Big Rapids, MI

Instead of paying thousands and thousands of dollars in rent or dorm fees for Ferris State University students in Big Rapids, Michigan, many parents opt to purchase an inexpensive home.

Many foreclosures do not require much work, and may save parents thousands of dollars in the long run.

Usually the student has a roommate or two that pay rent, and sometimes the student (whose parents own the property) actually live almost free!

Here is a link to an example of a home less than 15 minutes from campus, for $35,000. It is a manufactured home needing interior paint and some carpet, on over 2 acres. 4 Bedrooms, 2 baths!

Feel free to call me if you would like more information on how to purchase a home such as this. The key to finding a good one is to have a Realtor working with you directly that can check out the condition - which varies greatly from home to home.

Check out this example home: http://hud2.towerauction.net/cgi-bin/e7_select_property.cgi?id=263366679&office=e7&state=MI

www.BigRapidsHomes.info

Lynn's Phone: (231) 349-9191

Greenridge Realty Oakmont

Big Rapids, Michigan

If you are interested in purchasing a home on a Land Contract in Big Rapids or the surrounding Mecosta County area, there are investors who are interested in selling homes this way.

It used to be, you needed approximately 10% down payment to buy on a land contract. Right now, if you purchase before next April 30th, there may be investors willing to sell you a home on land contract with very little down initially.

Because of the Homebuyer Tax Credit, some investors will write into the contract that you owe them a balloon payment on a specific date, when it is expected that you will have your Tax Credit in hand.

If you qualify, the tax credit is 10% up to $8,000 for first time homebuyers, and up to $6500 for those who lived in a primary residence for 5 of the last 8 years.

Primarily this works for homes in the $60,000 to 80,000 price bracket, as investors want to make money when they do this. (They are not going to sell you a $25,000 home on a land contract).

Typically, they are purchasing a foreclosed home for much less, fixing it up to a nice liveable condition, and charging 7 to 8 % interest on the land contract.

You could become a homeowner... possibly for less than your rent per month!

The first criteria for a Land Contract investor is that you must have steady income. Secondly, for this type of Land Contract, you must also be able to qualify for the Homebuyer Tax Credit.

Most investors will have a tax person check out your credit, which doesn't have to be perfect, and your qualification for a tax credit. Some allow bankruptcies, foreclosures, divorces, and medical financial difficulties if you typically pay your bills.

It's worth checking into if you want to become a homeowner but cannot obtain traditional financing for a home!

Many of us look months out to see what our expected sales are going to by by month, week and day.

Seems like a bit of over anxiousness....in reality it is just business management.

Every November I can count on a surge in sales calls. It is like clockwork.

How can I plan so precisely?

Simple, we have dear season here and the 15th of November is opening day of hunting season.

A large percentage of the Realtors head off in search of a deer. My phones ring more while they are gone. They turn off their phones or have them forwarded to voice mail.

I can count on people not to be patient. They don't get an answer they move on...fast and find someone that will answer their questions and show them properties.

This also means an increase in car-deer accidents. So if you live in Michigan or another state where a large game hunting season opens use caution on the highways. We have an increased number of cars from neighboring states as well which increased the normal accident rates.

Some communities open their doors to the hunters while other dread the thought. The alcohol consumption also increase during this time.

And all I thought about was the increased calls to show homes? Interesting how calendar events can affect your business.

Have anything that creates more business for you?

Live in Grand Rapids or West Michigan area, not under contract? Like to sell or buy a home....give me a call. It could save you thousands in your next real estate transaction. Always confidential, Never Pressured.

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699 Local: 616-784-2360 Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Second Annual Downtown Big Rapids Fall Festival Oct. 30 & 31, 2009

Come join in the fun!

Scarecrow competition and fall displays in the storefront windows both days

Friday Oct. 30th, 6-8 pm

Blues band live in front of JC Penney on Michigan St. - Key West Perma Frost

Crossroads Cougar Fall Carnival benefiting student enrichment programs

also in the JC Penney block. 25 cents per ticket or $10 for 50 tickets

Games, Inflatable Play Area, Petting Zoo, Concessions and more!

(If Bad weather carnival will be held inside Crossroads Charter Academy)

Midnight Madness Sale

Saturday, Oct. 31st:

9:30 am Parade Line-up in front of the movie theatre (first 200 participants in parade receive a free kids ticket to FSU Football game 2pm afternoon of the 31st)

10am Parade - Costumes, Pets & Tractors (incl. lawn tractors)

Many other free happenings until afternoon, including:

11am to 1pm- Kids painting fun in Artworks bldg.;

Games & candy distribution in front of Big Rapids Furniture

Inflatables by the Old Pioneer Store (free popcorn)

9am - noon- Giant 500 lb. pumpkin in Pocket Park - carving demonstration

Free cider & donuts at Chemical Bank

11am to noon- Enter your pumpkin recipe at Blue Cow Cafe - Judging & auction of entries at noon

Half time at the FSU game - Children's costume parade (also inflatables at the field)

(There is an admission fee to get into the FSU game)

Be sure to visit the OLD JAIL HAUNTED HOUSE too!