Farmington Hills Real Estate and Events talk Michigan

Over the years many home owners have lost site of a goal that I think ever homeowner should have.

The goal is:  PAY OFF YOUR HOUSE BEFORE YOU RETIREMENT

Unfortunately banks, home improvement companies, mortgage broker, loan officers, homeowners fell into a trap.  They started using their home as a bank.  They started using the home to pay off credit cards, finance cars, take trips, make home improvements.

Of course the mortgage industry encouraged this action.  They make money each time you refinance.  Banks offered home equity loans up to a 100% of the houses value.  Instead of paying down the mortgage many home owners were going in the opposite direction.  They were increasing the debt.  Increasing the years of the mortgage.

So as a first time homebuyer plan to pay off your house.  Plan to make home improvements without taking out a home equity loan.  Live within your means and don't use your house as a bank.  There are ways to pay off your house early.  But the bottom line is you will be glad when you retire to have your your home paid off.

It will be great to have no mortgage payment in your golden years.

That questions is on many peoples mind in the Metro Detroit Real Estate Market.  Who really knows where the bottom is?  Who know if Michigan homes for sale prices will continue to drop?

I wish I knew.  I have heard stories that is going to turn around at the end of this year.  Some say middle of 2009.  Some say the Metro Detroit Real estate Market won't turn until 2010.  Some say they see indicators that is going to go up soon.

Every "expert" has their own opinion.  I call them guesses.  As a local Michigan Realtor I guess that it will be at least 2009 or 2010.  So why should you buy now?  Why shouldn't you what for the bottom of the Metro Detroit real estate market?

The main reason is:  who is going to tell you when the bottom is?  Are you on some special email alert?  Is an owl going to tell you one night?  Or are you going to a palm reader to find out?  You as a consumer hear many things from the news.  Usually the news reports what has happened. So the by the time the news reports that Michigan home sales prices are up we will have missed our opportunity to buy. 

There are many great bargains that pop up and get sold monthly in Metro Detroit real estate.  The bargains are selling and sometimes selling quickly.  I put in an offer in on a Northville condo  $79,000 for a 1560 square foot home.  That is a deal that came and went quickly.   

If you are serious about buying a home my thoughts are:

• start looking
• search Michigan homes for sale
• search the internet for homes
• know what you want
• go out once in a while to look at homes in your price range

The reason I say this is that the "dream home" you want on the lot you want, may go up for sale next month and be sold it 3 or 4 months.  You may not see another one that meets your needs and criteria for a year.  That home most likely not be on the market at the "bottom".

Take your time.  Be choosy. BE PRICE CONSCIOUS.  DON'T OVER PAY.  Look for the home you want in a price range you can afford.

Find the home of your dreams at a pace and a price that is near the bottom.  Ask any stock investor if they can time the market.  The ones that try sometimes miss the best deal.  If you want to get a specialized list of Michigan foreclosures email me at info@RussRavary.com

Who knows how to point a domain name to the new outside blogs.  I have www.FarmingtonHillsRealEstateHomes.com from go daddy.  I think I pointed it right.  But it has not shown up yet.  over 2 days.  Sunday is the third day.

Can anybody tell me the correct way of doing it right.  I guess I will call go daddy support on Monday if it does not show up.

I believe the Metro Detroit Real estate marketis very similar to most of the country.  I believe we here in Michigan went into the real estate bubble first.  I don't know if we will emerge first.

Homes across the country are losing value.  I have read stories of 40% in some areas and 20% in others.  It is the same way in the Metro Detroit real estate market.  There are some cities like Northville and Novi, Michigan that have lost as little as 20% in some subdivisions.  Then there are towns like Canton Michigan,and Brownstown that have lost 30 - 40% of the homes value in certain subdivisions.  The city of Detroit homes have gotten hammered.   You can buy homes very cheap in the City of Detroit.   Many of them need work.   I recently helped a client buy a 1000 square foot brick home in Detroit for $2900.  It needed a roof, some drywall work, some painting, and carpeting.  But for $2,900 it was a solid house.

I have read that California home sales are up.  Metro Detroit sales are up too.  People are buying the cheaply priced foreclosures.  Homeowners are having a tough time selling because they can't or won't go to those rock bottom foreclosure prices.  I don't blame them but you have to lower your price in this Metro Detroit real estate market if you truly want to sell.  Some Michigan home sellers can't lower their price that low.  They will lose money.  So they are stuck.

For more on the Michigan real estate market visit my websites www.RussRavary.com or www.DetroitMichiganRealEstateHomes.com   You can search over 60,000 MICHIGAN homes for sale free at you convenience day or night!

HAVE A GREAT DAY    RUSS RAVARY

Years ago when I first started in the Michigan mortgage businessI went to a company sponsored conference at Bushwood Golf Course.  They had a little banquet center that the company I worked for rented out. The company was the 2nd company I worked for in the mortgage business and I only worked there for a year.  Let's just say my philosophy and their philosophy of how to treat people were totally different.  I left the company shortly after their seminar.They had a big producer that they were showcasing at this seminar.  This guy made a lot of money each month and was one of their top producers.  Well what they did, was have this guy get up and tell how he made $12,000 or $16,000 ( I can't remember which amount) in fees off one borrower in two loans.  It was such a ripoff to the borrower.  But they were so proud that this guy made this money.  The company wanted the other loan officers to be like him.

I was disgusted.  It usually took me 8 -12 loans to make that kind of money.  I could never understand how "bend them over" loan officers could sleep at night.  There were guys that made $5000 -$10,000 in fees off people.  They never thought anything of it!

Luckily the sub-prime business blew up.  Many of those dirt bags no longer have a product to sell, no longer can take advantage of people.  The star was fired or let go from the company because too many borrowers were calling.  Too much liability to keep him on.  Many of those "bend them over" guys are gone from the mortgage business.  The company was sold and no longer exists.  Sub- prime loans don't exist and many borrowers are safe from the dirt bags.  ( Let me note that not all sub-prime mortgages were bad.  Nor were loan officers that did sub-prime mortgages all dirt bags.  Many were good people but there were a percentage that were unscrupulous and had no true concern for the borrower.  All they cared about was how much they were making)

Bushwood Golf Banquet Center has changed too.  It is now George's Senate Coney Island, located on Dun Rovin Dr in Northville Michigan.  

George's Senate Coney Island has a liquor license, serves good food.  It is a great place for breakfast or a casual dinner on George's outdoor patio.  On Friday and Saturday nights they have a one man band singing or playing the guitar on the patio.  It is surrounded by flowers and the golf course.

Sitting there tonight at George's Senate Coney Island in Northville MichiganI realized how good things have come out of this place.  I left that company and went on to make a solid mortgage business by treating people right and charging less.  The sub-prime business is gone but I still survived.  George's has replaced the banquet center.  The US mortgage business is a better place without some of the sub-prime low lifes.

Ah it's a great to sit back, enjoy the food, enjoy the breeze, and enjoy the music.

Tonight, the Plymouth Community Band is scheduled to take the Kellogg Park Stage for their first concert of the Summer Season at 8:00 p.m. On Friday night Kellogg Park will again be filled with the sounds of music as Gia Warner brings the rock - pop songs to the park for the Music in the Air series. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs for both events. The Friday night concert starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information on the concerts in the park check out their web site at www.downtownplymouth.org.

The upcoming holiday weekend will be a busy one in the Plymouth Community. On Thursday, July 3rd Plymouth Township (734-453-3840) will be hosting a Fire Works Display at the Township Park at Ann Arbor Trail and McClumpla Road at approximately 10:00 p.m. Friday, July 4th starts out with the Good Morning USA Parade (734-453-1540) at 7:30 a.m. on Main Street in Downtown Plymouth. The afternoon of the 4th is the Plymouth Township Family Picnic at the Township Park. Friday, July 4th brings the undisputed KING of Metro Detroit Entertainment to Downtown Plymouth's Kellogg Park (www.downtownplymouth.org) as Steve King and the Dittilies take the stage at 7:00 p.m.

Don't forget that Art in the Park is coming up during the weekend of July 11, 12 and 13th. This is one of Plymouth's largest events and free shuttle service will be offered from the parking lot of the Old Visteon A.C.H. Building on Sheldon Road at the M-14 Freeway entrances. Avoid the parking issues downtown and take the shuttle. For complete information this event check out their web site at www.artinthepark.com.

When you are buying a home in Michigan (whether it is Livonia Real estate, Oakland county Real Estate, Wayne County Real Estate, Livingston County Real Estate, Washtenaw County Real Estate)  here are suggestions on what is a plus or minus in value.

If you aren't motivated to sell your home at the current Metro Detroit real estate market prices then don't list it.

Homes values in Metro Detroit real estate have fallen tremendously in the last few years.  Now is not the time to "test the market" or list it to see if " I can get my price".

Now every agent can see how many times you have taken your home on and off the market for in the last 3 years.  Then the agents pass it on to prospective buyers.  I  feel you can see who is chasing the market down.  Lower their price as the home prices fall.

As an agent I can tell who is unrealistic in their pricing and even who is willing to negotiate based on some of their price reductions.  Sometimes the clients won't even put in an offer on a over priced home.  It is sometimes too overpriced to come down to reality.  For example we put in an offer in a Northville home that was price at $300,000.  Northville Michigan homes in the subdivision were selling for $250,000 to $260,000.  We put in an offer of $240,000.

We had too.  In order to get the Northville home at fair market price of $250-260,000 we had to start lower.  The seller countered back at $297,000.  Needless to say we walked away.  3 months later it is still on the market at $300,000.  Maybe it will sell to somebody.  But most likely not.

So if you are looking to sell your Michigan home for sale listen to your realtor.  Look at the recent sold prices in your area.  Price it right to sell it.  You will be less frustrated with the whole process.

Livonia Michigan

Livonia Spree opened today September 24, 2008.  Here is the daily schedule of events.  There are lots of great things to do for all ages.  Whether you have a family of kids or are a senior, you can enjoy yourself at the Livonia spree.  So come on out and enjoy Livonia's hospitality. 

WEDNESDAY 25 

MAIN STAGE

Mass Transit 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. 

BRIGHT HOUSE TENT

Comedy Magic of Ken Dumm 7:00 - 8:30pm

Spree Grounds Events

STAR FAMILY CIRCUS 5:00 & 8:00 pm

Lovely The Clown   3:30-7:30 pm

Derby The Clown   5:30-7:30 pm

CHILD ID PROGRAM

4:00 - 8:00 - Police Trailer

Wed: SPECIAL EVENTS

Senior Citizen Picnic - Eddie Edgar Arean

10:00 am - 2:00 pm $3.00 per person

Advance Tickets Required Call 734-466-2555

                 ***********************

Family Pizza Night -  Eddie Edgar Arean

6:00 - 9:00 pm

Starting Time 6:00 pm $3.00 person ( tickets required )

                  ***********************

Pie Eating Contest - Bright House Networks Tent

Sponsored by: Livonia Observer & Eccentric Newspaper & YMCA

    For ages 7 - 12 years old

    Pre-registration 5:00 - 6:00 pm

    Contest starts at 6:30 pm

THURSDAY 26

MAIN STAGE

Dragon Academy of Martial Arts & Krav Maga 4:00 pm

Scoot Magoo 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.

BRIGHT HOUSE TENT

Comedy Magic of Ken Dumm 5:00 pm

Audio Crush 7:00 - 11:00 pm

Spree Grounds Events

STAR FAMILY CIRCUS 4:00 & 8:00 pm

THE RHYTHM MAN 2:30, 4:30 & 6:30 pm

Checkers & Dinky The Clown 3:00 -7:00 pm

CHILD ID PROGRAM

4:00 - 8:00 - Police Trailer

Thur: SPECIAL EVENTS

LIVONIA TASTE OF SPREE - Eddie Edgar Arena

    Advance Tickets Required - $10.00

    ** Limited number available **

               On Sale at:

    Livonia City Hall Treasurer's Office & Community Choice C.U.    

FRIDAY 27

MAIN STAGE

JKA Detroit (Shotokan Karate) 4:00 - 4:30 pm

The Yo Yo Man 5:30pm

Tommy Steele Band (Country) 7:00 - 11:00 pm

BRIGHT HOUSE TENT

Comedy Magic of Ken Dumm 5:00 pm

Cruzin'Jupiter 7:00-11:00 pm

Spree Grounds Events

STAR FAMILY CIRCUS

Brad Bodary (Stilt Walking/Mechanical Man) 2:00-9:00 pm

Lovely & Derby The Clown 3:00-7:00 pm

CHILD ID PROGRAM

4:00 - 8:00 - Police Trailer

SATURDAY 28

MAIN STAGE

Dragon Academy of Martial Arts& Krav 1:00-1:30 am

The Saline Fiddlers 3:00-4:45 pm

The Yo Yo Man 5:30 pm

50 Amp Fuse 7:00-11:00 pm

BRIGHT HOUSE TENT

Comedy Magic of Ken Dumm 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 p.m.

"13th Floor" 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Spree Grounds Events

STAR FAMILY CIRCUS 3:00, 5:00 & 8:00 pm

THE RHYTHM MAN 2:30, 4:30, 6:30 pm

Brad Bodary - Stilt Walking & Mime 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Derby The Clown 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Lovely the Clown 3:00-8:00 pm

CHILD ID PROGRAM

4:00 - 8:00 P.M. - Police Trailer

Sat: SPECIAL EVENTS

Family Fun Day

Races, Contests & Games

Mega Spree Grounds - Starts at 1:00 pm

Between Ball Diamond #1 & # 2

Parade line-up starts at 12:15 pm

In the front of Eddie Edgar Arena

           ***********************

Jaycces "Texas Hold Em Tournament"

No Limit - Noon registration, Game at 12:30 pm - 9:30 pm

$1,500 First Prize & more prizes

Dan Irvin (734) 427-2122

SUNDAY 29

MAIN STAGE

Worship Services: - Catholic 8:30 am, Protestant 11:00 am

World Class Institure of Martial Arts 12:30-2:00 pm

4 Men Fish & Tackle Choir 3:00-4:30 pm

The Yo Yo Man 5:00 pm

Men In Black 6:30 - 10:30

BRIGHT HOUSE TENT

Comedy Magic of Ken Dumm 2:00, 4:00 & 5:30 pm

Freebeer (*band) 7:00-11:00 pm

BALL DIAMOND #1

Steve King & The Dittilies 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Spree Grounds Events

STAR FAMILY CIRCUS 1:30, 4:30 & 8:00 pm

THE RHYTHM MAN 2:30, 4:30 & 6:30 pm

Brad Bodary (Stilt Walking/Mechanical Man) 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Derby The Clown 1:00 - 7:00 pm

CHILD ID PROGRAM

4:00 - 8:00 P.M. - Police Trailer

Sun: SPECIAL EVENTS

Livonia Spree Freedom Run

Run Drugs Out Of Town

Sponsored By justsayrun.com

7:00 am Registration

8:00 am & 8:15 am races

For information please email:

chrisogden@justsayrun.com

    ***********************

Ed McNamara Pancake Breakfast

8:30 - 11:00 a.m. Eddie Edgar Arena

$4.00 per person includes

ALL THE PANCAKES YOU CAN EAT!

Also sausage, juice, fruit and coffee

    ***********************

Classic Car Show

9:00 - 3:00 p.m. Registration required: Download Form or call:

Denny Burroughes (734) 591-7692

Pat Morski (248) 304-1966

    ***********************

GRAND FINALE! Approximately   10:15

SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS

An amazing 30 minute display!

For more on Livonia Michigan, Livonia real estate, and Metro Detroit real estate feel free to go to my websites www.RussRavary.com and www.DetroitMichiganRealEstateHomes.com

I have to tell you a story about a lady that once worked for me and my wife about fifteen years ago.  She was brought up rich.  In the 1950's her dad gave her an allowance of a $100 a week.  Dad owned a steel company.  She was brought up wealthy but her fortune changed after her dad died and her husband ran the company into the ground.  At 65 she had to work to make ends meet.

She was a funny lady and sometimes she drove me absolutely crazy.  But there is one thing I did learn from her.  She used to say "if you have a mouth you have a home".  She would get people to do things for her just by asking.  What she meant was "ask"  and you have a good chance of "getting what you want".

Sure you may not get it, but I was always surprised when she had somebody we didn't even know doing her work for her.

So in this market don't be afraid of asking for a referral.  Asking for help.  Don't be afraid of telling clients and friends that this is one of the toughest real estate markets you have seen and that you can use their help.  If they hear of anybody looking to buy or sell be sure to give me a call or give them my card.  Whether you are in real estate or any business ask for help, ask for work. 

A local store in Plymouth Michigan had a great idea.  They sent out postcards.  The jist of the card was that times are tough, the economy is down, and we need your help.  So when you need that special gift for somebody stop in at Gabriela's  in Plymouth Michigan.  A great little store doing the right thing.  Asking for business from their customers.  If you need a little something stop in.   322 S. Main (734) 455-8884. 

I don't know the owners of this company, I have shopped there once or twice.  But I am glad to promote their business.  They asked for help.  They will never know that I did this but the best good deed is when you help somebody out just because.  Pass it along.  Promote a local busines just because!

Ask for business!

So if you are looking for Plymouth Real Estate, Wayne County Real estate, Or Metro Detroit real estate give me a call at (313) 310-9855 or email me at info@RussRavary.com  I'll work hard to find you a home that fits your dreams and needs of your family.

Have a great day.    Russ Ravary