Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

Yesterday, I was driving through the city, wondering if a potential buyer was going to show up to look at some Bloomfield Hills real estate I’m showing. I’d had a bad day; the car didn’t want to start, what I’d planned to wear was dirty, I’d run out of milk and so on, and so on. Needless to say, I wasn’t in the best of moods.

As I stopped at a light, grouching because the light would make me late, I happened to look over and see a woman with her daughter. The little girl had holes in her coat, a ragged hat, torn up shoes and a teddy bear missing an eye that she clutched as she smiled up at her worried mother – who had a “Please help” sign in her hands. As I drove on to show the Bloomfield Hills real estate, and further throughout the day, that little girl’s smile stuck with me.

Last night, I came across a news broadcast about a family of five living in a one-room apartment after losing their house and I remembered that little girl. All of this comes down to one thing…

It’s coming up on Thanksgiving, people are searching turkey recipes, decorations are being pulled out… and the current problems in the world make it hard to find something to be grateful for. However, they’re there if you only look.

If you have a home and you’re trying to sell it, it’s understandable that you might be upset if it’s not moving. As hard as it may be, however, remember that at least you have a home to sell.

If you’re looking for a home to buy and you can’t afford the fancy one you wanted but you can afford a slightly smaller one, remember – at least you can afford something.

If you’re upset that your job isn’t paying enough, you’re working long hours or not enough, remember the millions that no longer have a job.

Whatever your problem that may be weighing you down when Thanksgiving rolls around, remember that it truly could be worse. It is worse, for so many people.

I’ll even start the list: I’m grateful for all of my clients. I’m grateful that I have Bloomfield Hills real estate to show and potential buyers that want to see them. For my readers, my friends, my family and my own home… Happy Thanksgiving, and may you always have something to be grateful for!

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

It’s October, which means Halloween is just around the corner. Are you still struggling to come up with great decorating ideas for your Bloomfield Hills real estate? Have no fear; your real estate agent is here to help. Here are a few ideas that will take away your holiday Halloween jitters:

1. Nothing says “Halloween” like twitching fingers, growling werewolves and hovering demon skeletons. Thanks to today’s technology, you can turn your decorations into a hellish wonderland with animated Halloween props. Build a graveyard and have a rocking tombstone or a creeping skeleton to snatch up visitors.

2. Everybody has the standard jack-o-lantern on the front porch. As Halloween nears, they crop up everywhere. This year, try something a little different. There are plenty of pumpkin-carving patterns  available for purchase or for free on the Internet. Grab some bloodcurdling patterns and get to work.

3. Are you throwing a party this year? Add a little fog to your Halloween decorations! Fog machines aren’t near as expensive as they used to be. You can grab one big enough for fantastic, spine-tingling effects for less than $50. Sometimes the extra touches make all the difference, and fog is a great addition

4. Spruce up your doorbell with sinister sound effects and chilling Halloween music. Record-A-Chime™ by Dimango® Carlon® is perfect for just such a thing. Although it’s somewhat expensive at $59.98, you can record whatever sound effect or music you want for any holiday.
 
Each Halloween, people struggle to come up with something different for their Bloomfield Hills real estate home. I hope these ideas help you find your own “something different” and get your creative juices flowing. Have fun, stay safe and happy holidays!

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

As most Bloomfield Hills real estate agents will tell you, remodeling, decorating or repairing your home can go a long way towards getting it sold.  For that matter, it can add value to your property in case you want to sell later – that is, if you don’t choose the wrong places to buy cheap:

1. Windows – Never buy a window based on which one is cheapest.  You want windows that look good, and, as most Bloomfield Hills real estate agents will recommend, you want energy-efficient windows.  During 2009 and 2010, you may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency of up to $1500 when you purchase Energy Star windows.
2. Paint – Paint is one of the biggest places people skimp when it comes to cost, and a big no-no.  Cheap paint may take several coats to look right; those several coats can end up leaving blotches and runs.  In addition, cheap paint has a tendency to peel or wash off under light cleaning.  If you’re going to add painting to your remodeling or repair work, quality is always better.
3. Doors – Whether it’s for a shower or a screened-in porch, the door you choose can make all the difference.  A rickety shower door falling off the railing is a big “don’t buy” sign.  While you don’t want to blow your whole budget, the doors throughout your house should be of quality material.  Likewise, a solid front door adds to the curb appeal and security of your home.  Some exterior doors also qualify for the Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency.  Find out if your exterior door qualifies for an Energy Star Rebate or Tax Credit. 
4. Flooring – Unless it’s expensive carpet on sale, cheap flooring never looks like anything but cheap flooring.  Low cost carpet and wood flooring seldom has high durability and is likely to wear out before you’re ready to replace it again.  Take the time to find quality flooring at a price you can afford – don’t go cheap!

Many Bloomfield Hills real estate agents will push quality, but the biggest point they’ll push these days is – go green!  It may not be the cheapest option, but the benefits in efficiency and property value more than make up for the cost.

Want more tips on remodeling or repairing your home?  Subscribe to this blog.  Two or three times a week, you’ll get information like this automatically sent to your email for free.  Or, if you’re ready to buy or sell, give me a call today at 248-514-2640.

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

If you’re tired of renting but don’t want a huge home to manage, consider purchasing a condo. You can enjoy the benefits of home ownership and leave your renting days behind you when you own Bloomfield Hills real estate.

By owning a condo, you can:

Build equity
When you make payments on a condo you own, you are constantly building equity in the property. With renting, you pay for years and own nothing.

Avoid payment increases
Unlike renting, when you own your Bloomfield Hills real estate condo and have a fixed mortgage rate, you can feel confident that your monthly payments will remain the same. No more surprise rent hikes. You can just sit back, relax and plan your finances around that peace of mind.

Make upgrades
As a renter, you probably never had the pleasure of painting the walls any color that suited your style. Your only choices were white and builder beige. As a condo owner, you have the freedom to do what you want to the interior of your home without worrying about penalties from the landlord.

Break away from landlords
Now’s your chance to escape the watchful eye of your landlord and start living life the way you please. As a property owner, you call the shots. And best of all, you don’t have to be concerned with your landlord selling the property and leaving you without a place to live. Now you can secure your future as condo owner.

There is an array of benefits to owning Bloomfield Hills real estate. All you have to do is get out of the renter’s mindset and step out on your own. You’d be surprised how great you’ll feel once you do.

Search for Bloomfield Hills Real Estate condos (and homes) for sale now!  Or, let me do the work for you.  I’d be happy to send you a list of available properties that meet your criteria.  Just give me a call now 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

When buying a home, of course everyone wants to work with a dynamic real estate agent. But sometimes, it’s hard to know not only what talents you want in a real estate agent but also what you really need. While Bloomfield Hills real estate agents differ, there are five traits you definitely want the agent you choose to work with to embody.

1. Marketing skills – You need to work with an agent who knows the ins and outs of real estate marketing. If you have a house to sell, your agent should know how to market your home both online and offline. If you’re buying a home, your agent should be aware of the latest and greatest homes on the market.

2. Negotiating flair – Once you decide on a property, you don’t want to overspend. A good agent will have the skills to get you the best deal around. With a good negotiator, you can have peace of mind knowing you won’t be taken advantage of.

3. Experience – This is understood. If you’re working with Bloomfield Hills real estate agents, you want them to be experienced. While there are some good people who are just getting started, nothing beats years of on-the-job training. Learn more about Lee Morof and see what sets him apart from other Bloomfield Hills real estate agents. 

4. Good listening skills – If an agent doesn’t listen to exactly what you want, then there’s no way he or she can give you the service you deserve. An agent with excellent listening skills is necessary if you want your goals met.

5. Dedication – No matter how much experience or skills an agent has, it’s essential that you choose someone who is ready to put in the time and commitment needed to get your deal done.

There are many Bloomfield Hills real estate agents from which to choose.  And you’ll want to interview several agents to figure out the one who’s right for you. 

I’d be honored if you’d allow me to interview for the job of representing you as a buyer or seller.  As a licensed real estate broker and lawyer, I can keep you from making a mistake that could cost you thousands of dollars.  To schedule an interview, 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

When looking for property that will be a good investment either as a rental, resale, flip, or even a home that will eventually be worth a great deal more than you originally paid, location is a paramount concern. For the very best in Bloomfield Hills real estate investments, location means more than just being situated in a good neighborhood—it means a location with perks. 

1. Lakefront Property – There is something about a home that sits on a lake that makes it an amazingly popular property. Perhaps it’s the ability to wake up in the morning and have coffee looking out over soothing waters. If you’re looking for one of the very best selling homes, consider lakefront or other waterfront properties.  However, be absolutely sure that the Bloomfield Hills real estate you purchase on a waterfront is built so that it is not going to flood should the waters rise.
2. Gated Communities – Privacy and security are worth their weight in gold—or at least you’d think so considering what people are willing to pay for the peace of mind of knowing their neighborhood is secure.
3. Great Communities in Major Metropolitan Areas – Big cities mean big bucks and lots of need for housing. People living in large cities typically have more disposable income and are willing to pay for the convenience of living in the middle of the action.
4. Rapidly Growing Communities – If you’re lucky enough to know when an area is in a growth spurt, buy investment property there.  Click here to learn more about Bloomfield Hills.

If you’d like help locating the best Bloomfield Hills real estate investment opportunities, I can help. 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

Many people think that Bloomfield Hills real estate agents have it pretty easy. Once they start investigating, however, they find that being an agent is a difficult and time consuming job.

Real Estate Training
All states, including the District of Columbia, require agents to be licensed which requires hours of training and taking tests.

Depending on the state, you need between forty and ninety hours of specific coursework.

Once the coursework is completed, you have to pass the Michigan state exam on real estate law and practice. Generally, an agent will then have to find a real estate broker to work with.

To become a broker and be able to manage their own brokerage, Bloomfield Hills real estate agents have to gain experience. This means more coursework, as well as a broker’s state exam on real estate law. Only then, can agents work on their own as licensed brokers.

Real estate agents and brokers have to take more courses and another exam approximately one year to eighteen months (depending on the state) after they become licensed, and then every four years. In addition to this, the top real estate agents constantly take courses to stay current on industry rules and regulations and to learn more about specializations such as representing seniors, buyers and sellers.

Nature of the Job Includes:

1. Research – Agents spend a large amount of time learning about the homes in the neighborhoods in which they specialize.  Once they obtain a property listing, they compare the property with similar types that recently sold to figure out the market price for the property.
2. Marketing – A large percentage of an agent’s income is spent on marketing.  They have to pay to market their services as well as market the homes they list for sale. 
3. Negotiating – One of the keys to being a great real estate agent is outstanding negotiating skills.  You must be extraordinarily knowledgeable and talented to successfully negotiate real estate contracts that benefit your clients.  As a licensed real estate broker and real estate lawyer, I’m uniquely qualified to help you find and buy Bloomfield Hills real estate and will help prevent you from making costly mistakes when buying a home.
4. Overtime – There’s no such thing as being paid overtime as an agent, though most successful agents work well over forty hours a week.  They’re frequently on call for their clients, and working weekends is mandatory.

This is just a small portion of what it takes to be a real estate agent who helps people successfully buy and sell homes. 

Are you thinking about buying Bloomfield Hills real estate in Southeast Michigan?  Would you like to work with one of the most successful Bloomfield Hills real estate brokers?  Give me a call now at 248-514-2640 or email info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.   I’d love to hear from you!

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