About Mecosta County, MI

The fall of 2009 is sure here! It has been a colder and wetter fall. The colors have not been as bright as in years past. This big old maple is on the first hole of the pines golf course.

Now is a good time to get ready for 2010, make sure you get a spot in the next issue of Lakes Living magazine.

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

End of summer....will it change your business?

For many businesses the end of summer and the beginning of the school year spells a slowdown. Real estate can have a bit of a lull when people shift their attention to school cloths, the last vacation or time off with the kids before another school year starts.

This year may have a different focus. Trying to purchase a home before the time runs out for qualification of the First Time Buyer Credit.

The clock is ticking and right now with the focus on bailing out Jennie May and the debate on very bad health care options...newly dubbed Obama Care (my opinion)....the extension of the First Time Buyer credit renewal or extension is not getting much lip service.

The normal end of the summer lull may not happen as quickly because of the first time buyers scrambling to meet a deadline for a $8000.00 tax credit that next year may only be a memory.

What do you think...will your market have the end of the summer lull or will the clock ticking down for the first time buyer credit keep you going?

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

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