Lorena McMullen - Serving SE Michigan

Many real estate agents across the country deal with folks buying property that needs to undergo renovation or for investment as a rental property. All owners and landlords of property built before 1978 need to be aware of this new law that goes into effect on April 2010 and the disclosure requirements.

This new rule applies to paid contractors, home improvement contractors, painters, maintenance workers, and other specialty trades working in pre-1978 housing. The rule applies to public or commercial buildings where children under the age of six are present on a regular basis, as well as ALL rental housing. The rule applies to renovation, repair or painting activities. It does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activity that affect less than 6 square feet of lead base paint in a room or less than 20 square feet on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair, per the rule. (Michigan Law is 2 sq ft of interior; 10 sq ft exterior)

The new rule, issued under the authority of section 402(c) (3) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requires that renovators are trained in the use of lead safe work practices, that renovators and firms be certified, that providers of renovation training be accredited, and that renovators follow specific work practice standards.

The rule does not apply to:

Minor repair and maintenance activities that disrupt less than 6 sq ft or less of painted surface per room for interior projects, or less than 20 sq ft or less of painted surfaces for exterior projects;

Renovations where it is determined the renovation will not involve lead base paint.

The determination that the components affected by renovation are free of lead-based paint can be made by a certified inspector or risk assessor, or by a certified renovator, using an EPA recognized test kit.

Owner-occupied housing where the owner is performing his or her own renovation work.

The new rule requires that a 7-day advanced delivery of the Lead Pamphlet via mail (need documentation with certificate of mailing from the post office), or otherwise you may deliver the pamphlet anytime before the renovation begins. Note, however, the renovation must begin within 60 days of the date that the pamphlet is delivered. Documentation of compliance is required. Confirmation of receipt of the lead pamphlet or self-certification is required.

NOTE: Contact your state for any additional requirements.

MORE INFORMATION & RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND AT:

Publicly available docket materials are available electronically at www.regulations.gov

The new rule can be accessed at www.epa.gov/lead

Lead Awareness Program Booklet: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/interiorfinal2.pdf

The lake front property spring market in Commerce Township, Michigan has begun! Currently there are 31 active lake front listings for sale. List prices range from $169,000 to $2,200,000. There have been 11 recorded sales of lake front homes in Commerce Township over the past 3 months (12/01/2009) show an average sale price of $269,582.The lowest sale price was $54,900 for a 576 square foot home on Bass Lake, and the highest sale price was $448,500 for a 3,255 square foot home on Fox Lake.

Commerce Township, Michigan, is referred to as "The Lakes Area" due to the many inland lakes located here. Some of the lakes located in Commerce Township are: Commerce Lake, Upper and Lower Proud Lake, Woodland Lake, Carroll Lake, Mud Lake, Fox Lake, Moss Lake, Union Lake, Round Lake, Glenwood Lake, Ellenwood Lake, Twin Lakes, Middle Straights Lake, Upper Straights Lake, Bogie Lake and the Huron River.

Commerce Township offers many fabulous recreational parks, including the Proud Lake Recreational Center and Campgrounds. Proud Lake offers many recreational activities; hunting, fishing, canoeing, boating, swimming, trout fishing, camping, nature and ski trails.

Living in Commerce Township offers you the feeling of "Up North" yet is located just minutes from I96, I275, I696, and M5 for easy commuting to Ann Arbor, Detroit, Lansing & Brighton. Commerce Township is just minutes from 12 Oaks Mall, Costco, Meijers Thrifty Acres, Walmarts, Krogers, Home Depot, Lowes and Target. There are plenty of dining venues to enjoy a quick meal or enjoy a dinner such as A Matter of Taste, Johnny Carinos, CJ Brewing Company, Uptown Grill, Pizza Hut, and Big Boys to name a few of the nearby eateries.

Commerce Township is comprised of two highly rated school districts, Walled Lake Schools and Huron Valley Schools. Commerce Township's current homestead tax rates are $26.7094 for Walled Lake Schools and $28.1814 for Huron Valley Schools.

Commerce Township makes a great place to live. Commerce Township offers you beautiful, natural surroundings, plenty of lakes and parks, numerous shopping choices, great access to major expressways for easy commuting, affordable housing and lower township taxes - If you are considering moving, consider Commerce Township, one of Michigan's Secret Jewels!

The real estate market data for the State of Michigan per the sales data found on Zillow, reflects a continuation of declining values. The state average home value is now at $98,400. This reflects an -8.5% drop over the previous year. While home prices have declined across the state, there is good news! The declining market has created a great time to purchase a new home or to move up, trade for a similiar home, or pay down for current homeowners. Often times, home sellers look at their current homes value, and look at what the property was worth back in 2005/2006 before our market dropped. They look at the price difference as a "loss" - There is another way to look at our current real estate market for homebuyers and sellers alike! Examples to show the current market benefits for current homeowners, are: 1.) A seller has a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath 2,000 square foot home that was "valued" at $250,000 in 2006. The current market value of that home is now around $175,000 which is a 30% drop in "value" or a "loss" of $75,000. A.) A seller wanting to reduce their payments without reducing their lifestyle, can now purchase a "like" home for $175,000. B.) A seller moving up in home value of $75,000 can now purchase a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with 2,800 square feet with approximately the same purchase price of $250,000 therfore making up for any "loss" in value with an increase in living space, amentities and lifestye. C.) A seller could downsize in purchase price and size/amentities by purchasing a new home in a lower price range, reducing their mortgage amount. Many are purchasing a foreclosure and rehabilitating a property at a lower purchase price and reducing their debt. There are so many great deals and options for home buyers and sellers in our market place today. We are constantly being told "bad news" on the economy, our housing market, health care, taxes and such, we need to step back and look for the many opportunities that have been created! The real estate market data for Commerce Township, Michigan per the sales data found on Zillow, reflects a continuation of declining values. To date, the 2009 Commerce Township home values shows the average home price of $132,400 while the state average value is $98,400 over the same time period. The average home values in the surrounding areas are reflected as: Walled Lake $90,700; Wolverine Lake $101,900; and White Lake Township $127,600. The real estate market in Michigan has created so many opportunities for purchasers and sellers to take advantage of to improve their lifestyle or financial condition - Just take a look at the real estate deals available in Michigan today!

This fabulous remodeled home for sale in Commerce Township Michigan at 786 Glengary is a new homebuyer's delight on almost 1 acre lot!

This 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home has been remodeled inside & out with designer details and touches. You will enjoy many fabulous features such as granite, designer tile flooring, shower insert, backsplash, lighting, paint, plush carpeting, maple cabinetry and vanities, plenty of closet and storage space, newer high-energy furnace, A/C, new appliances, including washer and dryer, and so much more. You will love the newly remodeled, luxurious upgrades this home offers you!

The exterior offers new siding, lighting, paint, and shutters. You will also find the private, enclosed deck a great place to enjoy an outside dining and entertaining area for family and friends.

This fabulous remodeled home in Commerce Township is on almost one acre of property offers highly desired Walled Lake Schools. The huge lot has plenty of mature trees and pines plus a huge 3 car detached garage - You'll enjoy room for 2 cars, recreational toys, a workshop, room for a large garden, a large enclosed dog run and easy access to the parks and Wolverine Lake Boat Launch just a short distance down the street!

You will also find that Proud Lake Recreational Center, in Commerce Township, is also nearby to enjoy the fantastic outdoor facilities offered such as canoeing, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, hunting and picnicking. If you enjoy Trout Fishing, you will love fishing in the mighty Huron River. Each spring, the river is stocked and fisher people from around the area enjoy fishing for Trout. You can also enjoy the beach area located off Wixom Road for an afternoon. You can enjoy swimming, water sports, the picnic area or to simply soak up some sun and enjoy the beautiful views of nature - Just minutes from this fabulous remodeled home in Commerce, Michigan.

Commerce Township, Michigan, is located just north of Novi, and offers easy commuting via I96, M-5, I696, I275 or M59. Shopping centers are plentiful. This fantastic remodeled home is just minutes from 12 Oaks Mall, Costco, Meijers, and Krogers for easy shopping adventures.

Welcome to your new Home in Commerce Township, Michigan!

Today while I was out driving taking photographs of a new listing, I took the opportunity to take a few photographs of the beautiful, freshly fallen snow.

Side-Streets were covered in snow.

A pretty view of the snowfall.

A view looking down at Proud Lake in Commerce Township.

The Mighty Huron River in Commerce Twp.

A Beautifull, Snow Covered Street in Commerce Twp, MI

Snowfall & Winter Grasses in Commerce Twp, MI

Children Sledding in Commerce Twp, MI