Farmington Hills Real Estate and Events talk Michigan

Why move to Michigan?

The biggest reason is our outdoors.  No other state in this great country has more waterfront property.  We have no earthquakes but we do have 11,842 lakes that are over 10 acres in size.  3288 miles of Great Lake shore line.

Then add in our climate. Michigan has four distinct seasons and the outdoor recreation to match each one.  Beaches in the summer, ice fishing and skiing in the winter.  By the time you are tired of one season the next one is upon you.  Fall in Michigan is outstanding for the cool breezes and the fall colors.  Michigan's country side is one reason you would want to relocate to Michigan.  The woods, the lakes, the countryside are truly breathtaking and there is an abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna.  You drive an hour from any home, any city in Michigan and you can be in the countryside enjoying nature.

There are attractive year-round recreation areas such a Frankenmuth, Mackinac City, Houghton Lake, and Traverse City to name a few.  We have casino resorts, and historical museums.  We have well-known universities such as University of Michigan, Lawrence Tech, and Michigan State University.

We have a labor force of engineering talent, computer talent, and other high-skilled professionals located in the state.  We have hard-working residents and lots of natural resources.  We have more fresh water and salt and copper deposits anywhere in the US.

Our workforce is getting more educated every year. In 2006, that percentage grew to 26.1 percent, closing in on the national average of 28 percent.  Also, nearly 90 percent of Michigan adults have a high school diploma, topping the 2006 national average of 86 percent.

So if you are looking for a place to start over Michigan is a great place to live.  If you are thinking of starting a small business take a look at Michigan.  You will love it here.  I do! 

Click on any of the categories below for more Michigan relocation information

Metro Detroit real estate

Wayne and Oakland County MI real estate

Michigan Facts and Michigan trivia

Search Michigan homes for sale

Or if you don't want to move come and visit.  You will love to vacation here.

photos courtesy of freephotos.com

It is bad enough that news channels constantly quotes last weeks mortgage rates or rates that can't be had in our area.  But when they have an expert come in and spout out misinformation to millions of viewers it is sad.  The latest example is the today show about real estate myths.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28818023/?pg=1#TDY_RealEstateMyths

She quotes that FHA does loans for people that have bad credit.   That is absolutely false.  FHA does loans for people who have short terms of good credit.  People who have improved credit in the last year.  Now many banks are requiring higher credit scores for FHA loans.  It used to be you could get a FHA loan with no credit score.  Then some banks required a 580 score.  Now I am hearing some calling for a 620 or 640 score.  FHA has never been about doing loans for people with bad credit.  Bruised maybe.

But that is as bad as the lady a few weeks ago that went on a national news channel and said that banks would roll in the shortage on a old home loan into a new home purchase.  What she was telling people is that if you had to sell your home for less than what your home was worth that the new bank would give you a loan and roll it into the new mortgage.

Not any bank that I have ever heard of!  Banks want down payments.  They have enough upside down loans because of the economy.  There is no bank that will give you a loan for more money than what the house is worth.  No matter what the lady on the news channel says.

Sadly people are running out to the nearest mortgage lender or real estate agent saying I say this on TV. It must be true.  Sadly they need to fire those people who come on and profess to be an "expert" and then spout out false statements.  In her defense (maybe the Today show) maybe they paraphased what she said onto the internet. 

Don't believe everything you hear on TV

Yep the 6 degrees of separation works in the economy too.  All across the nation the Metro Detroit economy is hurting people across the country.  Some people will say no, but I know it is true.

I know Real estate agents and mortgage people that have lost thier second homes.  They had to make tough choices.  I know people that had homes in Florida that let them go.  North Carolina, Las Vegas, Texas, and California are places that I know people have given up homes.  I know it is not large numbers but Metro Detroiter's are having to give up their second homes.  Their income levels no longer support a second home.  Then that causes problems in your economy.  Less people are needed to take care of those homes.  Less Michigan people coming to spend money in your economy.

Our trips and vacations have been cut back.  We aren't taking trips to New Orleans, or New York.  I even hear that Broadway is hurting.  We aren't coming there like we used to see the shows.  We aren't spending as much money in Chicago.

Salesmen across the country aren't selling to the car companies like they used to.  Whether it is large insurance companies, or finance companies that did the financing or warranty for the auto companies they have been hurt.  Even truckers are feeling the pinch.  We aren't ordering as much as we used to so not as much is being trucked around the country.

Whether you believe it or not it is like the 6 degrees of separation.  What we do here in Detroit does affect you.  Not matter what industry you are in, what state you are in our Michigan dollars do count. 

Do you miss us yet?  

Just because I am in the real estate business everybody thinks I need a second income.  Or maybe they are just hitting on everybody they know.  I have lots of friends that were in the mortgage business.  many of them lost their jobs when the sub prime mortgage business blew up.

Now many of them have gotten jobs but they are not making the money they used to.  But they seem to have all joined some sort of multi-level marketing.  I have been invited by enough "meetings" with the "high level top producing guy in the nation coming"  Of course the "you won't want to miss this" is part of the lead in.  "Lots of people are making good money at this"

Is it me or are you getting these types of emails, calls?  I think they are even using social media to get people involved.  I have gotten 5 invites in the last  few months.  How many have you gotten?

I think just about every area around the nation is starting to feel the pinch.  Home sales prices are down, fewer buyers can qualify, and money is tighter.  Friends and family members are getting laid off.

Now more than ever we need to have positive affirmation around us.  Another blogger propose a "gratitude list".  A list of things that we are grateful for.  Whether it is simple as being able to walk or being able to see.  Whether it  is being thankful for a good friend or being thankful for being a parent.  It is a great idea to have a list of things that we are thankful for.

But go beyond that.  It is time to do positive affirmations.  Write done something positive.  Like "I am a good Realtor"  Say it 10 to 20 times morning, noon, and night.  Also do a positive affirmation about what you are going to do.  Like " I am going to get a listing this week"  Say it over and over.  Then take some steps to make it happen.

Then last but not least get that goal board, the dream board out.  Sure you might have to re do your goals.  But get that picture out, of the vacation you want to go one.  The new furniture you want.  Or the luxury item you want.  Post the picture where you can see it.

Post the affirmations, the gratitude list, and the goal board where you can see them.  Make multiple copies.  Have one at work, have one at home.  Have 3 or 4 boards and lists.  If you see them ever where you go then they will become part of your life.

Napoleon Hill once said "Whatever the mind of man can concieve and believe, it can achieve."

Post what you are thankful for, what you can do, and what you want to do.  Make it happen.

YOU CAN SURVIVE AND MAKE A GOOD LIVING THROUGH THESE TOUGH TIMES.  STAY POSITIVE. 

ICE & COLD WATER SAFETY

By Lieutenant Denny Hughes, Farmington Hills Fire Department

 The past few weeks have been brutally cold in Southeastern Michigan, (Farmington Hills, MI) but a slight warm-up is in the near future. With sudden changes in temperatures, we have to be extremely careful on and around any bodies of water, including lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

 You cannot judge the thickness of ice by its appearance, the day's temperature or the amount of snow on the ice. The depth of the water under the ice, and load distribution and underwater currents, will determine the thickness. Ice a foot thick in one area may only be a few inches thick just a few feet away. Winter enthusiasts, who have been waiting for this weather for the past few months to take every opportunity to snowmobile, skate, ice fish or maybe cross country ski, will need to take extra precautions when they are on the ice.

 Water colder than normal body temperature (98.6 degrees) is considered "cold water." Exposure to cold water drains away body heat 25-30 times faster than air. Water doesn't have to be iced over to cause hypothermia. The lower the temperature of the water, the faster the onset of hypothermia will occur. Hypothermia is caused by the excessive lowering of the body temperature. A drop in the body's core temperature below 95 degrees will cause shivering, confusion, loss of muscle strength, and may lead to unconsciousness or death. This holds true in both humans and animals. Experts estimate that half of all drowning victims die from the effects of the cold water, not from water-filled lungs.

 Each year, there are over 7,000 drownings, and 20,000 near drownings in the United States . Half of these occur in cold water. Keep these tips in mind when you venture out onto the ice:

 ·                    Be cautious of snow-covered ice. Snow will provide insulation, preventing the ice from freezing evenly and quickly. It will also cover hidden signs of weak ice.

·                    Never go on ice alone! Always wear a personal floatation device (PFD). It may keep you from drowning and protect you from hypothermia.

·                    Avoid alcohol. Consumption of alcohol will increase the risk of hypothermia, increases fatigue, impairs quick decision making, and will slow your reaction time.

·                    Teach children about ice and cold water safety. Be sure they wear personal flotation devices. It may not look "cool" to wear one on the ice, but it just may save your life.

·                    Keep pets away from the ice. Never attempt to rescue your pet if it falls through the ice. Dial 911 immediately. Firefighters are trained and have proper equipment to make a rescue attempt.

·                    Regardless of the thickness, do not drive your vehicle onto the ice. This is a disaster waiting to happen.

·                    Do not attempt to make a rescue by yourself.  Would-be rescuers may become victims themselves. Act quickly and dial 911 immediately after someone falls through the ice. You may try to extend a branch, or slide a ladder to the victim from the shore. Try to throw them something buoyant such as a life ring or float tied to a rope. If a boat is nearby, try to slide it out for them to reach.  

Remember, do not attempt to make a rescue by yourself. If the ice didn't hold the victim who fell through, it isn't going to hold you either! Enjoy the winter fun, but be safe!

  Lieutenant Denny Hughes is a fire safety educator with the Farmington Hills (MI) Fire Department. He can be reached at DHughes@fhgov.com or 248-871-2820.  Lieutenant Hughes is a fine example of why Farmington Hills Fire Department is so good.  He goes the extra step to help educate and explain safety tips for all Farmington Hills residents.

photo courtesy of http://freephoto.com 

Novi Real Estate
 Here is a quick glimpse of what Royal Crown Subdivision Novi MI is like. 

 Royal Crown Estates subdivision is actually 6 subdivisions with one homeowners association.  Royal Crown Estates has approximately 228 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1990 -1998.

The homes styles: Colonial and Cape Cod.  Most of the homes have brick/vinyl exteriors & brick/wood exteriors, mainly 2 car garages, 3-4 bedrooms, 2 + bathrooms, basements.  The homes range in square footage of 2300 - 3200.

The School District is Northville Schools

The location of the subdivision is between 8 and 9 mile roads and between Taft and Beck Roads.  You can enter off 9 Mile and Taft Rd.

The streets that are in the Royal Crown subdivision are:
Havergale                  Violet
Devron Ct                  Fuller
Porter                        Cheshire Ct
White Pines                Moorgate
Bertram                      Irvine
Braydon Ct                 Foxmoor
Colony Ct                   Randall Ct

One interesting aspect of this subdivision is that some of the homes not only have city water but they also have a well.  During the 1990's the City of Novi was not allowing new homes to hook up to city water until the water system upgrades could be finished.  Then the city allowed the homes to hook up to city water.  So some homes water their grass off the well. 

Relocating to Michigan?  Whether you have a Michigan relocation in your future or just moving within Michigan this will give you a feel about home prices in Royal Crown Subdivision Novi.  Feel free to call me with any questions or email with any questions.  email YesMyRealtor@gmail.com  
 

Here is more indepth Royal Crown subdivision info, including home styles, average size of homes, exteriors, street names, association info
    

  Here is more information on Novi subdivisions or Novi real estate updates (Novi subdivision updates).  Novi is a great town to live in.  Novi is located in the south western part of Oakland County Michigan.

Northville and Northville Townshipare two separate governed communities but many people talk and think of them as one and the same.  Northville is located on the western edge of Wayne County. 

I would consider Northville as an "affluent community".   A upper end community.  I  judge the community not by income levels but by the price levels of homes.

Northville and Northville Twp have many homes for sale priced over $500,000 to a million dollars.    Here is Northville's 2008 sold home data.

1 Northville home sold          $1,812,001 - $1,878,869

1 Northvile home sold          $1.3 - 1.4 million

1 Northville home sold          $1.1 - 1.2 million

2 Northville homes sold          $1 - 1.1 million

1 Northville home sold            $912,000 - $1,012,000

11 Northville homes sold         $812,000 - $912,000

6 Northville homes sold           $712,000 - $812,000

14 Northville homes sold         $612,000 - $712,000

33 Northville homes sold         $512,000 - $612,000

48 Northville homes sold         $412,000 - $512,000

68 Northville homes sold         $312,000 - $412,000

57 Northville homes sold         $212,000 - $312,000

33 Northville homes sold         $112,000 - $212,000

10 Northville homes sold         $68,000 - $112,000 

If you are relocating to Michigan you don't know what Metro Detroit real estate is like.  There are many Detroit suburbs that don't have homes priced over $200,000 or $300,000.  A city like Northville that has luxury homes over 5000 square ft or priced over a million dollars is a prestigious city where the wealthy want to live.  Where people want to raise their kids that is what Northville an Northville Township is about.

Search Northville homes for sale 

More Northville subdivision information

Northville City Data

Farmington Hills has lots of great family events.  From senior programs to activities that kids can enjoy and learn.  Here are some of the upcoming events in Farmington Hills MI 

Farmington Hills Senior Events

Explore the connection between stress and brain aging in a seminar presented by Dr. Scott Moffat, Ph.D., a leading researcher on brain function, on Wednesday, January 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Longacre House, 24705 Farmington Road in Farmington Hills.

Dr. Moffat, a professor at Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology, is studying how the stress hormone cortisol affects the brain as it grows older.  Participants will learn about research into improving older adults' quality of life.

The seminar is part of the Senior Division's Lifelong Learning at Longacre series, which offers topical issues and enrichment presentations for adults 50 & better. There is a $5 fee and the registration deadline is January 27.  For more information, call 248-473-1830.

YOUTH THEATRE AUDITIONS FOR "ANNIE, JR." AND OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR BROADWAY KIDS DAY CAMP

The Farmington Hills Youth Theatre invites young actors in grades 3 - 12, with or without previous experience, to audition for the spring production of "Annie Jr."  Auditions will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 12:30 - 5 p.m. at the Costick Center at 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road in Farmington Hills.

"Annie Jr." is based on the beloved Broadway musical, and has all the fun and adventure, great songs, and lively spirit of the original. Many parts will be available for girls and boys, in two large casts.  The audition schedule is as follows:   

12:30 - 2 p.m., Grades 3 - 4

2 - 3:30 p.m., Grades 5 - 7

3:30 - 5 p.m., Grades 8 - 12

 Auditioning students are asked to bring a recent school photo to the audition; otherwise, photos taken at auditions will cost $2.  All other materials are supplied and nothing needs to be prepared in advance.  Actors cast in the play will need to pay a registration fee of $135 residents/$140 non-residents (includes costumes.)  Class/rehearsal dates and times will vary depending upon role.  Show dates are Thursday - Sunday, May 7 - 10 at the Costick Center.

 BROADWAY KIDS ACTING DAY CAMP - BEGINNERS TO ADVANCED

 Broadway Kids Acting Camps offer two different camp experiences for students: Beginner's Camp for those who have never performed in a show and Advanced Camp for the more experienced who would like to hone their skills in auditioning, improvisation, and performance.  Beginner's Camp will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Advanced Camp will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Both camps will be held at the Grant Center in Farmington Hills.  The cost is $70 residents/$75 non-residents.  For more information, call the Cultural Arts Division at 248-473-1857/1870.

BLUES NIGHT OUT Music, Beer Tasting & Fun on Feb. 6

  Had enough snow?  Come party away your winter blues at "Blues Night Out" on Friday, February 6 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Longacre House, located at 24705 Farmington Road in Farmington Hills.  "Blues Night Out" offers a night of dancing, music and fun, with the opportunity to try some new and unusual beers.

 "Blues Night Out" will feature beer tasting by Artemas Cellars, the newest addition to the local wine-tasting scene.  Artemas Cellars, located at 22804 Orchard Lake Road, boasts over 10,000 different labels of beer, wine and liquor. Dance music will be provided by Lansing's "Old Town Blues Band." This popular group, formed in 2003, was named "2005 Best of the Blues Bands" by the Lansing State Journal and won the 2004 and 2005 "People's Choice Awards" at the annual Capital Area Blues Brawl.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, and include admittance, dancing, and beer tasting. Wine and beer by the glass will also be available at a cash bar. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Costick Center, 28600 W. 11 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., or charged by phone at 248-473-1848/1870.  Guests must be 21 and over and attendance is limited!

 If you are thinking of relocating to Farmington Hills MI you can search Farmington Hills homes for sale 

Russ Ravary

Your Farmington Hills real estate specialist

It's cold outside but there are still plenty of things to do this weekend.

The Detroit International Auto Showis going on at Cobo Hall through Sunday.   If you are thinking of buying a car go on down and check out the new models.  Campus Martin ice skating rink is open near the Hard Rock Cafe.

Plymouth Ice Festivalhas lots of nice ice sculptures, places to eat, small boutiques and shops to browse through.  Located right downtown Plymouth MI in Kellogg park.  A good free event that can be enjoyed by the whole family. They have carvings that are ten feet tall and hot chocolate to warm up with.

You could always learn to ski at Mt Brighton ski slopes located of I-696 at the Grand River exit.  One of Southeastern Michigan's places to ski.  Again a great place to go with the kids for a fun filled day on the ski slopes.

Or take a ride down to Henry Ford Musuem and take in some great history.  It is a place that is full of interesting stuff.  Lindbergh's plane, Rosa Park/s bus, all sorts of neat transportation history and much, much more.

And of course the Tiger Fest is going on. But that is sold out all ready.  Here are some of the events happening there.

Enjoy the weekend.