Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

Vacant land is like a blank canvas and the ultimate in the American dream of property ownership. When you purchase Bloomfield Hills real estate, you can build the architectural style of home you wish without the limited design styles of a developer. However, buying vacant land is very different from buying property with a building already on it. There are certain qualities to look for in vacant land.

1. Buildability. Vacant land comes in many different forms and conditions. Will the property need to be cleared or built up? Is it uneven? Is it on solid rock?  Any work you have to do will cost you more in time and money.
2. Check the water and sewer codes. Each municipality has its own set of regulations for water and sewer. These regulations even specify what kind of system you need for the property. You need to know if you can hook up to the local sewer and water systems or if you need your own septic system and well.
3. Zoning. Land parcels are zoned for certain uses and buildings. Before you buy vacant land, check the zoning. If the Bloomfield Hills real estate property isn’t zoned for the type of home you want to build, you’ll need to find out what you need to do to request a zoning change. Sometimes this is a simple procedure; sometimes it is a complicated process.  You may be better off finding another piece of land that is zoned for what you want to build.
4. Total cost. When you purchase vacant land, you have to take into consideration more than just the purchase price. Unless you plan to use the land for grazing animals, you will probably need to add sewer, water, and electric hook-ups. You will have to pay for this and need to include it in your budget.
5. Building restrictions. Environmentally protected lands have restrictions as to what you can and cannot build. You may not be able to cut down certain trees or fill in parts of your property that are too low. There may even be limits to what size or style structure you can build on the property.
6. Location/Accessibility. You have to carefully consider where the vacant land is located before you buy it. Living on a country estate away from the busy city means longer drives to everywhere. Make sure there is an access road so you can easily reach your property.

As one of the best Bloomfield Hills licensed real estate brokers and real estate lawyer, I can help you find and buy the perfect Bloomfield Hills real estate to build your dream home on.  And I can keep you from making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars.  Call me today at 248-514-2640 or email info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com now!

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

If you’re thinking of selling your Bloomfield Hills real estate in Southeast Michigan, you’re probably thinking about what you need to do to get it sold.  Here is a list of do’s and don’ts to help you along your way to a smoother sale.

Do’s

• DO take pictures of every room of your house.  Look each picture over with a fresh eye; see what needs to be done to the rooms.
• DO clean, clean, clean.  What looks like typical family clutter to you may turn the buyer off.
• DO replace hinges that are broken or worn, tighten doorknobs, etc.  Buyers going through the house will open doors and cabinets, and having a doorknob come off in a potential buyer’s hand is a definite deterrent to buying.
• DO fix cracks and watermarks.  You don’t want to give potential buyers the idea you still have plumbing problems.
• DO take the time to stage your Bloomfield Hills home prior to putting it on the market.  Statistics show this can significantly shorten the time it takes to sell, as well as raise the asking price.  Order the free book for sellers, “Staging Tips to Prepare Your Home for Market.”

Don’ts

• DON’T spend a lot of money on major upgrades unless you have to.  While you may have to replace a water heater that’s trying to quit, you don’t have to replace a carpet that’ll look just fine when it’s cleaned.
• DON’T be stuck on one price.  The real estate market changes constantly.  Having a set price may get your home stuck on the market.  Take a moment and fill out my Maximization of Value Assessment that will help you Sell to the Max.
• DON’T use your tax appraisal as an estimate for your home’s value.  For a better estimate, compare your home to those in the neighborhood that have sold recently.
• DON’T do major packing until the sale is complete.  If you need to reduce clutter or simply have to start packing in order to meet a deadline, get the boxes out of sight by putting them in storage. 
• DON’T follow the potential buyers through the house.  This can cause them to feel they need to move through quickly, which lessens the chance of them buying.  It’s best to be absent while your home is being shown, even if that means sitting in your car down the block until they’re gone.

Putting your Bloomfield Hills real estate on the market to sell can be hard, especially if you’ve lived there for a long time.  I’d like to tell you about my 30-Day Marketing Plan that sells 85% of homes listed with me…and for an average 98% of listed price.  Drop me an email now at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com or call 248-514-2640 today!

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