Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

Times change but not always for the best.  Consider the change we’ve seen in attitudes toward Southeast Michigan real estate over the last few decades. 

Owners used to love their homes because they were their safe havens.  Many now only worry about whether or not their houses will appreciate enough in value to allow them to refinance to buy luxury vacations in Hawaii or a new car.

What’s your stance on the Southeast Michigan real estate you own or wish to own some day?   Is it a house or a home to you?  There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, simply a varying point of view.

It’s a house if you:

• Bought it because you want to build equity 
• Value it most because of its monetary value
• Worry primarily about it because it might lose some of its value in today’s market
• Appreciate it if it gives you short term profit
• Like the neighborhood because it increases the market value of your property
• Plan to sell when you can make the biggest profit

It’s a home if you:

• Bought it because you want to build a happy life there
• Value it most because of its emotional value
• Worry primarily about it because without it you wouldn’t have a roof over your head
• Appreciate it if it gives you long term profit
• Like the neighborhood because of the people who live there
• Plan to sell when your lifestyle needs change

Personally, I’m nostalgic for the days when a house was called a home because of the love that was inside.

Whether you’re interested in buying Southeast Michigan real estate as an investment or a home, I can help you achieve your goals.  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

If you’ve ever been to a block party, you know it is a great way to gather your neighborhood friends together for some fun. If you’re an owner of Southeast Michigan real estate, you can easily throw a block party everyone who lives near your home will love. Here’s how:

1. Enlist the help of your neighbors. Throwing a block party at your home is a major undertaking, so you will need all the help you can get. Ask other Southeast Michigan real estate homeowners in your community to help you plan, decorate, prepare food, and clean.

2. Get permission. You don’t want your party broken up by the police or fined by the homeowner’s association. Find out from your municipal government if you are required to get a permit for a block party. Follow up with your homeowner’s association and make sure they will allow the block party.

3. Select a theme. Themed parties are easier to plan and more fun for the guests. For example, if you choose a beach theme, you know what colors and accessories to use in the decorations:  anything blue or tan, coconuts, beach balls, and Frisbees. You also know to serve beach foods like hamburgers and hotdogs.

4. Plan a menu and decorate. Keep the menu and decorations simple to prepare and easy to clean. Choose food that can be eaten without utensils, like finger foods and sandwiches. Don’t use elaborate decorations.

5. Have fun. The most important part of your block party is the party itself. Give yourself permission to enjoy the party and the company of your neighbors. Talk to people. Laugh with your neighbors. Participate in any games you play. This is your night to shine.

6. Clean up. If you planned properly and have enough help, clean up shouldn’t be too overwhelming. Make sure the area where you held the party is completely litter-free and looks better than it did before the party. Don’t give your homeowner’s association any reason to prohibit future block parties.

Getting to know neighbors makes life more enjoyable.  Throwing a block party is a great way to accomplish that while also having fun.

Let me help you find the perfect Southeast Michigan real estate in a great neighborhood. 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

You probably will not be surprised to hear that in 2009, on the average, new buyers of homes for sale in Southeast Michigan purchased smaller homes. 

To be exact, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released information showing that the average size of a new home decreased by 40 square feet, from 2,520 square feet in 2008 to 2,480 square feet in 2009.  While 40 square feet may not sound like a lot, it is significant because it’s been 27 years since the average home size fell by that much.

Are You Missing a Bathroom?
This decline in square footage is also noteworthy because 40 square feet is about the size of an average bathroom.  Interestingly, NAHB’s statistics revealed that the number of homes with 3 or more bathrooms fell in 2009, for the first time since 1992.

What’s Fueling this Shrinkage?
There are 4 primary reasons the sizes of new homes are declining:

1. The recession.  People are reconsidering how much home they really need and are looking for ways to save money.  Results of a 2009 survey by Better Homes and Gardens magazine, showed that downsizing is a bigger priority.  Thirty-six percent of homeowners surveyed said they expected their next home to be “somewhat smaller” or “much smaller” than their current home.

2. The small-house movement.  This movement has been gaining steam in the United States for a number of years.  The recession accelerated it and home builders responded by building smaller homes.

3. The prominence of first-time buyers in the housing market.  This is being stimulated by the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. 

4. The increasing number of households with members 55 and older who are buying homes.  Folks over 55 prefer to purchase single-story homes, which tend to be smaller than two-story homes.

Looking for smaller homes for sale in Southeast Michigan? 
If you’re thinking of downsizing, I can help.  Call me now 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

Few questions are more important this time of year for owners of Southeast Michigan real estate than which Christmas tree to buy for your home.  There are some things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect Christmas tree, here are just a few:

Real Or Artificial Tree?
Real Christmas trees require some care; if you’re planning to travel this holiday season, you may not want a live tree.  You must water the tree to make sure that it doesn’t lose its needles before Christmas day.  The live trees are not fire resistant, the dried out pine needles can get too hot from the lights and may burst into flame.

On the other hand, there isn’t any up-keep with an artificial Christmas tree,  and many look quite realistic.  The plastic Christmas trees have an added bonus of being flame retardant.  Then, there’s the convenience of not having to go out in the cold weather to pick the tree out.

For those of you who can’t imagine Christmas without the pine needle smell, you can buy air fresheners that mimic the smell of fresh cut pine.  For some, an artificial tree is the best of both worlds.

How Big Is Too Much Tree?
Now that you’ve decided what kind of Christmas tree to buy, you have to find out how big a tree you can fit in your home.  It could be that the only thing limiting the size of your Christmas tree is your budget; in that case, your decision is easy. 

However, if you’re limited on space, you’ll need to decide the best place to put your tree first.  Try to think of how the area will “frame” your Christmas tree.  Consider how much traffic goes by the area and whether there will be enough room for the presents to stay safe. 

Break out the measuring tape so you don’t have to guess when you’re on the Christmas tree lot; trees look deceptively small on the lot.  Or, if you opted for the fake Christmas tree, you’ll know exactly which box to pick out; just look for the right size.

Want to buy Southeast Michigan real estate, maybe a single-family home or condo that has space for a bigger tree?  I can help.  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

For Southeast Michigan real estate homeowners, winter is almost here and few things are as comforting as the smell of wood burning in the fireplace of their home.  Before you light the first fire of the year, there are a few things you need to do.  Here is the short list for fireplace safety:

Clean Out the Chimney
Everyone wants to get out of the cold weather, including birds and squirrels.  Have a chimney cap installed at the top of the chimney to keep out small animals looking for shelter.  The cap will also keep debris from clogging the chimney.

Have a professional clean out any creosote residue.  Creosote is the build up of carbon from burning wood.  It is flammable and needs to be removed every year.

Creosote is hazardous to your health.  It can cause respiratory problems, so don’t try to clean it out on your own.  Some home improvement stores sell a creosote removal log that you burn in your fireplace, it may clean your fireplace incompletely, so it’s best to go with a professional chimney cleaning company.

Prepare the Surrounding Area
Southeast Michigan real estate homeowners, before you light your fireplace, make sure that the area around your fireplace is free from clutter.  You’ll want to make sure there is at least two to three feet of cleared space around the fireplace. 

Invest in a fireplace screen so that nothing is accidentally knocked into the fireplace.  It will also help to prevent burning embers from flying out.

Each time you get ready use the fireplace, clean out the ashes from the previous fire. 

Light the Fire
First, open the fireplace damper so the proper airflow can occur.  Then, start with paper or kindling placed on top of the fireplace grate.  Use seasoned firewood cut to the right length for your fireplace.  A couple of logs will be enough; you don’t want to add too many or the fire will suffocate. 

Following these fireplace safety instructions can help you enjoy this winter season without worry.  So, if you’re a Southeast Michigan real estate homeowner, feel free to light that fireplace and soon the aroma of burning wood will fill your home.

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

Do you own Southeast Michigan real estate?  Being eco-friendly is an important issue to most people today. Making your home as energy efficient as possible makes sense on many levels, but do you know it makes sense when it comes to federal tax credits too? They’re not small incentives either. These tax credits are another major reason to be serious about going green in your home.

Tax Credits for Existing Homes

Making your home energy efficient will benefit you whether you are planning to stay in your home for years to come or you are considering selling your Southeast Michigan real estate in the near future. Prospective buyers will react favorably to eco-friendly installations.  It will also help move your home faster and get a better price.

In 2009 and 2010, you could get major tax incentives for going green too. When you purchase certain energy efficient items, you may get as much as 30% (up to $1,500) of the cost of the item returned to you as a tax credit.  These items include:

• Energy efficient windows and doors
• Energy efficient insulation (primary use must be for insulation. Items such as insulated siding are not included)
• New Roofs created with Energy Star materials
• Most HVAC products including: central air units, air pumps, furnace for natural gas, propane, or oil, water heaters, main unit circulation fans.
• Geothermal Heat Systems
• Solar Energy
• Biomass Stove
• Wind Turbine System
• Residential Fuel Cells and other Microturbine Energy systems
• Hybrid Cars (hybrid gas, electric, diesel, battery, alternative and fuel cell) May have a much higher tax value between $2,500 and $7,500 based on several criteria

Tax Credits for Construction and New Homes

There are also excellent tax credits for consumers building a new home. These credits are up to 30% of cost on acceptable items with NO limit. These items include:

• Geothermal Heat Pumps
• Solar Panels
• Solar Water Heaters
• Wind Turbines
• Fuel Cells

Protecting your Southeast Michigan real estate, making it more energy efficient, and saving money has always been important, but there has never been a better time to get started.

If you would like more information on how to take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency, 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 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

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

I am a RE/MAX agent with RE/MAX Showcase homes in  Birmingham, Michigan. I sell homes in the North Woodward Area of Oakland County in Southeast Michigan. Michigan is a wonderful place to raise a family. On Saturday January 5th, the snow was perfect for making a snowman. My son and I, at his urging, didn’t  just make one snowman, we made a snow family with two dogs. Enjoy the photo. 

 
Interested in moving to Southeast Michigan?  I’ll help you buy Southeast Michigan real estate that fits your needs.  Call me 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