Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

Good news for the housing industry!  Nationwide new home starts increased 14.6% in January, reaching its highest rate in four months and increasing more than analysts expected.

During the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, David Crowe, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders, projected single-family housing starts to rise 21% in 2011.

To what can we attribute these actual and projected increases?  The four key elements driving new construction in 2011 are:

• Sustained job growth.   Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS®, projects about 2 million jobs to be added in 2011.  Unemployment is expected to drop to 9.2 percent.
• Increasing U.S. population.  Over the past 10 years, the U.S. population has increased by 27 million. Continued population growth will also stimulate construction and sales of Bloomfield Hills homes. “All the indicator trends are pointing to a gradual housing recovery,” Yun says.
• Low interest rates.  The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for Bloomfield Hills homes is forecast to rise gradually to 5.3 percent around the end of 2011.
• An increase in the multi-family category.  The majority of the new construction projects were for apartment buildings and other multi-family units.  The rate of starts for single-family homes was the lowest in almost two years.  Independent economist Joel Naroff said, “What is nice to see is that developers seem to be picking up the slack by putting up rental and condo units instead, a trend that is likely to continue.”

Another boost to the housing market will come as lending opens up with safe underwriting standards for creditworthy buyers.

If you have any questions about buying or selling Bloomfield Hills homes or about our local real estate market, please give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Attorney  
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

If you’re looking at Bloomfield Hills homes to buy, you’re probably overwhelmed by everything you need to take into account before making your final choice.  You have to think about the Bloomfield Hills home’s size, location, price and condition, to name a few. 

Some of the most important features to carefully examine are those that cannot be easily or inexpensively changed.  You can easily and relatively inexpensively repaint the bright pink walls and replace the avocado refrigerator.  But what about the power lines hanging across the backyard?  You may never be able to get those removed.

Here are a few difficult to fix flaws you may want to steer clear of:

• Odd smells coming from businesses in the neighborhood such as farms, garbage dumps and recycling centers 
• A busy road
• Noise from businesses, trains, airports or flight paths
• Super steep driveway or road to the home
• Traffic from busy shopping centers or entertainment facilities
• A floodplain 

Watch out for flaws that are expensive and difficult (or even impossible) to fix.  They can significantly decrease your enjoyment of the home, while you live there.  They can also lengthen your Bloomfield Hills home’s time on the market and reduce its resale value, when you’re ready to sell.

Shopping for a home to buy in Southeast Michigan?  Let me help you find a home that is free of tough to fix flaws.  Give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com. 

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Attorney  
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

As houses continue to sit on the market without the slightest sign of interested buyers, sellers are lowering prices and pouring more money into upgrades and remodels. While these updates might help increase sales, you could achieve the same results with your Bloomfield Hills home by spending less cash and adding more green.

With the growing demand for green features, buyers like the idea of purchasing a house that already contains a few eco-conscious elements. From environmentally sound materials to energy efficient windows and doors, just adding one green upgrade could be the ticket to spark interest and sell your Bloomfield Hills home.

6 eco-features buyers love:

1. Water-saving appliances – Install low-flow toilets and aerators on showers to reduce your water usage and see a surprising reduction in your bills.
2. High-efficiency filters and air purifiers – Remove even the smallest dust particles and kill bacteria that could be floating throughout your house.
3. Paving stones – Use paving stones for your driveway in place of concrete. It looks quaint and allows rainwater to seep into the ground, instead of flooding the storm water system.
4. A sealed garage – Properly seal your garage to ensure poisonous fumes and outdoor contaminates don’t accidentally seep into your living areas.
5. Solar power – Decrease your energy bill by incorporating these sun soakers into your grid. Just make sure they’re positioned discretely, so they don’t become an eyesore.
6. Efficient windows – Help regulate your home’s temperature by limiting air leakage.

If you don’t have the cash to turn your house completely green, just update one or two features and be sure to highlight them when marketing your home. By providing your potential buyer with energy savings, you may also save yourself time and money when your home sells faster and for more money.

Don’t endure another day of waiting for someone to buy your Bloomfield Hills home. With the right updates and my 30-Day Marketing Plan, I can help you turn your house green and cash in on your pot of gold.  Call me at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com for more information.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

While some people are hesitant to buy into a real estate market that seems to still be bottoming out, many studies have shown that owning a house is an investment in your future and that of your community. From tax breaks to property taxes, being a Bloomfield Hills home owner can put money in the bank.  It also gives you a sense of pride in contributing to community institutions such as the police force, local government offices, fire stations and free medical services.

Did you know that statistically you and your neighbors are more likely to properly maintain and update your Bloomfield Hills homes when you own them rather than rent them?  Maintaining and updating your home boosts the real estate market around you, giving you the chance to increase the value of your property, your neighbors’ property and eventually your entire community.

4 more reasons why you should buy instead of rent:

1. Building financial security – While it might take many years for you to actually make a profit on your house, you’ll still have your money secured in a tangible investment that you can pass down for generations to come.

2. Investing in your community – If you pay property taxes, you’ll be investing in your community. You could play a part in contributing to more parks, cleaner streets and better schools for you, your children and your neighbors.

3. Buying while the housing market is slow – With the high rate of foreclosures and slow real estate market, you can scoop up amazing homes at great prices. Purchase while the market is slow and your investment could grow exponentially within the next 10 years.

4. Taking advantage of tax benefits – You’ll receive a federal income tax break, and you’ll get to deduct the interest paid on your mortgage and property taxes — which means more money in the bank!

Use an online mortgage calculator to determine what you can afford to buy instead of paying rent. While renting can be appealing, you won’t be doing your financial security, your children’s schools or your community any long-term favors.

Want to discover more benefits of buying instead of renting a Bloomfield Hills home? Call me at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com for more information. 

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Attorney  
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to add some romance to your Bloomfield Hills home.  No need to spend a lot of money.  Here are some simple tips to create your own inexpensive, yet romantic, Valentine evening:

Romantic Dinner for Two
A delicious meal is a great way to start off the evening. Many restaurants raise their prices on Valentine’s Day, so forego the expensive dinner out. Instead, create a special dinner at your Bloomfield Hills home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cook Pecan Chicken with Mustard Sauce – Don’t like to cook?  Buy an already prepared meal from your local grocery store; it’s fairly inexpensive these days.  Just be sure to remove it from the containers and put it on pretty plates.
• Add Music – Turn the radio to your favorite station and enjoy.  Or, download some romantic music to your MP3 player.
• Use candlesticks and cloth napkins – Candles are always romantic, and, when lit, eliminate the need to clean your Bloomfield Hills home thoroughly.  Your sweetie won’t be able to see the dirt in the glow of candlelight.

After Dinner
Valentine’s Day is about spending time with the one you love.  Instead of going out, rent a romantic movie and stay in.  Wine (or sparkling juice), a movie and snuggling on the couch can do wonders for your love life!

• Wine or sparkling grape juice – Grab a 2 Buck Chuck at Trader Joe’s
• Movie – Rent a Redbox movie for $1.

The Bedroom
Go on vacation – in your own bedroom!  Get that “new room” feeling by washing your bed linens, fluffing up the pillows, and spraying the pillowcases with lavender essential oil.  Put one rich chocolate wrapped in foil on each pillow.

Wishing you and your loved one a sweet Valentine’s Day!

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Attorney  
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

This winter has already brought most areas of the U.S. major snow storms, and we have many more months of winter weather to deal with.  Whether you live in a city that gets snow or you vacation in snowy communities, you need to know how to stay safe and warm in the snow.

1.  Dress in layers.  Ideally, the layer against your skin should be made of a synthetic microfiber that wicks moisture away from your body.  Avoid cotton, which gets wet and stays wet. Top the wicking layer with something warm like fleece and finish with a jacket that’s windproof.

2.  Wear boots with good traction.  Make sure they aren’t too tight, either because they’re too small or because you have on bulky socks.

3.  Wear sunglasses and sunscreen.  A sunny day in winter is often brighter and more dangerous to your eyes and skin than summer sun.  That’s because of the reflection off the snow.  So before leaving your Bloomfield Hills home, slip on sunglasses and generously apply sunscreen.

4.  Shovel with care or hire it done.  If you’re not in tip-top shape to shovel the snow from your Bloomfield Hills home’s driveway, hire a neighborhood teen to do it.  You’ll give that teen some much wanted income, and save yourself from strained muscles at the least and a heart attack at the worst.  If you do not have a history of heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure or any other ailment that could result in injury or death, you may decide to shovel the snow yourself. 

Here are a few tips for safe snow shoveling:  

• Stay well hydrated.  Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol during or immediately before shoveling.
• Take frequent breaks.  Do not remove deep snow all at once; take off an inch or two at a time.  Preferably, start when the snow is not yet heavily packed, and shovel periodically if the snow continues to fall.
• Pick a shovel with a smaller blade.  This puts less strain on your body because you lift less snow at once.
• Use a back-friendly shoveling technique.  Keep the shovel close to your body.  Bend from your knees, not your back.  Tighten your stomach muscles.  Do not twist. Instead, move your body so your feet face the direction in which you’re shoveling.  Do not throw the snow over your shoulder; throw it in front of you.
• Check your body.  Are you experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness or chest pains?  Stop immediately and seek medical help.

5.  Prepare your car for snowy conditions.  Clean all the snow off your car before leaving your Bloomfield Hills home.   Make sure your windshield wipers and headlights are cleaned off and working.  Stock your car with a shovel, extra clothes, a blanket, a flashlight, snacks, water, an ice scraper and wood ashes or sand for traction in case you get stuck in the snow.

6.  Go slowly.  Whether walking or driving, give yourself additional time to get to your destination.  The roads, driveways and sidewalks get slick, and even a generous amount of salt can leave behind spots of ice and snow.

Stay safe and warm this winter!  If you’d like to buy a safe, warm Bloomfield Hills home, I can help.  Give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com 
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

Trends for national and Bloomfield Hills homes come and go depending on many factors including the needs and desires of buyers, changes in technology and economic issues.

Here are some 2011 design trends predicted for national and Bloomfield Hills homes.

Kitchens Continue to be the Heart of the Home
People still love kitchens that are open and airy.  Popular kitchen countertops will embrace the green movement switching from granite to crushed recyclable glass under a solid, smooth surface.

Energy Efficiency Remains Important
According to The Joint Center for Housing Studies, homeowners and builders alike continue to make homes more energy efficient.  This is led by regional certification programs as well as national green building standards.

Vintage is Hot
Reproductions from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s will be a hot design trend in home furnishings.  Think of the furniture in the hit TV show “Mad Men.”

Bold Lighting Touches are Added
In addition to functional lighting, bathrooms will boast chandeliers.  Ooh, la la!

Ceilings Become a Focal Point
Ceilings will no longer fade into the background with the addition of architectural enhancements such as domes and bold paint options including metallic colors.

 Whether you’re looking for trendy or traditional Bloomfield Hills homes, I can help you find your perfect fit.  Call me today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com to get started.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

Unless elaborate decorations, gourmet food and mountains of mess are your idea of fun, I have some suggestions for you on how to make your holidays simpler and less stressful this year.

Use Fewer Decorations in Your Bloomfield Hills Home

While National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a fun holiday movie to watch, keeping up with the Griswolds isn’t something you should aspire to. If you’re not sure what to eliminate from your heap of holiday decorations, here are a few tips:

• If it flashes or makes a noise, just say no.  Decorations like that increase stress.
• Display only your most treasured items.
• This year’s mantra should be “less is more.”
• Decorate only those rooms in your Bloomfield Hills home that are used during celebrations.
• Instead of filling every inch of a room with decorations, use fewer items and group them in noticeable spots around the room.

Spending less time decorating your Bloomfield Hills home gives you more time for your friends and family.  It also means wasting less time after the holidays putting away all those decorations.

Entertain Simply

It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money on food or entertainment in order to have a good time.  Some of my most enjoyable gatherings were spent listening to holiday music, playing games and eating a bowl of popcorn with friends and family.

Here are few more ideas to make entertaining easier:

• Don’t cook all the food yourself.  Host a potluck party or pick up already prepared food from your local grocery store.
• Reduce the number of guests.  Do you really need to invite the entire neighborhood?  Invite only those few who you sincerely want to spend some time visiting with.
• Send electronic invitations.  It’s free, fast, easy and fun.

The holidays aren’t about your house, food or furniture. They’re about your heart.  Open your heart, relax and truly enjoy your loved ones this holiday season.  Happy Holidays!

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

Unfortunately, the winter holidays are peak times for thieves and burglars.  Not only are burglaries of Bloomfield Hills homes at their highest during the darkest months of the year, there’s also the added temptation of unoccupied Bloomfield Hills homes full of expensive gifts.

A recent survey found that 39% of homeowners leave presents under the tree long before Christmas Day, with only 7% of respondents waiting until Christmas Day itself to put the presents on display in their Bloomfield Hills homes. If gifts are in full view of passers-by who can see them through the windows, they could provide an incentive for thieves to target the house.

1. Take greater security measures during the holidays to keep yourself and your property safe.

2. Don’t hide presents in obvious locations such as closets, under the bed or in the garage.  Instead, hide gifts in an attic.  The average burglar doesn’t have time to climb into your attic.

3. Keep window shades drawn. If your gifts are easily visible from the street, burglars will be tempted to smash the window and grab the wrapped packages.

4. Don’t discard whole boxes in your trash.  This gives thieves easy clues about what they can steal from your home.  Instead, break the boxes up into small pieces and place them in your recycling bin or at the bottom of a sealed garbage bag.

5. Create a lived in look and feel.  Before leaving your home, turn on lights and a radio or television. 

6. Ask a neighbor or close friend to pick up your mail and newspapers if you go out of town for the holidays.

7. Lock up.  Make sure all doors and windows are locked.  Consider replacing your locks if they’re worn.  Use deadbolts in entry doors.

8. Keep the garage, gates, driveway, and sides of your home well lit.  Motion sensor lights work well for this.

If you’re looking for a home already equipped with an alarm system or other security features, I can help you find one.  Call me at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

At this time of year, we typically don’t think a lot about safety.  We’re all too busy running around shopping and decorating our Bloomfield Hills homes.

Have a fun, merry and safe holiday this year by implementing these 10 safety tips:

1. Never use lighted candles on a Christmas tree, whether it’s an artificial or live tree.

2. Purchase artificial trees with a Fire Resistant label.  This label doesn’t mean the tree can’t catch fire; it means the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

3. Check for freshness when purchasing a live tree.  Needles that are hard to pull away from branches and that do not break when bent indicate a fresh tree.  Sticky resin on the tree’s trunk is another sign that a tree is still fresh.  Old trees can be fire hazards in Bloomfield Hills homes.

4. Chop a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.  Water your tree regularly.

5. Avoid sharp or easily breakable decorations and small, removable items that children can swallow.  Eliminate decorations that look like food or candy.  Children may try to eat them.

6. Limit the number of standard-size light sets plugged into one extension cord to three.

7. Turn off all Christmas tree lights before you go to bed or leave your home. The lights could short out and start a fire. 

8. Don’t burn wrapping papers in your Bloomfield Hills home’s fireplace. A flash fire may result, as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

9. Remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from around the fireplace before lighting a fire.

10. Check labels on lights you’re planning to use outside to be sure they’re certified for outdoor use. 

I hope you and your family have a very Merry (and safe) Christmas!

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640