buyers: Greater Lansing Real Estate Buyers and Seller's Seem to Be Getting Mixed Messages These Days About the Real Estate Market From Disaster to Recovery. - 08/06/10 08:56 AM
Greater Lansing Real Estate Buyers and Seller's seem to be getting mixed messages these days about the real estate market from disaster to recovery. An example sprang up yesterday as one of our leading news sources for real estate news, Inman News had two separate articles with headlines titled: Real Estate Market: Worse Than Expected? And the other titled, Another Record Week for Mortgage Rates.
Sometimes headlines are what confuse the buyers and sellers on market conditions because the headline might be all they read. Both of these articles are great and have some valuable information that would be a benefit to read.
My point is, the … (2 comments)

buyers: Lansing Real Estate Market Report for 4th Quarter 2009 Has Positive Swing - 01/21/10 12:47 AM
The Lansing, Michigan Real Estate Market Report for 4th Quarter 2009 showed positive signs that the market maybe bottomed out and 2010 should be stronger yet. The biggest gain was unit sales increasing 25% over 4th Quarter 2008. Below are some additional highlights of the market for Eaton, Clinton and Ingham counties, and some additional stats. If you would like the complete 14 page report it can be requested FREE from Mike Bowler Sr. 

I can assist you with any of your real estate, neighborhood, or community questions about the Greater Lansing Area  including:  Buying,  Selling or investing in Delhi … (0 comments)

buyers: 18 Key Items for Better Home Showings on Your House For Sale in the Greater Lansing Real Estate Market - 12/31/09 12:35 PM
1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.
2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.
3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and … (2 comments)

buyers: Real Estate Today: Text It, Tweet It, PDF It, Then Write It, and Close It - 12/29/09 12:27 PM
Real Estate Today: Text It, Tweet It, PDF It, Then Write It, and Close It. In todays market it's important to have your REALTOR that understands text messaging, email response within a short period of time, and even communicate by Twitter Direct message, or SMS. Most generation X and Y consumers use the tools of the 21st century that have been hitting the market as fast as many Realtors can keep up.
Marketing homes has also changed for the better with Social Media Tools, Blogs, Virtual Flyers and syndication of listings to numerous portals available to the e-Consumer. Here's an example below.
… (0 comments)

buyers: Ten Reasons to Sell Your Home in the Winter, Plus Some in the Greater Lansing Real Estate Market - 12/02/09 09:25 AM
I received this list below in my email today, Titled: Ten Reasons to Sell Your Home in the Winter. This list has been floating around for several years on why to buy and sell real estate in the winter month's or holiday season. I made a few alterations because this year 2009/2010 is an unusual time for real estate in the Greater Lansing Real Estate Market and could be the best time ever to buy or the worst time ever to sell, depending on your circumstances. I also added a few remarks at the end of the list for your information.
Ten Reasons to Sell … (7 comments)

buyers: Hot Real Estate News for the Greater Lansing, Michigan Real Estate market on the Proposed New Home Buyer Tax Credit - 10/28/09 06:25 AM
Here's some hot real estate news for the Greater Lansing, Michigan Real Estate market on the proposed new Home buyer Tax Credit. According to an article written by Bloomberg the U.S. Senate leaders moved closer to an agreement replacing an expiring $8,000 tax credit for first- time home buyers with a smaller one that would expand access to so-called step-up purchasers.The Senate deal would reduce the size of the tax credit to 10 percent of the sale’s price, capped at $7,290. The credit would be available on home purchases that are under contract by April 30, 2010 and borrowers would have … (0 comments)

buyers: Greater Lansing Real Estate Market Can Be Complex However Pending Home Sales Are Up - 10/19/09 02:23 PM
The Greater Lansing Michigan real estate market showed a substantial increase in pending and closed sales for weekending October 13, 2009 over last year the same week according to GLAR. 

Pending home sales have increased for seven straight months, the longest in the series of the index which began in 2001, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
It's nice to see positive news for buyers, sellers and Realtors. The 3rd quarter real estate market report does not exactly illustrate much good news with the exception of lower inventories and additional units sold. Pricing in the greater Lansing area is still coming down to … (0 comments)

buyers: Greater Lansing Real Estate Real Estate Market Statistics Can Better Set Client Expectations - 10/13/09 12:06 PM
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood released the 3rd Quarter 2009 Market Report today that showed some positive statistics and comparisons that will aid sellers in the greater Lansing real estate market with sound pricing decisions when it comes to marketing their home. This report also breaks down areas by school district to assist buyers and sellers. Here are some highlights of the 14-page report.
Units Sold increased 8% compared to 2009 3rd Quarter
• This has been the 6th consecutive quarter that Units Sold have increased since April 1, 2008 Sold Values • The 4.16% decrease has been the slowest paced decrease … (2 comments)

buyers: Buyers and Sellers Need Professional Consulting - Greater Lansing, Michigan Real Estate Market - 09/16/09 10:59 AM
Buyers and Sellers need professional consulting in a challenging real estate market like we have experienced the past few years in the greater Lansing area.  Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings.Buying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming, and complex process. There are a few things that you can do to help make the process go as smooth as possible. Number one is consulting with … (0 comments)

buyers: Housing Affordability is at Highest Level in 18 years, Good News for Greater Lansing - 08/24/09 10:56 AM
The National Association of Home Builders Organization released a new report recently that indicated housing affordability reaching an 18-year high due to low interest rates and pricing. Lansing - East Lansing Michigan was included as one of the most affordable areas topped by Indianapolis. That information comes with local good news that pending and closed sales are also up this week over last year at this time in the greater Lansing real estate market. (See Chart below)

The National Association of Realtors also had a press release last week indicating a strong gain in existing-home sales. These headlines and reports … (1 comments)

buyers: Greater Lansing Michigan Home Sellers Have an Additional Tool Available - 08/20/09 08:31 AM
Greater Lansing home sellers have an additional tool available that helps expose their property to more buyers using the iPhone on the go for searching properties. Here's an example of how the application works. In addition to having a Realtor who understands real estate syndication, Internet marketing, and search engine optimization, this should be a requirement sellers should add to their list of expectations when listing their house with an agent. 
A Real Estate Professional must meet the needs and expectations of the Connected Consumer. The rules of business are changing in our industry, with nearly 90% of all buyers searching the … (0 comments)

buyers: "Now's the Time to Make Your Move" Greater Lansing Michigan Home Buyers - 06/22/09 10:02 AM
"Now's the Time to Make Your Move" Many people in the greater Lansing Michigan real estate market are concerned about how today's challenging economic environment might affect their ability to buy a home, or even whether they should become homeowners right now. Real estate remains a wonderful long-term investment compared to renting.
The greater Lansing real estate market will see an increase in home sales as a result of the Federal Housing Administration program to allow qualified home buyers to apply the $8,000 tax credit when purchasing a home. This true tax break is for first-time home buyers. 
 You can get … (0 comments)

buyers: Many Greater Lansing Real Estate homes qualify - Here's One You Can Buy Sunday - 06/09/09 11:32 AM
Many Greater Lansing Real Estate homes qualify for the additional home buying assistance program through MSHDA, in addition to the new federal tax credit. Here's an example of a wonderful opportunity that can be bought this Sunday, June 14th, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. MAR reported today that The Michigan State Housing Development Authority has significantly expanded its down-payment assistance program that, when combined with the new federal tax credit, would provide more than $15,000 in help for first-time home buyers.
The loans - - which have zero interest and don't have to be paid back until the home is … (0 comments)

buyers: Golf & Real Estate, Lansing, Michigan Has Both & They Compare Sometimes - 06/03/09 11:48 PM
I posted this a few years back, however it's worth another look in today's challenging real estate market. Golf and Real Estate are so much alike.  Sometimes you just have to go golfing to clear your mind.
In golf, weather conditions change your game; in real estate market conditions change your approach to business.
In golf, if you want score well you have to have the right equipment.  In real estate today the right equipment means being on top of the best technology to provide great pictures, websites, syndication, and communication.
In golf, if a golfer wants to score well, he … (0 comments)

buyers: Real Estate Consumers in Greater Lansing Are Seeing Some Light - 05/29/09 01:35 PM
Real estate consumers in the greater Lansing area and across the country can now take advantage of a Federal Housing Administration program to allow qualified home buyers to apply the $8,000 tax credit when purchasing a home, reported by NAR in a press release. FHA will now permit its lenders to provide a short-term bridge loan that will let qualified home buyers use the tax credit to either make a larger down payment above the FHA required 3.5 percent, cover closing costs, or buy down their interest rate.Lansing has shown an increase in sales of 9.8% over last year compared to Michigan 8.55 … (0 comments)

buyers: The Right Price on Your House for the Greater Lansing Michigan Real Estate Market - 05/10/09 09:07 AM
The Right Selling Price Affects Your Bottom LineWhen you're selling your home in the greater Lansing, Michigan real estate market, the price you set is a critical factor in the return you'll receive. That's why you need a professional evaluationfrom an experienced Realtor. This person can provide you with an honest assessment of your home, based on several factors including:Market conditions Condition of your home Repairs or improvements Time frame In real estate terms, market value is the price at which a particular house, in its current condition, will sell within 30 to 90 days.
If the price of your home is … (0 comments)

buyers: Delhi Township, Holt Michigan - Buying A Home in Today's Market - 03/28/09 11:02 AM
Searching for homes in the Delhi Township, Holt Michigan area means more than just getting a list of properties for sales. Delhi Township has much to offer for convenience to the entire greater Lansing area, including: MSU, Downtown Lansing, 3 Major Shopping malls and much more.  Four Holt schools have been named Michigan Exemplary Schools by the State Board of Education, and Holt High School has been honored as one of the top 100 schools in the country, recognized through the award of a Presidential Blue Ribbon."Now's the time to make your move" for the spring market, weather you are looking … (0 comments)

buyers: Delta Township, Lansing, Michigan, Will See Better Real Estate Market in 2009 - 01/23/09 08:05 AM
According to NAR's recent Real Estate Insights, financing the purchase of a home can be a significant challenge for some buyers. The recent turmoil in financial markets has definitely had an impact on the availability of mortgage credit for those consumers wanting to purchase a home in the greater Lansing real estate market. The 2008 year end 4th quarter real estate housing report provided by Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood indicated a 10.9 month's supply of residential homes vs. 13.9 month's last year at this time. That is good news.   
 President Barack Obama had harsh words Friday for companies that have engaged in lavish, … (0 comments)

buyers: Thinking of Buying a Home in the Grand Ledge or Delta Township Real Estate Market? - 12/19/08 04:04 AM
Thinking of buying a home in the Grand Ledge or Delta Township real estate market? Here's your key to home-ownership and a  few tools to help you become more prepared for the American dream of owning a house.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched a new Web site to assist home-buyers with improving financial literacy, sustaining healthy home-ownership and achieving financial security. This is a great resource for anyone who wants to improve their financial situation.
Even before you begin looking for a home, the home-buying process requires diligent preparation. Buyers who have been approved in advance … (0 comments)

buyers: Holt, Delhi Township Home Seller’s Today, Need Massive Exposure to Find Buyers - 12/14/08 11:01 AM
Holt, Delhi Township home Seller’s today, need massive exposure to find buyers, to get the most exposure. The days are gone of just putting a sign in the yard and selling your house. With over 85% of all home-buyers shopping the Internet prior to contacting a Realtor, it is imperative that your Real estate agent provide syndication from their website to offer better search engine exposure.
Although real estate agents have the luxury of the company site, the local multiple listing site and a national site, if they’re part of a national franchise, that’s just not good enough for you, the … (1 comments)