Plymouth, MI

I follow lots of blogs to keep up on technology, particularly as it relates to real estate. One of my favorites is AgentGenius where the top real estate bloggers in the country post.

If you're thinking of selling your Plymouth home, you'll want to check out this recently highlighted video "How To Avoid the 10 Mistakes Home Sellers Make". It provides a great overview of all the areas you need to consider when getting ready to put your home on the market.



For more information or suggestions, feel free to call, email or text me.

I get a lot of solicitations from other brokers to join their firms. I always like to get them. Some make me laugh. Some stroke my ego. Some are insulting to my intelligence.

I'm not moving anytime in the future. I like Remerica Hometown One. They support us. They have the support system to back us up. Here is one area of the many support systems they have.

They have receptionists that answer the phone. Nothing special right, wrong there are some companies that just have answering machines. There is no person on the other end!!!! They will get back to you. Sometimes in a hour, sometimes by the end of the day. Buyers want instant service. Many times it is somebody sitting out in front of the house wanting information or wanting to see the house.

Remerica Hometown One is open beyond some of the other southeastern real estate agencies. One of the companies that was recruiting me I had to call this morning to set up a showing. They had sent me a nice letter. Some candy canes, a pen, a calender. BUT THEY WEREN'T OPEN THIS MORNING. We were.

Other agents, buyers could call for information about my listings. They could set up a showing. But I couldn't do that with this great Northville real estate agency that wanted me to join them. When I list a home I need to go into that fact more often.

So many real estate offices have cut back on their hours to cut overhead. But you know who suffers the most. The client's of those agents. The sellers that don't get that call to set up their home for showings. The buyers that can't get info about the property. My clients would be the losers.

Thanks but no thanks. I think I will stay where I am at. I am serving my clients better by staying with an office that isn't cutting back on it's services. My clients are better served by the support system of Remerica Hometown One. There are lots of great real estate agencies in Southeastern Michigan, but for me Remerica Hometown One is the best place for me and my clients.

But keep sending the letters. I thoroughly enjoy some of them.

It's been a crazy month with tons of economic news, and lots of it not so good. With the Detroit 3 thrown a lifeline just in time for the holidays, let's hope that the rest of the economy stabilizes soon so people start buying cars again.

The local real estate market had record sales again for the 11th straight month in 2008, with an increase of 20.5% over November 2007. Realcomp, our local MLS, reports that 2008 year-to-date sales increased 18.1% over 2007. Oakland County posted the highest percentage sales increase for November at 31.8%.

There are a couple of factors for the continued strong market activity. First, starter home sales (those valued up to $124,999) for first time buyers is up by 60% over last year. Secondly, inventory is down 17.72% and homes are priced aggressively. Lastly, interest rates are good and getting better. With the recent Fed rate cut, pressure is mounting to reduce mortgage interest rates. There may never be a better time to buy or refinance.

According to most economists, a recovery is not expected until late 2009. We're all in this together, so keep being thrifty, continue to tighten your belt, and hang on for the bumpy ride.

If someone you know is unable to keep up with their mortgage payment, have them check out HOPE for Homeowners by the Federal Housing Administration, US Dept of Housing & Urban Development for assistance options.

Here are some links to keep track of the important items that have happened this year: Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act Summary of Economic Stabilization Act by the National Association of Realtors Tax Credit to Aid First Time Homebuyers by the Internal Revenue Service

With 12 inches of the snow right now it is hard to look at Metro Detroit Real Estate. It is cold, windy and sloppy so what about this idea. Warm up the car, and pack up the kids and take a look at some of metro Detroit western Suburbs best Christmas light displays.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. Something about lites glistening in the dark just seems so magical. The brighter the better for me. I have Clark Griswold blood. These homes here are like postcards from the past. Some of them have large trees so the lighting displays is awesome. Enjoy my picks

Christmas Light Viewing List

Novi MI

22501 Windermere Ct Bradford of Novi subdivision off Nine Mile between Taft and Beck

Plymouth's outstanding Christmas Lights

10907 Wellington Woodlore Subdivision off Ann Arbor Rd just east of Beck Rd

13904 Covington & 13905 Covington Beacon Meadows Subdivision off North Territorial Rd Between Sheldon and Beck

One of Northville's nice home lighting displays

45878 Tournament Northville Hills Golf Club Subdivision off Six Mile between Beck and Sheldon. Quite a few homes in the subdivision with nice lights.

So enjoy the Christmas lights and the holidays.

May you and your family

have a Great Christmas!.

Russ Ravary

After two long years of construction and road closure, the Sheldon Road Underpass opened with fanfare this afternoon.

Sheldon Road connects Plymouth to Northville and provides convenient access to the M-14 expressway. Because of train traffic through Plymouth, it was decided an underpass under the tracks near M-14 would be the best way to alleviate traffic backups waiting for trains.

The two year road closure was a major pain in the neck for many people, including me since my office is in Plymouth. Thank goodness that's behind us!