How To Prepare Your Home For The New Year
November 07, 2024
How To Prepare Your Home For The New YearThere are many different rituals you can do at the end of the year to welcome the New Year with open arms and full of abundance in all aspects of your life, but this time I’ll be focusing on our living space.That’s why I created this guide that ...
Planning Next Year's Sale
November 01, 2024
As the year winds down, many homeowners start contemplating their next big move: selling their property. Whether you’re looking to upgrade, downsize, or relocate, preparing your home for sale is a crucial step that can significantly impact your success in the real estate market. By taking the time to enhance your home’s appeal and value, you can ...
Heading into winter
November 01, 2024
The market has slowed dramatically! Sellers need to have their home in top form to keep buyers interested.As you prepare for winter, make sure your home is well lit for showings that might occur in the evening. Make sure all lamps have working bulbs and are easily accessible to agents who might be unfamiliar with the ...
HUD Home Store auto notifications
October 25, 2024
If for some reason, a property is no showing it is no longer available, there is a way to be notified if and when it comes back to market. This property may have an accepted contract, or it may have been removed a title related matter or another reason. You can be notified via email direct from HUD when ...
Home Renovation on a Budget!
October 24, 2024
Are you tired of looking at the drabby paint on your walls, the outdated cabinets, worn furniture, and stained carpets? Your home is overdue to be remodeled, which is on your wish list. However, you are afraid of what the cost might be. Unless you want a major overhaul, you can still spruce up your home and improve its ...
Market update!
October 23, 2024
As of today, home prices in Michigan are up 5.8% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $266,100. On average, the number of homes sold is down 8.1% year over year and there were 9,972 homes sold in September this year, down 10,850 homes sold in September last year. The ...
Consumer Confidence in the Housing Market
October 23, 2024
5 Key Takeaways on the Rising Consumer Confidence in the Housing Market1. Consumer Confidence is Climbing: The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index hit 73.9 in September, its highest level in over two years, indicating a shift in the housing market outlook.2. Optimism on Mortgage Rates: A record 42% of respondents now expect mortgage rates to drop ...
Start Preparing Now to Sell Your Home in 2025
October 22, 2024
If you're planning to sell your house in 2025, now is the time to start preparing. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, emphasizes that early preparation is crucial. Survey data shows that 47% of sellers take over a month to get their homes ready, so starting now can provide you with flexibility.Preparing your home involves making ...
INTEREST RATES
October 17, 2024
Insights From Economists: Detailed Predictions for Interest Rates in October 2024Bright MLS chief economist Lisa Sturtevant. “Mortgage rates will fall further during the second half of the year, but it will not be a steady decline through year’s end. There will be some ups and downs.”William Raveis Mortgage regional vice president Melissa Cohn. “The ...
Neighbors in Holt feel frustration over the condition of roads Sarah Poulos Posted 6:31 AM, Oct 15, 2024
October 16, 2024
Sarah Poulos Posted 6:31 AM, Oct 15, 2024 Neighbors in Delhi Township tell me they’ve watched this road here deteriorate year after year.Richard Coe says they’ve loved living in Holt, but over time, the streets leading to his home have become increasingly rundown.“My wife Cindy and I moved in here 24 years ago. It’...
Sell Your Home This Fall
October 15, 2024
Don’t Wait Until Spring To Sell! Homeowners don't necessarily need to list their homes in the spring or summer to make a timely sale. By following these tips, it's entirely possible to sell in the autumn months too.Keep Up with Fall Cleanup:One of the biggest challenges sellers face in the fall, especially in heavily ...
Homeowner Fall-time Tips:
October 15, 2024
Homeowner Fall-time Tips:1) Winterize Lawn Sprinkler systems.2) Clean Gutters and make sure they drain properly away from the house.3) Check/Replace Batteries in smoke alarms and Carbon Dioxide detectors.4) Replace your furnace filter.5) Have Chimney Cleaned out. ...
Insurance Basics For First Time Buyers
October 15, 2024
Congratulations on becoming a first-time homebuyer! Buying a home is a significant milestone, and having the right insurance in place is essential to protect your investment. Homeowners Insurance protects your home’s structure, personal belongings, and provides liability coverage. It’s a good idea to start the process of obtaining insurance quotes as soon as possible....
Radon
October 15, 2024
RADON It’s a Gas!By Tom Nelson, HUD LLB-Real Estate One-Rochester, MIBuying a HUD Property Series October 2024It is hard to believe that colder temperatures are here. Colder weather means that we are not keeping our windows open. We are not moving air in and out; refreshing our air supply. This means that we are breathing ...
Radon
October 15, 2024
RADON It’s a Gas!By Tom Nelson, HUD LLB-Real Estate One-Rochester, MIBuying a HUD Property Series October 2024It is hard to believe that colder temperatures are here. Colder weather means that we are not keeping our windows open. We are not moving air in and out; refreshing our air supply. This means that we are breathing ...
Should You Ever Pay Off a Low-Interest Mortgage Early? The Pros and Cons
October 14, 2024
By Julie TaylorOct 14, 2024Practically every homeowner fantasizes about the day their house is finally paid off, and they can kiss those mortgage payments goodbye.However, a whopping 56.2% of Americans have an outstanding mortgage with a rate of 4% or lower.When your mortgage rate is so low, does it make more sense to pay off your ...
Loan Options for Investors Purchasing Foreclosed Homes
October 14, 2024
Foreclosed homes can offer significant investment opportunities, but securing the necessary financing is crucial. Understanding the available loan options can help investors make informed decisions and maximize their returns.Traditional MortgagesConventional Mortgages: These are standard home loans offered by banks and mortgage lenders. They typically require a down payment (usually 20%) and credit score above 620.FHA Loans: Backed ...
Fall Checklist: Start Preparing Your Home Now
October 11, 2024
Fall Checklist: Start Preparing Your Home NowAutumn is here. There is no escaping it, and you know it. If you're like me, then you knew this and had a plan in place for the summer-to-fall transition. If this is new to you, then you'd better read the rest of this article! This fall checklist will help you ...
Interest rate reduction
October 07, 2024
The interest rate reuction, how will that affect the real estate market?As of the beginning of October, home prices are still rising, but at a much slower rate. The demand is tepid at best, and inventories are rising.The Fed just made a half point rate reduction in September, but for now buyers are remaining mostly ...
How To Effectively Declutter A Messy Yard
October 04, 2024
How To Effectively Declutter A Messy YardA dirty, disorganized, and unkempt backyard is an eyesore. It devalues your property and creates a negative impression about you and your home. Even if you don’t care about what others think, too much clutter can affect health in many ways. For example, it can dampen your mood and cause stress. It ...
Accreditations are essential for real estate agents for several key reasons:
October 01, 2024
Accreditations are essential for real estate agents for several key reasons:### 1. **Enhanced Credibility**Accreditations bolster an agent's credibility, signaling professionalism and adherence to high industry standards, which is crucial in attracting and retaining clients.### 2. **Specialization and Expertise**They allow agents to specialize in market niches, improving their ability to cater to specific client needs and stand out ...
Boost Your Home's Value: Top Energy-Efficient Upgrades Buyers Want
October 01, 2024
IntroductionIn today’s real estate market, energy efficiency has become a top priority for buyers. Homeowners who invest in energy-efficient upgrades are not only doing their part to reduce environmental impact but also enhancing their home’s appeal to potential buyers. With energy-efficient features, homes can sell faster and for a higher price, making these upgrades a valuable investment ...
Buyer Myths
September 30, 2024
Buyer Myths:I need 20% down in order to purchse a Home.False-Most buyers can finance a home with as little as 3 or 3% downI need a credit score of 700 or Higher.False- There are some programs that you may be able to qualify for with as little asa 500 score. There are some details that are ...
Top 7 tips for 1st time Homebuyers
September 23, 2024
Top 7 tips for 1st time HomebuyersHere are some tips to prepare yourself in order to purchase your first home!Maintain your credit – pull your credit report and review for accuracy. If you see any errors or areas you need to work on, do that first before getting pre-approved with a lender.Nail down your budget – ...
Case Study: Property Renovation Management
September 23, 2024
Client: Institutional Real Estate Investment FirmThe ChallengeThis bank owned condominium in Chicago was in poor condition and being marketed as-is. After a few weeks on the market it was determined that most buyers did not want to remodel a unit in a building that had a strict homeowners association and that finding contactors willing to do the work ...