Sweet Deal For 1st Time Homebuyers

Looking to take advantage of the great deals out there right now, my daughter just closed on a Redford foreclosure.

Just a few years back, there was very little available under $100K for first time buyers. Now with HUD offering $500 down FHA mortgages with $2,500 buyer incentives, her house payment on a $50K home will be less than she would pay to rent an apartment, much less a house with a garage and basement!

If you've got good credit with stable employment, it's a really great time to buy. The above incentives are only good through September 30th.

Not every agent is able to help with HUD homes, so make sure you're working with an agent whose brokerage is approved by HUD to submit electronic bids.

How To Embellish A Listing Using Video

According to YouTube, the video below is from a real estate listing that was labeled "Country living at it's finest!" And apparently, it sold!

Mid-Year Market Review

While we've continued to see values decline, activity is up year to date with Wayne County posting the largest increase in June according to the Detroit News.

In fact, for the sixth straight month this year, the number of homes sold increased 13.1% over 2007 in June according to an article in Crains Detroit Business.

However, there has been a lot conflicting press, particularly when it comes to recent sales. Karen Kage, President of Realcomp, our local and Michigan's largest Multiple Listing Service, clarified the reason for this in a recent Detroit Free Press article saying the MLS data is more readily available as it can take between 30-90 days for county governments to count a sale.

Those of us out on the housing front have noticed many of the properties we call on to make appointments are already under contract. That's a promising sign. Now let's hope values start edging up!

Avoiding Gutter Gardens

This is the perfect time of year to tune-up your gutters.

While the house at the left is a neglected foreclosure, I'm contantly amazed at the number of owner occupied houses I see with gutters so filled, they look like gutter gardens.

Clogged gutters can result in not only improper drainage, but water being diverted other ways that can rot fascia boards and infiltrate the house and even the basement, causing serious damage.

Visit AllAboutHome.com for detailed tips for cleaning up your gutters. And to make your job easier, check out Danny Lipford's cheap handy, dandy gutter cleaner-outer.

9654 Arcola, Livonia MI 48150 Just Listed For Sale

Shows Like A Model!

The "Wow" Factor Is Offered With This All Brick Bungalow - Everything Is Updated, Custom Painted And Shows Like A Model. Newer Windows, Updated Baths, Fantastic Master Suite With Sitting Area, Newer Windows, A/C, Cement Driveway, Stamped Concrete Walkway, Professional Landscaping, Private Backyard, & The Best Is The Finished Lower Level Offering 500sf of Custom Oak Bar & Family Room!

Property information ~ $164,900
1,220sf 3 bedroom,2 bath Bungalow

39544 Village Run, Northville MI 48168 Just Listed For Sale

Country Club Village - State Of The Art Kitchen With Granite & Stainless Steel Package With Planning Station - Thermador, Viking And Top Of The Line Appliances, Bamboo Planked Hardwood Throughout The Condo, 2 Fireplaces With Furnace Grade Remote, Home Automation System; All Rooms Wired With Cat 5e Cable; Positively A Must See For All The Upgrades!

Property information ~ $344,900
2,379 sqft, 3 Bedroom, 2.1 Bath Ranch

29162 Minton, Livonia MI Just Listed For Sale

Absolutely Impeccable And Shows Beautifully!

Everything Is Done From The Roof To The Windows, Furnace, Air Condition & More. Hardwood Floors, 3rd Bedroom Currently Being Used As Dining Room With Doorwall To Custom Decking; Updated Electrical, Plumbing, Finished Lower Level Offers An Additional 600sf of Finished Area With Half Bath. Shows Like A Model And A Pleasure To See!

Property information ~ $167,900
1,058sf., 3 Bedroom, 1.1 bath Brick Ranch

The Great Annexation Debate

I first wrote about the old Northville Psychiatric Hospital property back in 2004 when the State of Michigan accepted a bid from a local developer on the property.

Fast forward 4 years, and the property is still entrenched in a quagmire. Now, because of difficulties between the developer and the Township, Livonia residents will have a chance to vote on August 5th whether or not to annex the property to Livonia.

Read the Livonia Chamber of Commerce's Question & Answers Report, check out the pros and cons and decide for yourself what the best course of action is for this property.

All I DO know is that this site along 7 Mile has been an eyesore for far too long!

Plymouth's 2008 Art in the Park

Celebrating its 29th year, Plymouth's Art in the Park kicked off today and runs through Sunday, July 13th.

Dubbed one of the "Gems of the Great Lakes" by AAA Magazine, Art in the Park features more than 400 artists. Come for the art, enjoy the food, check out the entertainment, and savor the sunshine.

And don't worry about fighting for a parking spot...catch a shuttle that delivers right to the heart of Plymouth.

Here's a preview of this year's event.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

21815 Arbor Lane, Novi MI 48375

Mint Condition!

Whispering Meadows - ABSOLUTE PERFECTION! Home Offers A Large Pie Shape Lot With Privacy For Your 19' X 9' Sunroom. Corian Counters In Kitchen With Ceramic Flooring, Spacious Family Room With A Computer Alcove For Privacy, Partially Finished Basement & Tons Of Storage. The Best Lot Deep Into The Sub And The Most Amazing Curb Appeal And Interior As Well. Electric Fence For Fido Plus A Covered Porch Too!

Property information ~ 1,970 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 2 bath 2 story Colonial ~ $262,000