< Have you Noticed….

Have you seen in your area properties are starting to move lately. I had a client email me five homes last night and 4 out of the five are SOLD. Now as frustrating as that can be it’s also a good thing. Yes there is still an abundance of properties for sale but lately the ones I want to see are already gone. I told her of this fact and yes it bummed her out but I told her there are many more to choose from.

Now with the NAR campaign slogan “It’s a great time to buy” maybe that has started to take effect. No I’m not on that bandwagon but it tells me (and hopefully you) that there are some very serious buyer’s out there looking for a great deal and trust me there is quite a bit to choose from. My advice to anyone thinking on purchasing a home is to make sure you’re qualified prior to looking because the “good’ ones are going fast. Most of them ask for a prequalification letter and 1000.00 earnest deposit. Some people may be cash poor but it still can be attainable. So as I go out here again looking for my client’s dream home I keep my fingers crossed and hope at least one is still around for them. I tell them to never give up.

Robert L. Brown

FleXit Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Tales from the Landlord. Stories of being burned.

Again just prerusing thru the net as I usually do I came across an article that will either make you laugh (yes some of them are kind of funny) or make you downright mad. In this market where so many people have lost their jobs and their homes there are an abundance of people who can’t buy so their next option is to rent.

With home prices declining across the US the rental market has surged. Investors buying homes for relatively little money and Section 8 which has helped quite a few people have made investors some really good money. Along with that surge you have people who have taken advantage of the situation and try to scam the unsuspecting landlord. Some do get away with it. Some of what you will read like I said before is unbelievable, but very true. Some were even family members.

Desperate people will do desperate things. How can we guard ourselves from this? If you are an investor you have to do your diligence in checking your prospective tenants out very closely. Credit checks, job history and prior landlords. I’ve been burned before and trust me it’s a very big headache. Currently I have a resident who is an absolute peach. They are on time every month. They keep the place clean. They’ve done lots of work around the yard, and most of all they are very QUIET.

There is nothing like a peaceful rest after a hard days work. As you look at the attached article just be grateful that this is not you.

http://realestate.msn.com/Rentals/Article2.aspx?cp-documentid=4972876&GT1=35000

Robert L.Brown

FleXit Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Helicopter crash in downtown GR

I was informed from a fellow realtor about a crash at one of our local hospitals. I have friends who work in one of them and my daughter is in her 3^rd year of med school and she works down there. I called Spectrum east and my friend there knew nothing about it so my thoughts ran to my daughter (Adrienne) who studies and works there. I called and yes they don’t answer phones (go figure).

I paged her and she did call me back within 10 minutes. She didn’t know that it had happened. I remember when she was a baby (25 years ago). All of this comes back to you in a flash as a parent. I could go on and on but not now. She is safe and everyone there is safe. All I can say is that God was in it all the way. No loss of life? What a beautiful thing. I went downtown to look for a building for a client and by that time the streets were clear. Every few feet was a policeman pacing the sidewalks. Swarms of news trucks lining Michigan street. People from inside the hospital sitting about waiting for the all clear sign. It was pretty calm by the time I got down there. Pretty exciting for our city but I’m glad it’s getting back to normal. Check these websites for future information:

http://www.woodtv.com/global/story.asp?s=8395273

www.wootv.com

www.wzzm13.com

www.wxsp.tv

Robert L. Brown

FleXit Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Tips to help prevent ID Theft:

In looking on the net I came across an article that has some benefit to help you not to become a victim of identity theft. As a person who (in 2006) was victimized by this crime any and anything I see to prevent it I read up on just to try and prevent it from happening again. You have to be so careful wherever you go because there are people (in today’s economy) that are very desperate and will go to great lengths to survive.

Somehow (and I still don’t know how it happened) someone got my SSN and opened accounts in Atlanta, Georgia. There was an account opened for gas, electric and a cellular phone. On my credit report there was 2 different birthdays. Would that not have been the first clue? I was in the process of getting one of my properties refinanced and was alerted by my lender of the discrepancy. After the initial shock I had to contact the companies. They all requested fraud packages to prove I was not that person. The file grew thick by the day. I had to collect so much information. It took 3 months and countless hours of frustration getting this problem resolved. I had to get a copy of the police report to add with the file but the problem was it was a report that was filed in Atlanta and here I was in Grand Rapids.

One of my previous managers (here in Grand Rapids) had a relative who lived there and they were kind enough to go downtown and get a copy for me. Yes it seems like everything went smooth but I can honestly say it was a pain in the neck because here I was running around fixing a problem I didn’t create.

So as you read the article (copy and paste into a browser) there is a wealth of information you will get from it. Always be careful wherever you are.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23922103/

For all your real estate needs:

Robert L. Brown

FleXit Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Happy Memorial Day!!! To all who have served..

As we approach another Memorial Day let us not forget the sacrifice of so many for all of us. Yes the weather should be rainy as most Memorial Days I remember and the barbecue grills will be working overtime. But what about the real meaning of Memorial Day? It is a day we honor the people who gave their lives for us to be free. Plain and simple. I’m pretty sure all of us knows of someone or has someone in our family who has served in the military.

This brings me to the point of honoring my brother and my dad who have both served proudly in two different wars. My dad was in the Korean War( I never found out about this until when he died 10 years ago) and my brother who has done 2 tours in Iraq. He will be leaving for his 3^rd tour in September of this year. When I pray I ask the Lord to keep him safe as he (and others in his unit) prepare to do their duty they have sworn to do. He is younger than me but I consider him one of my “heroes”. Anyone that would give their life in defense of country is a hero. So attached is a picture I keep of him and the group that will be heading back. I try not to worry. I put this in the hands of the Lord. The best hands in the world. So Staff Sargent James Brown and all the military men and women I salute you.

Your brother:

Robert L. Brown

FleXit Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Good News from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Below is an article hot off the press concerning the use of the term “declining markets “. This terminology which was instituted during the aftermath of the sub prime fiasco in 2007 has affected more minorities and lower income families.

“NAR and other real estate and banking organizations have been calling on both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to change their declining market policies, which disproportionately affects minorities and lower income families and communities as well as first-time home buyers, further contributing to the sluggish housing market”

This way hopefully the stigmatism of “declining market” can be put behind us and we can dig ourselves out of this mess. With it came higher down payments and interest rates. In order to jumpstart this real estate economy those two scenarios definitely were not a help. Trust me I’m not the biggest fan of “zero-down” loans. A buyer should always invest some money into the purchase. So possibly there will be better opportunities to purchase homes in the future. We have to stay positive. It (hopefully) can only get better.

http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2008/fannie_mae_policy_change

For all your real estate needs:

Robert L.Brown

FleXit Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Good News for Grand Rapids!!

It seems we’re on an upward trend according to CNN Money. We’re in the list of the top ten cities for fastest growth in the real estate market. To me (and you) hopefully that’s great news. With the medical industry influx it’s my personal opinion the prices will restore to the levels that they were in years past.

When is another situation all unto itself. As we all know real estate is cyclical anywhere we may live. We have to be able to roll with the punches. I’ve been in the business for over 22 years and I’ve seen these trends come and go. I can honestly say I’ve never seen the housing market (here) dip so low but hopefully we will bottom out soon. The equity in most people’s homes where their savings for numerous reasons. Gone were the days that most homes here had so much equity you could tap into it for a various amount of reasons (education, home improvements and such).

We need to think positive and hope that this market will start with an upswing and people can keep their jobs and stop losing their homes. We all have to make an effort to hang in there and keep the faith.

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/moneymag/0805/gallery.resg_gainers.moneymag/8.html

For all your real estate needs feel free to call:

Robert L.Brown

FleXit Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

21^st Annual Fair Housing Luncheon & Workshop Series

What a power packed day it was at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza (28^th and Kraft) for the annual workshop. I wasn't having the greatest couple of days but to attend this yearly event definitely changed my perspective for the better. As a staunch advocate for Fair Housing (and for some who may not know this it is the Law) it definitely bother's me when you see and hear of blatant situations that people do and say and don't have the foggiest idea that they are breaking the law. There are so many instances that it happens the numbers are staggering and getting worse.

I attended one of the morning workshops that was moderated by Nelson Miller (Associate Dean at the prestigious Cooley Law School). The panel consisted of Shanna Smith (keynote speaker for the conference and head of the National Fair Housing Alliance), Stephen Dane ( practicing attorney in the law firm of Relman and Dane in Ohio) Sylvia Elliott (managing attorney for the Michigan Dept of Civil Rights) and Fred Mackraz ( an attorney with Kuiper Orlebeke here in GR). I am very fascinated with the law and I always gravitate toward case law and how it affects real estate. The workshop opened up with Mrs Smith and she imparted upon us a wealth of information concerning issues nationwide. A very dynamic speaker.

Mr Dane gave us a synopsis of several cases (concerning discrimination, mortgage discrimination and landlord tenant situations) and one that happened here in West Michigan recently. Ms Elliott concurred with some very pertinent facts that have affected us here in GR as well from a civil rights perspective and Mr Mackraz ended with his perspective from a local level. It gave me the opportunity to see and hear from people who are in the front lines who are out there trying cases to make our lives a better one. One would like to think that 40 years later people would be educated enough to do the right thing when dealing with clients/customers/tenants etc.

Sad to say they are not. Why you may ask is that? It's that people think they can get away with it. They think that there will be no enforcement and for the most part it's not. The Act needs more teeth in it to discourage people from discriminating against other's. There needs to be large (and I mean large) penalties for individuals and/or corporations who violate this law and made to be the example. In our discussion we were shown slide after slide of blatant discrimination towards protected classes. It's like an epidemic. Things which you would think that common sense would tell you you're doing the wrong thing. And as Shanna Smith showed us how they have tester's who travel to different cities because someone has filed a complaint. Whether it is because of an agent who has tried to steer different people to areas which suit their "race" to landlord's and /or property manager's who refuse to rent to someone to mortgage lender's who give preferential loans to certain people and not other's. It's never ending. We are professionals and should act as such. I asked a question of why over the last 40 years people would be educated enough to know that everyone has the same inalienable rights as everyone else. Everyone has the right to live where they choose. We don't have the right to take advantage of other's to harm them but some of us are guilty of this very same thing.

I'm not speaking out of turn here. The statistics don't lie. How many of us truly follow this law to the letter? How many of us have violated it? I suspect some of us are guilty. It was eye-opening to listen to Shanna Smith and Cathy Cloud (Senior Vice President for the National Fair Housing Alliance). They are in the trenches everyday. They work tirelessly to stem the tide of discrimination. I was very impressed with them. Is there a local Fair Housing Center in your area? If not one needs to be implemented. The team of Nancy Haines and Liz Keegan here in West Michigan is imeasureable. I've had the opportunity to speak with them first hand and their dedication is second to none. Stop in one day at 29 Hall SE. Become a member. Volunteer at an event. They will never turn down someone who wants to help. We need to get involved. Whether we're a seasoned professional, new to the business and /or the public. These problems that exist need everyone giving a concerted effort to eradicate this epidemic. If you've never heard them speak you really need to. You will surely be enlightened.

For ALL your real estate needs please call:

Robert L Brown

FleXit Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

I received the information below and thought it best to forward on to you the consumer. Read thru it carefully and there is a link to a website below for further information. Furnaces are an integral part of living but a bad furnace is not. So take a look at your current furnace and see if it fits this criteria. Pass it on to everyone you know.

Class Action Lawsuit for Bryant, Carrier & Payne furnaces made & sold since January 1, 1989

The Suit:

· The suit alleged, “From January 1, 1989, Carrier manufactured and sold 90% residential high-efficiency condensing furnaces that contained defective polypropylene laminated condensing heat exchangers and failed prematurely.”

· The complaints specified that Carrier manufactured more than 3 million units with an inferior material in the secondary heat exchangers that may cause premature corrosion and failure.

Agreement:

· The agreement is a “short” 66 pages in length. It states Carrier will pay up to $270.00 to reimburse anyone who previously experienced a failed secondary heat exchanger.

Public Information:

· For applicable homeowners, the deadline for submitting claim form is August 1, 2008.

· http://www.furnaceclaims.com/ was created in the settlement agreement to provide the public access to notices, claim forms and locations of Carrier and Bryant dealers.

Furnace Models Included in this Settlement:

· Carrier, Bryant, Payne, and Day & Night residential high efficiency (90% +) gas furnaces that operate on natural gas or propane, manufactured after January 1989 are included in the settlement.

For all your real estate needs please call:

Robert L. Brown

FleXit Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Yes here is GR was like every other day in every other city. Listening to the sights and sounds of my city as it moves around me. That’s what I like about city living. The different aromas as you walk, run or if you’re like me bike your way from neighborhood to neighborhood. The different people you meet, whether you pass a jogger, a walker or a family out for an afternoon stroll. It’s nice to know when you pass them everyone is so courteous and greet you with a wonderful hello and a smile. I tend to like to bike thru different areas and watch the different architectural styles here. Some people have even asked me do you get bored because you sell real estate also. I say no. I’ve learned a lot from my seat.

You notice the families tending to their gardens or washing the family car. Also you see people barbecuing for the first time this year. Outdoor music, glass of wine or beer (for the adults) and soft drinks for the kids. Also the occasional game of catch, football throwing and for the fortunate (with a big yard) maybe a volleyball game. This is how I like to see my city. Yes it has its faults (just like we do) but it is a good place to call home. Yesterday a friend called and said let’s go and get some ice cream. I knew pretty much everywhere you go (outside of the fast food places that sell it) would be packed. And yes I was right. The line was stretched out into the parking lot as people read the fine print ( yes those menus) and the kids were actually on good behavior because they knew where they were and what they were about to receive.

Kids are very smart. Sometimes we don’t give them credit where it should be due. One of my mom’s favorite things to say (yes she is still here. 75 and still a smart cookie) is there is no such thing as an unintelligent child. So when I’m out here taking this all in there are so many thoughts that run thru my head. Standing in my driveway after having my ice cream I was chatting with my friend and four kids from the neighborhood were riding their bikes up and down the sidewalk. The funny things that kids will say and do will put a smile on your face and sometimes make your day. I had an engaging conversation with all of them (and yes they are all talking at once ) and learned quite a bit from them. They proceeded to tell me their grandmother is 51(as I am 52) and they said she is old. So you know I’m looking at them amusingly and just thinking of my daughters when they were that age. It seems like it was so long ago. Having all daughters myself I felt a twinge of sadness because they are all grown and gone. That thought was very momentary. Trust me. They are currently in college and will be graduating next year. Then I can have that tear in my eye and be a proud dad all over again. BTW I am proud of them everyday.

They are now in their mid 20’s. The things we can learn from some so young. A so so day turned into a great one just by being in my city enjoying my fellow Rapidians. Get out there. Meet someone. Lend a helping hand. And learn from your young ones. You just might be amazed.

For all your real estate needs please call:

Robert L. Brown

FleXit Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com