Preferred Listings
Just Listed and Ready to Buy. Super-quality, Koetje-built home has been updated for today's lifestyles. Kitchen has been redesigned as a gathering spot for entertaining and with serious cooks in mind! Newly remodeled with new cupboards, new stainless steel appliances, new flooring, new countertops. See kitchen photo! You don't see many kitchens like this in Chateau Estates! Roof is new, … (0 comments)
This home defines COOL. From its open, inviting floor plan to its sumptuous master suite - large enough to comfortably accommodate a king-size bed - this home is warm and welcoming, with contemporary flair. The kitchen is ideal for the master chef, the busy family, and for entertaining friends. Light a fire, kick your feet up and read a book in the family room, designed for relaxing. The main floor has a separate, formal … (0 comments)
home selling: JUST LISTED! NORTHWEST G.R. EDISON PLAZA
- 04/20/08 05:20 AM
What a great neighborhood in the near-northwest Grand Rapids area, often referred to as the Holy Spirit neighborhood, just south of Edison Plaza near Covell and Lake Michigan Drive. This 3-bedroom home has 1938 square feet finished, including a great living room with fireplace and built-in bookshelves, kitchen and dining area on the main floor, 3 bedrooms and bath in the bedroom wing, and a family room with a fireplace and a full bath on the daylight level. Huge lot, central air, stove & refrigerator included. Roomy kitchen, lots of cupboards, new stove, newer countertop, dishwasher, Pergo floor. 3 big bedrooms … (0 comments)
home selling: FOOD DRIVE, Saturday, 4/19 from 10 am till 2 pm
- 04/15/08 09:08 AM
Recently, several local TV news networks presented the crisis food banks and other charitable organizations are experiencing due to our state's economic plight. According to the articles, food bank shelves are emptying fast because of job losses, homeowners facing foreclosure, and so on. Normally, the food banks stock up at holiday times -- particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas, but donations were down this past holiday season and now the cupboards are bare. This Saturday, April 19, we are going to try to help a little. We are going to hold a food drive in our RE/MAX of Grand Rapids parking lot at 4250 … (0 comments)
home selling: The Story of the Man and the Village
- 04/14/08 08:03 AM
Recently, I wrote the following piece for a friend of mine who is the creative director for an ad agency in Houston. It was the result of a conversation about how the business of marketing has changed dramatically during the past 10 years due to the internet and blogging. At the risk of preaching to the choir, I'll share it. We all know the value of the internet and blogging. The Man and the Village.Once upon a time, in a village far away, there lived a man. His fellow villagers would make things, bring them to the man and he would tell others … (1 comments)
home selling: Wyoming Rogers Open Sunday! Price Reduced!
- 04/14/08 07:58 AM
NOW $99,900!!! OPEN SUNDAY 2 - 4 613 Cricklewood SW (South on Clyde Park off 28th St. to Cricklewood, East to home) Totally redecorated from top to bottom and inside & out. New carpets, new paint, laminate floors, new vinyl -- even a new work room space. New carpet in family room, laundry room. Den/office with closet on lower level. Central air. Now $109,900. Close to schools shopping, 6 minutes to downtown. Must get inside to appreciate! For more information and to see additional interior photos, visit http://www.donphelan.com/ To schedule a showing, call me at 616-648-0800
Don Phelan RE/MAX of Grand Rapids, Inc. 616-790-0110 ext. 2121 616-648-0800 (Cell) 616-791-9098 … (1 comments)
home selling: Michigan's Pop-Up Tax
- 04/09/08 06:27 AM
How many times have you been conducting an open house when a potential buyer asks, "What are the taxes?" Not "What is the SEV?" No, the question was, "What are the taxes?" Now, not to pick on those of us with greying hair, but it often seems the question comes from those born sometime before 1965. Or, if it comes from a first-time home buyer, it's on a list of notes Mom & Dad gave him or her to ask. What's even more surprising to me is when a licensed Realtor asks me that question. After 14 years, you'd think folks would have … (2 comments)
home selling: Affordable Starter Ranch in Wyoming, MI
- 04/03/08 05:03 AM
At $98,900, this starter ranch is a great buy! Check it out! One-owner home never offered before! Oak kitchen & bath in this well-maintained ranch. Lower level rec room and bath, range, refrigerator, washer, dryer, and air conditioner included. Vinyl siding, Garage, fenced yard, cul de-sac street. At $98,900, this one's smokin' hot! Ready to move in! Fenced backyard and partially-fenced front yard. Roof & mechanicals updated. See more information at http://www.donphelan.com/ Click on "Preferred Listings." … (0 comments)
home selling: New Photos!
- 04/03/08 04:53 AM
CHECK OUT ALL THE NEW INTERIOR PHOTOS ON THIS LISTING! Visit www.donphelan.com and click on Preferred Listings
1762 Pinecroft SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 Directions: South off 44th St. SW on Burlingame to Whitewood, West to Pinecroft Lane.)
Just Listed and Ready to Buy. Super-quality, Koetje-built home has been updated for today's lifestyles. Kitchen has been redesigned as a gathering spot for entertaining and with serious cooks in mind! Newly remodeled with new cupboards, new stainless steel appliances, new flooring, new countertops. See kitchen photo! You don't see many kitchens like this in Chateau Estates! Roof is new, carpet is new. With more than 2,200 … (0 comments)
home selling: "Another listing that doesn't sell!"
- 03/31/08 08:53 AM
In a recent post, I mentioned the "excitement" one agent expressed over the idea of a listing contest: "Just what I need, another listing that doesn't sell." Please, all of you agents who like to work primarily with buyers, this is not for you. If it's working for you, keep doing it. But some agents -- like me -- prefer to split my work about 75% sellers and 24% buyers. If you prefer being a listing agent, let me tell you this: All those agents who LIKE working with buyers would just as soon you NOT start focusing on buyers rather than sellers. But … (7 comments)
home selling: "Another listing that doesn't sell!"
- 03/31/08 08:53 AM
In a recent post, I mentioned the "excitement" one agent expressed over the idea of a listing contest: "Just what I need, another listing that doesn't sell." Please, all of you agents who like to work primarily with buyers, this is not for you. If it's working for you, keep doing it. But some agents -- like me -- prefer to split my work about 75% sellers and 24% buyers. If you prefer being a listing agent, let me tell you this: All those agents who LIKE working with buyers would just as soon you NOT start focusing on buyers rather than sellers. But … (1 comments)
home selling: A Pizza for a Price Reduction
- 03/28/08 06:46 AM
Does anyone out there remember dialing for dollars -- ordering a few pizzas and a couple liters of soda and a group of you making cold calls till you got an appointment? The fun was in the camaraderie and competition. Sometimes it was for nothing more than bragging rights, but nearly always, it led to a payday. Occasionally, the broker would organize a listing contest with a worthwhile prize to the winner. But we were always ALL winners because we all had a bunch of new listings by the end of the contest. The other day, I suggested a listing contest and … (2 comments)
home selling: How are Realtors and Broccoli alike?
- 03/28/08 06:22 AM
Remember when potatoes were just potatoes, not Idaho potatoes or Michigan potatoes? Remember back before California had dancing raisins, before bananas dressed up like Carmen Miranda and Orange juice commercials featured Donald Sutherland voice-overs? You see, before that, there was no better example of parity products -- products that are equal, with no greater value, one over another. A potato was a potato. The only deciding factor about which potato you would buy is which one had the lowest price. They were all the same in their perceived value. That is, till ad agencies came along and convinced everyone that Idaho potatoes … (6 comments)
Articles and Discussion about Grand Rapids and West Michigan Real Estate, Preparing Homes for Sale, Choosing a Realtor, Information about Grand Rapids Area Schools.
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