I may be imaging things, but it seems like the colors of fall are really 'popping' this year. Vibrant, deep reds and oranges, bright yellow - I don't seem to remember the last few fall seasons being this way. As I drive around SE and Central Michigan, it really makes me happy to live in Michigan.
Sure, we have our economic challenges to overcome and it distresses me to see so many families and college graduates moving away. For those of us that have decided to stay and endure the ice, snow and cold of winter, Fall is our early 'thank you'.
I'm not an exceptional photographer and these photos are not altered in any way, other than being resized downward. The color here is somewhat muted from what I saw.
Late, but better than never. LaFontaine Automotive Group, at 4000 W Highland Rd, Highland MI 48357, has a free Car Seat Check tonight from 5-8pm. Co-sponsored by the Detroit Medical Center, there will be certiifed techs to evaluate car seats, ensure proper installation, and they even have a few FREE replacements, too. Great program, wish I had heard about it sooner. For more info call 313-745-0072.
Wow, every Real Estate office that I pass has a banner, marquee, or sign claiming the above. Just stop on in and pick it up. Since I deal with a large number of foreclosures as a listing agent, I thought I'd share a couple of thoughts. This may or may not be true for other market areas.
I get calls every day for foreclosed listings that sold two to four weeks ago. They're definitely not being found online. Are offices not updating these lists or are consumers picking them up and letting them sit for weeks before they act? Hard to say, maybe some of both.
If you are interested in foreclosures, here's a few other thoughts. First, properties under $80,000 go very, very fast. If they're financeable, that is in good enough shape, they're absorbed quickly. In general, a lot of homes under $50,000 cannot be financed because they need too much work. Unless you are getting a rehab loan or a construction loan, you'll need to buy cash.
Are you handy? If you are, the above example is OK. If you're not, what good is buying a $20,000 house if you have to hire out all of the work to make it habitable? You might as well spend more on a home that can be financed and perhaps needs only re-decorating. Will you live there yourself or rent it out? Maybe it's a home for an older child. All are OK, but know your strengths and plan accordingly.
Of course, I am biased as a Real Estate Professional, but unless you have done a lot of buying and selling on your own, I strongly recommend that you work with an agent of your choice. They will help you refine your plan, get you listings that are appropriate and guide you through the buying process.
Remember, you have to know what you can handle in terms of repairs and expenses. If you're looking at the low end of the price range, you have to be prepared to act quickly or lose out to another buyer. I am amazed at the number of people buying under $50,000 homes for cash. Your best bet for a successful purchse is to work with a real estate agent that knows bank owned property procedures.
Preview Properties is presenting this seminar at 6pm on Wednesday, October 21st at the office, 130 W. Grand River, Brighton 48116. For reservations or more information, please contact Lisa Bohlen at 810-220-1505 or at lbohlen@previewproperties.com
If you've wondered about investing in foreclosures, or have general questions about buying a home - this session is for you!
After a summer of spring-like weather, here we are starting to feel like Fall. And looking like it, too. I couldn't help but to compare the sky one day last week with the appearance of winter snow clouds. Quite striking. And of course, the fire bushes are turning bright red, maples transitioning into their fall palette and flocks of birds flying towards the south. Even the squirrels seem to have picked up their activity level lately. I hope that's not a harbinger of a hard winter. As much as I like all four seasons, last winter was a harsh kick in the behind after many years of being mild.
The season also brings to mind the coming holidays. My office, Preview Properties, always supports the Livingston County Association of Realtors (LCAR) spring food drive, Fill The Gazebo, for Gleaners Community Food Bank. Recently the barrels appeared again in the office and it reminded me that this is a time of year when people on a tight budget have extra bills. Heating and more electicity needs are usually at the top of the list and sometimes they don't have money to buy enough food.
At the local grocery this week, I noticed canned goods on sale for $0.39 each. I bought a case each of corn and green beans, and a couple of other sale items to drop off in the Gleaners collection bin. I urge you, too, to think about those struggling families and make a similar effort. It won't cost much, and your donation will go far.
If you're local to my area, feel free to drop off donations at our office at 130 W. Grand River, Brighton 48116, or at the Gleaners Community Food Bank on Sterling Drive, off Dorr Rd just south of Grand River Ave.
 |
|
|
Full-time Real Estate Professional serving Livingston County and portions of west Oakland and north Washtenaw
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
