I have to "sell" my asking price 3 times???? - Oct 07 11:08 AM
Mr. or Ms. Seller: Yes, you do have to sell the asking price for your home 3 timesor you run the risk of the below scenario happening to you, especially in MacombCounty Michigan. 1) You have to sell your price to attract a buyers agent. If you overprice the home I can guarantee that an agent working on behalf of the buyer will put it to the bottom of the list of homes to show their client. Buyers agents in ...
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Just Say No! 10 Things You Can't Do If You Want to SELL Your Michigan Home - Mar 30 04:08 AM
10. Try to sell "By Owner." Sorry, I am not just saying this because my livelihood is in selling homes. If you want to sell your home, you need to be where the buyers are. Since about 90% of sales in Metro Detroit involve real estate agents, that is clearly where the buyers are. Additionally, many of the small 10% of non-Realtor transactions are between family members and known parties, making the odds for selling on ...
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The Best Place to Work by Forbes Magazine - Jul 09 07:45 AM
Dog at work with colored dog biscuitsStarbucks coffee barThree free meals a dayA gymMassage roomA place to nurse babiesMixing Work and PlayWhere else but Google ? According to Forbes Magazine, Google is Named the Best Place to Work in 2007.
Google is located at the McKinley Town Center on the corner of S. Division in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The offices of Google in Ann Arbor are awesome. According to CNN Magazine one application is received every 25 ...
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Sell-Lord Lesson: Peeing Dogs Do Not Sell Homes - Apr 07 10:33 AM
Yesterday I had one of my top 10 most memorable showings. This is a list that you don’t want to be on as most of those showings tend to be memorable for bad reasons, like finding people asleep in beds when you think the house is empty. That is always good for a fright.
My Metro Detroit market is currently swarming with sellers who, because they can't sell, are considering leasing and becoming landlords. Since there are ...
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10 Things First Time Michigan Home Sellers Need to Know - Apr 29 06:27 AM
There are all kinds of articles on the web for first time buyers. Plenty of advice, including seminars, classes and such. But rarely do I hear someone talking about first time sellers and the questions they may have. Yes, first time sellers have been on the other side of the transaction once, but the needs of a seller are quite different from the needs of buyer.
To read the full article please click through to it ...
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2 short sale scenarios : Should they be treated the same way? - Feb 10 10:54 AM
The names of the people below and their stories are allfictitous, but are examples of what real estate agentsare seeing and hearing in the Metro Detroit area on a dailybasis. Short sale sellers #1: Bill and Nancy have fallen upontough economic times. Bill lost his job when his automotivesupplier employer shut its doors 1 year ago. His unemploymentchecks recently ran out and although he's found a minimalwage job and Nancy has a minimal wage job they ...
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Yes Joan! There is a Green Information Highway!!! - Sep 08 09:06 AM
Yes Joan! There is a Green Information Highway!!!
Are you looking for Green Information???
Are you confused about the wide variety of information out there?
A Google Search today for "Green Building" gives me the following results
Results 1 - 10 of about 137,000,000 for green building
One Hundred Thirty Seven Million!!! I wonder how many of these links I can get through today? I wonder how many of these links will provide me with valuable information???
Joan Mirantz asked ...
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Please don't shoot the messenger! - Oct 03 05:43 AM
In the last 5 days I've received 2 inquiriesfrom home owners who want to sell theirhomes and are naturally worried about themarket values.These people are not in foreclosure, havepaid their bills on time, are current on theirproperty taxes and want to move either outof state or have relocated already.Within the first few moments of talking with them I feel as if I need to don a bullet proof vest. The shots are going to be coming my ...
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Michigan Buyers...When the Government Gives Free Money to Buy a House...Go Get IT! - Nov 29 07:04 PM
It's almost the end of year...the time when most funding programs tend to run low on funds for buyers without down-payments. In a surprising and refreshing reversal this November, the Federal Housing Authority Administrations (FHA) Philadelphia Homeownership Center has approved several Sales Incentives for use in the purchase of HUD homes in Ohio AND Michigan!
This is great news for Michigan buyers! Particularly if you're a first time buyer strapped for cash as the holidays approach. Now, ...
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A Patriotic Birthday Celebration for West Michigans' Newest Americans! - Aug 23 12:30 AM
Today I was in court in Grand Rapids, Michigan to witness a birthing ceremony! Individuals from 51 countries convened at the US District Court Western Region SD which was hosted on the lovely grounds of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. They were gathering to become Citizens of the United States of America...this was their First Birthday as an American!
Although the ceremony was scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., people began lining up well before 8:00 ...
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Do You Love A Good Fairy Tale??? - Aug 25 08:32 AM
Am I just like you? Did you love Fairy Tales and Fables when you were growing up?I remember buying an Aesop's Fable book when my son was born! I was so excited to bring the stories to him that I had grown up with. I still have that treasured hard cover book in my library. I'm saving it for my grandchildren I suppose! Do you remember the story of Rapunzel? I stumbled upon this tower while driving ...
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THIS is Cooperation! - Dec 29 08:00 AM
Last month something very interesting happened in the Birmingham/Bloomfield real estate market. It may not sound like something groundbreaking to most of you, but to me it was a BIG thing.
My friend Sara Lipnitz, who is an agent in my office, called together some of the top producing agents in other offices around town to jointly hold a broker open together. She had a theme in mind, and the Home and Holiday Boutique Day was born. ...
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Tim & Jeni Baldwin epitomized "Location, Location, Location" buyers - a true story. - Sep 05 05:57 AM
I would like to introduce you to Tim and Jeni Baldwin and Carol, Jeni's mom. (It was nice meeting you today Carol!)Tim and Jeni graciously gave me permission to tell you their story about their first home purchase. They were also wonderful sports about having their photos taken without any notice or warning. Look at those smiles! Aren't they precious? One of the things I love most about Tim and Jeni is that they are always ...
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Understanding Agency and Agency Relationships in Michigan - Feb 14 08:50 PM
When we form an agency relationship with a client we owe certain fiduciary duties to that client: Loyalty, Obedience, Disclosure, Confidentiality, Reasonable care and Diligence, and Accounting. And since 1994, in Michigan, we owe these duties to our buyer clients as well as our seller clients. In MI we now have Seller's agents (aka the listing), Buyer's agents, Disclosed dual agents, Designated agents, and Non-agents (transaction broker or facilitator).The first two are pretty self explanatory. Buyer's ...
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Back to old fashioned math and loving it! - Nov 20 10:58 PM
I'm old. I'm not ashamed to admit it. When I was in elementary school there weren't hand held calculators. We learned math the old fashioned way. Years later there was "new" math introduced into the schools. My kids understood the teaching better than I did. Thankfully they didn't need help with their homework.During the real estate "boom" in Macomb County I saw quite a bit of new math methods being used. Homes that sold for $100,000 ...
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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall... Will My House Sell By Fall? - Jul 22 07:13 PM
My absolute favorite question of the year, "What's Going on In the Michigan Market?" Good question. Let me look into my crystal ball and see... Currently, I see a haze. Oh wait a minute... I see a home for sale and another home for sale. Some buyers are out looking at the front of the home and deciding whether or not to come in. Nope, they are going to try the neighbor's home instead.You ask the ...
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About foreclosures: How the banks can help turn around the economy and neighborhoods in Macomb County. - May 01 01:08 PM
I have a very simple plan for the bank owners of foreclosed homes in Macomb County and the entire Metro Detroit area. In fact, it's so simple that the banks probably won't even consider it, let alone put it into practice.
Part 1: Turn the utilities on. Pay $40-$60 per month to keep the heat on at a minimal temperature, and to keep the electricity on for sump pumps, security and a potential buyers comfort while viewing ...
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Condo buyers need to check more than the by-laws before purchasing. - Aug 25 04:49 PM
The condominium lifestyle is attractive to many buyers from first time purchasers to current home owners wishing to downsize their homes or minimize their maintenance chores.Most condominium buyers are eager to view the association rules and by-laws, but one area that is often neglected (and can be costly to neglect!) are the financial documents related to the association.All condominium associations and/or management companies should readily have the following information for you to review:1) A copy of the current ...
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VA benefits - let's not forget about them or the men & women who earned them. - Aug 21 06:54 AM
This photo was taken New Years Eve 2002 and is a photo of me and my youngest son Nicholas when he was home during what is called "Exodus" leave. He was in the beginning of his U.S. Army basic training and during the weeks around Christmas time and the New Years most if not all of the basic training units are sent home. It was our first glimpse of him as GI Nick (nicknamed that by ...
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The typical Metro Detroit foreclosure family. - Nov 25 05:23 AM
**I am putting my disclaimer upfront: The story I am writing is not about any one particular family, it is merely an observation from a real estate agent in Metro Detroit who has watched the downturn in our real estate market unfold. It is also a story that I've heard more times than I've wished by families who work hard, have purchased their piece of the American dream and have faced financial stress that they didn't ...
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Role reversal: Learning from the younger generation - Feb 18 06:05 PM
I have a confession to make. A really big confession. Ready?I hate text messaging.Using the keypad of my phone leaves me frustrated. I have to dig out my glasses, only to be reminded that the prescription isn't powerful enough to read the little A, B, C's. Then I have to get my fingers to press the buttons correctly, in the correct order, and not hit the wrong button before I hit "send".To add insult to injury ...
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MICHIGAN - Come Here To Sail -- or Participate In Our Sale!!!! UPDATED - Aug 22 11:06 PM
I don't have any answers in this blog. Just entertain me if you will!
Is Michigan's glass half empty or half full??
Can we discuss it over a glass of wine? (or a soda, if you so choose?)
I really don't have much to say. I'm just writing on the off chance that someone out there will listen and give me some feedback.
Everyday when I talk to lenders I hear, "you're in Michigan?" Their tone makes me think the plague has ...
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The foreclosures almost did me in - overcoming "burnout" - Apr 21 06:29 AM
**Caution: Honest personal post ahead**To say it's been a rough 4-6 weeks would be an understatement.Towards the end of last week the stress I was feeling inside was something I hadn't experienced before and almost overwhelming.
In the past 6 weeks I've logged over 1500 miles on my poor car. (I don't want to add up the gas costs as that may send me over the edge.)My clients and I have viewed 282 homes. That's right, ...
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Fifty is the "new" 20 - you can teach an old girl new tricks! - Apr 17 05:32 AM
When my birthday rolled around this year my darling niece texted me with "50 is the new 20!".
At first I rolled my eyes and laughed (easy for her to say, she's really 20!). What do most 20year olds do? They learn. Whether they are in college or an apprentice or any other form oftraining most 20 year olds are learning something that will carry them into the future.
During the months leading up to my birthday I ...
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What does this have to do with real estate? Absolutely nothing! - Jan 16 04:16 AM
Warning: This post has absolutely nothing to do with real estate.It is a real life post by a real person with a real family who found a real situation amusing the other day and wanted to share it with you.This is a true life tale of one of those examples of the "differences between men and women". We will be leaving soon for a visit with our daughters and 3 Darling Grandchildren. One of the Christmas ...
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Michigan Senate and House to Agree on Tax Reform - Mar 31 08:47 PM
The Michigan Senate passed legislation to hopefully stimulate the housing industry in Michigan. A similar stimulus package was passed by the Michigan House last year which would give homeowners a 18 month moratorium on the “pop-up” tax.
What’s the “pop-up” tax?
It is tax in Michigan that effect homeowners when they sell their home and want to move up to purchase a new one. For example, you buy a home in Michigan and the new ...
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Bring the kids - they're a big part of the home buying process! - Dec 08 04:40 AM
We're loaded with the information on the homes you'll view today, our appointments are confirmed, and one of the next questions you may have is "Is it ok to bring the kids?"Of course!I'm a mom. Some of the sellers are parents. We all know how important the home buying process is to the children. They feel the stress of a move sometimes even more than the parents do. It can be scary for little ones as ...
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Feedback after viewing a home - from a buyers agent perspective - Mar 09 07:10 AM
I have decided to make this a public post, so that home sellers could see why there willbe times they won't receive detailed feedback after showings, and for home buyers to know thatthe art of negotiations is an area that buyers agents pride themselves on.************************************************************************I could spend an hour today commenting individually to several posts made in the last 48hours by sellers agents complaining about the lack of feedback or lack of detail in thefeedback they ...
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"But We're Naked!!!" - Nov 20 11:47 PM
Catchy title, eh? As a relative newbie, I am still perusing the groups and checking out the ones that seem interesting. Today I came across War Stories and was reminded of, you guessed it, naked sellers. I was working with a buyer on a tight budget and a short deadline. Being new to the area and not happy about the prices compared to where he had come from, we were looking at a lot of properties. I ...
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I don't own a "Sold" sign. - Mar 19 05:16 PM
A month or so ago a co-worker popped his head into my office and asked if I had a “Sold” sign rider that I could lend to him.I told him that I didn’t own one and he had such a comical expression on his face that I couldn’t help but laugh. It’s the same look that seller clients have given to me on occasion until I explain why I personally don’t slap a “Sold” rider ...
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Just because we can, doesn't mean we should. - Jan 13 05:03 AM
Recently in Macomb County MI our Multilist service, Mirealsource™, added the capability for real estate agents to include up to 12 photos of a home that has been placed on the market for sale. Realtor.com also allows now for many more photos than they have in the past, as well as the other Multilist in the Metro Detroit area, Realcomp™.Please know that when you hire me to market your home and work for you and with ...
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What you see is what you get - no kidding! - Dec 28 06:04 AM
Have you looked at my photo? It isn’t a glamour shot. No fancy “make me look gorgeous for the moment” photo. I’m in my late 40’s and don’t try to hide it. Yet. ( I reserve the right to do so at a later date.) I haven’t had time for a manicure in a month. My hair could also use a touch up to cover some of the gray that’s showing up, but I’ll get ...
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Myspace Profiles for all ages! - Aug 04 08:45 PM
Alright - I know... you are already cringing as you read myspace, but give me a second here! ______________________________________________________________________________________________ LOCALLY Myspace is a great way to target FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS and those home buyers who have no idea what situation they are in and what to do to refi or get a home equity loan along with selling their home! There are many more young people out there that have NO CLUE than there are ...
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Dear Santa - yes, it's me again - I forgot something! - Dec 10 05:11 AM
We're into the 2nd week of December and I have to tell you, I wish there were 30 hour days through the rest of the month.My favorite holiday decorations aren't up. I've only managed to put up my little "wannabe" tree think Charlie Brown'ish), a few candles and my nativity set.Baking? I haven't had time to shop for the ingredients. I am proud of myself though, I do have the shopping list made. I've also found ...
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the moon - Oct 28 09:06 PM
As I stand on the balcony I see the faint light of something off in the distance. It is barely visible to my eye, yet it exists and it is there... It HAS to be! My camera caught it! An early twilight moon barely transparent in the sky. It tells us so much... if we are willing to see.... It is lit by the sun.... Without the sun there would be no ...
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Dear Santa... - Nov 29 07:02 AM
Dear Santa,I have been a very good girl. Really. Every year for the past 11 years I have asked you for the same thing for Christmas. This year I'm going to attach a picture since it seems that you don't know what I am asking for or surely you would have left it under the tree by now.Here it is:Santa, that is a magical crystal ball. I know your elves and you perform magicevery year. A crystal ...
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Taking time off to enjoy the Angels - Dec 21 06:43 AM
I'm going to be selfish today. My "busy" work is done, all email has been replied to, and I have no outside appointments today.I could clean a bit more, get a head start on cooking, wash a load of laundry or two, but as I said I'm going to be selfish.Yesterday I received a phone call from a dear friend. This same friend invited me to spend Halloween with her and her family, and now they've ...
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Ignore the pre-approval amount - what payment are you comfortable with? - Mar 16 06:24 AM
I was chatting with a young man the other day that is beginning his home search and we were discussing mortgage pre-approvals. He and his wife had talked with a mortgage lender previously and had been given an amount that they were qualified to purchase.
My comment to him was “Talk about what payment you are comfortable with first, then ask the lender to look at the whole picture and give you a purchase price ...
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30 seconds and a few words = turned off buyers. - Mar 03 07:04 AM
"Seller will give carpet allowance to buyers with accepted offer"."Garage door will be replaced before closing if offer is acceptable."These 2 sentences were probably entered into the public informationof a home listing to reassure a potential buyer but had the completely opposite effect.The potential buyers put those listings in their trash bin and choseto view listings that had the following sentences instead:"This home has many updates:...""Clean well maintained home...""The curb appeal will draw you in, the ...
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Green with envy....but heartwarmed and blessed. - Mar 02 07:02 AM
I should probably change my photo to show a green face with this post.As I peek outside I see the frost ice on the cars and even though there are birds chirping I'm quite sure they are singing "Help me I'm freezing!!Yesterday my DN texted me with "I'm here!". 2 words. TWO simplewords and I was thrilled she made it to Florida for spring break safeand sound but oh my was am I envious!(I was wrapped ...
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She soared above the others - in the bitter cold! - Dec 18 05:54 AM
Saturday night and most of the day Sunday we had quite a snowstorm here in Michigan.A buyer client and I had originally planned on viewing 7 homes Sunday afternoon, but with safety in mind we cancelled them. Because many of the homes were bank owned foreclosures our "game plan" has always been weekend showings during daylight hours. (Most foreclosed properties have the electricity turned off, which doesn't bode well for evening hours to view them.)Yesterday morning ...
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I finally did it! (Not for the queasy) - Nov 27 08:01 AM
I am so proud of myself! Yesterday a buyer client had a well & septic inspection for his soon to be new home in St. Clair County Michigan. Normally when I attend an inspection I am right there with the inspector learning and absorbing as much information as I can. Notice I said "normally". With septic inspections I would get a bit queasy and be the volunteer to go inside of the home and run the ...
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The Winds Of Change - Oct 21 01:05 PM
Last Thursday, October 19, 2007 much of the midwest was taken by storms. The storms took 3 lives in Michigan. My sympathies to the families in Michigan and elsewhere around the country who were affected by these storm systems. As these storms rolled through our area I found them prophetic. Thursday was the eve of a major change for me. A very exciting new journey and a new pathway for me was just beginning ... I have ...
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"Buy this photo" - I got SO excited, then realized I would go broke! - Feb 15 05:40 AM
In todays local papers (The Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press) my "official" first day of spring was formally announced.My beloved Detroit Tigers are in Lakeland Florida for Spring Training! There are some terrific photos online, and one I especially would want that showcases our 2 young pitchers, Justin Verlander and new-to-the-Tigers Dontrelle Willis smiling while Justin aims a radar gun at some of his teammates while they throw.Imagine my total excitement when under ...
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What does "Final and Best" mean? - Apr 12 06:35 AM
If you have been looking at foreclosures recently you may have encountered this situation and been asked to fill out yet another form.
One of the newer forms I am seeing recently is a “Multiple Offer Disclosure Form”. This form is being used by many real estate brokers to notify potential buyers that the home they are interested in purchasing has more than one offer turned in, and also will at times have a ...
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Oh the weather outside is frightful... - Dec 16 05:52 AM
And since we've no place to go... Wait! Halt the song! I do have someplace to go! This afternoon I have 7 showings scheduled for a buyer client. As I peek outside I see the driveway completely covered and the wind has caused snowdrifts already over 8" tall. From what I'm reading, we are at the start of this snowstorm not the end of it!I think I'll be giving him a call later this morning and ...
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What! My Taxes Increased While My Home Value Went Down? - Mar 14 10:56 PM
I've received two calls about this issue within the past 48 hours. A number of West Michigan homeowners are getting a nasty little surprise in the mail. They have been informed that the Taxable Value of their home has increased. Many are very perplexed and stunned. As real estate prices have plummeted, they are left asking themselves, "Why have my taxes increased on a depreciating asset?"Well, the answer is definitely illusive and non-existent if you are seeking ...
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I apologize - I didn't do my job - Apr 09 08:22 AM
I apologize – I must not have been clear in educating you.
A month or so ago I met you at your home and we talked about the real estate market in your area. Actually, we talked extensively.
I listened to your questions, answered them to the best of my ability, and asked questions of my own such as:
Do you need to sell?
What will happen if you don’t sell? We spent ...
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Longing for the olden days.. - Mar 27 05:40 AM
Before foreclosure homes became an everyday occurrence in our real estate market we used to conduct business in ways that I really miss.Parts of my job that I wish would make a comeback are (in no specific order): Presenting an offer to purchase face to face with the sellers and their agent. Receiving a response to an offer to purchase before the next full moon. Homes that didn't have to be de-winterized prior to inspecting. ...
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I can now use punctuation and capitalization properly - My Texting 101 class results - Feb 24 06:08 AM
With gratitude to my DN (Darling Niece), I am now able to text message using propercapitalization (I can find the keys!) and punctuation (Go me!)Leighann didn't give me a grade for the class, but I believe after the text messagethat I sent her last evening I earned an "A" for the material we covered.I was more impressed however with her skills. She announced after she showedme a few shortcuts that she could actually type out complete ...
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Rain? Snow? Why should I view homes in bad weather? - Oct 15 05:32 AM
It's getting to be that time in Michigan. Home buyersbegin to believe that perhaps putting off their real estateplans until the spring would be a wise idea. After all, who wants to go from home to home bundledup like Richie in the Christmas Story? Why in the world would we want to wear rain coats and carry umbrellas to and from our cars into each home? I can give you 2 very good examples of why horrid weatheris a perfect ...
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Loose lips? Not mine. - Nov 16 07:15 AM
As I write these articles of interest (I hope you find them interesting) I have become more aware with each passing day of how far reaching the blogging world and the Internet truly is. I have had communication from people from all over the country, and locally more consumers are reaching out with questions and comments to me via email and the good old fashioned phone. If you’ve read any of my past articles you ...
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A buyers agent is an understanding agent. - Sep 13 06:29 AM
Home buyers today are more educated about thehome buying process than they were years ago.They hear the term "buyers agent"and have an understanding of whatthat means and how that benefits themduring the entire home purchasetransaction.In Macomb County Michigan I'm findingthat future buyers are asking aboutbuyers agency and representation uponour first contact more than ever. I'm excited about this trend and sincerelyhope it continues as I'm a firm believer that as a buyeryou should have someone in your ...
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We didn't read the contract. - Sep 23 07:37 AM
Yesterday we took the Jet Express from the Ford Yacht Club on Grosse Ile over to Put In Bay Ohio.There were 4 of us, my husband and myself,and our dear friends Bob and Cathy. It wasa perfect day to spend on the island - sunny,warm and with great friends a wonderful timeto end the summer season. When we arrived we rented a golf cart from one of the vendors that is closeto the Jet Express dock. Cathy ...
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What will you be doing at 1:05 today? - Mar 31 07:35 AM
As I look outside and see gray skies and wet roads I can't help but wonder how many Metro Detroiters are counting the hours until 1:05 this afternoon. Why am I watching the clock? Because it is officially spring in Motown!
The Detroit Tigers will open the baseball season at home taking on the up and coming Kansas City Royals. First pitch is schedule for 1:05 pm.
Justin Verlander ( Rookie of the Year for the ...
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Perhaps now they'll believe. - Feb 27 06:41 AM
For several years those of us who live in Michigan and work in the real estate industry have been shouting out to anyone that will listen that the housing slump hit us earlier than most areas of the country.Why did it hit us so hard and so much earlier? Our economy is different. The foreclosure woes to hit the Metro Detroit area were for the most part, in my opinion, because of loss of jobs. ...
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Help Save Lake Michigan - Aug 13 09:16 PM
UPDATE: August 20, 2007Environmental Illinois is started running ads today in the Chicago Tribune. They will be running the ad for 4 days asking BP to stop their toxic dumping plan. They will also be using the ads to announce a regionwide day of action on September 22. More news coming on the Action Day.The website has been updated to send an email to BP CEO Tony Hayward announcing a Pledge to purchase gas from other suppliers ...
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The NEW ABC's of FSBO Financing in Grand Rapids Michigan - Apr 12 06:26 PM
Trying to sell a home in Grand Rapids, Michigan has not been easy for the past few years due to the crisis in the manufacturing sector, the mortgage industry implosion and the glut of homes which deluged the market within the past 24 months. Selling a home without help as an Unrepresented Seller presents some additional challenges. In a conversation with an experienced mortgage broker, this past week, I was surprised to learn about some unique criteria which are now ...
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One-sided-itis: When a contract is favored heavily to one party. - Mar 01 07:20 AM
Yesterday while going over a VA required offer to purchase contract and various addendums I thought of that word. One-sided-itis. I have never, and I mean NEVER, seen a contract more one-sided (of course heavily in favor of the seller) than I have with their mandatory contract to purchase. My buyer client and I spent over 2 hours going through the language in this 3 page contract and each time we went through it either she or ...
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We're in the "people" business - that hasn't changed. - Dec 13 06:07 AM
Yesterday while doing some reminiscing I thought about my first clients. They were a young couple and also new parents. Mr. Buyer #1 was a surgical resident relocated to this state, his wife a stay at home mom. Their credit scores were good, although their income was certainly not up to the potential income they would see a few years down the road. They met with a mortgage lender and it was decided that an ...
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Competition between other agents in offices? Not in ours! - Nov 11 04:25 AM
Before I type this post I'd like to preface it by saying that I have not been askedby the broker owners of our office to write this, nor do I expect anything underthe office Christmas tree for doing so. They probably won't even read this - but I am forwarding it to someone special in our office. I've been around the block for almost 11 years now. During that time I have talked with thousands of real estate agents in ...
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200 square feet less? Thousands of dollars. A buyers agent? Priceless. - May 13 09:10 AM
***Shameless self promotion of the value of a buyer agent ahead***I've been having a wonderful time over the last couple of weeks with young buyer clients. They are first time home buyers in Macomb County. The interaction has been very good. They are such a nice young couple, eager, and knowledgable. I now know what makes their eyes light up and what makes them cringe when viewing homes. They also are keenly aware of the fact ...
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VA mortgage tips for home buyers and agents. - Mar 10 06:27 AM
There is a renewed interest amongst buyers who have served in our Armed Forces to use the benefits that they have earned and so richly deserve.
One of the benefits that they receive, whether they are active duty or out of the service is the ability to purchase a home with a VA mortgage.Here are a couple of tips that I have found help to make the loan approval process and the home purchase go ...
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Below zero tomorrow in Macomb County - what will I be doing? - Feb 09 05:22 AM
Showing homes of course!Late tomorrow morning and into the early afternoon I will be with my buyer clientviewing homes. We have a "strategy" to combat the predicted cold front that will be moving in to our area:Dress in layers!Dress for comfort!Stop for hot cocoa!As most of the homes we'll be viewing are bank foreclosures, we already are prepared for the fact that the homes will not be heated. Frankly, it may even be warmer in ...
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At the top of the list of "What will I need to buy a foreclosure?" in Macomb County? - Patience - May 14 05:53 AM
It has been well over a year since I've had buyer clients that didn't view at least one foreclosure in Macomb County MI, for most it has been many foreclosure properties before they decide on the home they wish to purchase.You would think that by now after viewing hundreds of them and putting in more than 30 offers on these homes that I would have a handle on what the banks or asset managers are looking ...
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What happens when everyone is prepared? - A success story - Mar 19 04:49 AM
This success story is about a home that sold in Macomb County that was NOT a foreclosure and NOT a short sale. This well maintained home was on the market just 79 days – a full 122 less than the average total days on market for this year in Chesterfield Township. Several months ago I wrote an article about a wonderful couple in Chesterfield Township MI who were about to put their home on the ...
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Would you discourage 20% of buyers from viewing your home? - Mar 08 05:32 AM
During the months of January and February this year 20% of homessold in Macomb County MI were to buyers using FHA or VA mortgages.******************************************************I received an interesting comment on an article I wrote yesterday about the wonderful news that FHA has raised its loan limits in the Metro Detroit area.The commenter said “FHA is good for the buyer, but not so good for the seller unless they have to sell.” I had to shake my ...
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Can we give seller clients a gold star? - Nov 08 05:55 AM
I have been in contact for a while with potential home sellers in Macomb County.I wish I could post a flyer of their lovely home for this article, but as their home is noton the market yet I cannot do that. What I want to do though is give them a huge gold star. A shiny "let the world see me" star. These potential sellers are doing everything correctly. They have a lovely home that has ...
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I JUST COULDN'T SIT ANOTHER MINUTE IN MY OFFICE - Apr 18 10:27 PM
I just couldn't sit another minute in my office today because the beautiful sunshine and long over due spring weather called to me. I went out to a subdivision on Lake Huron to place a lock box on a new listing and on the way back I could not resist taking pictures of the lake. POE REEF LIGHT IN LAKE HURON OFF CHEBOYGANI stopped a few more times to saver the day. And when on the ...
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Spring Market in Grand Rapids, MI - Feb 25 03:19 PM
It may only be February 25th but the Spring market is going in full-throttle! With increased traffic to open houses, despite the winter weather conditions, buyers are making their presence known. I am very encouraged with such an immediate bounce back from the holiday season. Interest rates are still in our client's best interest, that I'm implementing additional strategies to attract buyers and current renters. What are you doing differently as the season changes?Please share your ...
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An open letter to my family - Oct 29 01:58 PM
Dear family,It's getting cold in Michigan. This morning I woke up to this: ===>I've never complained about living with a house full of men (littleboys). Never. Ok, maybe once or twice. I fully understand thatboys have toys. They also have boxes full of treasures, pieces of thingsthat I'll never understand, spare parts for "whenever" and "Hey, that's good stuff!" things laying around.It's getting cold in Michigan. (Yes, I'm repeating myself. You know whatthat means.) Mr. Bachelor, ...
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A Macomb County MI mortgage consultant answers *your* question. - Oct 13 06:06 AM
Recently I sat down for a lengthy working lunch with Mike Cairaof Great Lakes Mortgage Funding in Macomb County Michigan. I try to keep myself up to date on the mortgage industry and how it willaffect my buyer clients. On my Macomb County real estate website I posed a request for consumers to email me with questions they havefor a mortgage professional.A future home buyer in the Metro Detroit area was confused about appraisalsand asked if an appraisal was the same ...
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A nervous Nelly about renewing my drivers license - Mar 13 06:56 AM
I can't put it off any longer. I have to go to the ever popular Secretary of States officetoday to renew my drivers license.
In Michigan licenses are renewed every 4 years. However if you have had a good drivingrecord it can be done by mail once, and then you have to go in to a branch and renewat the second go-around.
It's been 8 years since I poked my eyes against that black rubber face cradler ...
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Exposing myself. - Oct 10 04:43 PM
A wonderful young lady here, Sarah Cooper, challenged
all of us to be
brave and “go pink” to publicly support Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
I am taking her up on her challenge and posting this with not only a pink
background to draw attention to this post, but publicly exposing myself:
I am a woman. I have breasts. I am at risk for breast cancer.
We have all heard that there ...
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Did our local media members all go to the same school? (Or: I'm staging a sit-down) - Apr 04 06:05 AM
Sports reporters and talk show hosts must have taken the same classes as the business reporters. They all seem to lead in to their shows and reports with “Panic!! The sky is falling!”
Today I am taking a break from reading news reports and listening to the local media outlets. Why? Because I am so blasted tired of the negativity and the pleas for attention with the panicky voices.
My beloved Detroit Tigers ...
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The truth about "Zero Down" advertising - Mar 25 05:46 AM
In the Metro Detroit area the popularity of FHA and VA mortgages is higher than I have witnessed in years. One of the reasons for the increasing use of these mortgages is the potential for the borrower to acquire a home for no money down. "Teaser" ads that I'm seeing in many places tell potential buyers that they can purchase a home with "Zero Down". This is true. With the VA program this can be done. ...
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Disclose Disclose Disclose - Nov 15 06:02 AM
In Michigan as in other states when a home owner puts their home on the market in most instances they are required to fill out a sellers disclosure form.
This form really isn't tricky or difficult to fill out. It has basic "yes and no" questions about whether certain items are in working order and also has a section with specific questions for the home sellers to provide clarity on other items/areas of the home. The ...
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Michigan home buyers - You have the right to remain silent. - Nov 04 04:21 AM
As your buyers agent I have many responsibilities. One of myduties is to negotiate on your behalf when you've chosen thehome you want to purchase.When we are out viewing homes that you have expressed an interest in most of the time the sellers of the home are not present. The agent that works for the seller will tell their sellers that a buyer will linger longer and talk more freely if the seller leaves during viewings. On ...
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REALTOR® safety issues & how I conduct my business. - Nov 02 06:58 AM
When I was growing up in Macomb County it was a different time in theworld, and a much safer environment for us all to live in. We stayed outuntil the streetlights came on, our parents knew we were "in the area", and we didn't have cell phones to call home and check in. In todays world our children play outside with supervision, parentsknow exactly where they are and whom they are with, and have cellphones to use for emergencies and ...
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Grand Rapids, MI Market is Looking Great for First Quarter! - Mar 03 12:42 PM
Everyone's favorite question is, "What's going on in the Market?" Great news. In comparison to last year's figures, listings are down and sales are up. Activity has definitely increased with the buyers. It truly is "A Great Time To Buy!"Be sure to check out the immediate release posted by the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors board about existing home sales (reprinted with permission). 2008 looks like it's going to be a great year! Reprinted By Permission ...
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Paper Clips, Pennies, and Stars - OH MY! - Dec 18 11:41 PM
So you think you can multi-task? Think again. Today our office had a 3 hour training session on goal-setting for 2008. May seem a little late in 2007 to be doing this for those of you who completed this task in October, but better late than never. The program is quite simple assuming one knows the gross commission income desired, the conversion rate of appointments to contracts, and the conversion rate from contracts to closings. Commission rates and ...
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Home repair services for Kent County for low to moderate income home owners/buyers - May 03 07:41 AM
Yesterday I was talking with new clients who were looking at bank owned homes. I was letting them know all the services that were available to them. Home Repair services is like a hardware store, but they are much more then that. This non-profit is a total resource for home homeowners!My friend (and now a client) shops here. She had bought a home that was vacant for 2 years (not bank owned) and it needed MUCH ...
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What's The Plan Stan? or Using too much gas? - Sep 16 08:09 AM
Ann Arbor is a wonderful place for green discussions; whether it is the greenbelt they are discussing or the cars of the future. This is a great forum I attended and the blog I wrote about the American car manufacturers. Let me tell you a Toyota rep was there and looking very calm...can't say as I blame them. Wish the American car manufacturers would learn from the marketing to the clients that Toyota knows so well. I ...
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What a fun week for the Tigers - Apr 27 04:29 PM
One of the ways I handled the burnout that I was faced with a week ago was attending the Detroit Tigers ballgame vs. the Texas Ranger on Wednesday night, courtesy of a good friend of mine. (Thanks again Brian!)
Yes, that was the game that ended up being what is called a "laugher". The Tigers hitters appeared to all come out of their slow starts all at once. It was also the game that Curtis Granderson ...
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Buyer and Realtor Beware! - Dec 04 10:19 PM
Ever been in a situation where you knew bad things could happen? Tonight my buyer and I were right there. The setup was already questionable - viewing a foreclosure property in the dark with the electricity off, or so the lisitng office had told me.I had a prior appointment across town and my schedule was tight to meet the buyer. He arrived first. I asked about first impressions and he commented there may be a problem. The windows in ...
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Stepping in the consumers shoes. - Mar 26 06:18 AM
Yesterday I wrote an article about the Zero Down advertising and explained to consumers that the "Zero Down" applied to the mortgage down payment and did not in any way reflect out of pocket costs that were still needed to purchase a home.
I probably jinxed myself with that post because I had one of those frustrating days as a consumer yesterday, none of it real estate related. I won't relate each experience (skipping the oil change ...
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You don't have to break the piggy bank to buy a home in Macomb County MI - Mar 07 05:20 AM
This week we were excited to hear about 2 means of home buying that willhelp our area and Michigan home buyers. The first of the great news is that FHA loan limits in Macomb County have been increased to $297,000. What does this mean for a home buyer in our Metro Detroit area? As of this writing there are 5730 homes on the market in Macomb County that are $297,000 or less. 85% of the ...
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Let us not forget the Drill Sergeants and the role they play - Nov 12 05:23 AM
This morning I was looking back upon my sons military service and once again grateful beyond words that he is home, healthy and happy. I got out the photo album and came across a photo that I took during his Basic Training graduation. I also read some of the letters that Nick sent home during basic training (no email access for these recruits!) and it was an eye opening experience once again. The first letters are ...
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Home not selling? Take a look from a buyers "first" view. - Oct 01 06:34 AM
We've all heard the expression "You can'ttake back the first impression" and in todays real estate market, especially in Macomb County Michigan, this phraseholds even more true.As recently as 2 years ago a potential buyer would view your home withouta photo of the home on the multilist. The "race" to get inside of your homewould sometimes take place before the agent or the multilist photographercould place the photos online for us to view or a sign ...
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The Wizard of Oz behind the scenes is not at all scary! - Feb 13 06:32 AM
One of the scariest words to a home buyer is this one:Underwriter.The term for the person who does this job for the bank/mortgage broker is scary because it is one person they don't meet and one person they don't talk to during their home buying process. The job description is never fully explained either.Normally all a buyer hears is that the "underwriter" will be looking at things. Or, the "underwriter" has to approve that. Oh yes, ...
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For the Florida Marlins fans from a Detroit Tigers fan(atic) - Dec 06 05:43 AM
Yesterday I had mixed feelings about the trade. So much has been said and discussed on our local sports stations and talk shows, and much more written in our local papers and blogs.You're also experiencing much the same thing I would imagine. What I'd like to do however is tell you a little bit about 2 of the young men that you will be seeing this spring from my own personal observation.Andrew Miller is a ...
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After closing - turning in the property transfer affidavit - Dec 01 05:11 AM
One of the things we will talk about during and after the celebration of closing on your new home is the process of "officially" making the home yours in the eyes of the city/township and the state of Michigan. The closing officer will give you a property transfer affidavit form. (And you thought you were done with the paperwork after closing, now didn't you?) I will make sure that this form is at the top of the ...
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BIG OPEN HOUSE ~ GOES UP IN FLAMES! - Apr 27 10:49 PM
What was The Big Open House?The biggest open house event in Michigan's history, it was today, April 27, Sponsored in part by Chase Bank and the advertising department of The Detroit News/Free Press and The Livingstn County Daily Press & Argus, and newspaper adds paid for by local Realtors.The Metropolitan Consolidated Association of REALTORS teamed with Detroit Media Partnership to present The Big Open House, a region-wide community open house designed to highlight both the unparalleled ...
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Congratulate me! I'm still a REALTOR! - Nov 13 12:27 AM
These past few years have been trying times here in Michigan. I entered this profession just as the market was declining and worried about what I had done.Well, here I am three years later, business increasing at a slow but acceptable pace. I am a sole agent hiring my family and the occasional office person to help me meet my goals. I was not a mega-agent who closed over 100 deals in my first year in business - ...
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Texas Winds Blow Into Michigan - Apr 19 10:46 AM
JaneAnne is a true educator always thinking of new and interesting ways to involve members with current events and regional news. I find reading through the member blogs for JaneAnne's challenges a fun way to keep up with what is going on in other areas of the country!
This month, the April Challenge is to provide links to Green News in YOUR neighborhood.
Here is a snippet of what is going on in my neighborhood - ...
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Buyers' Markets Can Create Bad Buyers - Nov 24 10:23 AM
I recently parted ways with a "buyer". He contacted me and told me he (I will call him Mike) was preapproved by a local lender and wanted to buy a home with his fiance. He had a few in mind and wanted to see them as soon as possible. I made the appointments and we went together to see the homes, all bank owned wrecks, that both he and the fiance had no interest in. I, of course, ...
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Anyone else out there tired? - Oct 26 01:07 AM
I'm not talking a cup of caffeine of choice. I'm talking bone tired. Driving home from work and wondering if following the path of the slow car ahead will be enough to get me home. I'm that tired. When I got home today, I took off my blazer and jewelry, turned on the overhead fan, shouted to my kids to come and cuddle with me, and crawled right under my bedcovers in my comfy pants and ...
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Marketing Idea for Halloween! - Oct 25 01:04 PM
If you live in a neighborhood you farm, specialize in - or would like to become more known - Take advantage of Halloween and Market Yourself! I created fun goodie bags w/ paydays, 100 Grand Candy Bars, Gold Coins, Sugar Daddies - all w/ fun puns associated with them. Put your business card in the goodie bag as well... maybe even a small paper announcing your services... "Do not be spooked by the Real Estate Market ...
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Blogging IS a relationship builder - A success story - May 09 10:57 AM
A couple of months ago I was contacted by John Marker from Keller Williams in Northville. John and his lovely wife Lisa are fellow ActiveRain bloggers and we had occasionally left comments on each others blogs and have kept track of the real estate market in each others areas via blogging.
John had listed a REO condo in the northern end of Macomb County and as it was quite a drive down what I lovingly call ...
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Field Trip to Ionia Michigan! What Are You Pouring?? - Sep 18 12:25 AM
I took a field trip today to the quaint little town of Ionia, home of the World's Largest Free Fair! The Ionia Free Fair!Although I wasn't there for the fair today! I received an email last week from Jake with R Value Homes that they would be doing a "pour" today! WooHoo! My chance to watch how they pour Insulated Concrete Forms!! It's just kind of queer the things I get excited about these days! I met ...
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