Pat McCray, ABR

As you begin to look for that new home, you may want to EVALUATING YOUR ACTIVITIES AND LIFESTYLE:

The neighborhood you choose can have a big impact on your lifestyle, for example - safety, available amenities and convenience all play a part in home ownership satisfaction. Think about the activities you like, (shopping, movies, health club, organizations). Determine how far you would like to travel from each neighborhood to your favorite activity locations.

Here are some HELPFUL WEBSITES:

http://century21.com "Buy" area

http://www.homes.com/Content/Neighborhoods.cfm

http://realestate.yahoo.com/re/neighborhood

http://find.intelius.com

http://www.moving.com/community/

http://www.schoolmatch.com

http://www.patmccray.com Home search tool.

Are you a homeowner on the verge of a foreclosure and have questions about doing a short sale? You're not alone. recent statisics show 1 out of 5 homeowners in the U.S. are in the same situation. Admitting you need help is one of the 1st courageous things to do. After admitting you need help you can now take action, find a professional who you can work with toward a solution.

Banks really don't want to foreclose on property because the process is very costly to them. If you qualify for a short sale, it will most likely be considered.

Lenders are looking for verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall or pending shortfalls or what seems to be something unsolvable.

There may be enough time to negotiate a short sale before foreclosure. While a short sale may be very timely, foreclosure is also a process, and there may be time to make decisions that may result in better outcomes.

Short sales are difficult to execute and homeowners do need to learn about the process. Remember, a short sale is not impossible.

Banks are trying to do what they can, within reason, to avoid foreclosure. So before thinking that a bank would deny a short sale, ask them.

There are many potential buyers out there that are very interested in looking at short sales as well as foreclosures, even before they look at sale of private owned properties.

I wish the best for you.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/save_energy.html), a typical American family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills. But you can save energy-and money-with these tips to make your home more energy-efficient.

1 Get a home energy survey from your local utility. Many will do a free analysis of your home and provide specific ways to save money on your utility bill.

2 Replace old furnaces and air conditioners with newer ones that are more energy efficient.

3 Install programmable thermostats.

4 Swap light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs bearing the Energy Star label.

5 Air dry dishes.

6 Turn off lights and ceiling fans when you leave a room.

7 Turn off computers and TVs when they are not being used.

8 Plug home electronic devices into power strips, and turn them off when the equipment is not being used. These devices often have a "standby" mode that uses power even when they are off.

9 Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120° F.

10 Install a low-flow head on your shower. Opt for showers, not baths.

11 Only run the washer or dishwasher with full loads.

12 Purchase appliances that have the Energy Star label.

These tips can help you lower your energy use up to 25 percent, according to the DOE. That will not only save you money now, but reduced utility bills could also help you command a higher price for your home when you sell.

You're Invited to a Buyers Seminar

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

6:30pm - 8:00pm

at

Century 21 AAA North, 107 N. Main St., Capac

Century 21 AAA North with Team 1 Mortgage

is sponsoring this free seminar.

· Mortgage Qualification
· Secrets to Improving Your Credit
· $0 Down Mortgage Programs
· First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
· How to Purchase a Foreclosed Home

Also

Real Estate Professionals from Century 21 AAA North will be available to answer all of your questions regarding today's market.

If you are considering buying or selling a home...

Do Not Miss This Opportunity.

Call to reserve your spot: 810-395-1800

May 16 & 17, 2009, Saturday & Sunday - 10 AM~5 PM.
Lilac Festival Sunny Fields

No Appointment Necessary for this special event.
Enjoy the fragrant lilacs of Michigan's most complete lilac collection in seven colors.
There will also be a food concession, several educational garden related seminars, plant sales, music, and several craft vendors to provide fun for every one.
The unique botanical park is open other times by appointment and currently features 85 different varieties of daffodils enmasse, soon to be followed by eye-popping colors of over 136 different varieties of ornamental crabapples--- the region's largest collection. Please-no pets. Best wishes and hope to welcome you at the park.

5444 Welsh Rd., Emmett Twp.
For more information, visit http://www.visitsunnyfields.org/ or call 810-387-2765.

Try to attend at least one day if not both. I am sure you will not be disappointed. I attended last year's event and was totaly amazeda and had a wonderful time.