Big Rapids, MI

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!

Many people wonder if this is a 'good time' to list their home for sale.

It can be... if your home is priced to sell.

Typically, the overall number of homes that sell in the fall and winter months in Michigan are lower than spring & summer volume, but there are always people who must move at any time of the year.

In Big Rapids especially, there are people looking to relocate due to job transfers which can occur at any time of the year.

Sellers listing at this time of the year need to pay special attention to curb appeal, as fallen leaves and dying foilage can detract in a hurry. Cut back any dead foilage and keep it as neat as possible. A good exterior cleaning can sometimes do wonders as well to make your home more appealing.

Interest rates are still good, which helps keep buyers looking at this time of the year, so go ahead and list if you are ready to price it right... always the key to getting your home sold!

www.BigRapidsHomes.info

Many residents think Michigan is the highest taxed state?

We have been help under the tax thumb for a long time. That is what most people think anyway.

You might be surprised to know that Michigan rates # 17 in the nation as least taxed. That doesn't sound nearly as good as #1 but 33 states have higher overall taxes than Michigan. Now that number comes from all forms of taxation combined. Last time I knew, we pay all forms of tax too! My accountant always wants more...so it's going somewhere.

Who would you think is the least taxed state?

I had no idea myself...I lived in Florida and without a state income tax I know they make up for taxes in other ways. It is misleading to think there is no state tax....Florida is actually 5th best on the list of least taxed states.

The answer to the least is: South Dakota, the least taxed state in the union.

Michigan had the dubious honor of being among five states to see personal incomes fall. Even with the tax issues, unemployment and shrinking income this is one of the best times to take advantage of a market that has more homes and commercial properties available in decades.

If you have saved a nest egg for the right time to invest this is it!

Need help with that important investment decision? Call a career professional that offer you key information and insight so you can make an informed decision.

Live in the Grand Rapids or West Michigan, 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

I have noticed during the process of showing foreclosed homes the remnants of what is left behind.

Many of the mortgage companies have a "clean out service" and they haul aways the former owners belongings, if they have not been removed within the time frame.

Some of the others mortgage companies just leave the belongings where they were when the former owner departed.

It is a sad testiment to how the business of forclosure is handled. Most...not all families would appreciate the time to gather their possessions. Others will take advantage of the system. I guess that is how we got here in the first place...people taking advantage.

The other day I walked into a mortgage company to discuss a foreclosure issue with a lender. I couldn't help noticing the white lettered warning on the door....No Fire Arms Allowed!

I kind of laughed to myself until I realized it was no laughing matter. The emotions and rage people feel when losing their home could cause them to bring a gun into a lending institution. In fact it has already happened or that warning would not be on the door.

Here is some thoughts that you may not know. Click this link and see how many homeowners are estimated to be or going to be underwater or upside down on their mortgages. http://www.businessinsider.com/henry-blodget-half-of-us-homeowners-underwater-by-2011-2009-8

The stark reality of our times.

Live in the 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. FlexIt Realty, flexible selling and buying programs to meet our clients' needs. 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