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

Delta Township, Greater Lansing, Michigan Real Estate Market & the Nation

Discover the 2009 Coldwell Banker Home Price Comparison Index, the annual survey that compares home prices across the country.



The average sale price in Delta Township, greater Lansing, Michigan real estate market has dropped again over the past month, with activity in pending sales on the increase.



“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
Mike@MikeBowler.com
Website for Clients
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Greater Lansing Area Real Estate - Ask Questions Prior to Selling or Buying

Lansing Michigan real estate buyers in today's home market want to have access to houses for sale, with plenty of information and lots of pictures.

It amazes me to no end that you can still visit real estate websites to find no pictures or very few. Even Realtor Boards and MLS Services sometimes limit the number of photos to 8 or 10. A large percentage of the houses have more rooms than that, let alone community photos that could be included, landscape, amenities of the neighborhood, schools, and parks.

The real estate professional must meet the needs and expectations of the Connected Consumer. The rules of business are changing, especially in the real estate industry. Consumers need to start asking more questions and expecting more results from the Realtor, when it comes to marketing their home. With Syndicated websites, major portals, search engine marketing, and social networking sites that drive more traffic to the listing, their is no excuse for apathy in our industry any longer. All real estate agents have had a great opportunity over the past few years, in a slower market, to get re-educated and trained in Internet Marketing for real estate, but few have been willing to pay the price or devote the time necessary to become Internet savvy. That's not all that bad, for they will be left in the dust, when the market turns.

Real estate agents today need to be Internet savvy with the best tools to market a sellers home.

A few snap shots of the house is not sufficient when most major portals accept up to 30 pictures, plus a virtual tour of the home. The key for anyone selling a home in today's market is to ask the right questions and have your Realtor demonstrate an Internet marketing plan on where your house will be promoted.

The e-PRO Certification Program will establish a baseline of online competence, and it will also introduce its students and graduates to the best aspects of Online Community...the Internet is about the power of people connecting with people. However, this is just a beginning for any agent who is in this business for the long haul. What's your thoughts?

The greater Lansing area real estate Seller's today, need massive exposure to their listed home, to get the most exposure. The days are gone of just putting a sign in the yard and selling your house. With over 85% of all home-buyers shopping the Internet prior to contacting a Realtor, it is imperative that your Real estate agent provide syndication from their website to offer better search engine exposure.

Each agent should be able to explain their Internet marketing plan prior to being hired to sell your home.

Website Syndication, Photo sharing, vitual tours, Blogging, Social networking for business, Search engine marketing, and optimization, are only a few of the many complex, yet simple systems that will get your house the best exposure in today's market. Real estate transactions are complex, involve large assets and demand competent representation. Marketing properties, home selection and financing are just a few of the skills today's consumer looks for when they select a real estate professional. Make sure your Realtor is prepared to offer you the knowledge and expertise to counsel you in relocating, buying, investing or selling the family home, using the most up to date technology and Internet tools.

Your Realtor should be prepared to employ the latest techniques and services for your benefit, just like you've grown to expect from a professional.

"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

How Do You Make Your House Your Own in the Greater Lansing Real Estate Market?

The answer is different for everyone.

What is universal is that when we buy real estate, we're really adopting a particular lifestyle as well.

That's what makes buying and selling real estate such a difficult, complicated process... and in the end such an enjoyable, satisfying one.

I can provide insight into every aspect of the greater Lansing real estate market, but also into the often-overlooked aspect of the transaction: adjusting to your new home.

I've provided a few helpful hints and reports that I thought you might find useful.

When you call me to represent you, know that the business aspect of your transaction will be treated with the utmost importance... but that the human element will never be forgotten.

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

 

Delta Township, Michigan, Home Sellers - 4 New Reports Available

Selling your home in the greater Lansing real estate market is an involved process that affects your family and your future. Before you begin this process, you'll want to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information. When should you sell? How do you get the best price? What kinds of renovations should be made prior to the sale?

These home selling reports will assist you in answering the many questions that arise during the home selling process. When you're armed with the right information, and an experienced real estate professional, you'll be closer to reaching your goal - selling your home fast, and for the best price. Get all four right here!

Common Selling Mistakes - Learn the top nine selling mistakes, and what steps you can take to avoid them.

Selling Your Home - Remember what first attracted you to your house when you bought it? What excited you about its most appealing features? Now that you're selling your home, you'll need to look at it as if you were buying it all over again.

Surviving the Sale - Getting a good price for your home is important, but minimizing stress and simplifying the selling process can be just as essential.

The Right Selling Price - When you're selling your home, the price you set is a critical factor in the return you receive. Learn several factors to base the assessment of your home.

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

Housing Opportunities for the Delhi Township, Holt, Real Estate Market - Timing is Money!

Delhi Township, Holt,real estate buyers and sellers do have opportunities in this market today. Crisis or no crisis, people still can move up or buy that first home. The large number of homes available for sale provides home buyers with a wide range of choices. Interest rates remain low. Affordability has improved in many markets. I think this is the smartest time to buy a home in my 30 years of marketing real estate.
Home inventory dropping almost 10% over the past 6 month’s is a sure sign that we may be reaching the bottom of this challenging market that we have experienced over the past 24 months.

Preparing your home for the spring market is very important to compete in today’s market. The Home Sellers Tool Kit will give you some great ideas to get you prepared for selling this year.
You may be thinking, is it a good time to sell my home and buy another? We have to remember that homes are selling when they are well prepared for sale and priced right. The reason is because people buy and sell homes for lifestyle reasons. Births, marriages, new jobs, retirement and others are all drivers. Following the advice of a full-service professional, who knows market conditions and a home’s competition, is critical in readying a home for sale.

First time home buyers receiving the tax credit which will be the lesser of either 10% of the home’s cost or $8,000 also contributes to the reason for buyers to start shopping. This will be available to qualified first time home buyers – and those who have not owned for at least 3 years - for the purchase of a principal residence in 2009. The credit does not have to be paid back if the buyer stays in the home for at least 3 years. This could have the domino effect to allow sellers to begin moving up to that larger home and selling their house, which they may have out-grown.

So, is “Now the Time To Make Your Move” I think so, however, much depends on your current situation, motives, and ability to qualify for the new, tight credit market. It may take a team of professionals to help you make some of these important decisions.

Our market could change soon, (or maybe not) as prices begin to climb back up, interest rates begin to rise, and inventory continues too go down. Is that when we will be back into a normal market? Not really. There is no such thing as a bad market or good market; there is just a market. Supply and demand is what made this the best country in the world to own real estate.

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

First Time Home Buyers in Lansing Michigan Can Benefit from True Tax Credit

The greater Lansing real estate market will get an incentive and tax break for
first-time homebuyers, however the $15,000.00 approved Senate Bill for all buyers got slashed to zippo. Well, it’s a start. According to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 the Refundable First-time Home Buyer Credit. Last year, Congress provided taxpayers with a refundable tax credit that was equivalent to an interest-free loan equal to 10 percent of the purchase of a home (up to $7,500) by first-time home buyers. The provision applies to homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. Taxpayers receiving this tax credit are currently required to repay any amount received under this provision back to the government over 15 years in equal installments, or, if earlier, when the home is sold. The credit phases out for taxpayers with adjusted gross income in excess of $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return). The bill eliminates the repayment obligation for taxpayers that purchase homes after January 1, 2009, increases the maximum value of the credit to $8,000, and removes the prohibition on financing by mortgage revenue bonds, and extends the availability of the credit for homes purchased before December 1, 2009. The provision would retain the credit recapture if the house is sold within three years of purchase. The entire Act Summery can be viewed here.

Now’s the time to make your move, I encourage you to visit my home buyers tool kit page and Buying Services for Greater Lansing Area Home Buyers.You’ll be joining the ranks of hundreds of families who realize that home ownership offers a number of benefits including building equity, saving for the future, and creating an environment for your family. Start your dream today, by becoming well prepared. Selling your home also requires well thought out preparation, in addition to hiring someone prepared to employ the latest techniques and services for your benefit, just like you’ve grown to expect from a professional. Real estate transactions are complex, involve large assets and demand competent representation. Marketing properties, home selection and financing are just a few of the skills today’s consumer looks for when they select a real estate professional.

I'm prepared to offer my clients the knowledge and expertise to counsel them in relocating, buying, investing or selling the family home.

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

"Barnes Ave" "Large Duplex" "Lansing MI"

"Barnes Ave" "Large Duplex" "Lansing MI"
Originally uploaded by mbowlersr

This home has been completely renovated and is huge. 4 bedrooms on one side, 3 on the other, it’s a must to see and a great opportunity for someone who attends LCC, Colley Law School or works downtown. Rent one side out and live on the other. Legislators, Congress Representatives, Liberals Conservatives, Independents, you name it; they could join forces and live together here and share a ride downtown. (Now that’s bi-partisan) This is an example of pride of ownership and making Lansing a better place to live. Call or email today on this one. Virtual Tour Here:

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

Are You Puzzled About the Real Estate Market in Greater Lansing?

If You're thinking of selling your home in the current real estate market, it's important to have a real estate professional that has a positive attitude, has experienced tough times (Early 80's), knows your market, Internet technology, real estate law, negotiation skills and someone who is ready to go to work for you.

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.

My Home Sellers Kit is packed with information to assist you in your decision making process. You can also order your FREE Internet Marketing Seller Presentation here to discover the various syndicated websites your property will be exposed to when marketing your home with me. Not only will your listing get serious advertising on my website and on the websites of all of my network partners . . . I will also push it out all over the web, to the busiest real estate marketplaces online.

My goal is to provide you with the latest real estate 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. In modern markets, having a technological edge can make a dramatic impact. I have that edge, and I am looking forward to using it to your advantage.

“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

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

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

Lansing Michigan Real Estate is Not a Loser - We're Winners!

Several news articles have broken in the past few days about how Lansing Michigan is the big loser when it comes to drop in housing prices, referring to the median price drop of 27%. What most articles always tend to leave out is that the national median normally is a typical market price, where half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less.

NAR President Richard Gaylord, said the U.S. market is very dynamic. "It's more important than ever to examine what's happening with home prices at the city and neighborhood level," Gaylord said. "The old real estate mantra of ‘location, location, location' is perhaps more relevant today than ever before. Consumers should check with REALTORS® for local expertise on what's going on in their own area because conditions can vary considerably from one neighborhood to the next."

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the numbers don't tell the whole story. "These are highly unusual results because there were very few jumbo loan originations in the latest quarter, so sales are much slower in high-cost areas, and at the same time foreclosures related to subprime mortgages rose," he said. "Neighborhoods with little subprime exposure are holding on very well, while prices have fallen in neighborhoods with a wide prevalence of subprime loans because more foreclosed properties are being sold at discounted prices."

Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood recently published its quarterly housing report which gives you a more accurate description of what's going on in the Lansing area real estate market. Some interesting stats that show some parts of Lansing city area (Four Areas) with average sale price down as much as 44% vs. surrounding communities down in average sale price down as low as only 3%. I think thats what Mr Yun is referring to above, real estate is about location, location, location. We are seeing deep discounts on bank owned properties, that affect the median price, however you need to keep in mind that only 1 in 150 homes in the Lansing area are repo's and sellers don't need to play that game. To find out the value of your home in today's market, you won't find it in the newspaper, because they are not telling the whole story. You need to read beyond the headlines and take it to a local level. My last 3 closings were within 5% of list price.
Now, more than ever is when sellers need professional advice on marketing their real estate. Even more important is hiring a Realtor who is going to be optimistic about your transaction, yet realistic to be competitive in today's market.

Feel free to contact me if I can answer your questions about selling a home in the greater Lansing area. I'm SOLD on real estate as a great investment and understand that the there's repos and then there's your house, which is not all in the same.

"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
Website for Agents: MikeBowler.net
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Selling a Home in Delhi Township, Holt, Michigan, FREE Reports

Selling your home is an involved process that affects your family and your future. Before you begin this process, you'll want to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information. When should you sell? How do you get the best price? What kinds of renovations should be made prior to the sale?

These home selling reports will assist you in answering the many questions that arise during the home selling process. When you're armed with the right information, and an experienced real estate professional, you'll be closer to reaching your goal - selling your home fast, and for the best price.

"Expect the Best" Mike
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood