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

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

Pt2 listing presentation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Expect the Best” Mike

Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 517-492-3400 Fax: 888-832-6203
email: Mike@MikeBowler.com
Website for Clients: MikeBowler.com
Search Listings

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

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

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

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

"Expect the Best" Mike

Greater Lansing Housing Market Update from Mike Bowler Sr.

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

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: www.mikebowler.com

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

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

"The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be"

"The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be". Paul Valery He is best known as a French poet who made the above statement and contributed much to society. Those of us in the real estate business, mortgage business or consumers attempting to sell their homes can relate to this quote. Real estate is not what it used be, and probably never will be. These are certainly challenging times for everyone. Regardless of where I go, what I read, or listen to, it seems to ring with the negativity that comes with mediocrity. Are we as a nation wailing in our own self pity, or are we going to be part of the solution. Real estate markets are just that, real estate markets. There is no such thing as a good market and a bad market, it's just a market. Supply and demand have always controlled the price of housing.

Now, granted it does not help having troubled financial institutions, politicians talking out of both sides of the mouth, or funny money be created by our Government. Between these fiascoes and the media consistently driving bad news down our throats 24 hours a day, it is challenging to stay positive. I can assure you one thing, that is, from 2000 to 2006 when home prices were going through the roof, mortgages were provided to anyone who could fog a mirror, and homes were having two and three offers written on them, no one complained. You can go back in history and see a similar pattern in the 70's. 80's and 90's. Yes the future is not what it used to be, however, it does resemble the past.

I have a sign that hangs above my desk, that I am in the habit of reading each and everyday. It says: "Tough Times Never Last, Tough People Do!" quoted off a Book title written by, Robert H. Schuller back in the 80's. Another little reminder that I have hanging there is a sign that says, "I must do the most productive thing possible at every given moment". Tom Hopkins. Tommy was an inspiration to my real estate business and life in general back in the early eighties and still is today. When interest rates were 18% people thought the sky was falling, however we survived.

You may ask, who this post is meant for? It's meant for all of us. If we want to make this world a better place to live, we need to start at home. We need to go help a friend, neighbor, or shelter down the street. We need to share our experiences, our smile, and our attitude with others. We need to get out of our own head and be of service to other people. I believe, that our world will change, when we do. What do you think?

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

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

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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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.

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