Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

Are you considering buying a fixer-upper in order to get a great deal on Southeast Michigan real estate? If you are able to make a few home improvements yourself, you may be able to save thousands on the purchase price of investment property.

Several things are important to think about before you buy that fixer-upper.  The first is the condition of the house.  Some repairs are so expensive and difficult to make that you might not be able to recoup your initial investment. Basic repairs that you can reasonably expect to complete are:

• Removing old wallpaper, patching the walls and painting the interior and exterior.
• Replacing worn-out flooring and carpet.
• Repairing any broken windows or light fixtures, including ceiling fans. 

If you venture too much farther into home improvement territory, you may find that you bit off more than you can chew.  As a rule, heating and central air conditioning repairs are expensive.  Similarly, foundation repair and re-roofing are usually too much for the average handyman to tackle.

Other projects that are often not cost-effective are complete kitchen and bathroom remodeling and replacing the main plumbing of your Southeast Michigan real estate.  Any improvement that involves building an addition or tearing out walls probably won’t have a good return on your money.

After you find that fixer-upper in just the right state of disrepair, too derelict to catch anyone’s attention, but without any repairs beyond your abilities, you’ll want to make sure that the location is good.  If the Oakland County real estate you’re considering buying, in Southeast Michigan, is near a busy highway or close to a rail yard, you may have trouble finding a buyer after you’ve fixed it up. 

To get the best return on your investment, you need to find a fixer-upper with the right combination of location and condition.  I can help you find a great buy on investment property, call me today at 248-514-2640 or email info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

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

Should you always buy the biggest home that you can afford?  When you’re thinking of purchasing Southeast Michigan real estate you need to decide if you need a larger home that can give you room to entertain and a place for guests to stay.  On the other hand, a larger house will likely have higher property taxes and maintenance costs.  A smaller home may be just what you need to meet your mortgage budget and lifestyle.

Some advantages of buying a smaller home are:

1. Lower sale price.  A smaller home may have a lower sale price, reducing the amount of the down payment you have to make.  The closing costs you have to pay on a smaller mortgage may also be less.  You may even be able to pay for your new home completely out of the proceeds of the sale of your larger previous home.
2. More money in your pocket at the end of each month.  A smaller home can save you a lot of money by reducing utility bills, and you’ll save money on your homeowner’s insurance.  
3. Lower maintenance costs.  Smaller homes usually require you to spend less on maintenance and repairs.  Less square footage can mean fewer places for something to go wrong. 
4. Keep your free time free.  If you buy a smaller Southeast Michigan home, you could save more than just money, you’ll cut the amount of time that you will spend cleaning and maintaining the home.  It’s possible that you’ll enjoy your free time more too, having fewer household chores taking up your time, and more money available to spend on recreation. 
5. You won’t have any room for extended houseguests.  This may be good news or bad news, depending on your personality.  If you like a house full of guests, then you’re likely to have already decided on the larger home.  For the rest of you, it may be a relief not to have the free space to have houseguests. 

You may find the benefits of buying smaller Southeast Michigan real estate far outweigh the implied prestige of owning a larger home.  No matter what size home you prefer, I can help you choose the best home to fit your lifestyle.  Call me at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com to get started!

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

Every New Years Eve, our family attends Birmingham’s First Night, an alcohol free event sponsored by The Cultural Council of Birmingham / Bloomfield. The evening features live entertainment and crafts geared toward families.

This year’s performances were well worthwhile. The magic by Jason Hudy featured a levitating illusion that wowed the crowd. Puppeteer Brad Lowe was first provided an explanation of how marionettes are made. He then performed a soundtracked show about a fisherman who caught a magic fish that he let go. When the fisherman’s wife learned about this, she nagged the fisherman to return to the fish and ask to have her wishes granted which, once granted, only led to more wishes.

This year’s, First Night also included a Steel Band, face painting, a model train exhibit, and crown making. Of course, there are so many options that you cannot do everything. If you want to have a safe and fun New Years Eve with your family, be sure to attend next year’s First Night event. 

If you’re thinking about buying or selling Southeast real estate, give me a call at 248-514-2640 or email info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.  I’d love to help!

Have a fun and prosperous New Year! 

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

Thinking of selling your Southeast Michigan real estate For Sale by Owner?  Consider this!

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has recently published its 2008 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers which is based on a survey of approximately 10,000 people who bought homes between July 2007 and July 2008.  During this period of time, the average for sale by owner (FSBO) home seller did poorly.  According to the data, FSBO sellers only had a 7% chance of selling to someone that they did not already know.  To make matters worse, that FSBO home seller sold the home for 29% less than he or she would have had they used the services of a REALTOR® to sell their home. 

The NAR Report provides some insight as to why the numbers are so bad for the FSBO home seller.  The survey also asked how the home buyer actually found the home that he or she purchased. 34% found the home through a REALTOR® and 32% through the internet.  Most FSBO home sellers attempt to sell their home by placing a For Sale By Owner Sign on the front lawn of the home and do little else if anything.  By doing so, they effectively eliminate 66% of all buyers who might be looking for a home such as theirs!

If you’re thinking about selling your home by yourself, think again.  By hiring a REALTOR® you’ll increase your chance of success!  Most likely you’ll end up netting more money, and find the process a whole lot easier and convenient than you would by trying to go at it alone without the help of a professional.

Are you thinking about selling your home?   Preparing your home for market is very important, especially in today’s real estate market.  Homes that have been “staged” sell quicker and for more money.  Order your free book, “Staging Tips to Prepare Your Home for Market.”  Absolutely no obligation or strings attached!

Ready to work with one of the best Southeast Michigan real estate agents, one who can help you get Top Dollar for your home or property…and keep you from making costly mistakes?  Learn more about my 30-Day Marketing Plan that gets proven results. 

Give me a call at 248-514-2640 or drop me an email at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com now for more information.

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

If you’re in the market for Southeast Michigan real estate and you’re looking for a new condominium, you may have run across “high rise” and been unfamiliar with the term.  Here is a brief explanation of what high rise condominiums are, as well as a few pros and cons for living in one.

What is a High Rise Condominium?
As you may have guessed from the name, a high rise condominium is a tall building with several stories, usually five or more, with a necessary elevator.  Typically, high rise condos are all about luxury.  As you might imagine, they boast a variety of amenities which may include a doorman, concierge service, pool or sauna.  Some even offer a 24-hour valet, wine cellar or rooftop clubroom. 

Pros and Cons of a High Rise Condominium
People choose to live in high rise condos for many reasons, and there are just as many reasons why they don’t.  Whether something is a pro or a con all depends on the person looking.

1. Amenities – This is one of the biggest reasons people choose high-rise condominiums.  Who doesn’t like to jump in a pool, move to the sauna and then go to the clubroom?
2. No or low maintenance – Exterior maintenance will be taken care of by the building association.  You may be responsible for some or all of your interior maintenance.  Be sure you get this information in writing and read it thoroughly before purchasing.
3. Quiet – This could be a pro or con.  Some buildings have “quiet periods,” from early evening until early morning.  If you like to listen to loud music or have a home theater system that you like to listen to at full volume, this could be an issue.
4. Pet Free – Most buildings are either pet-free or have size restrictions, and don’t allow exotic pets.  This could be a problem if you own a 20-foot python or a Great Dane.
5. HOA Dues – You will have to pay membership dues for the Homeowners’ Association.  The dues range from building to building; dues depend on the amenities offered, the number of people in the building and how old it is, to name a few.

If you are thinking of purchasing Southeast Michigan real estate, do you think a high rise condominium is right for you?   If you’re looking for luxurious, relaxed living, a high rise condo may be exactly what you need.

Whether you want a condominium or a single family home, as an experienced real estate broker and lawyer who knows the area well, I can help.  Give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com so we can get started!

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

It’s Christmas time, it’s Christmas time – which means if you own one of the Southeast Michigan real estate homes, it’s time to get a tree.  Whether you get a real tree or an artificial one, it’s also time to think about Christmas tree safety.

There’s a potential fire hazard that comes with real trees, a danger that’s lessened with artificial trees, but artificial trees have their own safety issues.  For instance, those that spin on their bases shouldn’t be left to rotate on their own.  Make sure the motor is turned off whenever you leave the room.

Even though safety precautions are more necessary with real Christmas trees, sometimes you can’t resist the fresh pine smell filling your Southeast Michigan home.  Should you decide to go with a real Christmas tree, here are some safety precautions that should be followed to avoid fire hazards.

1. Place the tree as far from any heat sources as possible.  While it may seem picturesque to have your tree close to the fireplace, the heat can dry out the tree and make it more susceptible to burning.
2. Fresh cut the tree.  While you may have cut the tree down before bringing it home, you still need to cut a little bit more off the bottom just before you put it in the Christmas tree stand.   This gives the tree a better ability to absorb the water in the stand, which stops it from drying out.
3. Don’t let the water run out.  It’s important to stress that your Christmas tree needs to stay moist and green.  To check for dryness, lightly grab the end of a branch and pull on it.  If several needles come off, it’s time to take it down. 
4. Don’t burn the tree to get rid of it.  A dry tree blaze is hard to control, and pine generates a lot of creosote that can catch fire.  There are safer ways to dispose of your tree including recycling your Christmas tree.  To learn more about safe disposal of your tree, contact your local city or state.

Have fun decorating your Southeast Michigan home for Christmas.  Just remember to be safe as you celebrate the season!

If you have buying Southeast Michigan real estate on your Christmas list, I’d love to help you fulfill your wish.  I can help you find and buy the right home and keep you from making a costly mistake that could cost you thousands. 

Give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com. 

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

“There’s always something to be thankful for.  If you can’t pay your bills, you can be thankful you’re not one of your creditors” – Author Unknown

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I find myself thinking about everything I have to be thankful for.  For instance, I’ve been an Oakland County, Southeast Michigan real estate agent for some time, which is a position that I love and enjoy.  I’m also grateful to be able to share the knowledge that I’ve learned throughout the years with my clients and those of you who read my blog.  It’s a wonderful and rare thing to do something that you love for a living.

Most of us are so busy reaching our goals, making plans for the future, pushing and struggling to rise to wherever we feel our position in life should be, that we very rarely take the time to look back at where we started.  While it’s always a good idea to have goals, to visualize and work towards them, if you never take the time to appreciate what you’ve done then it becomes a constant, maddening race to the finish line.  Intangible things, such as happiness and satisfaction, fall by the wayside, considered unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

With Thanksgiving drawing closer, this Southeast Michigan real estate agent invites you to think about what you have to be thankful for.  Whether big or small, you’ll find yourself savoring all the good things in your life. 

So what are some of the things that you’re grateful for?  It doesn’t have to be a big thing to be appreciated.  Was the sky particularly beautiful today?  Maybe you caught the bus on time, or you’re throwing the family Thanksgiving dinner this year and everyone is coming.  If it brightens your life, brings a smile to your face, lightens your mood or warms your heart, be thankful for the experience. 

Enjoy each moment as if it were your last, sipping from the cup of gratitude and appreciation; you may find that your heart is constantly filled with happiness.  Your Southeast Michigan real estate agent, Lee Morof, invites you to make every day Thanksgiving Day.

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

In this real estate market selling your Southeast Michigan real estate requires more than just signing a listing agreement with a real estate agent and placing a sign in your front yard. It requires a great deal of preparation to impress buyers. In fact, preparing your home to sell is much like designing a stage for a play. Here are some tips for staging your Southeast Michigan home to sell faster and for Top Dollar.

• DO complete simple home repairs. Ripped screens, squeaky doors, and broken cabinets can quickly turn away buyers. Go through your home making minor repairs so that everything is in its best condition.
• DO get rid of clutter. A cluttered home is more difficult to walk through and looks smaller inside. Box anything you plan to move but don’t need immediately and put it in storage. Give or throw away anything you can no longer use.
• DO learn all you can about staging your home from professionals.  Order my no obligation, FREE Book for sellers, “Staging Tips to Prepare Your Home for Market.”  This book will help you pinpoint what needs to go and what will appeal to most buyers. 
• DON’T spend money unnecessarily. If you have to replace your carpet, choose one that’s moderately priced. De-clutter and neatly arrange your clothes in your closets instead of investing in expensive organization systems. These items are going to stay in your home after you sell it, so it’s like throwing money away.
• DON’T paint rooms to match your furniture. A fresh paint job is a great way to bring new life to your home. However, you should only use neutral paint colors. They will go well with your current décor and will help buyers picture themselves in your home.

Buyers are you thinking about purchasing Southeast Michigan real estate in Oakland County?  I can help you find and buy the right home for your needs and budget.

Sellers do you want more suggestions on how to sell your home quickly and for the most money?  Drop me an email now at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com or give me a call at 248-514-2640.  I’d love to tell you about my exclusive 30-Day Marketing Plan that gets results!

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

Buying a home is an important decision. Owning Southeast Michigan real estate can be your greatest financial asset when it builds equity over time. It can also be your greatest financial nightmare if you end up losing it to foreclosure. This is why you want to find an Oakland County home in Southeast Michigan, at a reasonable price with a payment that fits within your budget. Before you start looking at homes, make sure you know how much home you can afford.

• Be realistic. Get pre-approved for a loan before you start looking for Southeast Michigan real estate. This way you won’t waste time looking at homes you can’t afford. Just because your lender approves you for a loan doesn’t mean you have to use the entire loan amount. Take a look at your financial situation, including the amount of credit you have, the debt you owe, your monthly income, and your lifestyle.
• Consider the cost of homeownership. When you rent a home from someone, your landlord is responsible for maintaining the property. As a renter, you don’t have to take care of the roof or pay for pest control. This is included as part of your monthly rent. However, as a homeowner, home maintenance is your responsibility. Make sure you can set aside money to cover regular home maintenance costs and any surprise repairs that may occur.
• Practice with your finances. If you’re not entirely sure how much you can afford to spend for your monthly payment, try it out. For example, if you want to buy a home that costs $225,000, use a mortgage calculator to determine what your monthly payment would be. Then subtract that amount of money from your budget for the next few months and see if you still have enough to pay the rest of your bills. This will give you an idea of whether or not the payment fits in your lifestyle.  And, you’ll have that extra money saved for a down payment to purchase Southeast Michigan real estate. 

I’ll send you a free book for home buyers, “Let’s Find Your New Home.”  You’ll learn all there is to know about buying a home from start to finish.  And…it’s absolutely free with no strings attached.

Your home is an important investment that should be a part of your overall financial plan. I’ll help you find and buy the right home for your needs and budget.  As a licensed real estate broker and lawyer, I’ll keep you from making mistakes that could cost you thousands. 

Let me help you find the home in Oakland County, Southeast Michigan, that fits your lifestyle and needs.  Drop me an email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com now.  Or, call me at 248-514-2640 and let’s talk real estate! 

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

Whether you are facing retirement or have already said good-bye to your working years, you may be wondering if you should sell your home and move. Although this is not an easy decision, there are some important points that can help you make up your mind. Before you buy Southeast Michigan real estate, ask yourself these four questions.

• What activities do I enjoy? Make sure you buy a home in a location that gives you the opportunity to do what you like. Southeast Michigan provides lots of natural scenic beauty.  There are year-round outdoor activities and sports for an active lifestyle.  In the summer you can go boating and fishing on local rivers and lakes.  Oakland County has many public and private golf courses:  Just click on my Community Guide to find golf courses in the community of your choice.  Winters are great for skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice hockey, ice skating…and much more. 
• Will my family be able to visit me? Your children and grandchildren will want to visit you after you move. They also need to be able to reach you easily in the event of an emergency. When you buy Southeast Michigan real estate you’ll be close to the Detroit Metropolitan International Airport, local bus transportation, and AMTRAK train stations.
• Do I like the area year-round? Unless you plan to split your time between two homes, you need to make sure you like the area year-round. Oakland County in Southeast Michigan offers many social and cultural activities throughout the year for your enjoyment.
• Can I afford to live here? Check the cost of living and government taxes to find what works best with your retirement budget.

Are you planning to move after you retire? Lee Morof can help you find and buy Southeast Michigan real estate that will meet your unique needs.  Learn why Lee is not your Typical REALTOR®. If you’re interested in finding out more about Southeast Michigan homes for sale, call Lee at 248-514-2640 or email info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com today!

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