tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73180372024-03-14T13:08:48.595-04:00MichiganMoves Real EstateReal Estate News, Views & Happenings in Southeast MichiganUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-24924582129084754632009-09-07T22:15:00.002-04:002009-09-07T23:17:55.865-04:00First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit FilingDid you buy your first home this year?
If you've haven't already done it, you'll want to file for the tax credit using IRS form 5405. The tax credit is ten percent of the purchase price to a maximum of $8,000.
Even if you filed your 2008 taxes, you can file an amended return to receive the credit in the form of a check from the IRS.
Still looking for the perfect home? There's still time,Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-45841335821441419222009-03-19T23:48:00.004-04:002009-03-21T13:26:21.066-04:00February 2009 Southeast Michigan Market ReportHard to believe, but we're nearly done with the first quarter of 2009 and the Spring selling season is upon us.The good news is home sales in 2009 continue to outpace 2008 levels. February sales in Wayne County were up 18.4%, Oakland 12.3%, Livingston 27.9% with an overall increase across the MLS of 16.5%.Another good piece of news is that the inventory of homes and condos is way down. Last Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-37689933334567866482009-03-14T10:40:00.001-04:002009-03-15T10:42:12.848-04:00MI Real Estate Answers: How Can I Get What My Home Is Worth?Q. I want to move to a bigger house but every agent I talk to tells me I won't get what I want. It's not that I "want" it, I need it be able to make a move.A. If you're serious about selling, better to price where the market is selling rather than 'chase the market down', by continuing to reduce your price. This usually results in a longer time on the market plus a perception by buyers that Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-86264780447421334372009-03-12T16:55:00.008-04:002009-03-13T13:46:29.602-04:00Listen Up 1st Time Buyers...Free $$ and Details on the $8,000 Tax CreditIf you've been renting an apartment or leasing a home for awhile in Northville, Plymouth or the surrounding area, this might be the perfect year to buy your first home.In addition to the low interest rates and great deals out there right now, the big advantage to buying before the end of 2009 is the $8,000 tax credit enacted by Congress this year to stimulate the housing market. Unlike the 2008 Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-6739225231106435742009-03-01T22:08:00.001-05:002009-03-02T22:12:42.183-05:002614 Brookfield St, Canton MI 48188 | Just Listed For SaleAWESOME LOCATION IN BACK OF SUB WITH WOODED VIEW! Updated Colonial With Oak Cabinets, Family Room With Gas Fireplace, Ceiling Fans, Newer Tear-off Roof, Vinyl Windows & Pergo Flooring * 13' x 11' 3-Season Room To Enjoy Overlooking Fenced Backyard With Shed Backing to Beautiful Protected Woodlands * Community Park in Sub For Recreational Activities. Property information ~~ $Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-1011412694767787872009-03-01T11:18:00.004-05:002009-03-02T22:07:02.150-05:00January 2009 Market ReportI know, its the first day of March, but better late than never.The January statistics issued by our local MLS Realcomp indicated home sales continued their upward trend. In fact, sales increased 25.7% over January 2008. Most home sellers who don't have to sell are staying put or leasing until things start to recover. Most homes on the market are well priced and inventory is down 21.1% over Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-5309353297522714812009-03-01T10:20:00.007-05:002009-03-13T13:51:30.101-04:00MI Real Estate Answers: HUD home or Fannie Mae?Q. If you had a choice between buying a home owned by Fannie Mae or HUD, which one would you choose, all things being equal?A. What is most important is finding a home you're crazy about in an area you like that is mechanical sound. That said, however, the advantage of HUD is that they are offering a $2,500 owner occupant incentive which is applied toward your either your closing costs, tax Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-89612601726145971722009-02-24T12:53:00.004-05:002009-03-01T23:04:54.084-05:00From Colonials to Cape Cods...Classifying Real Estate in SE MichiganNot sure of the difference between a colonial style house and one that's called a cape cod? Can't describe what classifies a home as a Victorian versus a Craftman? Don't feel bad, you're not alone.Thankfully, you can visit RemodelingCenter.com to view a slideshow showing examples and explaining the differences.For more renovating ideas, click on their related links to tour a remodeled Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-82555087847838544982009-02-23T06:54:00.000-05:002009-02-23T06:58:02.590-05:00MI Real Estate Answers: Westland City InspectionsQ. I'm interested in a Westland MI home that's a short sale. Who pays for real estate city inspections and how do I know if one has been done?A. Unless specifically negotiated in the purchase agreement, it's the seller's responsibility to schedule and pay for the inspection, which is $180 for a single family residence. A City inspector reviews the major mechanical systems, health & safety Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-26599682747444395952009-02-08T23:42:00.000-05:002009-02-08T23:44:54.764-05:0032564 Benson Ct | Westland MI 48185 Just Listed For SaleGreat Location on Low Traffic Cul-De-Sac with Livonia Schools Bay Window & Spacious Cathedral Ceiling in Living Room & Bedroom * Newer Furnace, Central Air, Roof & Some Newer Windows * Great Breezeway Adjoining 2.5 Car Garage & Patio Overlooking Backyard Surounded by Privacy Fence * Closing & Commission Subject To 3rd Party Approval Property information ~ $Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-37163270627657856962009-02-02T20:31:00.000-05:002009-02-02T23:06:03.648-05:00Foreclosure Sales Hit the Skids in Wayne CountyWayne County Sheriff Warren Evans has stopped all foreclosure sales because there is no way to know which homes are covered under TARP, the Troubled Asset Relief Program passed by Congress which supercedes Michigan foreclosure law.Last week Evans sent a letter to Michigan's Gov. Jennifer Granholm requesting she declare a state of emergency in Wayne County to address the growing home foreclosure Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-55915141842549693542009-02-01T14:02:00.001-05:002009-02-02T01:00:42.837-05:00Eating Out On A DimeHow often do you eat out? If you're like most Americans, the answer is more often than you'd like to admit. Check out Restaurant.com to purchase discount coupons for local restaurants. Purchase a $10 gift certificate for $3, or a $25 certificate for $10. Certain restrictions apply. Plus you can subscribe to Restaurant.com to receive discount codes for special offers. Also check out Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-87055982524505464072009-02-01T13:54:00.004-05:002009-03-01T23:06:33.287-05:00Answers to "How Long Does That Last?" Did you know that dryers have a life expectancy of 10-25 years? Or that it costs $7,500-10,000 to convert a hot water boiler heater to a forced air furnace? The Pillar To Post website offers a great tool showing the estimated life of appliances and major systems and components in a home. They also estimate the cost of replacing them, as well as the cost of home repairs. Once you have the Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-56743964752848643142009-01-30T20:19:00.001-05:002009-02-01T00:51:22.948-05:00Southeast Michigan December 2009 Market ReportResidential sales ended 2008 up 19% higher than 2007 with December's strong finish. In fact, according to Realcomp, every county in the entire MLS showed increased sales and pending sales, which bodes well for 2009. Sales for the entire MLS during December 2008 were up 31.6% over December 2007, reflecting the 12th straight month of growth. Strong 2008 starter home sales (those priced under Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-56486235717316264152009-01-27T17:26:00.005-05:002009-01-30T08:22:42.579-05:00Plymouth MI Ice Festival Wrap UpThe 2009 Plymouth International Ice Sculpture Spectacular is a wrap!Warmer weather on Friday probably worried organizers, but cold weather was back on Saturday....and so were the crowds!The local economy had an impact as there were fewer ice sculptures, particularly in front of local merchants. Also missing this year were the live reindeer.Here's some photos showing the highlights: This Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-51146973079329843282009-01-22T18:57:00.002-05:002009-01-22T23:36:06.036-05:00Get Set for the Plymouth MI Ice Sculpture SpectacularIf it's going to stay as cold as it is this year, we might as well enjoy an event that celebrates it. The Plymouth MI Ice Sculpture Spectacular comes to Kellogg Park in Downtown Plymouth this weekend. Starting at Noon on Friday, January 27th and running through Sunday, January 29th, the event features ice carvers from local high schools, colleges, and professionals from around the United States Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-6453700824363023182009-01-21T19:23:00.001-05:002009-01-22T15:24:46.257-05:00Morning in AmericaI watch every inauguration because I'm a pomp and circumstance freak. But as I watched history unfold with millions of other Americans yesterday, I couldn't help but be awestruck by the occasion on so many levels.Watching the sea of Americans on the Mall witnessing history made me wish I was there, and reminded me of an earlier family trip we made to Washington DC.Besides the many monuments we Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-82827446190667899422009-01-11T11:33:00.006-05:002009-01-11T14:13:32.732-05:00From Motor City to Motown...Detroit is in the NewsThis is a big news month for Detroit, and no, I'm not talking about the 'auto bailout'.With Motown's 50th Anniversary celebration and the North American International Auto Show coming to town, the City of Detroit will be front and center.Beginning Monday, January 12th and continuing for the next year, Motown Records will celebrate their 50th anniversary. The Motown Historical Museum is a blast Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-79037843147544594382009-01-07T20:03:00.006-05:002009-01-08T15:13:41.098-05:00January is National Radon Prevention MonthThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates January as "National Radon Prevention Month".Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that is naturally occurring in the earth's crust and sometimes seeps into homes through openings in foundations or walls. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and the second leading cause among smokers.In August I wrote a blog post on the Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-47719021636632197342009-01-06T23:05:00.000-05:002009-01-06T23:18:35.730-05:00To Sell or To Lease...That is the QuestionThe good thing about making a move in this real estate market is that there are lots of good deals out there. The question is, what do you do with your home?When faced with that situation, many Northville MI owners are opting to lease. Before you consider leasing, you should first check with your lender to get preapproved to make sure you can afford your next home. Also, check your existing Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-76031694741837178862009-01-05T06:50:00.008-05:002009-01-05T07:20:18.725-05:00A Grain of SaltThis morning I answered a question on a popular real estate site about how a Livonia MI home could sell so cheaply ($90K) in an area of expensive homes without being listed for sale.Turns out the home in question was in a new subdivision of about 70 homes so it was purchased through the builder. Upon further investigation, I discovered that after the transaction closed, only the sale of the Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-50897476464139461412009-01-04T06:50:00.007-05:002009-01-05T08:21:40.968-05:00Hurry...$7,500 Home Credit Ends July 1stIn my July Market Report, I mentioned that The American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act includes provisions to help homeowners keep their homes.Another provision provides a tax credit of up to a $7,500 (10% of the purchase price) for first time home buyers. Effectively, it's a 15-year no interest loan with payments approximately $500 per year, depending on the amount of credit you Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-4595818036110189402009-01-03T23:52:00.005-05:002009-01-04T00:20:17.541-05:00Sellers Beware...Don't Make These 10 MistakesI follow lots of blogs to keep up on technology, particularly as it relates to real estate. One of my favorites is AgentGenius where the top real estate bloggers in the country post.If you're thinking of selling your Plymouth home, you'll want to check out this recently highlighted video "How To Avoid the 10 Mistakes Home Sellers Make". It provides a great overview of all the areas you need to Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-88897252195466336622009-01-01T07:41:00.003-05:002009-01-01T16:55:49.655-05:00Remembering the Past...And Looking AheadWow, were you as glad to leave 2008 behind as I was?When I wrote my last post of 2007, I thought we would turn the corner in 2008. Boy was I wrong. An economic meltdown on a national level compounded the financial chaos (as if local Michigan real estate wasn't bad enough already). It was enough to make me say good riddance to a year that on the surface seemed like a loser.But upon reflecting, Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7318037.post-86880291337464191372008-12-23T19:04:00.000-05:002008-12-23T23:27:04.375-05:00Icy Danger Lurking OverheadWith all the snow we've had so far this year, it's the perfect storm for ice dams to form on your roof. What are ice dams?Ice dams are formations that occur at the edge of a roof near the gutters or soffits when snow melts and refreezes. Icicles are often a telltale sign. Once formed, water backs up behind the ice dam pooling and infiltrating your home, which can cause significant damage.The bestUnknownnoreply@blogger.com