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

Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood Merger is Huge in Lansing Michigan

Today Coldwell Banker Hubbell Real Estate Co and Briarwood Realty announced the merger of their companies that will knock the sox's off the real estate industry in the greater Lansing area. With great pride and excitement, Bob Hubbell (My Boss), announced the affiliation publicly today. Both companies share high values for integrity and quality service. The public will benefit tremendously with this newly formed company called Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood, enjoying 38% of the market share in volume, with the potential to grow substantially over the next few years. The talent of the management team, agents and support staff combined, will be an opportunity to multiply the exposure and strengths in a synergistic way for years to come. With the combined forces in real estate, the new company will have nearly 260 agents blanketing the entire greater Lansing real estate market.
Mergers and acquisitions have solved many challenges for our changing industry, by combining expenses, knowledge and expertise, to make excellent real estate companies. My hat goes off to Bob Hubbell CEO, and Bill MacLeod, President, for their vision and foresight to make this statement of courage in today's real estate market.
You can visit my website and blog for additional real estate market updates and tools to help you learn more about buying and selling real estate in the Lansing area.
"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

People Involved In a Real Estate Sale, Lansing MI

Have you ever stopped to think of all the people a real estate agent in Lansing, Michigan or anywhere else in the USA, puts to work when we sell a house. I have this handy list that I handed out to my agents once a year to share with their customers and clients. Realtors that sell homes are great contributors to the overall economic conditions. I am proud to be a Realtor, you shoud be also. My point is to buyers: Buy a house today and help the overall economy!

To Agents: Go sell a house today, nothing happens until you do! :-)

How many people could be involved in a real estate transaction?

ASSESSORS & STAFF, DRAIN COMMISSIONERS
APPRAISERS & STAFF, DRYWALLERS
ARCHITECTS & STAFF, FLOORING CONTRACTORS
ATTORNEYS & STAFF, FARM HOME ADMINISTRATION
ACCOUNTANTS & STAFF, FRIENDS OF BUYERS & SELLERS
ASPHALT CONTRACTORS, FAMILY OF BUYERS & SELLERS
ASBESTOS REMOVERS, FOUNDATION INSP & CONTRACTORS
AUCTIONEERS, FRIEND OF THE COURT
APPLIANCE SERVICERS, FEDERAL EXPRESS
ASTROLOGERS, FUEL OIL SUPPLIERS
BUYERS, FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION
BUILDERS, FLOOD INSURANCE AGENTS
BUILDING DEPARTMENTS, HEATING & AIR CONTRACTORS
BUILDING INSPECTORS, INSPECTORS
BILLING DEPARTMENTS, HOME INSPECTIONS
BOARD OF REALTORS, HOTEL PERSONNEL
BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT, HOMES & LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
BROKERS, HOME WARRANTY COMPANIES
BASEMENT WATERPROOFERS, HEATLH DEPARTMENT
CLOSING DEPARTMENTS, HOUSING COMMISSION
CLOSING BROKERS, INSURANCE AGENTS & COMPANIES
CLOSING AGENTS, INVESTORS
CEMENT CONTRACTORS, INVESTMENT COUNSELORS
CARPET INSTALLERS, INGHAM COUNTY
CARPET CLEANERS, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
CREDITORS, KITCHEN CONTRACTORS
CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, LEASING COMPANIES
CREDIT BUREAUS, LAB TECHNICIANS
CABLE COMPANIES, LUMBER COMPANIES
CONSUMER POWER CO., LAND CONTRACT HOLDERS
CHIMNEY INSP & CLEANERS, LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING
CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS, LANSING STATE JOURNAL
DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, LANDLORDS
DEVELOPERS, LOAN ORIGINATORS
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTH, LOAN PROCESSORS
DESIGNERS, LOAN UNDERWRITERS
M.S.H.D.A, SIGN COMPANIES
MEDIATORS, SALES MANAGERS
MOBILE HOME BROKERS, SHOPPING GUIDES
MANUFACTURED HOME AGENTS, SECONDARY LENDERS
MASONRY, Almost Forgot Mike Bowler, SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE
MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE, SURVEYORS
MOVING COMPANIES, SEPTIC INSPECTORS
NOTARY PUBLICS, SEPTIC PUMPERS
OIL & GAS LEASE HOLDERS, SECURITY SYSTEM COMPANIES
OIL TANK INSPECTORS & REMOVERS SUPPLIERS
PERSONNEL DEPARMENTS, SOIL TESTERS
PROPANE FUEL SUPPLIERS, SECRETARY OF STATE
PHONE COMPNANIES, SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
PAINTERS, SIDING CONTRACTORS
PLUMBERS, SNOW REMOVERS
P.M.I. COMPANIES, SELLERS
PLANNING DIVISIONS, STORAGE FACILITIES
PRINTERS, SEWER CLEANERS
PHOTGRAPHERS, SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTORS
POTENTIAL BUYERS, SUBDIVISION ASSOCIATIONS
PERSONAL MARKETING CO., TENANTS
PAYOFF DEPARTMENTS, TOPOGRAPHICAL STUDIERS
PROBATE COURTS, TRIMMING CONTRACTORS
PEST INSPECTORS, TAX CONSULTANTS
POST OFFICE, TAX EXAMINERS
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., TITLE INS. EXAMINERS
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, TITLE SEARCHERS
REALTORS TITLE INS. UNDERWRITERS
REALTORS ASSISTANTS, TITLE COMPANIES INSURERS
RADON TESTERS, TREASURERS OFFICE
REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PUBLICATION, UNTIED PARCEL SERVICE
REGISTER OF DEEDS ,UTILITY BILLING DEPTS.
ROAD COMMISSIONER, WELL INSPECTORS
ROOFERS & ROOF INSPECTORS, WATER TESTERS
RELOCATION COMPANIES, WATER SOFTENER & PURIFIER
RUBBISH REMOVAL COMPANIES, CONTRACTORS
REAL ESTATE CONSULTANTS, WINDOW CONTRACTORS
RETIREMENT HOMES, WELCOME WAGON REPESENTATIVES
RECYCLING COMPANIES, ZONING COMMISSIONS

Oh! One last thing: Let's not forget, St. Joseph Statue Salespeople and Authors. "Expect the Best" Mike