August Market Report

Even with the news of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bailout, there is still strong activity and confidence in our local market as sales remain 11.7% higher than last year for the eighth straight month in 2008, according to RealComp, our local MLS. When comparing this year's results to the record-breaking sales of August 2005, sales are only down 1.1%.

Additionally, Pending sales this year are up in all counties, with a 45.1% increase in Wayne County and 25.9% in Oakland County over the same period in 2007. Compared to 2005, pending sales are actually up 19.8%!

It continues to be a great buyer's market and buyers are snapping up lower priced homes, often in multiple offer situations. To date in 2008, 17% of all sales ranged from $100,000 to $174,999. Additionally, owners who don't need to sell are keeping their homes off the market until values start to rise again, as the number of listings on the market is down 14%.

Buyers are the lifeblood of the market. First time homebuyers buy homes from move-up buyers and that momentum continues upward. That's why the tax credit was recently passed to give incentives to those first time buyers. With all the recent market upheaval, it will be interesting to see how things shake out. Let's hope it doesn't disrupt the market momentum we've experienced so far this year!

Bottom line...it remains a great market for buyers. If you know anyone who is still renting, you might want to encourage them to check into buying during this once-in-a-lifetime market.

30553 Grandon | Livonia, MI 48150 Just Listed For Sale

ABSOLUTELY MINT MOVE IN HOME! From The Perfect Lush Landscaping Outside To The Meticulous Interior And Updated Amenities Inside This Home Is A "10" * 2 Fireplaces, 2 Full Baths, Hardwood Floors, A 4 Season Sun Room, Finished Lower Level With Bar and New Berber Carpeting Plus A Newer Kitchen To Die For…This Home Has It All! A Must See!

Property information ~ $192,900
1,211sf, 3 bedroom, 2 bath Ranch

Laurel Park Place Hosts Passport To Safety

As a former "Officer Friendly" while I was in the Marine Corps, I'm happy to see that Laurel Park Place in Livonia is hosting "Passport To Safety" this Saturday, September 13th, 2008 from 11 AM - 3 PM. Dedicated to the safety of childen, it's an opportunity for kids of all ages to have fun while learning how to be safe.

Eight different safety stations will highlight areas such as auto safety, bicycle safety, on-line safety, Stranger Danger, Poisoning & Choking, fire safety, and how to call 911.

Besides being able to win prizes at the safety stations, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man and Scooby Doo will make an appearance. Representatives from The Livonia Police and Fire Department, The Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Division also will be on hand to inform and educate the children within their respective areas of safety.

It's the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to safety prevention in a fun, non-threatening way while educating them.

Laurel Park Place is located North of 6 Mile Road, just east of I-275 in Livonia, Michigan.

The 2008 Plymouth Fall Festival Wrap-up

Last weekend was the 53rd Annual Plymouth Fall Festival. For the entire weekend, Downtown Plymouth was transformed into a car show-carnival-entertainment-eating extravaganza.

Even though it rained early Sunday, the event culminated under sunny skies with The Rotary Club's Chicken BBQ. An amazing 12,000 chicken dinners were prepared and served.

If you've never attended this wonderful community event, be sure to check it out next year!

Come Celebrate Northville's Past

Fall is in the air and Northville's 20th Annual Victorian Festival is just around the corner.

Kicking off with a Parade through Downtown Northville Friday, September 12th, the Victorian Festival celebrates a simpler time. The downtown area is transformed into a Victorian Village with period costumes, horse-carriage rides, storytellers, musicians, and entertainment.

A highlight of the event for pet owners is the Pooch Stroll and Great Dog Expedition from 9:00-11:15 AM Saturday morning at Ford Field. The event is free and there will be prizes awarded, like the best dog Victorian costume.

Other events include a Victorian Fashion Show and Tea, AAUW Sponsored Home Tour, vintage baseball all three days at Ford Field, and lots of games and contests at Mill Race Village.

This year's festivities run through Sunday, September 14th with lots of food, tons of entertainment, and fun for everyone.

MichiganMoves Me

I love taking pictures and after I got a new Blackberry Curve, I decided to give photo blogging a shot.

I've followed St. Paul, Minnesota real estate agent Theresa Boardman and her All T All Day blog, especially enjoying her "on the street" perspective.

I'm not a native Michigander. Although I cherish my Dakota roots and love my California past, today I enjoy a nice life in Michigan. Even with our battered economy, it's a great place to live (ok, I could do with a few less months of Winter).

Some of the things I hope to do is document my real estate travels throughout Southeast Michigan highlighting property, communities, events, and the unusual, unique and sometimes downright bizarre things I come across.

Blogging and digital photography is familiar to me. Learning a new smartphone, taking photos on it, uploading to Flickr, and posting to Twitter and my new blog has been a lesson in patience and persistence (and if that wasn't enough, I just added a new Tablet PC).

It's definitely a work in progress. The pictures and resolution aren't the best, but hey, it's a camera phone!

Image courtesy of Marvin Kuo

425 Harbor Street | Canton MI 48188 Just Listed For Sale

Central Park Subdivision ~ ABSOLUTELY THE PERFECT AND LARGEST LOT IN THE SUB Boasts An In-Ground Swimming Pool & Patio Area To Die For! Home Shows Beautifully With Hardwood Floors, Second Floor Laundry Room, Formal Living & Dining Rooms, Family Room With Fireplace, 3 Car Garage And More * Tennis Courts & Club House In Sub * A Great Family Neighborhood And Plymouth/Canton Schools * CHECK IT OUT!

Property information ~ $369,900
2,624sf, 4 bedroom, 2.1 bath Colonial

Plymouth Fall Festivities Include Killer Chicken BBQ

Now that September has arrived, Plymouth's Fall Festival is just around the corner.

Celebrating its 53rd year, this weekend's Fall Festival kicks off Friday night with Bingo in the Gathering and a TasteFest. With over 20 local restaurants participating, the TasteFest festivities at Station 885 will have lots of great food and entertainment.

From Friday through Sunday, the streets will be lined with community and business booths, plus a variety of food booths sponsored by local organizations. There's something for everyone with antique and classic cars on Saturday and Sunday, a Sunday morning 5K Fun Run, and Carnival rides and games.

Special events include the Saturday morning Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Rotary Club's Spaghetti dinner on Saturday evening and their signature Chicken BBQ from 11 AM Sunday until 5 PM (or until they run out).

So when making your weekend plans, be sure to include this special community event.

324 Blunk | Plymouth MI Just Listed For Lease

Absolutely Stunning Downtown Plymouth Charmer!

Lease Furnished Or Unfurnished, Totally Rebuilt In 2005 With A Granite Cherry Kitchen And 4-Season Sunroom * Library Is Currently Used As Formal Dining Room * This Home Is A Beauty And The Newly Landscaped Yard Will Knock Your Socks Off * Minimum 1 Year Lease With 1.5 Months Security Deposit and Credit Report.

$2,700/month
2400sf, 4 bedroom, 2.1 bath Colonial