About Mecosta County, MI

Ever wonder why people make such foolish home selling decisions?

Most of the time it is because they are not given the whole picture of their choices. They don't take the time to investigate because they are stressed, beat down and just ready to fold. When dealing with your largest personal asset take a breath before making that final decision that could change your economic life for years.

I recently met a couple that had been deprived of the use of their home even though they still legally owned it.

The lender's representative told the owners that the bank had paid the taxes and now was claiming the property...the owners would have to move.

Let's step back one second so you know they both had lost their jobs and had missed three house payments. Let's also consider they purchased the home five years earlier. They tried to do a loan modification but without jobs they could not modify the loan because they had no income to pay the mortgage. Under Michigan law they have six months right of redemption after the sheriff's sale which has not yet taken place.

This means the owners could sell the property and redeem the property and improve their credit standing. Under the situation created by the lender, intimidating unsuspecting ill informed owners they have deprived the seller from these options and the rightful use of the property using legal a option afforded every owner in the State of Michigan. Other states have similar laws check your state for redemption rights.

Here is another key issue for selling when you are heading for a foreclosure situation. Do Not Move OUT! If you do move out before moving consult a Realtor® immediately. If you move and leave the property unattended...the lender will file for abandonment and secure your property within 30 days and your rights have been legally terminated.

If you are in difficult times and need to sell, learn your options before signing over your property to the lender, check with a Realtor and/or attorney. It could save your credit and has the possibility of putting money in you pocket, depending on your situation.

Happy Selling!

For Personal Service, Call: 616-784-2360 Email: GaryWhite@FlexitRealty.com

Being a Chamber member we are often reminded to buy local here in Big Rapids. We even have a Band of Locals Website to help people find where they can grab extra good deals. Here it is: Band of Locals. What a great program. You pay $10 for a Blue wrist band and it entitles you to all sorts of savings. Some deals like Preferred Office Machines who offer 1/2 off copying could save hundreds of $$$ depending on how many copies you need and John Milan is always eager to help. Shopping local isn' just for the stores either. When I buy Jalapeno Brats from Snyder's Market it is because I have never in my life found better tasting brats. They also have the best pulled pork and smoked brisket anywhere. Buying local keeps the money working in and around your community. The lure of the big box stores saving you three cents doesn't compare to knowing you are helping a family run business who happens to know your name and always loves to see you. Take my Buy Local challenge and try for a week to shop local markets and stores instead of the big box machines and see if you don't enjoy the experience. You will not only meet new people and find new treasures but you may be keeping your neighborin from losing their job. Best of luck in all you do.

Every Wednesday in Big Rapids right behind the Middle School on N. Michigan the Big Rapids Bandshell Summer Concert has been doing free concerts. Free Wheelin was amazing and lst week Susan Morris and BlueMonk Jazzed it up. This week's must see event is Wednesday, Aug 4, 2010 7pm - 8:30pm. Gypsy Switch featuring Kelly Quinn will be performing for you live at the Band Shell. Should be another huge success. All concerts are free and open to the public so no reason to not stop by and enjoy. Bring a lawn chair and a beverage and enjoy. See you there.

This coming weekend is another "must do" if in the Morley Area. The dates are Friday, Aug 6, 2010 - Sunday, Aug 8, 2010 for the Morley Celebration on the Pond for 2010. Located in downtown Morley with tractor pulls, an antique car show, street dance and much more. The tractor pulls have several classes incuding farm tractors, light trucks and even semi tractors. There will also be Food Venders, Portable Toilets and Bleachers available. See you there.

Directions to the event are: 131 Expressway to exit 125 Jefferson Rd/Morley, East on Jefferson to Northland Dr, Left on Northland Dr and follow signs.

The Big Rapids Wheels in the Field car show will be held Saturday, July 31, 2010 9am thru Sunday, August 01, 2010 10am right here at the Big Rapids Fairgrounds, bring the whole family to go back in time with these classic cars. Last year it was a great event and this year looks to be even better. Great way to spend the day going back in time and spend the day with the family. See you there.