Farmington Hills Real Estate and Events talk Michigan

 Here are the 12 Novi foreclosures that are currently for sale as of 3/14/2010.  The number of Novi foreclosures has fallen off dramatically since a year ago.  The average time on the market for Novi homes is 158 days. 

There are 28 Novi homes that are short sales that have been on the market an average of 136 days.  There are even 2 Novi short sales that are over a million dollars.

More Novi real estate information

     City of Novi data

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Listing information courtesy of RealComp II Ltd.

Where are you going on St. Patricks Day?  Here are a few Irish bars and Irish taverns in Plymouth Michigan. 

Sean O'Callaghan's Ltd     - www.seanocallaghanspub.com
821 Penniman Avenue, Plymouth MI 48170 - (734) 459-6666

Doyles Tavern (734) 207-9656 860 Fralick St, Plymouth, MI

Sheehan's on the Green
39450 Five Mile Rd
Plymouth, MI 48170  734-420-0646

So come to downtown Plymouth Michigan and enjoy our Irish bars and Irish taverns.

Russ Ravary | Remerica Hometown One | 734-414-3261 or 313-310-9855 Warrington, Wixom, MI Former Builders Model, Finished Basement, Beautiful inside and out! 4BR/3+1BA Single Family House   offered at $289,900 Year Built 1996 Sq Footage 2,294 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $177 per month DESCRIPTION BEAUTIFUL HOME INSIDE AND OUT. FORMER Builder' s MODEL. WALLED LAKE SCHOOLS. CATHEDRAL CEILINGS, LARGE OPEN KITCHEN, FORMAL DINING ROOM, LARGE MASTER BEDROOM WITH 2 WALK IN CLOSETS, STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH FENCED IN YARD AND LARGE DECK. FULLY FINISHED BASEMENT WITH WALK OUT , PREMIUM LOT IN SUB,   see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Family room - Dining room - Basement - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Walkout Lot Beautiful kitchen Large living room Dining room finished basement finished basement Contact info: Russ Ravary Remerica Hometown One 734-414-3261 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 13, 2010, 4:32am PST

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Here are the latest list of Canton Homes for lease as 3/12/2010.  There are no Canton rental homes listed under a thousand dollars.  There are a few deal on the list.  How about a 3100 square foot house for only $1950 a month!  Many of the homes that are nice and reasonably priced are not on the market more than a couple of weeks, so don't wait on putting in an offer if the home is a good deal.  The dogs or overpriced ones of course sit forever. 

Canton is a great town to live in.  Ford Road is the main shopping area that is convenient whereever you live in Canton.  Then the easy access to I-275 expressway makes traveling around Detroit easy.  Feel free to email me to have the latest Canton homes for lease (Canton rental homes) sent to you weekly or call me with any questions about the homes below.  My cell is 313-310-9855 or email is yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

Here is the latest neighborhood update on White Lake water front real estate in Oakland County Michigan.  White Lake is located in Highland Twp and White Lake, Oakland County, Michigan.

White Lake is a lake located in Western Oakland County Michigan.  White Lake is located just north of M-59 in Highland Township.  White Lake is about 540 acres and is an all sports lake.  

Here are the 6 homes for sale on White Lake.  There is also one home for lease for $800 a month.  The average time on the market is 237 days for these homes.

Here are all the water front homes that have sold in the last year on White Lake Oakland County Michigan

 White Lake is one of Oakland County's desirable lakes.  It is a great lake. 

Search Oakland County Michigan lake real estate and lake information

More Oakland County lake front real estate information

Oakland County lake homes under $150,000

School Lake Brighton MI & School Lake real estate

Cass Lake MI information

Here are the upcoming Farmington Hills MI happenings in the next month.

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The City of Farmington Hills will affirm its commitment to environmental responsibility by participating in Earth Hour 2010.  All non-essential indoor and outdoor lighting on City-owned property will be turned off from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the night of Saturday, March 27.

Earth Hour is an international event sponsored by the World Wildlife Federation.  The worldwide initiative is designed to express global solidarity in the commitment to controlling climate change.   Earth Hour 2010 will take place at 8:30 p.m. local time in more than 80 countries, including the United States.  Major U.S. cities that are participating include Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas.

 Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour.  In 2009, the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights.  Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome's Coliseum, the Sydney Opera House, and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2010, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights in a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community.  For more information, please visit www.earthhourus.org.

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The American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team of Farmington/Farmington Hills has received the 2009 All American Award from the American Cancer Society.  This award recognizes growth, retention, Relay for Life branding, diversity, and leadership.  The cities' efforts were recognized with a plaque and congratulations from the national organization.  

 The Relay for Life Team of Farmington/Farmington Hills also received a Nationwide Top Ten Per Capita Award.  The local team raised $1.18 per capita, which exemplifies the tremendous time, energy, and passion committed to making Relay for Life a huge success.  The criteria for the award included achievement in fundraising, successful event planning, and team recruitment and retention. 

 Despite the current state of the economy, national Relay for Life teams had an impressive year in terms of involvement, recruitment, and fund-raising efforts.  In 2009, volunteers in more than 5,000 communities raised more than $385 million to fight cancer through Relay for Life events.

 The Farmington/Farmington Hills 2010 Relay for Life event takes place on Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m. through Sunday, May 23 at 10 a.m. at Shiawassee Park in Farmington.  For more information or to join a team, go to www.relayforlife.org/farmingtonmi.

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Welcome spring with a Cultural Arts class in Farmington Hills! Art, music and performance classes are taught by high-quality instructors at various locations, including the charming, historic Stables Studio in Heritage Park.  Activities are open to both residents and non-residents of Farmington Hills.

 Registration forms may be obtained online - visit www.fhgov.com to view the Special Services program brochure, or call the Cultural Arts Division at 248-473-1859.  Registration may also be done in person at the Costick Center, located at 28600 W Eleven Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

ART     Dynamic Drawing, ages 18+. Expand your drawing skills in a one-day workshop, taught by CCS instructor Rachel Reynolds! Saturday, March 13, 9 am - 3 pm Heritage Park Stables Studio.

Exploring Ceramics, ages 12+, instructor Meredith Duckworth.  Basic hand building techniques to create wonderful pottery. Tuesdays, Mar 16 - Apr 27, 7:45-8:45 pm, Heritage Park Stables Studio.

 Walking Photography, ages 7+, instructor Jacob Nothstine.  Discover secrets of the trade while walking through Heritage Park and taking nature photographs.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Wednesday, Mar 10, 5:30-6:30 pm

 Step By Step Drawing, ages 5-7 & 8-12, instructor Mary Schmidt. This class takes your child beyond the usual drawing, and gives them the tools to develop their artwork! The results will amaze you!  Classes are offered in six-week sessions on Thursday afternoons.  Next session runs from March 25-May 6.  Classes meet at Heritage Park Stables Studio.

 Pottery for Kids, ages 5-7 and 8-12, instructor, Meredith Duckworth.  Tuesdays, Mar 16 - Apr 27, 5-6 pm for ages 5-7.  Classes meet from 6:30-7:30 pm for 8-12 age group.  Classes are held at the Heritage Park Stables Studio.

MUSIC LESSONS     Acoustic Guitar, ages 12 +, instructor, Al Rosenthal.  Classes meet on Saturday mornings, with sessions available for beginners through advanced.  Next session starts March 27, and runs through May 1.  Lessons are held at the Costick Center.

 Private Music Lessons, Ages 8+ - A variety of individual music lessons for children and adults, including vocal, piano, acoustic, electric and bass guitar.  Lessons are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and are taught by professional instructors. Available in four half-hour sessions. Piano lessons are held at the Longacre House, guitar at the Costick Center

 Here is more

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I read Bill Cherry's blog about THE WHITE LIE -- EXACTLY WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE FROM A REGULAR LIE?

As real estate agents it happens all the time.  People do want free values.  I had somebody ask for it on my website two days ago.  I looked up the house and found out they had just bought the foreclosure.  I'm sure they just wanted to affirm that they got a "deal".  What they didn't realize is that it takes time to do a CMA, and to get a good true value.

But the one that gets me more is when clients use multiple real estate agents and we don't know about it.  I am busy enough in life without competing unknowingly.  I myself would rather spend time with my family.  I would rather spend time with a client that is working exclusively with me.  I don't go and tell another client about a great deal when one of my clients puts in an offer on a home.  It's not ethical.  I am working for that client.  I work exclusively for that client and don't work against them.

I just expect the same thing.  But once in a great while a client works with multiple agents.  I have had them sign exclusive buyer agency contracts and then expect to be let out of the contract.  I put my full energy and time into finding a client a home that fits their needs.  I am willing to spend my gas, and put miles on my car in the hopes of helping them find a home. 

Sometimes there are personality or time conflicts and I have no issues with us going separate ways.  But I don't want to be "used".  I don't want to be lied to.   I don't want to find out after 3 months and seeing 25 houses that you found a house with another agent. If you want to use multiple real estate agents just be sure to let the agents know.   Let the agent make the decision if they are willing to work that way.

I myself would rather spend time with my family, or with another client than do that.  But each agent can make their own choice.  Just don't be like the client last year that wasted my time.  He would always be late.  He was using multiple agents and never told me.  Then he sent me this lengthy email (big lie) telling me that he was putting his search on hold.   I later found out it was a lie and that he had put in an offer on a home with another agent.  I think his line to me is that they were try to find the best opportunity for them

They were users.  They didn't care about others people time or money invested.  It was all about them.  I don't want to work with people like that.  I don't have time in my life for users and inconsiderate people.  There are too many great people out there.  I closed over fifty homes last year and I can say those clients were the salt of the earth.  They were good people.  I had one bad apple out of a lot of great, kind clients.

I guess I was very lucky! At fifty years old and a wife with cancer I have taken a different view on life.  Life is too short to deal with jerks, users, or people that are inconsiderate.  There are thousands of good clients, nice people that are honest and considerate.  I'll keep working with them and leave the "others" to somebody else.

Just my take on things......

There is one sure way to drive me crazy if you become a client of mine.  Nothing drives me crazier than not being able to get a hold of you after we submit an offer. 

Once you put in an offer you need to be accessible by phone.  Don't shut off your phone for hours at a time.  Please check your email.  Please check your voice mail.  Things come up that sometimes I need to talk to you.

 I had it happen today.  Yesterday we put in an offer for a West Bloomfield foreclosure.  They told us late yesterday we lost out on the offer.  I emailed them this morning to keep us in mind and keep us as a backup offer.

Today at 5:35 in the evening they called.  They had a counter offer. They wanted an answer to the counter offer tonight.  I needed to be able to reach my client immediately.  They wanted an answer tonight and it was already 5:35.  I luckily was able to reach my client within an hour.

There has been other times my clients have disappeared off the face of the earth for over 8 hours.  One client did lose out because they were unreachable.  It's not unusual for the bank to demand a 24 hour response.  I remember once having a client get off the subway in New York so they could get a check to overnight to me at 4:00 in the afternoon.

 Of course no two home purchases are alike but here is a general home buying time line.  It doesn't matter whether it is a Plymouth condo or a Commerce Twp lake front home. 

The key to the whole purchase process is to jump and get your part done as quickly as possible.  Drop what you are doing and get it done.  Then you will probably wait and wait.  But that is why you rush around and get your part done.

If you delay getting your part done then the whole process is delayed.   The other party will add to the delay because there is "no rush".   

I hope this home buying timeline helps you understand what happens and when.

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I read a blog this morning about a writer commenting that good mortgage people were leaving the business.  I too have noticed that for the last two years.  Some of the good guys that made over six figures left the business because the amount of business and the size of the loans have dropped off.  Add to the lower refinance business it makes it tougher for any loan officer.

But that is the way of the world.  Businesses change, people are no longer needed for the profession.  Lets look back through this century on jobs that have disappeared.

• street car drivers
• buggy makers disappeared after the invention of the automobile
•  milkman and coal delivery men went by the wayside
• typewriter salesmen and repairmen are gone now because of the computer.  Remember word processors
• Photo retouchers was an industry that employed many before computers and photoshop, adobe, and other computer programs

Yes it is the way of the world.  Change is inevitable.  I worked in the sub-prime business as a wholesale account executive for Chase Manhattan Bank.  I remember whole floors of underwriters and support staff for the different sub-prime companies.  I remember the extravagant parties they threw for loan officers at the conventions.  I knew quite a few people that made over $200,000. 

Now those offices are empty and quiet.  The people have moved on to different career.  Many of the jobs no longer exist.  Many of the people that made $200,000 a year will never see that kind of money again.  Some are making $35,000 a year now.  Many of those people have lost their homes because of the changes.

Change is unevitable.  Change is going to upset our lives if we live long enough.

My thought of the day is:

Life is like a roller coaster.  We all do good when times are good.  But the true measure of a person is how they handle life when times are tough.  How will you react when life gets tough?  Are you able to pick up what's left and adapt to the change?  Or are you going to just complain how bad life is?

It's your choice on what road to take.   Will you stay a buggy maker?  Neither road is easy or smooth.  But one does lead to better times!

Just my thoughts