Farmington Hills Real Estate and Events talk Michigan

 NORTHVILLE CLASSES AND EVENTS

Lifeguarding Class - 10/3/08 - 11/1/08

Registration has begun.  Early registration will hold your spot.  This class will fill to capacity!  American Red Cross Lifeguarding Class Meets on:

Day/Date	Time	Location at RCH
Fri, Oct 3	6:15-8:00pm	Pool for Pre-Skills
Pre-skills testing will consist of a 300 swim (12 lengths) of both front crawl & breaststroke and a brick retrieval/swim.
Sun, Oct 5	11:00am - 2:30pm	Crow's Nest B
Tues, Oct 7	5:30pm - 8:30pm	Pool
Sat, Oct 11	10:00am - 2:00pm	Room & Pool
Sun, Oct 12	11:00am - 2:30pm	Room
Tues, Oct 21	5:30pm - 8:30pm	Crow's Nest B & Pool
Sat, Oct 25	11:00am - 2:00pm	Crow's Nest B & Pool
Tues, Oct 28	5:30pm - 8:30pm	Pool
Sat, Nov 1	10:30am - 2:00pm	Final Testing Room & Pool

Activity #: 266206.01
Class Fees: FREE
Material fee of $35 for the Lifeguarding Manual. Payable by check on the 1st day of class. Please make checks payable to Staywell. 

Northville Parks & Recreation
www.northvilleparksandrec.com  248-349-0203

 

 FARMINGTON HILLS CLASSES AND EVENTS 

ART, MUSIC AND DANCE CLASSES FOR ALL AGES  

As we settle into fall, consider registering for one of the high-quality, affordable classes in art, music and dance being offered by the City of Farmington Hills. These classes are taught by professionals at various locations and are open to both residents and non-residents. Go to www.fhgov.com for registration forms and to view the Special Services program brochure or call the Cultural Arts Division at 248-473-1859.

 ART CLASSES FOR TEENS AND ADULTS:

 Drawing Faces, ages 13+, taught by professional artist, Kari Buzewski.  Learn portrait drawing skills including face proportions, features, eyes and hair. For artists at all levels. Oct. 11, 1 - 5 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

 Fabric of Life: Textile Collage, ages 18+, with Judith Sheldon, whose fabric collages are on exhibit in the City Gallery (Costick Center) Sept. 8 - Oct. 31.  Use fabric to create expressive portraits and images in this new workshop. Inspiration from family photographs, stories, scraps of fabric, worn out clothing, new cloth and linens will be incorporated. Mondays, Oct. 20 - Nov. 10, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

The Floral Image, ages 18+, instructor Donna Vogelheim.  This one-day workshop will explore the many ways to render floral images. Innovative and traditional flower design will be discussed and illustrated. Thursday, Oct. 23, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

Sculpting with Clay, ages 18+ with artist Bernadette Zachara-Marcos.

Translate your creative ideas into sculptural reliefs or figures various techniques. Thursdays, Oct. 30 - Dec. 11, 12:30 - 3 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

Painting with Watercolor, Ages 17+, instructor Donna Vogelheim.  For beginners and experienced painters. Includes individual instruction in watercolor techniques taught to your level of experience. Tuesdays, Nov. 4 - Dec. 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

ART CLASSES FOR YOUTH:

Step By Step Drawing, Ages 5 - 7, 8 - 12, with Mary Schmidt Learn the basics of shape using lines, curves and circles. Build skills in 3-D technique. All materials included. Thursdays, Oct. 30 - Dec. 11, ages 5 - 7, 4:10 - 5:10 p.m., ages 8 - 12, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

Pottery For Kids, Ages 5 - 7, 8 - 12, with Meredith Duckworth.  Basic hand-building techniques such as pinch, coil and slab will be used to create wonderful pottery pieces. Tuesdays, Nov. 4 - Dec. 9, ages 5 - 7, 5 - 6 p.m., ages 8 - 12, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

Exploring Ceramics, Ages 12+, with Meredith Duckworth.  Hand-building techniques of sculpture such as pinch, coil and slab, are taught. Beginning and continuing students are welcome. Tuesdays, Nov. 4 - Dec. 9, 7:45 - 8:45 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE CLASSES:  The Drum; Learning Ensembles & Drum Circle Celebration, Ages 6 - 8, 9 - 12, Family (10 - adult), instructor Baba Issa Abramaleem.  Universal rhythms and hand-drum techniques are facilitated in an informal small group structure. All levels of experience are welcome. Drums provided, or bring your own. Saturdays, Oct. 18 - Nov. 15, Costick Center - call for times.

 The Next Stage, Bruce Pooley and Staff.  A unique program for singers of all levels to learn vocal and stage performance skills such as tone, breath control, range, music styles and performance techniques. Thursdays, Oct. 30 - Dec. 11, Ages 10 -13, 6 - 7 p.m.; Ages 14+, 7 - 8 p.m., Costick Center.

 Acoustic Guitar, Group Lessons, Beginning & Intermediate, Al Rosenthal.  Beginners will learn basic chords and strum patterns.  Intermediate students will build on chords and play "up the neck of the guitar."  Saturdays, Nov. 1 - Dec. 6, Beginning 10 - 10:50 a.m.; Intermediate 11 - 11:50 a.m., Costick Center.

 Individual music lessons are also available for children and adults in piano, acoustic, electric and bass guitar.  Call 248-473-1859 to schedule.

DANCE CLASSES FOR TEENS AND ADULTS: 

Motown Ballroom Dance, Ages 19+, with Dr. Karyne Brantley-Johnson.  A great dance style adapted to Motown music!  Lots of fun for all. Fridays, Oct. 24 - Dec. 5, Ballroom 1, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.; Ballroom 2, Oct. 24 - Nov. 21, Grant Center.

 PSYCHIC READINGS OFFERED AT LONGACRE HOUSE 

Is there something or someone on your mind? Do you have questions about your children, your parents, your career, your future? Psychic reader Kathy Tertzag will help you find the answers in her series of readings conducted at the historic Longacre House. Tertzag is a fourth-generation psychic who is known for helping many people find assurance, acceptance and release through her insightful readings.

 The 20-minute psychic readings will take place in the second floor Bride's Room at the Longacre House, a setting that Tertzag says is perfect for readings, as the room has its own spiritual history.  It also provides a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere where guests have total privacy. The Longacre House is located at 24705 Farmington Road, just south of Eleven Mile in Farmington Hills.

 A well-respected psychic, Tertzag teaches classes in metaphysics and psychic phenomena at Henry Ford Community College. Tertzag works through a method of "sense impressions," and says she successfully uses the presence of spirit guides to assist in her readings.  She has also experienced spirits, sometimes family members of her reading guests, who have something to tell a person or answers to questions or concerns. Tertzag is very personable and readings are totally confidential. 

Pre-registration is required. Appointments for readings are between 6 - 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. Cost is $45 for residents and $50 for non-residents. Call Cultural Arts at 248-473-1857/59 to book your appointment.

To Search Metro Detroit homes for sale feel free to check out my websites Metro Detroit Michigan real estate or Livonia real estate

The weather was gorgeous.  A slight breeze, lots of sun, and not too warm.  U of M pulled a huge comeback yesterday and Michigan State won big against their opponent.  Plus the Lion's fired Matt Millen this week.  This was the first full week of Detroit's new mayor and the old one is just a piece of history. 

So it is a great week in Metro Detroit! 

Even on the real estate side it has been good.  I received a good short sale listing from Active Rain, got one purchase offer accepted, and another short sale offer in.  And smoothed over some ruffled feathers on a home inspection and closing.  It seems I am working with a lot of short sales.  I think a lot of short sales are a waste of time but sometimes the banks do cooperate and make it all worthwhile.  Sometimes that small percentage of completions make all the work worthwhile.

Well tomorrow's Monday and I hope the weekend was just a sampling of what is yet to come.

May the week bring an unexpected welcome surprise.

 

Russ Ravary

"your local neighborhood information source"

Metro Detroit Real Estate

Livonia, Canton, Northville, Plymouth, Novi Real Estate  

 They are doing the Susan G Komen 3 day cancer walk in Metro Detroit yesterday, today and ending tomorrow.

The Campsite is at Rotary Park in Livonia MI.

Thousands of Metro Detroit women and men come together, each raising money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Then they take their commitment to end breast cancer one step further and walk 60 miles over the course of three days.

My wife has had three bouts with cancer over the last 18 years.  She is always happy to see this walk go on.  She can barely walk a mile let alone the 60 miles. 

In order to participate each walker has to raise $2200 in order to walk.  A tremendous committment for each walker both phsically and financially.  Three cheers for these women.

                                                                  

Eighty-five percent of the net proceeds of this event go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Every advancement in breast cancer research, treatment, education and prevention in the last 25 years has been touched by a Komen for the Cure grant.

The remaining fifteen percent of net funds goes to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund to provide a permanent endowment for ongoing support of breast cancer initiatives.

Even the trash cans are pink.    

Thousand of women and some men dressed in pink are walking the streets of Livonia Mi today and tomorrow.  So cheer them on and watch out for them when turning when you are in Livonia.

For more Livonia events, Livonia real estate, or City of Livonia Data check out my websites.

7 Michigan cities meet the standard of the most secure place to live in the US. 

 

According to the 4th annual Most Secure U.S. Places to Live rankings from Farmers Insurance Group of Companies®, there are seven cities in the top 200. city that best meets those qualifications is Corvallis, Ore.

Farmington Hills MI, Warren, Troy            167th place

Ann Arbor, MI                                        139th place

Bay City, MI                                          96th place

Holland - Grand Haven, MI                     112th place   

These ranking were determined using the following factors

• crime statistics
• extreme weather
• risk of natural disasters
• environmental hazards
• terrorism threats
• air quality
• life expectancy
• job loss numbers

They looked at 379 U.S. municipalities. The study divided the communities into three groups: large metropolitan areas, mid-size cities and small towns.

The city that was number one was Corvallis, Oregon.

Farmington and Farmington Hills Mi are great places to live.  To search Farmington Hills real estate or Southeastern Michigan homes for sale (over 60,000 homes) on my websites.

I'M SITTING HERE WATCHING THE DEBATES.  AND HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS.   I'm from Detroit area.  For many years it has been racially divided.  Only in the last few years have many neighborhoods become racially mixed.  It is a good thing brought about many things including the sub-prime mess.

Just like the sub-prime mess good things sometimes come out of bad things.  Just like this political mess we are in, something good is coming out of it.  We are going to have somebody other than a white man in the white house or as a vice president.  It is good for us as a nation.

Whether it is Obama, McCain, Palin or Biden it is a great thing.  We are changing in the United States.  We aren't going to have a non- good- ole-boy person in Washington.  Whether we have a woman or a minority in Washington is one of the greatest things that we are witnessing in our lifetime.

We have witnessed the Berlin wall come down and we are now going to be witnessing another great barrier to come down.  It is a great day, a great year for all of us.

Whoever wins, America wins.  We are crossing race and gender barriers never known before.  Let's hear it for America.  It may be baby steps but slowly we are becoming a nation that all races, genders can reach their full potential.

Congratulations to all of us.  Vote for who you like.  God Bless America. God bless you and your family. 

Whether you live in Northville, Livonia or Plymouth MI George's Senate Coney Island is a great place to eat.

                                               

Located on the west side of Haggerty Rd just south of Six Mile in Northville MI.  George's Senate Coney Islandis a reasonably priced restaurant for the family.  I won't go over board and say the George's is the best coney island in Wayne County.

The best part of George's is the atmosphere.  Sure it is a coney island that sell's liquor, beer, and wine.  Sure they have a great breakfast menu.  But it is the atmosphere of George's patio is what makes the place.

My wife and I went there tonight.  It was a beautiful September day in Metro Detroit.  The temperature went up to 80 degrees.  Tomorrow it is going to cool off.   So I thought we would go out and enjoy one last night on the patio.                                                              

It is beautiful there.  There are a couple of shade trees.  Flowering baskets all over.  And the view of the little golf course is great.  The fountains in the ponds makes a great backdrop while you are eating dinner.  It is so relaxing there.                               

But if you go on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night the atmosphere gets a little kick.  George has hired a guitar player/ singer that softly plays in the background.

                                                           

When the sun goes down some of the trees are wrapped in Christmas lights.  So if you have no where to go and you want a quiet relaxing reasonable meal stop by George's Coney Island Northville MI.

So if you are out looking at Northville Real estateand need a break.  Try out one of our local non-chain restaurants.  Have a great night.................. Russ Ravary

I am hearing a lot of whining from real estate agents in Detroit.  We are hard hit here.  But do you think those agents will change their habits?  Will they do something that they haven't done?  Or will they sit by the phone and wait for that call?

I have an agent in our office.  They have no listings, they have no buyers. 

• Are they calling expireds? ................NO 
• Are they knocking on doors? ...................... NO
• Are they putting out fliers or advertising   .................... NO
• Are they blogging? ...............................NO
• Do they have a good website?   ....................NO
• Are they working harder or working more than 40 hours? ...................NO
• Are they complaining             Heck Yes!!!!  

Do I feel sorry for this person?  Unfortunately no.  I have talked to them about blogging.  Have they taken the step.  NO.  It is easier to complain about no business.  Easier to talk to others about how hard the business is.  Easier to scour for news about other Realtors that are failing.

But Metro Detroit homes are selling!  Sure the commissions are smaller. Sure it is tougher to put a deal together.  Sure there are less buyers.

Are you going to wait for the wind to change?  Or are you going to change your course.  The wind is there.  The business is there. 

GRAB THAT BUSINESS!

HOMES ARE BEING BOUGHT AND SOLD ACROSS THE COUNTRY

PEOPLE ARE MOVING!

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO GET YOUR PIECE OF THE PIE?  Don't sit around and work yourself out of the real estate business.

 

photo courtesy of http://www.freephotos.com

Livonia MI real estate

Laurel Park South subdivision is actually 2 subdivisions with one homeowners association.  Laurel Park South has approximately 336 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1979 - 1985.  The homes are mostly Colonial, ranch, and Cape Cod style.  Most of the homes have brick exteriors, 2 car garages, 3-4 bedrooms, 2 + bathrooms, basements. Here is the Square footage of the colonial homes range from 1800 - 2400 square ft. ranch homes range from 1300 - 2200 square ft. The school district is Livonia Public Schools The location of the subdivision is between 5 and 6 mile roads and between Newburgh and I-275 Roads. The streets that are in the Laurel Park South subdivision are: Mallory Dr Bloomfield Dr S. Laurel Park Dr Blue Skies Dr Munger St Bristol St Bristol Ct Nola Ct Nola Dr Marsha St Huff St

 

Here is the latest Livonia real estate market update for Laurel Park Subdivision Neighborhood as of September 2, 2008.

There are 7 Livonia homes for sale currently in the sub.  The average list price is $248,514 and on the average has been on the market for 163 days. 

On-Market Residential
Price	Address	Bed	Bath
$199,900	1661 LAUREL PARK DR	3	2
$209,900	3823 MALLORY DR	4	2.1
$245,000	1634 HOUGHTON DR	3	2.1
$259,900	1640 BLUE SKIES DR	3	2.1
$265,000	3826 MALLORY DR	3	3.1
$270,000	1650 MARSHA	4	2.1
$289,900	3820 MALLORY DR	3	2.1

IF YOU OR ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS, OR CHILDREN WOULD LIKE TO SEE ONE OF THESE LOVELY LIVONIA HOMES FOR SALE OR GET MORE INFORMATION ON THESE HOMES EMAIL ME AT INFO@RUSSRAVARY.COM OR CALL ME ON MY CELL AT 313-310-9855

Here are all the Livonia homes that have sold in Laurel Park, Livonia, MI in the last year as of 9/2/2008.

Off-Market Residential
Status	Price	Address	Bed	Bath	OffMktDt
LEASED	$1,500	16690 BLUE SKIES DR	3	2.1	4/22/2008
LEASED	$1,500	37745 BLOOMFIELD DR	3	3	8/1/2008
LEASED	$1,600	37610 BRISTOL CT	3	2.1	10/31/2007
LEASED	$2,000	16536 NOLA CT	3	2.1	4/22/2008
PEND	$184,900	16504 MARSHA ST.	3	3.1	8/15/2008
SOLD	$275,000	38254 BRISTOL ST	4	2.1	8/24/2007
SOLD	$275,000	16252 MARSHA ST	4	2.1	8/27/2007

2 Livonia homes have sold in the Laurel Park Subdivision last year with an average price of $275,000 after being on the market an average of 70 days.

You will notice the trend in Metro Detroit real estate when looking at several of these subdivision updates.  Livonia real estate home values are continuing to fall, but the time on market for Livonia homes for sale is about the same.  Even though Livonia real estate home values are falling they are falling about the same as the rest of Wayne County home values.  The City of Detroit home values are falling faster than Livonia´s.

For more Livonia subdivision real estate updates or Plymouth Subdivisions real estate updates check out my websites.  You can search over 60,000 Michigan homes for sale on my sites.

Comp and Listing Information Courtesy of Realcomp II Ltd, Properties shown have been listed and sold by various MLS member REALTOR® agents,

I believe as a parent you need to support your kids as much as possible.  But it is a fine line of teaching them, and grooming them to be independent adults with the tools necessary to be sucessful.  The reason I am writing this is because I sometime see instances where parents are failing their children.

As a Michigan loan officer and Michigan RealtorI learn a lot about a persons financial well being when they come to see me.  I know their assets, their income, their expenses when they come to me about a mortgage.  As a  Michigan Realtor I don't get into all of the personal financial information.  But we can deduct from talking to our clients their lifestyle and their theory of money.  We can even tell things about our clients by their credit report.  Where they spend their money and how much they spend at certain stores. 

One of the biggest downfalls I am seeing lately is where the parents are putting their financial future in jeopardy to help their kids.  It is a great thing to give everything you can to help your kids.   BUT    Some of my clients have gone over board and have their finances in turmoil.  All because they were supporting their kids and their overspending lifestyles.  You have to teach your kids to live within their income.  By bailing them out and ruining your credit doesn't help the family.  It only creates more problems.

Maybe I am not one to talk.  We support our son Ryan to the fullest.  A couple of weeks ago we moved him from the suburbs of Chicage into the city of Chicago.  It was 3 flights down and 4 flights up.  My wife was exhausted and needed a day of rest after working herself to death for three days.  When he first moved out there my wife Marianne bought him everything he needed.  I think she fully furnished the apartment all the way down to the blender.  So I may not one to talk.  I want to give Ryan everything I can.

But I don't want him to live beyond his means.  I want to retire someday.  I want to take some trips.  I want him to have a great life but like all of us he too will have to work for it.  We were not born rich.  We are just average Americans.  Working hard to get by.

At some point as parents we have to cut back the purse strings.  The exception I believe is if you can financially afford it.  If you have the money by all means give freely when ever you want to.  But if you have to borrow the money or refinance your home to support your kids free wheeling live style.  You need to step back.  Think about carefully before you do it.

Again I believe you need to help your kids out when they lose their job, or have medical problems if you can.  But I'm not saying pay for their mortgage when they are sitting on the couch at home.

 When you go to help your kids out of a mess.  Step back and think about it.  Sometimes the best thing we can do is let them learn on their own.  I have had clients pay for their kid's apartments after they graduated from college ( three years after).  I have had clients pay for their kids foreclosures (twice) and there were not special circumstances other than the kid living beyond their means.  I have parents paying for their kids homes when the kids are in the forties.  And the kid is pushy about demanding the money.

At some point they need to grow up financially.  Cutting the purse string will make them learn the basics.  I believe it is ok to help them out if you can afford it financially.  But remember you have to have the money to retire.  You should have the money to help the kids out.  To bankrupt yourself or to go into foreclosure yourself for your kids may not be the best move.

But who am I to say.  It is your life and your kids.  What ever you do think before you refinance your home.  Think before you take the cash out to give to your kids. 

PS I am still getting over those flights of stairs.

 

 photo courtesty of http://www.freephotos.com

What is the best bargain in Metro Detroit homes?  Is it ranches, is it colonials, or is it bungalows.

I am seeing Metro Detroit area colonial homes going for some great prices.  A 900 - 1000 square foot ranch in many  Wayne County and Oakland county cities are still fetching $125,000 -150,000.  They have dropped in price but not as drastically as other types of hones.  You can find some real bargain ranch in cities like Dearborn Heights, Garden City, Redford, Garden City and Westland MI.    In fact in some cities you can find bargain Metro Detroit ranch homes 900 -1000 square foot as cheap as $70,000.                                                             

Colonial homes in many cities are a tremendous bargain.  When choosing between a big ranch at $170,000 versus a colonial at $190,000 I think the bargain will be in the colonial home.  The question for you is can you afford to move up to a higher price range.  Remember you have to be able to afford to heat and maintain the bigger colonial home.  But if you can afford the bigger home I believe you will get better appreciation on the colonial home when the market comes back.

Many Metro Detroit colonials start in the 1700 square foot range.  I am seeing bargains all the way up to the 3500 square foot colonial homes.  Today I was doing a comparative market analysis on a client's home.  I was looking through recently sold Farmington Hills colonial homes.  I was looking at was 2600 -3000 square feet range.  Here are some of the recent bargain Farmington Hills colonials I saw:

•  2900 sq ft Farmington Hills foreclosure that sold for $220,000
• 2868 sq ft Farmington Hills foreclosure that sold for $207,000
• 2793 sq ft fully updated Farmington Hills colonial home for $270,000

That  2793 square footFarmington Hills colonial home had an updated kitchen, updated bathrooms.  A beautiful Farmington Hills colonial.  A colonial that was completely updated and ready to move in for less than a $100 a square foot!  Now that is a Metro Detroit real estate bargain!  Who wouldn't like a home like that.

You can find bargain colonial homes in Canton,  Livonia real estate, and even in Plymouth Michigan.  But you can find great deals in Wayne County bungalows, and Wayne county ranches.  Lots of homes to chose from.  Call me to get started.

Feel free to search over 60,000 Michigan homes for sale or call me  to get your personalized list of Metro Detroit Foreclosures  cell 313-310-9855

Photos, Comp and Listing Information Courtesy of Realcomp II Ltd, Properties shown have been listed and sold by various MLS member REALTOR® agents,