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

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

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

Tips. Hints, & Thoughts to Prepare Your Home for Sale in the Greater Lansing Real Estate Market

Homes that I pre-visit for marketing in the Greater Lansing real estate market sometimes need minor repairs and decorating prior to final photos and virtual tours being created.

This proves to be a big advantage by preparing early and having things you can do to prepare a house for sale? Here are tips, hints, thoughts and ideas for sprucing up, cleaning out, decorating, staging, creating a great first impression and making a house appealing to buyers.



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

In today's market, you need 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.

"Expect the Best" Mike

Selling a Home in the Greater Lansing Michigan Area Takes Preparation

Selling a home in the greater Lansing real estate market takes preparation and staging. Find how to properly stage a home when you're getting ready to sell from one of the premiere home stagers around. Hope you enjoy.



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 information, 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
Search Listings

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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