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

14720 Susanna Livonia MI Open Sunday

Castle Gardens - We invite everyone to visit our open house in Livonia at 14720 Susanna this Sunday, June 22 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

From a new cherry and granite Kitchen to over 700 square feet of finished living space in the lower level, this totally renovated Castle Gardens brick ranch shows like a model home!

Property information -- $192,900
South of 5 Mile/West off Newburgh on Lyndon

Leasing Market Heats Up

As lenders have tightened up credit in the wake of the foreclosure fallout, many people are finding they can no longer afford to buy a home resulting in rents rising around the area.

For example, a condo I listed last year leased for $1,400/month while this year they are getting $1,550/month. Many of the first time buyers I'm working with are telling me they are buying because it's cheaper than what they'll pay when their lease is up. If you'd like to check out whether you can buy, give me a call.

If you plan on moving out of the area in the next 2-3 years, it's likely leasing may make the most sense. Here are a couple of properties listed for lease to check out:


11667 Morgan, Plymouth
3 bedroom, 1 bath Plymouth Ranch with 2 car garage and fenced yard
$1,200/month






42661 Faulker, Novi
3 bedroom, 2.2 bath Novi Cape Cod with gourmet Kitchen, finished basement and 2 car garage
$2,300/month

Increased Sales But Half Are Foreclosures

Realcomp, our local and Michigan's largest Multiple Listing Service, released the latest sales figures recently indicating a 12.7% year to date increase in sales over last year for the entire MLS.

Although the number of homes on the market has declined an average of 7%, more the half the homes sold in May were foreclosures.

The good news is that Michigan has dropped to 5th in the nation in foreclosures, many homes are now priced to sell, and interest rates are still at historic low levels.

A particularly good bargain right now are HUD homes. They are currently offering buyer incentives of only $500 down and $2,500 at closing if you're buying the property as a principle residence. These incentives are valid through the end of September so if you know someone who has been thinking about taking the homeownership leap, now is definitely the time.

For those of you thinking about buying for investment, now is also a great time to expand your portfolio. There are lots of really great deals out there.

42516 Lake Success, Northville MI Open Sunday

Highland Lakes - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 42516 Lake Success Drive this Sunday, June 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

This 2 bedroom, 1.1 bath condo features an updated Kitchen, spacious bedrooms, renovated bathrooms, and partially finished lower level. Come check out the many wonderful amenities this community has to offer!

Property information - $112,900
West of Meadowbrook, South off 8 Mile on Silver Springs, Right on Lake Success

14720 Susanna Livonia MI Open Sunday

We invite everyone to visit our open house in Livonia at 14720 Susanna this Sunday, June 22 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

From a new cherry and granite Kitchen to over 700 square feet of finished living space in the lower level, this totally renovated Castle Gardens brick ranch shows like a model home!

Property information -- $192,900
South of 5 Mile/West off Newburgh on Lyndon

345 Roe St | Plymouth MI Just Listed For Sale

Downtown Plymouth Charmer!

Shows Like A Pottery Barn Model With Hardwood Floors, Jacuzzi Main Bath, Separate Library; Huge Deck,1 Car Garage Turned Into Family Room But Room For Tandem (2 car) Garage If Desired, Fenced Park-like Yard on Quiet, Dead End Street and Walk to Downtown Plymouth!

Property information ~ 2,019 sq. ft., 3 bedroom 1 bath "Victorian" ~ $234,900

14720 Susanna | Livonia MI Just Listed For Sale

Shows Like A Model!

The "WOW" factor! Totally Renovated From The New Cherry and Granite Kitchen To Over 700 s.f. of Finished Lower Level Living Area With Full Bath. Travertine Marble in Kitchen & Baths, 6 Panel Doors, Sprinkler System, Huge Deck, New Electrical, C/A, Roof, Furnace - Just A Must See!

Property information ~ 1,005 sq. ft., 3 bedroom 2 bath, ranch ~ $192,900

47153 Dunsany Northville MI Open Sunday

We invite everyone to visit our open house at 47153 Dunsany this Sunday, June 22nd from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

This totally updated 4 bedroom, 2.1 bath "Pottery Barn" Colonial sits on a beautiful half-acre wooded lot.

Property information - $265,900
East of Beck, North off 8 Mile on Lanthorn, Left to Dunsany

42661 Faulkner | Novi, MI 48377

This Camden Court Cape Cod Features Tons of Upgrades Throughout Including Gourmet Kitchen With 42" Maple Cabinet & Granite Counters, Rich Hardwood, Spacious Master w/Glamour Bath, Beautifully Finished Lower Level For Entertaining With Half Bath & Lots of Storage Plus Trex Deck and Paver Patio ~ Also Available For Minimum 2 Year Lease @ $2,300/mo

Property information -- 2,223 sq. ft., 3 bdrm, 2.2 bath -- $288,900

A Day For Memorials

How did you celebrate this Memorial Day holiday? Did you attend a parade? Did you visit a cemetary? Or was it just a rare day off?

For the first time in more than 30 years, I marched in a parade, bringing back a flood of memories.

I was born on "traditional" Memorial Day, May 30th. My first birthdays were spent watching, and later being in a parade, followed by a big family picnic complete with a birthday cake.

As a former Marine, I've always held a soft spot in my heart for veterans and all things Marine. So after I joined Northville's Marine Corps League earlier this year, how could I say no to walking in the Memorial Day parade.

The day was perfect...just the right temperature, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Northville High School Marching Band, and the crowds lining the street to honor the veterans riding motorcycles, marching, and riding in cars.

It was wonderful to hear the support from the crowd, something that was unheard of in the 1970s when I served. A moving ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial in Rural Hill Cemetary capped off the morning.

Wherever you are, whatever you did, I hope you paused a moment to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy.

Unlike the Memorial Days of old, my birthday falls on Friday this year. Today was extra special though...Daniel and I celebrated our 24th Anniversary!

Metro Market Perking Up

Earlier this month Realcomp, Michigan's largest Multiple Listing Service, released the latest sales figures showing promising signs for our housing market. For the fourth straight month this year, sales increased by 10.84% over the same period last year. Additionally, properties currently under contract show the trend is continuing.

While prices have declined and the credit crunch is still affecting mortgage options, interest rates remain low and well priced properties are selling. This is welcome news, and bodes well for this year's selling season!

If you know someone who has been thinking about taking the homeownership leap, now is the time. There are lots of really great deals out there.

9119 Hillcrest | Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 Just Listed For Sale

Decorator Delight!

ADORABLE WHITMORE LAKE RANCH Features Remodeled Kitchen With Custom Stone Ceramic Island, Skylight, Oak Cabinets and All Appliances * Formal Dining Room Open To Kitchen and Living Room With Large Bay Window * Oversized 2+ Car Heated Garage And Large Deck Overlooking Fully Fenced Backyard With Fire ring & Horseshoe Pit * Ready to Move In, Relax & Enjoy!

Property information -- 1,140 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
$162,500 - Updated Ranch!

47153 Dunsany Open Sunday, 5/25

Northville Estates, Northville MI - We invite everyone to visit our open house this Sunday, May 25th at 47153 Dunsany from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This 4 bedroom, 2.1 bath homes is updated throughout with "Pottery Barn" flair and sits on a wonderful wooded lot North off 8 Mile on Lanthorn, just East of Beck Road.

Property information

182 Riveroaks Dr | Plymouth MI 48170

Best Buy in This Small Complex!

WHAT, NO GAS & WATER BILLS? This Townhouse With Finished Lower Level Is Perfect… Walk To Downtown Plymouth Or Hines Park *Private Backyard With Patio Perfect For Entertaining * Separate In-Home Office In Lower Level * Updated Kitchen, Pergo Flooring, And Carport Too * Located Deep Into The Complex For Privacy And Peace * A Great Buy In Plymouth

Property information - 1,100 sq. ft., 2 bedroom, 2 bath 2-story Condo with basement
$129,900 - Location, Location & More!

400 W Rose | Garden City MI 48135

THE "WOW" FACTOR Is Presented In This All Brick Beauty! No Out Of Pocket Money Needed Here Because Everything Is New *Additional 800sf of Family Room and In-home Office In The Newly Finished Lower Level With Berber Carpeting * If You Want All New Appliances, Ceramic Baths, Maple Kitchen With Custom Ceramic, Separate Breakfast Nook & Rich Hardwood Floors, Stop Looking and See This Home Today!

Property information - 1,045 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch
$124,900 - Expanded All Brick Ranch

30559 Rustic Lane | Westland MI 48186

THE "WOW FACTOR" JUST ARRIVED! How About No Out Of Pocket Money Needed? How About All New Appliances? Rich Hardwood Floors Throughout, New Fixtures Everywhere, Newer Windows, Ceramic Baths, Open Floor Plan In Kitchen With Custom Ceramic Floor & Backsplash, 6-Panel Doors and Lots More! Shows Like A Model and Ready For Immediate Occupancy...We Dare You To Find Something Better For This Price!

Property information - 1,100 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 1.1 bath Ranch
$114,900 - Updated From Top to Bottom

11667 Morgan | Plymouth MI 48170

Nice Brick Ranch in Quiet Area!

Plymouth Township - UPDATED PLYMOUTH BRICK RANCH Includes Newer Roof, Tilt-Out Windows, Furnace, Air Conditioning, Pergo Flooring, Bathroom Vanity, Stove & Refrigerator * Spacious Master Bedroom Could Be Used As Family Room * Large 19' x 10' Florida Room, 2+ Car Tandem Garage With Opener & Fully Fenced Yard For Your Pets * Plymouth-Canton Schools + Township Taxes!

Property information 1,273 sq. ft., 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath
$167,500 - Plymouth Township Taxes!

Celebrate Earth Day By Recycling Electronics

Join Best Buy and the Great Lakes Electronics Corporation to properly dispose of your electronics 10 AM - 4 PM this Saturday, April 26th. It's the perfect time to gather up up all your old electronics and safely dispose of them.

They will be collecting computers & accessories, telephone equipment, TVs, VCRs, small electronics and household appliances (under 100 lbs). Data deletion is performed on all storage media.

Refrigerators and AC units will NOT be accepted.

Visit the Best Buy Locations near you:
Novi - Haggerty Rd
Farmington Hills - Orchard Lake Rd
Ann Arbor - Lohr Rd
Flint - Miller Rd
Grand Rapids - Alpine Ave
Madison Heights - John R

For more information call (313) 838-7000

19661 Northridge Dr Open Sunday, 4/27

Northridge Estates - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 19661 Northridge this Sunday, April 27th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Conveniently located West of Haggerty, just north off 7 Mile this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo is updated from top to bottom.

This is just one of hundreds of homes being held open during The Big Open House. The event promises to be the biggest open house day in Michigan history.

Property information

19661 Northridge Dr | Northville MI 48167 Just Listed

A Pottery Barn Beauty

Out Of The Magazine Of "Pottery Barn" This Condo Is Updated From Head To Toe & Is Amazing * Features Include Cathedral Ceilings, Crown Moldings, New Hardwood Floors, Fixtures, Paint, Berber Carpeting, Stainless Steel Package * Loft Area For Office & A Fully Enclosed Sun Room Offers More Space For Entertaining * Shows Like A Model!

Property information - 1,275 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - $129,900

21112 Lujon Open This Sunday

Farmington Hills - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 21112 Lujon this Sunday, April 27th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Conveniently located just north off 8 Mile in popular Meadowbrook Hills, this home offers over 3,000 square feet of living space on nearly three-quarters of an acre.

This is just one of hundreds of homes being held open during The Big Open House. The event promises to be the biggest open house day in Michigan history.

Property information

1177 Penniman Open This Sunday

Downtown, Plymouth - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 1177 Penniman this Sunday, April 27th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Located just two blocks west of Main Street in Downtown Plymouth, this home has been beautifully renovated.

This is just one of hundreds of homes being held open during The Big Open House. The event promises to be the biggest open house day in Michigan history.

Property information

47153 Dunsany | Northville MI 48167

Country Living In The City! Tons of Updates Throughout This Beautiful Colonial Including Solid 6-Panel Doors, Custom 2" Blinds, Newer Fixtures, Carpeting, Windows, Siding & Professionally Painted From Top to Bottom * Spacious Remodeled Oak Kitchen With Wonderful Cabinet Space Open To Breakfast Area and Family Room With Ceramic Tile & Fireplace * Spacious Master Bedroom With Crown Moldings, Built-In Bookcases & Large Walk-In Closet * Oversized 2 1/2 Car Garage Adjoining Large Mud Room With First Floor Laundry & Lots of Storage * Deck Overlooking Park-like Wooded Backyard In Great Neighborhood * You'll Love This Home!

Property information - $270,000 - Priced To Sell!
2,100 sq. ft., 2.1 bath, 4 bedroom Colonial

Homeowners Catch A Break, Part 1

Although the Sunday, April 13th edition of the Detroit Free Press highlighted the high levels of home inventories in the area, the rates of foreclosures have decreased. We've definitely noticed an increase in activity over last year and there continues to be lots of good deals for both first time buyers and move-up buyers, so we're looking forward to a strong Spring selling season.

A couple of pieces of important legislation have been passed by the Michigan State Legislature recently to ease the homeowner burden during this challenging market. These include:

1. A 33-month 'pop-up' tax moratorium making it more economical to make a move, and a
   
Conditional recission of homestead exemption for those sellers who own and are living in a second property who still haven't sold their original property

Additionally Attorney General Mike Cox clarified an exemption to the state transfer tax enabling home sellers to request a refund of state transfer taxes paid during a sale if certain requirements are met.

Be sure to take advantage of any of these changes if they apply to you!

1690 Aberdeen St | Canton MI Just Listed For Sale

"Maintenance free"

NORTH CANTON COLONIAL SHOWS LIKE A MODEL * Updated Maple Kitchen & All Newer Appliances, Pergo Family Room Flooring With Cedar Book Cases * All Newer Windows, 3 Year New Pool And Decking, Updated Baths, Newer Air Conditioning, New Trim & Gutters A Maintenance Free Beautiful Home With Partially Finished Lower Level.

Property information - MLS® 28061255 $220,000
2,000 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 2 bath, McIntyre Gardens Colonial

Join The MichiganMoves.com Team!

The MichiganMoves.com Team has signed up to participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life® this year and we'd love for you to join and support us!

Also, if you know the Names & addresses of local survivors, please email Debra so she can submit them and they will receive a special invitation to the Survivor's Lap & Luncheon.We're looking forward to a lot of fun and commraderie with a great team while we raise money for a cause that impacts so many people's lives.

Visit our team website for more information. Then please join us in supporting the American Cancer Society in honor or in memory of your loved ones.

California Real Estate Bust

As I prepare to take a week's vacation in California, I'm reminded of the photo I took in May, 2006 when my husband and I were driving in the high desert from Temecula to Palm Springs.

Given the current state of the California real estate market, this picture is a classic!

My Kind of Detour

Oh man, if only the path to life on Easy Street were this clearly marked!

Thanks Juergen Schweder for sharing this great shot you caught in Ann Arbor.

A House For Hobbits

Check out this 300 square foot, 1 bedroom house that was recently on the market in Toronto.

Built in 1912 by a contractor who lived in the home for 26 years, it was totally renovated from top to bottom last year.

With increased media attention, the owners created a special website for viewers around the world to enjoy.

The house even captured the attention of Ellen Degeneres in January, who called the listing agent live from her show for more information!

At a little more than seven feet wide, it looks more like a 'house for hobbits' as reported on the CTV National News.

Bringing Home Other People's Stuff

Do you want to get rid of household items, but just haven't made the effort to have a garage sale or run an ad in the local newspaper?

Announcing the MichiganMoves Marketplace, the perfect place to post all your items, letting everyone in the MichiganMoves network know. Your castoff is sure to be someone else's treasure. Kinda of like a virtual garage sale.

Start Spring cleaning, declutter, and shed a few unwanted possessions, just in time to enjoy a more carefree Summer. Don't delay...visit the MichiganMoves Marketplace today!

What Are They Thinking?

There's nothing I hate seeing more when showing homes than dead animal heads!

Once I showed a small ranch home with a 14" x 12" Living Room that had a stuffed 10 point buck on one wall and a huge stuffed wild boar on another. It absolutely gave us the willies and we couldn't get out of there fast enough.

Now I know you hunters out there are very proud of yourselves, but take down and store any dead heads before putting your home up for sale. The market is challenging enough without you offending the buyers right after they step in the door.

For you dead head fans, the lamps to the right are made from preserved sheep's stomachs, courtesy of JuliaLohmann.com.uk, and the sheep chair is courtesy of Freshome.com.

Originally posted on aWackyWorld.com.

One In A Million

The wildest thing happened recently. A gentleman named Gary from the west side of Michigan e-mailed from our website. He had just accepted a job in Southfield, didn't know the area at all, and wanted me to show him a few condos.

When I met Gary and his wife the following Saturday, I casually mentioned "Oh, you're from St. Joseph. I have a cousin who lives in St. Joseph."

"What is his name?" they asked.

"Jon Bendewald," I replied, thinking they might know him since he is a pastor at a local church in their area.

To my shock, they not only knew him, but the wife was a teacher and currently had Jon's daughter in her class, and had taught his two other children!

What makes this even more amazing, is that we don't have a huge family here in Michigan. In fact, Jon and I are the ONLY Michiganders with the rest of the family out west in Washington, Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota! And yes, he is as much fun as this picture makes him look.

What was the likelihood of Gary going to the internet, searching for condos in the Detroit Metro area, reading through the entries, and choosing me of all the agents in the search results?

It truly is a small world...and maybe I should buy a lotto ticket.

You've Got Mail

Did you receive a surprise in your mailbox recently saying your value has decreased, but your taxes have gone up? If you have, you're not alone. Countless numbers of residents in the Detroit Metro area are scratching their heads wondering what's up.

With all the news about declining property values in the area, how could this happen?

Prop A passed in 1994 limiting tax increases to the rate of inflation based on the taxable value (homeowners who used their property as their primary residence). It wasn't a problem when property values were continuing to rise, but starting in 2005 when values stalled to today when they are declining, it's a big problem for many homeowners.

For folks like us, who bought in 2004, both our SEV and Taxable Value declined $11,650 which should hopefully result in a decrease in taxes. But for homeowners who have owned their property since 1994, there is a big gap between the SEV (State Equalized Value--the 'value' the municipality perceives the value to be) and the Taxable Value (the amount your taxes are based on because it is your primary residence).

Papers like the HomeTown News and Detroit News have been warning about it since the first of the year. But now that assessment notices have been received, property owners are flooding tax review boards requesting reductions.

This morning's Detroit Free Press contained an excellent article including definititions, resources, and describes how to read your assessment notice.

For more information about the tax appeal process, check out WWJ.com.

February Posts Increased Home Sales

Did you see the headlines in the Business section of the Detroit Free Press this morning?

Feb. home sales leap 12.8%

Citing statistics from Realcomp, our local real estate MLS, 3,591 homes and condos in the Detroit Metro area were sold in February 2008 versus 3,184 in February 2007. President Karen Kage acknowledged with prices being "down as much as 15% in some areas and interest rates stabilizing, buyers are beginning to step forward."

On the local front, according to my rough estimates, sales of homes & condos in Northville were up 26% to 24 from 19 over February 2007 while in Plymouth they were up 12% to 19 from 17. This is in addition to the strong leasing market out there right now. Definitely a trend in the right direction.

A quote by Kage ends the article by saying "If you are a first-time buyer, I have never in my 30 years in the business seen a better time to buy." Let's hope that bodes well for the upcoming Spring market!

Real Estate 2.0

Realtor Magazine has a great article in this month's issue about what's up next next for agents on the internet. Blogs and social networking sites like Facebook enable Web users to connect with one another rather than view content passively. This evolution has been dubbed Web 2.0.

Likewise, Real Estate 2.0 brings the ability to actively connect consumers to agents online.

For agents, gone are the days where putting up a website for exposure in the hopes of passively attracting buyers for their listed properties is adequate. Real Estate 2.0 is all about blogs, social networking, wikis, mashups, posting videos on YouTube, and connecting with consumers.

I'm happy to say that we're positioned well for the transition. Besides this blog in which I syndicate articles I've written in my MichiganMoves "Bringing You Home" and A Wacky World of Real Estate blogs, I'm active on social networking sites such as ActiveRain, Trulia, and Zolve. Additionally, I'm creating neighborhood mashups, starting with All About Plymouth and All About Michigan.


Real Estate 2.0 is about being visible on the web and marketing our listings to the broadest possible audience.

Thinking Happy Spring Thoughts

I am SO done with snow!

As luck with have it, our snow blower broke in January. Just in time for February, the "fifth snowiest on record" according to the Detroit Free Press. That doesn't surprise me since it seemed like every other day we're out there shoveling.

Condo living is looking very appealing right about now. I think I'd seriously consider it if we weren't in the middle of yet another renovation. On the other hand, given our current market, we'd take a beating on the price of our home and all the money we spent on updates & renovations would be lost. Better fix the snow blower and hang on for the ride.

So for now I'm praying for an early Spring and I'll leave you with some cute snow sculptures built in December by my neighbors across the street.

2008 International Plymouth Ice Sculpture Spectacular

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Tales From The Foreclosure Front

In the last month, I've shown more vacant, foreclosed homes than I care to admit. It's really kind of sad to see the sorry state of some of these homes.

Last Saturday, with sub-zero temperatures, I had appointments to show three homes, all foreclosures under $100K. The necessities for showing these homes are long johns and flashlights (they have no power) and snow boots (driveways and walkways never get cleared). Additionally, a strong constitution is advised because you never know what you're going to find.

One time, we saw a refrigerator that looked like it had exploded with some kind of liquid on the floor and oozing black stuff everywhere. Because of the stench, we didn't get close enough to investigate further.

Back to my Saturday appointments. We couldn't get into the first home because the door was frozen shut.

The second home had been sold by a fellow agent in 2003 and had been in great shape so I was hopeful. Unfortunately, the previous owners must have loaded the place with cats because the smell was overpowering. The flooring had been stripped to the subfloor, but it clearly didn't help. Plus some of the windows were broken (above) and the entire Living Room ceiling paint was peeling off (right).

As we entered the last home, we noticed a nicely remodeled Kitchen, hardwood flooring, nice layout and bedroom sizes, great neighborhood...promising. Until we got to the bathroom. Check out the shower surround in the photo on the left. The rest of the bathroom had even been updated!

Foreclosed homes seem to range from those just needing a good scrubbing to better to bulldoze and start over again. Some of them are just a mystery, like the ones with every light fixture, switch, appliance, cabinet, and outlet yanked out.

I'll be really glad when the market turns around and foreclosed homes are a thing of the past. For now, I'm just praying for warmer weather!

A Wacky World of Real Estate Premieres

There are plenty of serious, newsy blogs around so my new blog, A Wacky World of Real Estate, focuses on the unusual, weird, and truly bizarre real estate related stories and photos.

This Summer, my husband and I took a weekend trip to Traverse City. Driving along Highway 72 to Sleeping Bear Dunes, I caught a glimpse of this sign. I just had to snap a photo of it on our way back.

Hmmm...how would you like to live on this street?

If you have an unusual photo or story you'd like to share, e-mail me.

Change Rings In The New Year

The MichiganMoves.com Team is excited to announce our new Downtown Plymouth location.

RE/MAX on the trail at 1000 West Ann Arbor Trail Road recently finished a complete renovation of their historic 1874 building. A large addition and remodeled interior has kept the unique character of the office, and an expanded parking lot to be built in the Spring will complete the renovations.

One of the reasons we made the change was we missed a downtown location, and we searched for a brokerage that didn't charge the administrative fees other brokers have resorted to, saving our clients money.

We're proud to join the 9 other agents in the office, and look forward to sharing our wonderful new location with our clients.

We wish you a very happy and prosperous 2008!