Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person who really likes getting your hands dirty, now is a great opportunity to find a piece of Southeast Michigan real estate you can enjoy.  As an occasional DIYer myself, I know how hard it can be to find that perfect piece of fixer-upper real estate, but here are a few tips on what to look for:

1.  More ground than house – Almost every do-it-yourselfer I’ve ever met enjoyed puttering in a garden and beautifying a yard.  Not only can it be relaxing, but done right it can also up the value of the place if you decide to sell later.  Having a beautified yard increase the value of the property is much easier to do if you have a large amount of ground to work with.

2.  Expansion possibilities – If it’s a small house (or even a large one), estimate how much room there might be for building an extension.  Sunrooms, an extra bedroom, widening small rooms – everything is a possibility if you have the land and skills necessary.

3.  Wear and tear – While you probably don’t want a piece of Southeast Michigan real estate that’s falling down around you, a little bit of wear and tear isn’t bad.  Walls that need to be painted, ceilings that need spackling and little things like this give you plenty of room to get dirty without wiping out your budget.  A warning, however.  Make sure you get a place with a little wear and tear, not a money pit.

4.  Lots of small rooms – Nobody likes a small room.  However, if there are a lot of them, you have the option of being able to knock down non-load-bearing walls to expand.  The nice thing about this is that you can rearrange the inside of the house to fit you.

5.  Sloped ground – While you’ll want flat ground around the Southeast Michigan real estate itself, sloped ground farther out is ideal for building rock walls or terraces without having to buy a lot of backfill.  Done correctly, terraces can make a beautiful, somewhat inexpensive project.  The trick here is to find large rocks from construction sites.

DIY can be a blast and having a house you can turn into a dream house makes the finished product all that more satisfying! 

If you’re looking for that perfect piece of fixer-up property, I can help.  Call me at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com for more information.

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

The Fourth of July is an exciting – and delicious – time of year for owners of Southeast Michigan real estate.  There’s swimming, grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, and, of course, fireworks.  While the lights are pretty and it’s a blast to set them off, a moment of carelessness can ruin a good time.  Following this list of common – and not so common – safety tips will help ensure that you have a safe and happy July 4th.

1.  Get rid of the weeds around your house.  Although most Southeast Michigan real estate homes and condos are well taken care of, a lot of them have a little bit of weed growth here and there.  Making sure the weeks are cut short (less than 3 inches) or destroyed will lower the risk of stray sparks setting them on fire.

2.  Water your roof and the ground around your house.  Stray bottle rockets and roman candles are the culprits of many a house fire.  If you hose down your roof and the ground around your house in a strip about three feet deep before the fireworks start going off, these mindless arsons won’t have a chance.

3.  Keep a bucket of water handy.  As a safety measure, a bucket of water close by can’t be beat.  Many a ground firework has had a stray spark left in it even after the light display is over.  Sprinkling a little water on them when they’re done can stop fires before they start, and lower the chance of little hands getting burned. 

4.  No pointing.  Is there anyone who hasn’t enjoyed a Roman candle war?  Fun as it may be, pointing fireworks at each other is highly dangerous.  Point them toward the sky where they belong!

5.  Only light them once.  If you get a dud, consider it a spent firework and throw a little water on it.  Several people have lost fingers due to trying to relight a firework that didn’t explode the first time.
 
Practicing fireworks safety and a little bit of common sense can go a long way toward Southeast Michigan real estate homes surviving one of the most fire-filled days of the year.  Be safe, and have a happy Fourth of July!

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

Summer is gearing up, and the great summer holidays are right around the corner. From 4th of July picnics and fireworks to Labor Day barbeques, and every sunny day in between, a little preparation can make your Southeast Michigan real estate home a spot for summer fun.

Clean Up the Grill

One of the most popular pieces of outdoor party equipment is the barbeque grill. Over winter, it can accumulate a lot of dust.  Propane tanks may need recharging and even the tires might need filling. If the grill wasn’t cleaned and stored properly, last summer’s leftovers may be hanging on for dear life, and be really hard to get rid of. A good oven spray can help a lot. Spray on a generous amount and let your grill sit in the sun for a few hours before attempting to scrub the food surface clean.

Clean Up the Yard

Clutter is not only unsightly it can also be hazardous. Along with making sure toys are picked up and put away, check for branches that could have been knocked down by storms.  Also check for holes or uneven areas in the grass where a guest could twist an ankle.

Decorate Appropriately

Different holidays have themes that can be used to make your Southeast Michigan real estate home’s yard and patio look its best. For everyday fun in the yard, situate tiki lamps in strategic spots to keep away flies and mosquitoes. Use brightly colored serving dishes, plates and napkins.  You’ll find an amazing array of them at your local discount store.

Invite Friends and Family to Share the Fun

Parties are only as good as the people around you.  When you own Southeast Michigan real estate, you can invite friends and family to make a fun home party even better.  One final tip:  Have plenty of games on hand for all age groups.

If you would like more tips like this, subscribe to my blog.  It’ll only take about 30 seconds, and you’ll automatically receive tips like this in your email about twice a week. 

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

Although the housing market has had its fair share of ups and down, many home buyers, particularly first-time home buyers, are reaping the benefits. Are you thinking about purchasing Southeast Michigan real estate?  If you’re ready to look for a home, there are many good reasons to make your move today.  Here are six of them:

1. Low interest rates – Right now, interest rates are lower than ever before. This means you can get an extremely affordable loan and save big on interest payments.
2. Cheaper home prices – Not only are interest rates low, but homes all around are cheaper. Since the market is packed with homes for sale, selling has become harder. As a result, prices have fallen significantly, allowing you to get a more expensive home for less money.
3. Potential tax credits – As a first-time buyer, you could be eligible for thousands of dollars in tax credits. Best of all, you do not have to pay it back, as opposed to previous years.
4. Less competition – Many people no longer have the money to purchase homes, so fewer people are visiting model homes and open houses. This is great news for you.  If you’re ready to buy a Southeast Michigan real estate home, you don’t have to worry about floods of people bidding up the price on the property.
5. Huge inventory – With new homes constantly being built, not to mention an array of existing homes, you can take your pick from a wide variety of available properties.
6. Big bargaining power – Because so many people are trying to sell their homes, they’re more willing to be flexible. As a buyer, you could greatly benefit and may be able to save on closing costs,  upgrades, repairs and more.  Work with a skilled real estate agent who can negotiate a great contract for you.

If you have the funds to step out and purchase one of the many Southeast Michigan real estate homes for sale, now is the best time to take advantage of all the possibilities.  I’m ready, willing and able to negotiate the best price and terms for you. Call me 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

The new stimulus plan has given many people new hope for their housing futures. At first, many worried that the stimulus package would merely help the banks and other financial institutions and not the actual homeowner looking to buy Southeast Michigan real estate.  But, it has become clear that the people who really win with the new plan are those who count—prospective home buyers.

Stimulus for Banks and Buyers

The stimulus package provides huge tax rebates in 2009, and while that is a limited provision, the savings are enormous for those who get out there and buy a new Southeast Michigan home. The fact that the stimulus plan includes relief for the struggling financial industry also helps buyers by making it more likely they will be able to obtain loans. 

Stimulus for Luxury Properties

The stimulus package gives the two major government mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac more power and allows for larger loans for higher priced properties. That is a big incentive if you’re looking to buy in a major metropolitan area because you will now be able to get a loan secured by Fannie or Freddie.

The economic boost from the stimulus package will require a little time to really become apparent, but it is working, even now.  Slowly the market is rebounding and new home buyers are able to take advantage of loans and tax incentives while getting houses at prices that are extraordinarily low.

If you would like more information on how the stimulus package can help you buy Southeast Michigan real estate, give me a call 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

It can happen to even the best Southeast Michigan real estate for sale. It has great curb appeal and the interior shows well. So, why isn’t it selling? 

Even if your home is the best home in the neighborhood, it can still end up languishing on the market  as others around it sell. So, what can you do to get your home sold?

Check Your Price

Being over priced, even by a relatively small amount, is the most common reason homes don’t sell.  The wrong price can prevent potential buyers from even looking at your home.  Keep your emotions out of the calculations.  Of course, you love your home and think it’s very valuable.  But, you need to look at it as an impartial outsider.  Examine the facts and figures presented by your real estate agent, and take his or her expert advice.  Price isn’t the only factor to consider.

Picture It

Homes marketed with only one or two photos are passed by. The more photos the better, but any old photos won’t do.  You need quality photos.  Consider hiring a professional real estate photographer,  or work with a real estate agent who will get professional photographs for you. 

Promote It Online

These days almost 80% of all buyers start their home search online.  Make sure your home is marketed on multiple websites to get the broadest possible exposure.  In addition to using multiple photos as mentioned above, a great online marketing tool is a virtual tour.  Ask your agent to create a professional virtual tour for your home.

Market it Everywhere

Advertise your home in as many ways and as many places as possible.  Here are a few ideas:

• Colorful flyers
• Home magazine ads
• Postcard mailings
• Emails to other agents and potential buyers

If you would like more information on how to get a stagnant home moving, 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

The Southeast Michigan real estate market is a homebuyer’s dream right now!  Whether you’re looking to buy a new home or to buy investment property, it’s the perfect time.  Home prices are down, which means that well-informed buying could benefit you in the long run.  There are several tips I can offer you on how to get the best price when buying a home:

1. Shop around in the neighborhood where you’re looking to buy.  The only way to know if you’re getting a good deal is to look at home prices in the same neighborhood.  Ask your Southeast Michigan real estate agent for listings that are similar to the homes you’re looking at.  Evaluate the homes and their prices to ensure that you’re getting a good price.  Your real estate agent can help you with this evaluation.
2. Play the negotiator when writing your contract!  One way to try to bring down the price of the home is to offer a lower price on your contract.  Offering a slightly lower price than what the homeowner is asking is a place to start trying to save some money.  If the homeowner is firm on the listing price, you can look to cut costs in other areas.  One way you may be able to lower your cost is by asking the seller to pay your closing costs. 
3. Check how long the house has been on the market.  If a home has been on the market for an extended period, the homeowner is going to be more likely to lower the price.  A house that has not had any offers in a few months gives you, the homebuyer, an advantage.  The homeowner may be willing to lose a few thousand dollars in order to sell the property to you.

Especially now, it’s possible to get a good price in the Southeast Michigan real estate market.  But you’ll need an experienced real estate agent to find the best deals for your mortgage dollars.  I’m not your average REALTOR®; not only am I a licensed Southeast Michigan real estate agent, I’m also a licensed lawyer. 

Let me help you negotiate an excellent price for your new home.  Call me today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com now to get started.

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

Going it alone and listing your home as for sale by owner can be exciting at first, but there is a turning point where the prospect of losing money makes it necessary to bring in help. There are several reasons to change your plan and list your home with a Southeast Michigan real estate agent in order to facilitate a sale.

Speed

If your property has been languishing on the market for more than three months, it is no longer fresh. People will avoid it simply because it hasn’t sold. A Southeast Michigan real estate agent can give your home wider exposure and get traffic moving through it again.

Knowledge

Fresh eyes on a project are helpful in any business endeavor. You can be too close to your home. You love it and see it in a positive light that can often overlook minor items that will kill a sale. Your Southeast Michigan real estate agent can help you see the problems you didn’t even know existed.

National Exposure

As a FSBO (for sale by owner) seller, you are not able to list your home on the official MLS (multiple listing service). That exposure alone can get much faster responses and sales. Additionally, a professional real estate agent markets your home on multiple websites which gives your home a Virtual Open House 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

An Earthly Advantage

Many FSBOs price their homes way over market for two reasons.  First, they love their home and see certain aspects of their home as more valuable than they really are.  Second, they don’t have extensive knowledge of the real estate market nor do they have the ability to do current home price comparisons. You ‘might’ know what your neighbor’s house sold for 10 years ago, but do you know what it is worth now?  And even more important, do you know exactly how comparable your house is to that one? Your Southeast Michigan real estate agent does.

Thinking about selling your Southeast Michigan real estate in the following communities?  I can help!

• Berkley
• Birmingham
• Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township
• Ferndale
• Huntington Woods
• Royal Oak
• Southfield
• Troy

Sellers, I’d love to tell you about my 30-Day Marketing Plan that sells 85% of the homes I list!  

If you would like more information on how a professional real estate agent can help you sell your home, please give me a call at 248-514-2640 or email me now at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com. 

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

Whether you are new to home buying or an experienced home buyer, you should take a minute to read this information before you set out to purchase Southeast Michigan real estate in Oakland County.

Look Before You Leap

Anyone who has bought a home in the past knows how good one can look when you walk through it. Even after you close on the sale and move in, all looks good, for a while. Then you begin to notice the little things. Things you should have known to look for when viewing. Be sure to have your home thoroughly inspected by a professional home inspector. 

Avoid Problems at Closing

Title company issues can put a damper on your closing and possibly cause you to be without a home.  How? Once your current home is sold and the new owners want to move in, you’ll be looking for a place to live until you can get the closing issues resolved.   Or, if you’re renting and your lease is up, you’ll need to get out or sign for another term.  Work with a professional Southeast Michigan real estate agent who can successfully guide you through the home buying and home closing process.  

Avoid First-Time Buyer Mistakes

Beyond the hidden problems of a home there are typical first time buyer mistakes to avoid when looking for Southeast Michigan real estate such as:

• How to estimate the cost of fixing up an older home.
• How to negotiate a better price and terms.
• The burdens of a long commute and how to decide how far is too far.

Buying a new home is fun and exhilarating, if you do your homework first to avoid making costly mistakes.

Whether you just want a recommendation for a professional home inspector or are looking for a new Southeast Michigan home, I can help.  Call me at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com now.  You’ll be glad you did! 

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

There are great incentives for first-time Southeast Michigan real estate buyers. Big tax incentives and money put into the banking and financing industries to give buyers more availability to loans makes now the best time to move when looking for a home. This environment won’t last—exactly. Some of the elements put in place are geared toward a strong future for the housing market, but many of the advantages are only good for now.

Tax Relief

First-time Southeast Michigan real estate buyers, meaning those who have not owned a home or condo in the past three years, are eligible for a big tax break on income taxes. Next year at tax time all buyers have to do is report the new home purchase to get $8,000 dollars back. That’s a big incentive. The drawback is it’s only good for this year. It is retroactive to the beginning of 2009 so even if you have already bought that home you can still claim it, but if you drag your feet hoping for better mortgage financing, or just a better time for your family to get a new home, you will miss out after December 31, 2009.

Affordable Housing

Right now is the time to buy because of prices, too. Thanks to the failings of the housing market, there are tons of homes for sale at prices they would not normally be listed at. If the stimulus plan improves the economy the way it is hoped it will, that won’t last. That brings hope and great news for homeowners, but not great for those who wait to take advantage of the greatly reduced home prices.

Southeast Michigan real estate buyers need to take advantages of all that 2009 and the current real estate market have to offer. There are great deals that will never happen again—hopefully. 

If you haven’t owned a home in the past three years and would like to, as not only a licensed broker and an attorney, I am uniquely qualified to help you take advantage of the 2009 stimulus plan.  Call me at 248-514-2640 or send me an email at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com for more information.

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