October 208 RemericaTC Newsletter

October 2008

Brad’s Fall Update

My favorite time of year is finally upon us. Unfortunately it also seems to almost always be the busiest. The business of real estate seems to pick up on cue typically from the day kids go back to school until Thanksgiving. We’ll see what transpires this year. We all know the elections, economic uncertainty & more is keeping many buyers & seller holding off for now. Keeping our fingers crossed & hoping the activity stays on track. Folks…we have many things to be thankful for & in Northern Michigan at least, there is a Silver Lining to the market woes. Much positive to still carry us through. 

OK-the fun stuff…Unfortunately my trip to Canada this weekend with my 11 year old to hunt ducks & more was cancelled but oh well. More time to prep for our upcoming deer seasons, hunt some grouse & spend some quality time afield with one another. The teen years are coming & to steal a line from the often controversial Ted Nugent ““If you take your kids hunting, you won’t have to hunt for your kids!” I like that & am a firm believer. So…we’ve started him early & he is proud of his recent accomplishment at passing hunter’s safety & even hitting a few clays with the new 20 gauge he purchased from his savings.

Off to scout for the weekend, hang a few stands, post some property & have a bit of good clean fun.

Other highlights coming up directly is fall Walleye fishing which I hope to take advantage of when things decide to cool down. It’s been a warm one lately but the leaves are turning, the deer are fat & many of us(apparent weather forecasters) have predicted an early & harsh winter.

Get outside & enjoy it while you can because snowshoe weather is coming!

Fall chores are almost complete except for another few cords of wood needing to be split & stacked then we should be all set & ready to “let it snow”!

Have fun out there, good luck in your fall pursuits & be safe!

Why to Secure a Mortgage Before November 7, 2008

URGENT: Please inform your clients of the benefits of

securing a mortgage prior to Nov. 7, 2008.

_ Restrictions on clients who own 4 properties or more.

_ More stringent underwriting guidelines.

_ On October 1, 2008 Fannie Mae is raising their fees in adverse

markets such as Michigan, Florida, and California by 25 basis

points which is equivalent to .125-.25% in rate to the consumer.

Freddie Mac will do the same on November 7, 2008.

_ Higher down payment requirements.

_ Increased fees based on credit score and loan to value.

These are just a few of the coming changes to mortgage

market. With historically low rates and home prices,

now is the perfect time to purchase a new home.

Please feel free to have your clients contact me for more

information or with any questions they may have at

231.946.6300 or 231.360.7283

corey@frontstreetmtg.com

Corey Phelps

Front Street Mortgage

Unique 1+ Acre Parcel in Forest Lakes Area

4817 N Indian Lake Rd

Traverse City, MI

1+acre wooded bldg site just 10 min East of Traverse City in desirable Forest Lake area. Truly a quiet & serene spot of mature trees and lots of wildlife. Perfect for an up-north cabin or year round home. A short walk to tons of State Land, plus ride your bike to Vasa trails & single track & very close to sno-mo/x-country ski trails, Spider Lake access & more. Located on private, dead-end rd w/minimal neighbors & hi-end lakefront homes. A unique parcel, a unique location. A great buy, ready for your dreams!

Listing Details

For more info, please call Nichols Team 231-941-8283 or tcinfo@remerica.com

From the Mortgage Guru: Guy Cole

Outlook for the housing industry which includes: real estate, construction, lending, growth and development has become the number one question. The answer is actually quite simple…….GREAT!!! Rates are low, incentives to buy for the first time buyer are fantastic, housing hasn’t been this low in fifteen years or more. Banks are hungry, realtors are desperate and with that sales are the lowest since the great depression and why? No jobs, No money, Election year, Fear of the future, just plain being broke. This is my question; WHAT???  Buying a house for your family is still the greatest asset we will ever have and that is the truth, you can talk about how much is in savings, 401k, stock market, cars and the lack thereof, but the one thing we all do at the end of the day is go home. We know we’re safe, warm and it will be for the most part, friendly. Buying your home is the greatest feeling, providing the house you buy can become your home and understanding the mortgage and the cost of the mortgage is not your home and never will be. Answer these three questions before you ever sign on the dotted line:

1) Does it make financial sense?
2) Can you afford it?
3) Do you understand it? 
If you answer no to any of these questions do yourself a favor and stop until you answer yes to all of them.
Answering the question: What is the outlook on the housing industry? IT’S GREAT!! Get up, dust off, and start having fun all over again and know with confidence that buying your new home is the greatest investment you will ever make. 

Guy Cole
Fifth Third Bank
Mortgage Loan Officer
231-995-4593  Traverse City, Mi. Office
231-845-7797  Ludington, Mi. Office
231-995-4517 Fax
231-645-3941 Cell Phone

2+ Acres Close to Shanty Creek

Woodland Counrt

Bellaire, MI

Very nice 2+ acres parcel nestled in the woods on a private street just steps from county maintained road and just minutes to world-class golf & skiing at Schuss Mountain/Shanty Creek. Area of upscale homes and large parcels. Underground utilities, nice hardwoods, a nice level build site on hilltop with a great woods view. A perfect parcel for a full time residency or small get-a-way.

Listing Details

For more information, the Nichols Team at 231-941-8283 or tcinfo@remerica.com

Add a Touch of Green to This ear’s Halloween

Food

Is there a parent alive whose heart sings when children come home with pillowcases full of candy, as young, sugar-soaked brains misfire on all cylinders?

A common defense is the Switch Witch, or Candy Fairy. After children have picked out a few pieces of sugary loot, they put the rest out for the Switch Witch. This beneficent witch comes while children are asleep to whisk away candy and leave a little gift in its place.

For treats to give out, among the most popular healthy alternatives are Fair Trade organic chocolates and organic fruit leathers. Favored non-food treats include nontoxic crayons and recyclable temporary tattoos.

Costumes and Decorations

Do It Yourself is the motto with costumes and decorations. Buying these things shortchanges children of the fun they have creating them, as well as putting more non-recyclable, petroleum-based garbage in landfills. It is time to reinvest in imagination instead – it’s more fun. There are countless ideas online for great, self-made costumes that cost little or no money.

Out and About

The plastic Trick or Treat bag is dead. It’s one creature that needn’t rise again this Halloween night. Pillowcases and canvas sacks are wonderful options.

Parents no longer sit behind the wheels of idling cars while their ghost lings float door-to-door. Walking along with children gives parents a chance to share their joy close-up, to look at the Halloween moon, and to revel in the spooky atmosphere. 

Get-A-Way Cabin Near Wellston

13500 Caberfae Hwy

Wellston, MI

 

Affordable 1 bedroom cabin with 140’ of private Pine Creek frontage. Excellent opportunity for your own Get-A-Way cabin, investment property or starter home. Maybe you are looking for that winter project. With a little updating and TLC this could be .your own unique, private and charming log home with your own private creek frontage. Excellent location, close to Manistee River, state land and ski resorts.

Listing Details

For more information, Jennifer LaCharite 231-645-2258 or jenniferlacharite@remerica.com

Newer Built Home with Lease to own Option

137 N Wood Meadows Dr

Buckley, MI

Wow! Own your own newer home with all appliances instead of renting. Newer Berber carpet, large garage. Easy to show & immediate possession.

Listing Details

For more information, call SHaron Reid-Brown at 231-632-6260 or sharonreid@remerica.com

Colosal Home on West Grand Traverse Bay

11896 SW Bayshore Dr

Traverse City, MI

Gorgeous 6 bed/4.5 bath home with all the bells and whistles. Amazing views with 80’ of private frontage on West Bay. Large 30×50 pole building for all the toys. Spectacular game room with hot tub and sauna. Wood, marble, & ceramic tile floors, tiled showers, beautiful kitchen w/granite, fieldstone fireplace, sun room, library/office. Great family retreat.

Virtual Tour URL 

For more information, call the Nichols Team at 231-941-8283 or tcinfo@remerica.com