Visit My "New Living in Greater Lansing" BLOG

I have consolidated my posts to a new location to provide all readers a better experience.


"Expect the Best" Mike

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Lansing Homes, Rate Cuts, & Tools for Buyers

Fed Cuts Rate Again This will be a big shot in the arm for home sellers and buyers in the greater Lansing real estate market. In addition to today's good news, NAR Says the Economic Stimulus Legislation Will Help Jumpstart Sluggish Housing Market .

Inventory remains high throughout the suburbs of Okemos, Holt, Grand Ledge and Dewitt, which means buyers have plenty to pick from.

An Online mortgage calculators are a good place to start, but as you get closer to being ready to buy, there is no substitute for a written mortgage pre-approval. Just speaking to your lender is an extremely worthwhile venture – this is the only way to really get an in-depth picture of your overall financial picture and to discover exactly what you can reasonably afford to spend on a home (and possibly on renovating).

"Expect the Best" Mike

Monday, January 21, 2008

Delta Township, Enrichment, Real Estate and Green

Right now in Delta Township there is an excellent selection of inventory to pick from on some great homes. Interest rates dropped below 6% last week to put a spark of enthusiasm into the market and increase hits on most real estate websites. If your thinking of moving to Delta Township area make sure you check out the opportunities offered by the Delta Parks and Rec Department. Enrichment classes for kids and adults of all ages. You'll also find some information about Delta Township's greener awareness program and recycling program. Delta Township is also connected to two great school systems, Grand Ledge and Waverly. If you are looking for demographics about the community and desire additional information feel free to contact me or visit my website.
"Expect the Best" Mike

Friday, January 18, 2008

Greater Lansing Tips & Tools For Real Estate

I am beginning to see more activity in sales around the Lansing area compared to last year at this time. It appears that the buyers are getting off the fence, realizing that when interest rates are below 6% it’s time to make their move. The National Association of Realtors has launched a new website reaching out to consumers with the facts about home ownership and the value of real estate as a long-term investment. I encourage you to visit it.
If you’re a potentially ready, willing and able buyer thinking of owning a home and realize that at the end of the year as a renter you only have receipts, you may want to try out this Buying vs. Renting work sheet. It's a nice tool to compare owning a home vs. renting.
The greater Lansing area still has a nice selection of inventory and highly motivated sellers, who may even be willing to take you out of that lease your tied into. We're seeing some creative things going on right now that may disappear as inventory stabilizes back to normal levels.
You are always encouraged and welcome to bookmark my website for the tools and articles on buying and selling real estate.
"Expect the Best" Mike

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood Merger is Huge in Lansing Michigan

Today Coldwell Banker Hubbell Real Estate Co and Briarwood Realty announced the merger of their companies that will knock the sox's off the real estate industry in the greater Lansing area. With great pride and excitement, Bob Hubbell (My Boss), announced the affiliation publicly today. Both companies share high values for integrity and quality service. The public will benefit tremendously with this newly formed company called Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood, enjoying 38% of the market share in volume, with the potential to grow substantially over the next few years. The talent of the management team, agents and support staff combined, will be an opportunity to multiply the exposure and strengths in a synergistic way for years to come. With the combined forces in real estate, the new company will have nearly 260 agents blanketing the entire greater Lansing real estate market.
Mergers and acquisitions have solved many challenges for our changing industry, by combining expenses, knowledge and expertise, to make excellent real estate companies. My hat goes off to Bob Hubbell CEO, and Bill MacLeod, President, for their vision and foresight to make this statement of courage in today's real estate market.
You can visit my website and blog for additional real estate market updates and tools to help you learn more about buying and selling real estate in the Lansing area.
"Expect the Best" Mike

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Real Estate , Great News, Delhi Township, Holt and Greater Lansing Area

It's alway nice to pickup some news that gives a positive slant on the future for real estate investing. Here are three recent headlines that certainly attracted my attention. We need to change the perception, don't you think?
1. NAR forecasts stable home sales in 2008
2. Stable existing home sales in 2008 and then rise!!!
3. The housing "correction" process is well underway
Delhi Township, Holt area has always had plenty to offer with real estate growth and still does today. A recent article I blogged focuses on the positives and why now is the time to make your move. In case you missed it here's the link.
The marketing of homes today has developed into a science of search engines, keywords, social networking, virtual tours, and email marketing. The day of classified ads in the local newspaper are gone. here are a few good samples on instant exposure to you home that can help entice a sale in today's market.
Home in Delta Township
Home for sale in Holt
Colonial Village 2 story for sale.
You can always get the entire area of available homes which consist of over 6000 properties for sale or by visiting my website.
"Expect the best" Mike

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

People Involved In a Real Estate Sale, Lansing MI


Have you ever stopped to think of all the people a real estate agent in Lansing, Michigan or anywhere else in the USA, puts to work when we sell a house. I have this handy list that I handed out to my agents once a year to share with their customers and clients. Realtors that sell homes are great contributors to the overall economic conditions. I am proud to be a Realtor, you shoud be also. My point is to buyers: Buy a house today and help the overall economy!

To Agents: Go sell a house today, nothing happens until you do! :-)


How many people could be involved in a real estate transaction?

ASSESSORS & STAFF, DRAIN COMMISSIONERS
APPRAISERS & STAFF, DRYWALLERS
ARCHITECTS & STAFF, FLOORING CONTRACTORS
ATTORNEYS & STAFF, FARM HOME ADMINISTRATION
ACCOUNTANTS & STAFF, FRIENDS OF BUYERS & SELLERS
ASPHALT CONTRACTORS, FAMILY OF BUYERS & SELLERS
ASBESTOS REMOVERS, FOUNDATION INSP & CONTRACTORS
AUCTIONEERS, FRIEND OF THE COURT
APPLIANCE SERVICERS, FEDERAL EXPRESS
ASTROLOGERS, FUEL OIL SUPPLIERS
BUYERS, FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION
BUILDERS, FLOOD INSURANCE AGENTS
BUILDING DEPARTMENTS, HEATING & AIR CONTRACTORS
BUILDING INSPECTORS, INSPECTORS
BILLING DEPARTMENTS, HOME INSPECTIONS
BOARD OF REALTORS, HOTEL PERSONNEL
BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT, HOMES & LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
BROKERS, HOME WARRANTY COMPANIES
BASEMENT WATERPROOFERS, HEATLH DEPARTMENT
CLOSING DEPARTMENTS, HOUSING COMMISSION
CLOSING BROKERS, INSURANCE AGENTS & COMPANIES
CLOSING AGENTS, INVESTORS
CEMENT CONTRACTORS, INVESTMENT COUNSELORS
CARPET INSTALLERS, INGHAM COUNTY
CARPET CLEANERS, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
CREDITORS, KITCHEN CONTRACTORS
CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, LEASING COMPANIES
CREDIT BUREAUS, LAB TECHNICIANS
CABLE COMPANIES, LUMBER COMPANIES
CONSUMER POWER CO., LAND CONTRACT HOLDERS
CHIMNEY INSP & CLEANERS, LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING
CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS, LANSING STATE JOURNAL
DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, LANDLORDS
DEVELOPERS, LOAN ORIGINATORS
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTH, LOAN PROCESSORS
DESIGNERS, LOAN UNDERWRITERS
M.S.H.D.A, SIGN COMPANIES
MEDIATORS, SALES MANAGERS
MOBILE HOME BROKERS, SHOPPING GUIDES
MANUFACTURED HOME AGENTS, SECONDARY LENDERS
MASONRY, Almost Forgot Mike Bowler, SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE
MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE, SURVEYORS
MOVING COMPANIES, SEPTIC INSPECTORS
NOTARY PUBLICS, SEPTIC PUMPERS
OIL & GAS LEASE HOLDERS, SECURITY SYSTEM COMPANIES
OIL TANK INSPECTORS & REMOVERS SUPPLIERS
PERSONNEL DEPARMENTS, SOIL TESTERS
PROPANE FUEL SUPPLIERS, SECRETARY OF STATE
PHONE COMPNANIES, SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
PAINTERS, SIDING CONTRACTORS
PLUMBERS, SNOW REMOVERS
P.M.I. COMPANIES, SELLERS
PLANNING DIVISIONS, STORAGE FACILITIES
PRINTERS, SEWER CLEANERS
PHOTGRAPHERS, SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTORS
POTENTIAL BUYERS, SUBDIVISION ASSOCIATIONS
PERSONAL MARKETING CO., TENANTS
PAYOFF DEPARTMENTS, TOPOGRAPHICAL STUDIERS
PROBATE COURTS, TRIMMING CONTRACTORS
PEST INSPECTORS, TAX CONSULTANTS
POST OFFICE, TAX EXAMINERS
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., TITLE INS. EXAMINERS
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, TITLE SEARCHERS
REALTORS TITLE INS. UNDERWRITERS
REALTORS ASSISTANTS, TITLE COMPANIES INSURERS
RADON TESTERS, TREASURERS OFFICE
REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PUBLICATION, UNTIED PARCEL SERVICE
REGISTER OF DEEDS ,UTILITY BILLING DEPTS.
ROAD COMMISSIONER, WELL INSPECTORS
ROOFERS & ROOF INSPECTORS, WATER TESTERS
RELOCATION COMPANIES, WATER SOFTENER & PURIFIER
RUBBISH REMOVAL COMPANIES, CONTRACTORS
REAL ESTATE CONSULTANTS, WINDOW CONTRACTORS
RETIREMENT HOMES, WELCOME WAGON REPESENTATIVES
RECYCLING COMPANIES, ZONING COMMISSIONS

Oh! One last thing: Let's not forget, St. Joseph Statue Salespeople and Authors. "Expect the Best" Mike

Monday, January 7, 2008

Real Estate Market Update For Lansing Michigan

Want to stay on top of the real estate market in the greater Lansing area? Go to Goggle, select "Alerts" Type in Lansing Real Estate, in addition to your email address etc. Wham-o! You will start receiving an email alert on all real estate related articles for Lansing Michigan. For those of you, who live elsewhere, just replace Lansing with your hometown! Better yet! Sign up for Goggle Reader and receive the article right to your computer as they are written. or Go to Goggle: type in Mike Bowler, Lansing and get numerous articles on real estate concerning the Lansing area market.
College Students number one goal is home ownership according to a RISMedia article, a real estate source for Realtors that I get each day. Michigan State and Facebook also made the news in this article. Hope you enjoy. If you want additional information on buying homes there are several great articles here.
The USA Today had a great article for Buyers and Sellers on couping with today's real estate market. It's worth the read. Hope you enjoy.
We currently have 6137 listings available in the greater Lansing, Michigan area, which is down almost 500 from last month at this time. Now that is good news, houses are moving. When are you?
"Expect the Best" Mike

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Profile: Single, Bright and Female, Lansing Real Estate

Here is an interesting report about the singles buyer in the greater Lansing real estate market and nationally. Single Women are one of the fastest growing market segments
1 out of every 5 homes was bought by a Single Woman in 2006
1.5 million Single Women bought their own homes last year
Over 27% of first time homebuyers are Single Women
Average age: 42; early 30's to mid-50's; diverse market includes divorcees, single moms, young career women postponing marriage; about 25% are minorities
More Single Women are buying homes than ever before. They are financially independent and not waiting until they get married, or remarried, before they invest in their own home.
However, unlike couples or single men, this market thinks differently. Acts differently. And buys differently.
Profile of an Informed Customer
Single Women are smart, well-informed consumers, which is a great advantage for a strong, high-quality brand like Coldwell Banker®. Women tend to comparison shop and do more information gathering and research than men.
Women do their homework, do more research and expect a buttoned-up approach from partners
Women tend to focus on the details and are information hungry
Women talk to women: Network to find properties, locations, financing, services, etc
Tend to look at more properties; longer decision buying process
Expect high level of service; respond positively to random acts of kindness,
Provide 2x more referrals than men
Financially independent, however, more likely to be budget conscience. They want a partner who is sensitive to their budget
Get the scoop on buying and selling at my website. hope you enjoy. "expect the Best" Mike

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Lansing Real Estate Update on 2007 Market

The stats are in on 2007 vs. 2006 for the greater Lansing real estate market, based on searching residential sold units off the MLXchange for 2007 I found 4248 residential sales with and average sale price of $143,000.00 compared to 2006 having 4933 sales at an average sale price of $153,618.00. Units are down 14% while average sale price is down 7% over one year. So don't believe what you read, it's hogwash, spin, and dirty media tactics to sell bad news.
Overall Lansing faired well compared to most areas in the country. Keep in mind that the reduction in sale prices is contributed to numerous foreclosures. Bank owned properties are taking deeper cuts than most listings on the market. This should also show improvements over the coming year.
I predict 2008 will be up over 2007, however we will still be faced with a challenging market. Rising defaults on sub-prime-mortgage loans, record high inventory, and media headlines that read, Mortgage crisis, credit crunch, sub-prime, foreclosures, housing bust will still be printed vs. any good news that happens our way.
I will continue to subscribe to my national media sources that provide the real facts, on my Goggle reader and pass them on to my colleagues, clients and customers. There will still be millions of people buying and selling real estate in 2008, just like there was in 2007. In most major cities housing prices are still showing long term gains "In some ways, the extended real estate boom from 2001 to 2005 created unrealistic expectations that housing is a short-term high-yield investment," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in a Realtor.org, recent article. I think he hit it right on the head, real estate is long term.
Your home's value depends on many factors, including its style and size, amenities, condition and, of course, location, location, location. In addition, the value of your real estate investment can be affected by market conditions: interest rates, supply and demand and the overall strength of the economy. What to do?
1. If your moving up, keep in mind that if you take a sale price 10% less asking price, you can probably pick it up on the new home you buy. 10% on $150,000.00 = $15,000.00 less. Buy a $200,000.00 house at 10% less = $20,000.00 Gain or a $5000.00 net gain, plus the new home you wanted.
2. If your not motivated to move, don't need to sell, stay where your at, however, keep in touch with the market. you can do that by visiting my website often or subscribing to my blog RSS.
3. If you're a buyer sitting on the fence. It's time to get off. Home prices are bottoming out, interest rates are still the lowest in years, you have plenty of properties to pick from, sellers are more apt to negociate and as the market changes, so will the prices and interest rates. There has never been a more opportune time to buy than today!
4. If you in trouble on your house payments, need help to keep your house or need to sell prior to foreclosure, seek professional help. There are numerous programs recently introduced to assist you. Make sure you investigate your options. It cost nothing to be advised by a professional.
5. If your looking to invest in real estate for building your portfolio, this is the time to pick up great investments on bank owned homes in the Lansing area. However, be prepared for vacancy, due to high vacancy and competitive rent rates.
For most of us, our home is more than a house and more than "just" an investment. Knowing the value it holdscan have a significant impact on how we achieve our financial goals. That's why, I want to earn the right to service your real estate needs now and in the future. If you live in Lansing, Delta Township, Grand Ledge, Delhi Township, Holt, Okemos, East Lansing, Haslett , Bath, Dewitt, Mason or Eaton Rapids, I service your area and you can "Expect the Best" Mike