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

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I've Got the Real Estate Blues

Frankie lee has a great song to share here, that is so true. His humor, lyrics, and wittiness will make you smile at our current problems and challenges. Hope you enjoy.

more about "I've Got the Real Estate Blues", posted with vodpod

Selling Your Home in the Greater Lansing Real Estate Market? Here Are 10 Keys

Find the key to getting the most exposure for your real estate in the greater Lansing real estate market by talking to your agent about their Internet marketing plan for your house. The following questions, if answered properly will get your home the most exposure, which will generate traffic and interest. Top priority of course is pricing your home competitively based on recent sales.

1. Do you have a personal website, that syndicates out to other sites on the web?
2. What are those additional sites that my home will be marketed on?
3. If what fashion will you drive traffic to these sites?
4. Will you use keywords, pinging programs and social networking sites?
5. Will you post my house on a real estate Blog with links back to my property on your site?
6. Will you use a program like SawItOnLine to build ads for Craig's List and other media's?
7. Are you using a smart phone with instant email to respond fast to buyer inquiries?
8. Will you post my house on major Portals like Trulia, Realtor.com & Zillow?
9. Do you have marketing plans to talk about the amenities of my community?
10. Will you keep me abreast to all marketing, activity and communication by email?

If you would like to learn more about marketing your home in today's challenging real estate market, by getting the best exposure, feel free to contact me or visit my website today!

"Expect the Best" Mike

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
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"Now's the Time to Make Your Move" Lansing Michigan

What kinds of housing are available in your area (styles, pricing, sizes, subdivisions and neighborhoods)? That's a question I am often asked by buyers transferring into the greater Lansing, Michigan area. We are very fortunate in the Tri-County area of Ingham, Clinton and Eaton Counties to have GM, Michigan state University, and the State of Michigan as a draw. However, many good smaller employers are also starting to take a closer look at what Lansing has to offer. I am optimistic about the future for central Michigan regardless of the bad press, changing market conditions and other challenges we have had over the past few years. As market conditions begin to pickup, which they have over the past few weeks, we will continue to see a brighter future for Michigan. Buying a home is a great way to build long-term wealth. Notice, I said long term wealth, hopefully everyone learned something from this past mortgage crisis and sub-prime fiasco that real estate is not a get Rich quick skim of flipping houses, however it has always proved to be a wonderful long term investment for future wealth. There is some other important dividends, also that include, tax advantages, private ownership and the fact that you have more at the end of the year besides rent receipt's.

Speaking of great investments, Now's The Time to Make Your Move! Visit my website for additional information on buying and selling real estate in today's market.

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
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Real Estate Cooking in Lansing Michigan, Real Estate Laws That Is.

New legislation is being introduced, often to late these days. Here 's one example of the new requirements that mortgage brokers will have, which should have been done years ago to prevent the fraud that took place between 2001 and 2006. better late than never. Part of the bailout programs and economic stimulus being introduced by congress over the past couple of months are also a good long read, if your up for the juggling act. In the end, I think we will all learn something from this fiasco of a real estate market. One thing I already know is that strong will survive and come out of this with a new appreciation on life, homeownership, and what greed has done to the U.S. economy.
Now that the sun will shine around Lansing Michigan for the next few months we may start reducing some inventory to balance things out. Activity has picked up somewhat over the past few weeks, rates are stable, and as I always say, there has never been a better time to buy a home.
"expect the Best" Mike

Title: Five Topics to Discuss With Your Real Estate Agent When Selling Your Home

Thinking of selling your home? Before you place the “For Sale” sign in front of your house, there are a few things you should consider in order to maximize your home value and make the sales process smooth and efficient. Be prepared to discuss the following subjects with your real estate agent when you’re ready to sell your home and you’ll be one step ahead in the market.

1) Best Time of Year to Put Your House on the Market
Conventional wisdom dictates that spring is the best time for selling a home. The weather is getting warmer, the school year is coming to an end, and people who have just received their tax refunds may now have extra cash to use for a down payment on a home. However, since not everyone can sell a home in the spring, here are some other seasonal factors to consider. According to annual home sale data from the National Association of Realtors, the slowest selling months of the year are typically January and February, since fewer home sales occur during the holidays. In spite of this, with less competition in the marketplace, you may be able to ask for a higher price for your home, or a quicker closing. Additionally, temperate locations like Florida and California don’t see the seasonal fluctuations in the housing market, where house-hunters are almost always looking. And a late winter or early spring in the Northeast may extend the typical “selling season.” These seasonal variations, as well as a variety of local factors, will all influence the housing market in your area. Be sure to talk to your real estate agent regarding the current state of the market and how it will affect the sale of your home.

2) Open House Strategy and How to De-Clutter
At an open house, first impressions count, so you’ll want to enhance your home’s perceived value. Make your home inviting by taking care of bothersome minor repairs; clean bathroom and kitchen counters and clear them of dishes and clutter. Arrange storage areas neatly and put unused items in a closet. If you have pets, consider having a neighbor watch them for the duration of the open house. It’s a good idea for you to be absent during the open house, also. If you must be present, let your agent do the talking.

Decorate your home to sell by arranging the furniture to look as spacious as possible. Add color and fragrance to any room with fresh flowers. Lastly, don’t forget the outside of your home. Put away all gardening equipment and neatly arrange outdoor items like firewood or furniture. Even take a hard look at your mailbox and make sure it reflects the value and character of your home.

3) Features to Accentuate
While you may have long determined which aspects of your home you love, having a fresh set of eyes assess its best features is a smart idea. If you’re considering selling your home, take the time to walk through it methodically with your real estate agent. Together you can determine which features of the home should be accentuated. Does your home have a wonderful view? Make the most of it by sprucing up window treatments and arranging furniture to draw the eye toward the windows. Perhaps the location of your house is truly incredible. Your real estate agent can help accentuate this feature in sales and marketing materials.

4) Desired Price and Bottom Line Price
It’s great to shoot high, but when determining your home value, it’s also important to identify your bottom line. By assessing recent home sale statistics in your area, your real estate agent can recommend an appropriate target price range. Working with your agent, you can set an initial asking price, as well as privately determine the absolute lowest price you would comfortably accept for selling your home. By crunching the numbers and setting parameters early on, you can avoid emotional rollercoasters during the process of receiving, countering and accepting offers.

5) Disclosures
When selling your home, you may be obligated to disclose problems that could affect the property’s value or desirability. In most states, 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. Ask your real estate agent for the particular laws of your state.

Visit My Website for addtional information specializing in Lansing real estate, DeWitt, Grand Ledge, Holt, Okemos, Haslett, East Lansing, Bath, and Ingham, Clinton, Eaton County. Lansing] MI Real Estate Listings and homes for sale, local information, free advice for home buyers and sellers.

Delhi Township, Holt Real Estate, Preparing Your Home for Sale

First impressions make a significant impact on a buyer’s decision-making process! Once your home goes on the market, it becomes a product. Home Styling or Staging simply allows you to highlight the best of your home and de-emphasize its flaws. It’s not about decorating, but actually turning your home into a model, to appeal to the broadest range of prospective buyers. The goal is to make people feel like they could live there, and the best way to do this is to “neutralize” the surroundings.

Try out these helpful styling tips taken from Setting the Stage - REALTOR® Magazine Online. They’ve compiled the best tips from stagers and real estate pros—things you can do for little or no expense—to put a home in prime showing shape.

*Clear out closets and clutter—sellers can give away or pack up toys, linens, and small kitchen appliances to store offsite. Buyers are also forgiving of storage boxes neatly tucked away in a garage or basement.
*Focus most on the most visible areas—the foyer, kitchen, living room, master bedroom, and family room.
*De-personalize the home by removing photos, mementos, and dated items.
*Use plants in colorful pots or inexpensive wicker baskets to fill in empty spaces.
*Look to home catalogs for little details on beautifying the home. For instance, group books, pictures, and objets d’art appealingly on bookcases.
*Try angling one or two pieces of furniture slightly and move furniture 4 inches to 6 inches from the wall to create more interesting room spaces.
*Put away large collections— porcelains, plates, and so on.
*Remove valuables, prescription medicine, collectibles, and breakables.
*Trim trees, prune shrubs, and make sure the lawn is mowed and watered regularly.
In summer, turn on the sprinklers for five minutes, 30 minutes before the open house. It makes the lawn and driveway sparkle.
*Refrain from cooking anything that leaves a distinctive odor, such as fish, garlic, or cabbage.
*Hire a professional service to clean the home, including the carpets and the windows.
*Set the dining room table with attractive linens, dishes, and stemware.
*Arrange fresh or silk flowers throughout the home.
*Light a fire in the fireplace in fall and winter.
*A mirror in a pretty frame can make a small room feel more open.
*Use as much natural light as possible. Add extra lamps in dark rooms or corners.
*Make functional repairs—fix dripping faucets, sticking doors, and broken fences.
*Bring in another pair of eyes—even if it’s not a professional stylist. The person may see problems you and have missed.

Visit my website for addtional ideas on preparing your home for sale & establishing value.

Lansing Real Estate, Stars, Science, & Grilled Cheese

The Greater Lansing area is a great place to live, work, and visit, there are also great things to do here for all ages. Abrams Planetarium offer a variety of planetarium shows if your interested in the stars and planets. Sharon and I took our grandson there recently and thought it was wonderful. I highly recommend it. Another great place is Impression 5, to bring a group of children of all ages. There are workshops, tours and a variety of educational displays.
I provide a list of various community sites, in addition to other important links for the Lansing area on my website.

Now, before we get back to real estate, I thought you may find this interesting. Grilled Cheese Sandwich Restaurants are starting to pop up, Akron Ohio just opened one. I hope we get one in Lansing soon, everybody loves grilled cheese sandwiches.
The real estate market has shown some improvements over the past month and will gradually improve as the weather changes. With 0 degree temperatures on Sunday, not many buyers were out looking at open houses, however the ones who were, are serious buyers. Interest rates are below 6%, pricing is great, there is plenty to pick from. There has never been a better time to buy a home.
Bookmark my site for all your real estate needs and I also invite you to subscribe to my blogs.
"Expect the Best" Mike

More Great News for Buyers on Lansing Real Estate Market & Housing

Realogy and Coldwell Banker will be running a series of three consumer confidence ads in USA TODAY, beginning Wednesday, February 6th and continuing on February 13th and February 20th. The ads cover a number of topics, including:

Money is available to those with reasonable credit
Mortgage rates are attractive — at or near historical lows
Many lending options exist
Recent rate cuts mean increased buying power for consumers
Greater selection of inventory
Housing affordability is at a three-year high
Now is the time to act if a home purchase is in your future plans

Jim Gillespie, President of Coldwell banker indicated that these ads will reinforce the recent aggressive rate cut actions undertaken by the Federal Reserve. He indicated that our goal is to educate and inform potential homebuyers and sellers about the most relevant facts in today's residential real estate market.

I think this will help support another reason why buyers should get into the market to take advantage of the opportunities that exist today. Now’s the time to make your move!
Other support material to give you reason to start home shopping is available on my website at MikeBowler.com and below:

Housing Market Facts - NAR

6300 properties on the market

Buying Vs, Renting

"Expect the Best" Mike

Five Topics on Selling Your Home In The Lansing Area

Thinking of selling your home? Before you place the “For Sale” sign in front of your house, there are a few things you should consider in order to maximize your home value and make the sales process smooth and efficient. Be prepared to discuss the following subjects with your real estate agent when you’re ready to sell your home and you’ll be one step ahead in the market.

1) Best Time of Year to Put Your House on the Market
Conventional wisdom dictates that spring is the best time for selling a home. The weather is getting warmer, the school year is coming to an end, and people who have just received their tax refunds may now have extra cash to use for a down payment on a home. However, since not everyone can sell a home in the spring, here are some other seasonal factors to consider. According to annual home sale data from the National Association of Realtors, the slowest selling months of the year are typically January and February, since fewer home sales occur during the holidays. In spite of this, with less competition in the marketplace, you may be able to ask for a higher price for your home, (oops, Not in today's market!) or a quicker closing. Additionally, temperate locations like Florida and California don’t see the seasonal fluctuations in the housing market, where house-hunters are almost always looking. And a late winter or early spring in the Northeast may extend the typical “selling season.” These seasonal variations, as well as a variety of local factors, will all influence the housing market in your area. Be sure to talk to your real estate agent regarding the current state of the market and how it will affect the sale of your home. (Now, here's where I can help!)

2) Open House Strategy and How to De-Clutter
At an open house, first impressions count, so you’ll want to enhance your home’s perceived value. Make your home inviting by taking care of bothersome minor repairs; clean bathroom and kitchen counters and clear them of dishes and clutter. Arrange storage areas neatly and put unused items in a closet. If you have pets, consider having a neighbor watch them for the duration of the open house. It’s a good idea for you to be absent during the open house, also. If you must be present, let your agent do the talking. (Go to a Movie)

Decorate your home to sell by arranging the furniture to look as spacious as possible. Add color and fragrance to any room with fresh flowers. Lastly, don’t forget the outside of your home. Put away all gardening equipment and neatly arrange outdoor items like firewood or furniture. Even take a hard look at your mailbox and make sure it reflects the value and character of your home.
3) Features to Accentuate
While you may have long determined which aspects of your home you love, having a fresh set of eyes assess its best features is a smart idea. If you’re considering selling your home, take the time to walk through it methodically with your real estate agent. Together you can determine which features of the home should be accentuated. Does your home have a wonderful view? Make the most of it by sprucing up window treatments and arranging furniture to draw the eye toward the windows. Perhaps the location of your house is truly incredible. Your real estate agent can help accentuate this feature in sales and marketing materials.

4) Desired Price and Bottom Line Price
It’s great to shoot high, but when determining your home value, it’s also important to identify your bottom line. By assessing recent home sale statistics in your area, your real estate agent can recommend an appropriate target price range. Working with your agent, you can set an initial asking price, as well as privately determine the absolute lowest price you would comfortably accept for selling your home. By crunching the numbers and setting parameters early on, you can avoid emotional rollercoasters during the process of receiving, countering and accepting offers.

5) Disclosures
When selling your home, you may be obligated to disclose problems that could affect the property’s value or desirability. In most states, 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. Ask your real estate agent for the particular laws of your state.

The staff at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC writes select articles about important topics related to real estate. For more information about buying a home or selling your current property, visit ColdwellBanker.com today. (When your done there, come back to my site for to view over 6000 listings, get additional selling information and the latest Lansing area real estate updates. "Expect the Best" Mike

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grand Ledge School District Market Update

Grand Ledge School District has much to offer students and parents who are fortunate enough to live in this district. Grand Ledge has a rich history of academic excellence, community pride and community partnerships. To become better acquainted with this district, I recommend visiting the Districts Website.
Grand Ledge has had $40,130,778.00 or 228 sale units as of December 30th for 2007. of that figure, $32,309,417.00 or 178 units were residential sales, $6,511,351.00 (37 Units) were Condominium sales. The balance consisted of vacant-land, commercial and income properties.
Grand ledge is a great place to live, work and raise a family. If you would like additional information, demographics and stats, visit: Grand Ledge Community Demographics.
My Real Estate Blog features several community updates throughout the year and can be found here or visit MikeBowler.com for all your real estate services, including over 6500 real estate listings throughout the greater Lansing area.
Happy New Year & "Expect the Best" Mike

Lansing Community is an Essential Part of Family, of Lifestyle, and of Real Estate

Understanding local conditions in Lansing is important when it comes to buying and selling real estate, but the neighborhood you choose can have a dramatic impact on all other aspects of your life as well. the Lansing area has many amenities, services, and opportunities for fun, education and home ownership that will impress you and your family. Search many of the greater Lansing area communities here.
When it’s time to move, call me to get a representative on your side who has experience, Lansing area market knowledge, and the confidence to help you make the best transaction possible. ”Expect the Best” Mike

Lansing Real Estate, Seniors, Housing & More

As we age, we demand specialists in our health needs, so why not in our housing and equity needs as well? That's why I made it a point to become a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) This gives you an opportunity as the consumer to have a customized approach to your specific needs when it comes to real estate planning. The SRES program also allows a variety of choices to reduce out of pocket expenses, gain cash, or create or defer income streams. As an SRES I am in a position to refer my clients to experts and to assist you in your housing by having the tools and contacts you need to assure reliable assistance.
the greater Lansing area has many wonderful programs and resourses that specialize in areas that will aid the aging boomers and those looking for additional information. I could list several dozen sites to visit, however, here's four that has wonderful articles, important information and additional links. 1. The Second 50 Years 2. AARP of Michigan 3. Tri-County Office on Aging 4. National Council on Aging . "Expect the Best" Mike