Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

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