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

Monday, July 5, 2010

Marketing Your Home in the Greater Lansing Area Requires a Creative REALTOR

Marketing Your home in the Greater Lansing, Michigan area requires a creative REALTOR with connections on numerous portals, websites, and search engines. Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn only scratch the surface. Hope you enjoy!



“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

Monday, June 28, 2010

New Law for Cell Phone Users Who Text Message in Michigan

The new Text Law in Michigan (House Bill 4294) prohibits drivers from reading, writing and sending text messages while operating a motor vehicle. The bill states:

"A person shall not read, manually type, or send a text message on a wireless 2-way communication device that is located in the person's hand or in the person's lap, including a wireless telephone used in cellular telephone service or personal communication service, while operating a motor vehicle that is moving on a highway or street in this state. "

About 2-3 weeks ago, I started pulling over to check messages and return calls, so I could get use to it. The proof of the burden will be on the driver who maybe dialing a number vs. text messaging and get pulled over. At $100.00 and $200.00 a pop, it could get expensive. "A civil infraction and shall be ordered to pay a civil fine as follows:

(a) For a first violation, $100.00.
(b) For a second or subsequent violation, $200.00."

Worst yet, you could the one who runs off the road and hits someone head on. Be careful out there, and have a safe 4th of July weekend.


 “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

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Let's Reflect: What Can We Do Locally To Clean Up Things

As we experience another tragedy that hurts our beautiful country, let's reflect on things we can do here at home to look for solutions. Compliments of http://www.youtube.com/user/envirodefensefund




 “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

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Five Great Summer Outdoor Tips for Greater Lansing Michigan Homeowners

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
 “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, May 28, 2010

A Profound Introduction of the Pledge of Allegiance - Memorial Day Weekend 2010

What a profound introduction of the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag led by James T. Elcock, Ph.D., President of the St. Charles County Association of REALTORS® Commercial Division, in Missouri. From the NAR Board of Directors meeting on May 15, 2010. Addressed to REALTORS with our purpose in mind, this could apply to all as we reflect this Memorial Day weekend. Have a safe and blessed holiday.




 “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

Thursday, May 13, 2010

State of the Real Estate Market as Seen on Fox December 2009 Great Points

Coldwell Banker CEO Jim Gillespie stops by 'The Strategy Room' to talk about the real estate market

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Three Topics to Discuss With Your REALTOR Before Listing Your Home

Three Topics to Discuss With Your REALTOR Before Listing Your Home in the Greater Lansing real estate market will either get you what you need to sell your house or keep you looking for the right agent to sell your house in today's market.




“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

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Why Internet Marketing is Important for Your Home in Greater Lansing, Michigan Area

Real estate transactions are complex, involve large assets and demand competent representation. My goal is to provide you with the latest marketing systems, technology and a high level of customer satisfaction to get you happily moved into your new home or to sell your existing home. Review the slides and feel free to contact me f you have questions.
Email: Mike@MikeBowler.com

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Greater Lansing Michigan Events Summer 2010

There plenty of exciting events going on, in and around the Greater Lansing Michigan area this summer. Visit the SlideShare Presentation and mark your calendars for some of these local festivals, celebrations, and family affairs:
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
Search Listings

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Zillow for iPad Adds Just One More Cool Tool for Real Estate

The real estate industry has gone through a tremendous paradigm shift over the past 5-10 years, including the Greater Lansing real estate market. Here's one bold real estate browsing experience built specifically for the iPad's interactive multi-touch device.


Most savvy real estate agents are staying abreast to Web2-3 functions that allow our consumers to have a better user experience and get all of the information they need from us. Examples include searching for homes, community information, calculators, demographics, customer testimonials, real estate news, ancillary services, and instant communication, to name a few.

"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

Search Listings

Friday, March 26, 2010

8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR® in the Greater Lansing Real Estate Market

 8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR® in the Greater Lansing Real Estate Market.

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®. 

1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5.  Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.



“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

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Real Estate Market Update March 16, 2010 Greater Lansing, Michigan

The greater Lansing Association of Realtors YTD stats were shared today at the general sales meeting of Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood who meet once a month for industry updates, programs, and financial mews. The Greater Lansing Real estate market has positive numbers adding up as we near the expiration date (April 30th) of the home buyer tax credit.  A whopping 21.89% increase over last year for volume and 16.76% increase in average sale price. Interest rates are at 5.15% today.

Two of the positive signs shared by Matt Bowler, general Sales manager were average sale price in residential increasing to $94,755.00 up 14% over last year and Residential Market Surplus at 11.25 months  down over last year. What that means to sellers is that right now there is less competition on the market and pricing has somewhat stabilized compared to the big drop in pricing in 2009. 

If you are interested in learning more about marketing your home in the greater Lansing real estate market and determining if now is the right time for you, feel free to contact me for a no obligation review of your current real estate wants and needs.

"Expect the Best" Mike

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Who Buys The Home Men or Women? Plus Some in Lansing, Michigan

Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC did a survey on the real estate differences between men and women. This video takes the survey to the streets to get live reactions from both genders.



Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S Creyts Rd. Lansing, MI 48917
517-492-3400

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Real Estate Market Update, Greater Lansing, Michigan

The Greater Lansing real estate market update for March 2, 2010. The Greater Lansing area is a great place to live, work, and play. We are showing signs of increased sales as the inventory continues to become lower also. last year at this time there was 11 months supply of homes, which is down to 7 month today. Now that's good news. The home buyer tax credit expires April 30, 2010 which has also been a contribution to pending sales. Transaction written prior to the deadline must be closed by June 30, 2010.



Buying or selling a home in todays market requires someone who knows what they're doing and will work hard to get the job done. My knowledge of the real estate market, negotiating skills, and ability to listen to clients' needs and desires keep me ahead of my competition.
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
Mike@MikeBowler.com

Search Listings

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Take The Tour - Model Home - Grand Ledge - Delta Twp.- Pointe West Subdivision - The "Staford" Eastbrook Home

Open House Saturday & Sunday, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. February 27th-28thPresenting the Stafford by Eastbrook Homes just completed and a wonderful example of their fine quality construction. Upon entering the foyer with Bamboo flooring you step into the soaring 2-story great room with gas fireplace featuring a tile surround and flanked by large windows providing lots of natural light. Open to the great room is the Island Kitchen and Breakfast area with Bamboo flooring. The kitchen includes a walk-in pantry and plenty of storage.

Just off the kitchen is one of the best features of this home- Michigan Sun Room providing more natural light and four seasons of entertaining The family entry off the garage has a generous closet and half bath. The second floor includes 3 generous bedrooms all with walk-in closets (including the Master Suite) and family convenient laundry.

The finished lower level includes a family room, full bath and 4th bedroom with egress window. Central Air, 5 Star Plus Energy rating you will have economical energy costs year round. Eastbrook continues its ongoing commitment to building homes with outstanding craftsmanship, exceptional value and award winning customer service. Eastbrook Homes… Always more home for the money.

Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S Creyts Rd. Lansing, MI 48917
517-492-3400
mike@mikebowler.com
Search Homes

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Coldwell Banker 2010 TV ad called "Overheard"

I am pleased to bring you the Coldwell Banker 2010 TV ad called "Overheard" which features the many ways that Coldwell Banker allows customers to search for real estate in this mobile world. This spot also features the Coldwell Banker YouTube channel, Coldwell Banker On Location for buyers and sellers. Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood is "Leading the Way" in the Greater Lansing Michigan area. Hope you enjoy.


Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S Creyts Rd. Lansing, MI 48917
517-492-3400 emailto:mike@mikebowler.com
Search Homes

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Greater Lansing Housing Market Update from Mike Bowler Sr.

Welcome to another Greater Lansing Real Estate Market Update. After watching and listening to this short report, feel free to visit my site for additional real estate information and updates on the housing market and home sales in the greater Lansing area.




1020 S Creyts Rd. Lansing, MI 48917
517-492-3400 mike@mikebowler.com
Website for Consumers:
www.mikebowler.com

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Top 10 Home Repair Tips for Greater Lansing Real Estate Owners

Greater Lansing real estate owners who are thinking about some home repairs will find out some of the top tips from Coldwell Banker On Location. Here's a sample of what home owners can expect when it comes to professional advice. I hope you enjoy and pick up a few ideas.



Buying or selling a home in today’s greater Lansing, Michigan real estate market can be complicated without having the proper expertise and guidance throughout the process. Community information - about service - restaurants, services, parks, things to do, local government and development projects, are only a few of the many services you should expect from your Realtor. Visit my website for additional information on preparing for buying and selling a home in the Greater Lansing Real Estate Market.

"Expect the Best" Mike

Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S Creyts Rd. Lansing, MI 48917
517-492-3400
Search Homes

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Real Estate Market Update January 2010 Greater Lansing Michigan

The Greater Lansing Real Estate Market has seen a substantial decrease in inventory of residential listings over the past few months, which is good news for homeowners. Here's a real estate market update for your information:



Thanks for watching, search homes or obtain additional information on my website

Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
One of 25 Most Connected Professionals in Real Estate
Inman News Top 50 Most Influential Online
1020 S Creyts Rd. Lansing, MI 48917
517-492-3400
mike@mikebowler.com
Website for Consumers

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Open House Ashford Manor Subdivision, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837

Stop out this Saturday or Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. -



Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
One of 25 Most Connected Professionals in Real Estate
Inman News Top 50 Most Influential Online
1020 S Creyts Rd. Lansing, MI 48917
517-492-3400 mike@mikebowler.com
Search Listings