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
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Greater Lansing Area Real Estate Market Turning for Buyers and Sellers

Greater Lansing home buyers and sellers can begin to smile as sales continue to perk up over last year and the market begins to bottom out for what I would consider a strong 4th quarter coming to buy or sell real estate in the Greater Lansing area real estate market.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the housing market momentum has clearly turned for the better. “The recovery is broad-based across many parts of the country. Housing affordability has been at record highs this year with the added stimulus of a first-time buyer tax credit,” he said.



NAR estimates that about 1.8 to 2.0 million first-time buyers will take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit this year, with approximately 350,000 additional sales that would not have taken place without the credit. Buyers have little time to act because they must complete the transaction by November 30 to qualify for the credit. Unless extended, contracts signed but not completed by that date will not be eligible – it is taking approximately two months to complete home sales in the current market.

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 services, restaurants, parks, things to do, tourist information, local government and issues, buildings, and development projects, are only a few of the many services you should expect from your Realtor. You can obtain additional information on buying and selling at 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
Emailto:Mike@MikeBowler.com

Marketing a Home in Greater Lansing Michigan - Syndication & iPhone

Greater Lansing home sellers have an additional tool available that helps expose their property to more buyers using the iPhone on the go for searching properties. Below is a video example of how the application works.

In addition to having a Realtor who understands real estate syndication, Internet marketing, and search engine optimization, this should be a requirement sellers should add to their list of expectations when listing their house with an agent.



A Real Estate Professional must meet the needs and expectations of the Connected Consumer. The rules of business are changing in our industry, with nearly 90% of all buyers searching the Internet prior to contacting an agent. It is imperative that practitioners of our business become savvy on what is available to them for marketing real estate.

“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
Search Listings

Lansing, Michigan, Great Housing News

News You Can Use for preparing to Buy or Sell a Home in the greater Lansing, Michigan Area and surrounding communities.

Federal Reserve proposes changes to Truth in Lending Act

US housing recovery seen possible now

The New (MDIA) Will DRASTICALLY Change Your Real Estate Business On July 30th

30 Year Fixed Rates Drop today

Governor Granholm Announces Four MSHDA Programs for First-Time Home buyers Federal Funds to Encourage Home ownership and Revitalize Neighborhoods

RISMEDIA, July 28, 2009-(MCT)-First-time home buyers and those thinking about refinancing are in a great place.

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, tourist stuff, local government and issues, buildings, and development projects, are only a few of the many services you should expect from your Realtor. Visit my website for tips that will assist 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
Search Listings

Real Estate Pro & Connected Consumer

A Real Estate Professional must meet the needs and expectations of the Connected Consumer. The rules of business are changing in our industry, with nearly 90% of all buyers searching the Internet prior to contacting with an agent. It is imperative that practitioners of our business become savvy on what is available to them for marketing real estate. That's why I use the iPhone to help market sellers homes.



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, tourist stuff, local government and issues, buildings, and development projects, are only a few of the many services you should expect from your Realtor. Visit http://mikebowler.com for tips that will assist 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
Search Listings

Cap and Trade Bill - Housing and Real Estate - Look Out Americans

The Cap and Trade Bill bill passed by a narrow margin of 219-212 only after 300 pages of amendments were added to satisfy members of Congress from agricultural and industrial areas at 3 a.m. in the morning.

Congressmen with constituents with rural electric coops, bio-fuel producers, farmers and ethanol producers secured a number of free credits for those folks to bring them around. That pushed the bill to more than 1,200 pages, think again, if you believe members of Congress had time to thoroughly examine the bill before a vote was called.

I see another nail in the coffin being placed for the housing industry with new regulations being placed on homeowners, appraisers, mortgages, and Realtors. The new home standards and bringing your existing house up to these new standards prior to selling is yet to be seen.

Here we go, back to school. Watch the video and tell me what you think! Representative John Boehner discusses this bill with regards to housing. It's Insane!




“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
Search Listings

Parades, Birthdays & Tour the Town in Lansing, Michigan

Our community is celebrating its 150th birthday in Lansing, Michigan this year. It's been a year long birthday party! Last week was a wonderful Parade of the Decades, where we celebrated 150 years of Lansing history. There were over 150 entries in the parade.

Now on May 30, 2009, you can be a Tourist in Your Own Town, sponsored by the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau Here's 31 seconds that will help you want to be part of living, working and playing in Lansing Michigan.




"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

Search Listings

Discover Coldwell Banker On Location

Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC has launched an innovative branded YouTube channel designed to offer consumers a new way to search for and interact with real estate information and listings.

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

First Time Homebuyers in Lansing, Michigan - Update from NAR

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

Holt, Michigan, Delhi Township Has Home Buying Resources

As members of NAR we have many resources available to share with buyers and sellers in our Blog postings, letters, postcards and newsletters that will help generate goodwill, relationships, and drive traffic to your website for searching homes. Just by watching the current events and subscribing to media resources, an agent can develop many valuable tools that buyers and sellers really need in today’s market.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched a new Web site to assist home buyers with improving financial literacy, sustaining healthy home ownership and achieving financial security. This is a great resource for you as a home buyer.

We all know people who are upside down on their current mortgage. There is a Guide to help those in foreclosure that is packed with valuable information needed today to assist those who need it. It’s called Hope Now.

FHA (Government backed) Loans are granting a new tax credit. It’s more of a loan, however at 0 interest rate over 15 years. As a first time home buyer, I would make it a priority to review these guidelines prior to making your home buying decision.

If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in the greater Lansing real estate market, feel free to visit MikeBowler.com for all your real estate needs.

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

This home is the best buy in East Lansing. Seller says bring all offers.

This home is the best buy in East Lansing. Seller says bring all offers. Don’t wait on this wonderful 1728+ Sq. Feet, four bedroom home with 2 1/2 baths, formal dining room, formal living room and spacious family room to enjoy a cozy fire anytime with the gas log fireplace. Great kitchen with ceramic floor, laminate counters and refaced cabinetry adjacent to both dining areas. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for the large family who needs lots of bedrooms, storage, near a neighborhood park and a nature trail right out your backdoor. Fabulous neighborhood that is convenient to MSU, Lansing, East Towne centre, and much more. Additional features include: Master bedroom with walk-in closet and full bath. Glass French doors leading from ceramic foyer to living room and family room. Enjoy the finished recreation room in the basement with cedar closet and with tons of storage space. By having a nice corner lot, side load garage, and huge deck, this under-priced home creates an easy to maintain yard for those who would want to enjoy the amenities in this great neighborhood.

"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

Holt MI Real Estate, Open Sunday, 2-4 P.M.

"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
Search Listings

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

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