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"Expect the Best" Mike

Saturday, July 19, 2008

MAR News - Homeowners Can Still Take Advantage of Principal Residence Exemption


Homeowners can still take advantage of Principal Residence Exemption
As you know, PA 96 of 2008 created a new tax break for people who have moved to a new principal residence but have been unable to sell their previous principal residence. Under the new law, the owner is allowed to maintain a Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) on their former home for up to 3 years if the home is vacant and for sale. This new law expands the Principal Residence Exemption to unsold homes, essentially allowing for two exemptions where homebuyers have their original property on the market but are now living in their new home elsewhere in the state.
To claim this tax break, the owner must file a Conditional Rescission of Principal Residence Exemption Form #4640 with their local assessor. Unfortunately, the bill was not signed until April of this year and that left a narrow window for taxpayers to file before the May 1 deadline in order to claim this benefit for 2008.
However, an amendment was inserted into Public Act 198 of 2008, allowing any homeowner who missed the May 1st deadline for the 2008 tax year to now file an appeal with their community's July or December 2008 Board of Review. This is a tremendous victory and offers property tax relief for homeowners in Michigan.
Individuals should contact local assessors for meeting dates and additional information. Traditionally, the July board of review has met the Tuesday following the third Monday in July (July 22 this year). A change in the law (PA 122 of 2008) allows communities to schedule their board of review any time that week. While most communities will meet on July 22, taxpayers should contact their local government to be sure they know when the board of review meets in order to submit Form #4640 to the board of review for consideration.
The ability to appeal to the board of review is for 2008 only. Homeowners will need to apply to keep their PRE by December 31 of the previous year. Homeowners can already file the form for 2009 with their local unit of government. For additional information, please check out www.michigan.gov/treasury .

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Selling Your Home in The Greater Lansing Real Estate Market


Selling your home can be more likely in today’s market using the proper marketing programs and the Realtor who believes in technology. Yes, homes sell based on price, location and features, however it takes exposure as well. Here are some questions to ask your Realtor.
1. With more than four out of five home-buyers using the Internet to find their new home, which sites are you going to post my property on and how many?
2. Which multiple search platforms will you attract attention to my property with? Will you use Google, Yahoo, and MSN search engines that control the majority of the business.
3. How many photographs will you place on your website promoting my property? Will it be 10-20 or 30 various snap shots of different rooms of my home?
4. Will you post on your Blog about my neighborhood, community and my house in general to drive traffic toward your website, which increases exposure?
5. Do you have network partners like Facebook, Googlebase, Craigslist and Trulia who have national exposure in some of the busiest marketplaces?

By subscribing to some of the most effective real estate technology available a Realtor can give your home more exposure then has ever been available to effectively attract potential buyers. That’s why I use Point2NLS which automatically places potential buyers in a communication program so that I am sure to maintain friendly contact with them, encouraging more repeat visits to my website and more repeat viewings of your listing.

"Expect the Best" Mike

Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 517-492-3400 Fax: 888-832-6203
email: Mike@MikeBowler.com
Website for Clients: MikeBowler.com
Search Listings

Friday, July 4, 2008

Real Estate Disclosures for Eaton County


When selling your home, you may be obligated to disclose problems that could affect the property’s value or desirability. In Michigan, it is illegal to fraudulently conceal major physical defects in your property, such as a basement that floods in heavy rains. And many states now require sellers to take a proactive role by making written disclosures on the condition of the property. Today Realtors in the greater Lansing area are required to provide you a four page seller disclosure form that you fill out in your own handwriting that becomes your statement of of disclosure for condition of the property. This is not a substitute for for any inspections or warranties the Buyer may wish to obtain when they place an offer on your home. Other disclosures may include: a lead-based paint disclosure, a well and septic evaluation, and others. You can be better prepared to sell your house by having a pre-home inspection, placing a home warranty on your house, and using the full disclosure opportunities we provide in today's market. If you have questions on these issues or any other related questions about selling your house in today's market, feel free to visit my website.
"Expect the Best" Mike
Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 517-492-3400 Fax: 888-832-6203
email: Mike@MikeBowler.com
Website for Clients: MikeBowler.com
Search Listings