Lee Morof, Associate Broker/Attorney

Dear Tyler,

My heart is heavy. I had to let you go. You just couldn't do it any more. I know you tried, but you just didn't have the strength any more. The cancer that we found almost a month ago, got the best of your almost 16 year old body. We hoped that it was just an infection but, because I loved you, I was not going to torture you with any radiation or chemotherapy. I opted for the antibiotics and antiinflammatories and hoped. The vet said you would let me know when it was time and you did. You picked a day that I was around and available to put you out of your pain. It was hard to say good bye to you. I loved you as much as any person could love a dog. It was easy to love you. You were a great dog. You had a zest for life and I know you loved me with all of your heart. When I rescued you from where you were 14 years ago, you knew to come with me without hesitation. You knew that a great life with me was ahead of you. I felt your love when you caught a frisbee like a top NFL receiver catches a football and brought it back for more. I felt it when I took you up to Northern Michigan and you swam out to fetch a water toy at the dog beach in Harbor Springs and brought it back for more. I felt it because you let me know that your favorite place was always next to me. You welcomed my wife, Teri into our pack and then our son. You showed both of them almost as much love as you did me. I know that you are now gone forever and I cannot bring you back. If I could, you know I would. So, over time, Tyler, when my crying stops, I will focus on the great times that we had together. I will always love and miss you.

Love, Lee

November 2008 home sales figures for Oakland County Michigan, as compared to November 2007, give cause for cautious optimism. For the county, sales are up 32% and listings are down by 18%. However, sale prices continue to drop. In Troy, Michigan median sale prices were down by 15% and in Royal Oak and Ferndale, prices tumbled by 21% and 41%, respectively. On the other hand, Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills saw inreases of 13% and 61%. So long as we don't see an increase in bank owned homes on the market we should start to see some stabilization of the housing market. If you are thinking about buying, NOW is the time. With recent interest rate decreases on 30 year mortgage loans, buyers can buy more of a home than could for the last ten years. If you need to sell, it can be done but you must be realistic about where the market is or don't try selling it. Home owners who plan on staying in their homes in Oakland County Michigan may want to protest the taxable value determined by their city assessor's office if it is significantly above 50% of the homes fair market value.

Every New Years Eve, our family attends Birmingham's First Night, an alcohal free event sponsored by The Cultural Council of Birmingham /Bloomfield. The evening features live entertainment and crafts geared toward families. This year's performances were well worthwhile. The magic by Jason Hudy featured a levitating illusion that wowed the crowd. Puppeteer Brad Lowe was first provided an explanation of how marionettes are made. He then performed a soundtracked show about a fisherman who caught a magic fish that he let go. When the fisherman's wife learned about this, she nagged the fisherman to return to the fish and ask to have her wishes granted which, once granted, only led to more wishes. This years, First night also included a Steel Band, face painting, a model train exhibit, and crown making. Of course, there are so many options that you cannot do everything. If you want to have a safe and fun New Years Eve with your family, be sure to attend next years First Night.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has recently published its 2008 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers which is based on a survey of approximately 10,000 people who bought homes between July 2007 and July 2008. During this period of time, the average for sale by owner (FSBO) home seller did poorly. According to the data, FSBO sellers only had a 7% chance of selling to someone that they did not already know. To make matters worse, that FSBO home seller sold the home for 29% less than he or she would have had they used the services of a realtor to sell the home. The NAR Report gives some insight as to why the numbers are so bad for the FSBO home seller. The survey also asked how the home buyer actually found the home that he or she purchased. 34% found the home though a realtor and 32% through the internet. Most FSBO home sellers attempt to sell their home by placing a For Sale By Owner Sign on the front lawn of the home and do little else if anything. By doing so, they effectively eliminate 66% of all buyers who might be looking for a home such as theirs! If you're thinking about selling your home by yourself, think again. By hiring a realtor you increase your chance of success, most likey end up netting more money, and find the process a whole lot more easy and convenient as you would by trying to go at it alone without the help of a professional.

In the Spring of 2008, I learned that my elementary school age son was being picked on by a bully at his school. Almost immediately, I decided it was time for the both of us to learn self defense. I called a couple of Dojos in the area only to learn that my son and I would have to learn separately. I then contacted the Southfield Martial Arts Institute located at 29100 Southfield Rd., Southfield, Michigan, (248) 569-7030. www.southfieldmartialarts.com. Fortunately, this Dojo has family Karate classes three times per week. The experience has been amazing. The Dojo is run by Master Willie Adams, a 10th Degree Black Belt, and several other very talented and patient Senseis who teach Okinawan Isshinryu style Karate. Above is a photo taken at the Dojo's Beginner Junior Tournament on October 25, 2008 that featured sparring, Black Belt demonstations, awards, and a luncheon following the tournament. A great time was had by all especially the precious children who all had big smiles on their faces as they wore their award medals. This Dojo not only teaches self defense technique that could save your life, but also respect for yourself and others, focus, and provides a sense of accomplishment. I highly recommend it.