Bring Your Builders to Kingsley – Build to Lease Own Terms

Sharon Reid-Brown | Remerica-Traverse City | 231-632-6260 3075 Bowerman Rd, Kingsley, MI Bring your Builders 3 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $59,900 Year Built 1950 Sq Footage 1,056 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.5 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Bring in your builders! Seller will give a builder lease to own terms for up to 1 year on this 3 bedroom fixer-upper on corner lot with garage. Exterior siding & roof already done. Sweat equity money can’t get easier than this. Also available another 1/2 acre corner lot. see additional photos below View Listing Details PROPERTY FEATURES Living room Stove/Oven Basement Washer Dryer Yard COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Sharon Reid-Brown sharonreid@remerica.com Remerica-Traverse City 231-632-6260 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 31, 2008, 9:36am PDT

Traverse City Investment Opportunity – Duplex for Sale

Diane Mack | Remerica-Traverse CIty | 231-941-8283 1762 LInden Ave, Traverse City, MI Investment Opp 4 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $167,900 Year Built 1995 Sq Footage 2,000 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 1 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Great investment opportunity! Live in one unit and have unit #2 help pay the mortgage or lease both units. Move-in ready like new condition for this duplex conveniently located in Traverse City. Each unit has a laundry area and its own garage located between the units providing privacy and nose reduction. Generously sized backyards for both units with patios & fire pits. see additional photos below Click for Listing Details PROPERTY FEATURES Walk-in closet Living room Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Diane Mack dianemack@remerica.com Remerica-Traverse CIty 231-941-8283 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 31, 2008, 8:30am PDT

Home w/3 Outbuildings Reduced – $74,900

Judy Stovak | Remerica-Traverse City | 231-649-9777 16550 Fewins Rd, Interlochen, MI Gyu Space A-Plenty 2 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $74,900 Year Built 1940 Sq Footage 672 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 1.0 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Nice wooded lot with cozy, cute home with 2 outbuildings and three garages. 1 car garage next to home is 16 x 20, 2nd garage/pole building is 24 x 24, 3rd pole building is 24 x 40. Close to 1000’s of acre of state land, great starter home for hobbyist. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Living room Stove/Oven Laundry area – inside COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking Covered parking ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Judy Stovak judy@remerica.com Remerica-Traverse City 231-649-9777 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 31, 2008, 5:27am PDT

Nearly New Builders Own in Traverse City

Amy Jamieson | Remerica-Traverse City | 231-620-2255 8425 Boca Vista Trail, Traverse City, MI Nearly New Builders Own 3 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $349,900 Year Built 2006 Sq Footage 3,281 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 1 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Pictures don’t do this one justice! Must see to truly appreciate it! Listed below current March ‘08 appraisal! Outstanding bay and countryside views yet only minutes to town! Slate and bamboo flooring, main floor laundry, gorgeous master suite, walk out lower level finished with a entertainment (Den measurements) room and family room. Underground sprinklers. Full appliance package negotiable. Room dimensions coming on Mon. Additional lot next door also avail, call Amy Jamieson (231) 620-2255 for more info see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet Hardwood floor Tile floor Family room Living room Bonus/Rec room Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Amy Jamieson amyjamieson@remerica.com Remerica-Traverse City 231-620-2255 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 28, 2008, 9:51am PDT

Room to Grow in this Home in Traverse City

Judy Stovak | Remerica-Traverse City | 231-941-8283 2626 Hedwidge, Traverse City, MI Room to Grow 3 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $159,500 Year Built 1974 Sq Footage 1,942 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 26,136 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Open and airy home with distant views of the bay from the back of home. Quad level style and 4th bdrm is currently used as an office. 2 family rooms allows “personal space” for everyone!! Conveniently located in quiet sub but close to everything! Underground sprinklers, soft neutral colors throughout, and natural fireplace are just a few of the amenities. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Fireplace Family room Living room Office/Den Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Washer Dryer Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Judy Stovak Remerica-Traverse City 231-941-8283 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 28, 2008, 5:07am PDT

Cute Starter Home on South Airport in Traverse City

Brad Nichols | Remerica-Traverse City | 231-941-8283 412 S Airport Rd, Traverse City, MI Ready for Your Plans! 3 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $149,900 Year Built 1940 Sq Footage 1,248 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 1 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Rental Home for sale with ready-to-go plans for up to 4-new units. Twp. approval in place. Drawing/plans available plus survey & more. Good rental history with new updates in 2008, ready to pay the way until your ready for the new project. Backs up to over 130’ of private frontage on Mitchell Creek plus very convenient to new airport entrance, Oleson’s Plaza, Grand Traverse Academy & more. Seller is licensed MI. Realtor. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Living room Refrigerator Stove/Oven Washer Dryer Balcony, Deck, or Patio ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Brad Nichols tcinfo@remerica.com Remerica-Traverse City 231-941-8283 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 27, 2008, 9:59am PDT

Downtown Traverse City Victorian for Sale

Brad Nichols | Remerica-Traverse CIty | 231-941-8283 527 Second St, Traverse City, MI Downtown Traverse CIty Home 4 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $269,500 Year Built 1885 Sq Footage 2,380 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.28 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Charm and convenience! Only a stone’s throw from the beach, TART trail, and downtown. Victorian style home with storage everywhere and updates galore with a new front porch, new stainless appliances, concrete kitchen countertops, ceramic tile and refinished maple floors, huge 23×12 bonus room over garage ready for drywall, and melt away in your brand new deluxe master bath with all the bells and whistles. Walk out your backdoor to the magnificent backyard with pristine patio overlooking the gorgeous garden area. Let the kids play in the 1 ½ story “carriage house” or as if you needed it-more storage! Sellers offering Home Warranty and are Motivated. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Walk-in closet Hardwood floor Tile floor Family room Living room Office/Den Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave Granite countertop Stainless steel appliances Basement Washer Dryer Laundry area – inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard Jacuzzi/Whirlpool COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Brad Nichols tcinfo@remerica.com Remerica-Traverse CIty 231-941-8283 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 27, 2008, 5:03am PDT

Builders Own Home – West Side Traverse City Contemporary

Mary Murray | Remerica-Traverse CIty | 231-632-2343 3347 Powder Horn Dr, Traverse City, MI Newer West Side Contemporary -Builders Own Home 5 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $285,000 Year Built 2003 Sq Footage 3,100 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.33 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Mature blue spruce trees surround this contemporary newer ranch. Inviting foyer leads to Bamboo wood floors & open floor plan. Large kitchen has Swanstone on island & countertops. Finished LL has 2 BRs, large living room & full BA. Could be in-home office or in-law suite. Overlooks neighbor’s garden setting, without all the work! UG irrigation & oversized garage that is dry walled & finished with heat. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling Walk-in closet Hardwood floor Tile floor Family room Living room Office/Den Dining room Dishwasher Microwave Granite countertop Basement Laundry area – inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: Mary Murray marymurray@remerica.com Remerica-Traverse CIty 231-632-2343 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 25, 2008, 5:17am PDT

Weekly Market Forecast

There has been (and will be) many changes to mortgage financing.   The media has stated that home buyers need 20% down in order to get financing.  Please let your buyers know that we still have 100% financing through our government loans! Now is a great time to purchase a home! 

Week of: Monday, March 24, 2008

Present Market Conditions
In his report last week, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist Frank Nothaft stated that the Federal Reserve decided to lower the target federal funds rate by 0.75 percentage points to 2.25 percent in the Federal Open Market Committee last week. This is the sixth time the Federal Reserve has taken such rate reductions in the past six months. As a result, the federal funds rate is now 3.0 percentage points below where it was just six months ago. In addition, the magnitude of the three rate cuts so far this year is twice as large as all of the cuts from last year, which communicates both the urgency of the situation and the Fed’s determination to avoid a recession and stabilize financial markets.Expectations
Long term mortgage rates fell sharply in the past week as the Federal Reserve cut rates to stimulate the economy and increased liquidity to shore up financial markets. 30-year fixed rates averaged 5.87% this week compared to 6.13% last week according to Freddie Mac’s mortgage market survey. Investors will be waiting for the results of the Jobless Claims and Consumer Sentiment reports due out later this week.Guidance
With housing prices holding at an affordable level, now is a great time to explore your mortgage options. Contact Georgie so she can structure a mortgage solution to meet your financial goals.

No Time for Sleeping Sellers

Positive thoughts are essential in this down housing market and it is time for sellers and Realtors to go back to basics. The technology age is in “hyper-overdrive” when it comes to the housing sector with nothing but one negative thought after the other following, and feeding on, the next set of negative statistics and hyped by the media.

 

While Michigan may have led the nation into the housing recession due in not small part to the inability of the American automobile industry to get their act together (still promoting horsepower and gimmicks rather than efficiency, miles per gallon and cost per mile) we are seeing great real estate buying opportunities but can do much better as both sellers and Realtors.

 

So what is it that can be done to enhance home sale opportunities?

 

First, a few relevant concepts and factoids that seem to be in play at this time:

1.    Any appraisal more than six months old is worthless.

2.    Neighborhood sold properties used in market analysis may no longer be valid.

3.    Banks have an inventory of foreclosures negatively impacting resale homes and new built homes.

4.    Many of the articles and “breaking news” factoids are repeats of yesterday’s news and simply repackaged and presented as new – over and over.

5.    Testing the water to see what my home is worth is a very antiquated concept.

 

So what to do?

1.    Price it right and aggressive from the beginning. Be prepared to reduce the price every couple of weeks.

2.    Offer a substantial commission or Realtors will move to one with a larger commission because of the inventory available – buyers market in every way!

3.    Clean, repair, polish everything, trash out, power wash; lighten the logistics load as it is truly “white glove” inspection time. If there ever was a time to complete cleaning and fix up now is the time. Buyers make their “like-don’t like” decision within seconds of entering your home.

4.    Offer a selling bonus to the selling broker or other incentives – anything to get people into your home.

5.    Hire a broker that understands the internet and lists on multiple sites – a sign in the ground and on suedoe.com or joedoe.com won’t get your home sold or even seen on the internet.

6.    Don’t hire a friend to sell your property. You are selling the largest asset that you most likely own and you need a professional who can represent YOUR interests. Amateur hour it is not.

7.    Be sure your Realtor can string two thoughts together and write a complex sentence.

8.    See if your agent answers his/her phone after hours and on the weekends. Buyers want to talk with someone now when they call, not to some answering machine or uninformed agent.

9.    Give any offer, especially a first offer serious consideration as it may be the best one you will receive. Don’t pass up an offer believing that a better offer is just around the corner.

10. Be prepared to negotiate.

 

Real estate sales by nature are adversarial. You have a buyer and a seller how can it be anything but adversarial? Somebody is going to beat the other person out of a few bucks and for me that is a very negative experience.

 

You need a tough, tested and sometimes not so nice professional negotiator who will represent YOUR interests.

 

You know where to come when you need one!

Written by:

Brent Nichols

Co-Broker/Co-Owner

231-941-8283

brent@remerica.com