Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

“Buyer’s market” means that the buyers have the upper hand; there’s more supply than demand. When it comes to selling your home, it’s safe to say that you’re competing in one of recent history’s toughest real estate markets.  This is a true buyer’s market, where supply far outweighs demand. So how do you go about selling your home in these conditions?

Interview Southeast Michigan Real Estate Agents
Don’t pick an agent based on looks. An agent who drives an expensive car may very well just be someone who lives beyond his or her means. Instead, create a list of the top Southeast Michigan real estate agents in the area and interview them. Ask:

• About their experiences in selling homes in your area this year and last year – not in years gone by

• What they’d recommend to make your home more marketable

• How they would market your home

If, after interviewing, there is more than one with excellent experience and great marketing plans, choose the one you feel most comfortable working with.

Fix it up
While interviewing, Southeast Michigan real estate agents will look at your home (otherwise, how could they answer two of your questions?). They may tell you that your home is out of date. They may tell you that the cracks in the wall don’t “add character” to the house. No, neither does the wild 70’s style carpeting in the living room.

You might even take an extra step and hire a home inspector to get a better idea of any issues.

Then, build a list of needed home improvements – and then improve. If you need to hire a contractor, again, interview!

Set a good price
These days, most buyers want the deals, and some are willing to compromise on interior decorating in order to get them. Sit down with your agent; find a high and a low selling price. Set the best price you can afford based on what homes are going for in the area, and be willing to negotiate.
The worst things you could do are hire a poor agent, leave your home repairs up to the buyer and overprice your home. Follow the three simple tips above and you’ll get your “Sold!” sign!

If you’re ready to sell your home, 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

Many home buyers walk into prospective homes for sale in Southeast Michigan with an “as is” attitude. They fail to consider that the home sellers may be willing to make repairs or updates in order to get the home sold.

This isn’t hard to understand. Most people do not buy homes for sale in Southeast Michigan frequently so they aren’t familiar with exactly what they can and cannot ask for. A home isn’t like a car that you might purchase new every few years, or clothes that you shop for all the time and know how to investigate, compare, and price appropriately.

This lack of knowledge is possibly the best reason for seeking the help of a qualified professional REALTOR®. They handle home purchases daily and can help you with what to watch out for, what price to pay and what you can and can’t haggle over.  They’ll even handle the negotiations for you.

Let’s get back to repairs, updates or price reductions you may want to have your agent negotiate for you:

• Electrical Wiring: Especially in older homes for sale in Southeast Michigan the wiring is likely to be old, outdated or even hazardous. Make sure you have the wiring thoroughly inspected. This is not a cheap fix.  If there are problems, they should be solved before you purchase, or you should be offered a greatly reduced price to reflect the cost to you of replacement. This is a very important item and even if you accept a price reduction do not be tempted to simply enjoy the extra cost benefits without using it to make the needed repairs. Bad wiring is a fire hazard that can destroy your purchase, not to mention be fatal if not fixed.

• Breaker Boxes: Older homes may still have fuse boxes. These are very outdated and some may even use types of fuses that are hard to find. While updating an old fuse box to a breaker switch box isn’t extremely expensive, it should be done by a qualified electrician. This is something that should be done before you buy. It isn’t worth asking for a price reduction, but it also isn’t something you should have to deal with when you move into your new home.

These are just a couple of negotiable items to think about when you look at a prospective purchase.

If you would like more information on things to consider when viewing a home, I can help. Contact 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 you begin your search for the perfect house it usually starts with a search for the perfect Southeast Michigan real estate agent. A good agent can help you with every aspect of buying a home.

They know the proper price ranges, what properties are available that match your needs and all of those pesky legal details required for closing. Your Southeast Michigan real estate agent will keep things moving and make sure deadlines are met and everything goes smoothly.

Here are four tips to help you choose a real estate agent: 

Meet Them Face to Face

Perfect harmony should be as instantaneous as love at first sight. You simply know you hit it off with someone, or you don’t. Don’t fight the feelings if you have doubts. Even the best Southeast Michigan real estate agent isn’t going to have a connection with everybody.  There will be one that is perfect for you. Keep looking.

Ask Questions

When you do find a real estate agent you have a connection with, ask questions. There needs to be more than just a friendship between you. Make sure the agent has a real grasp of the area, the types of houses that are available, and seems in tune to what you are looking for.

Assess

Do they listen to your needs?  If they’re not listening to what you want, move on.  Did they answer your questions thoroughly?  If they were unable to answer your questions or purposely avoided answering any of your questions, this is not the right agent for you.

Answer Their Questions

Your Southeast Michigan real estate agent will have plenty of questions for you too. They want to be sure you can afford a new home. Don’t be offended by what may seem like personal questions. They need this information in order to give you the best advice.

I’m not your typical real estate agent because I’m also a licensed real estate lawyer.  If you’re searching for your perfect real estate agent, I’d be honored if you’d interview me for the job.  Call me today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com to schedule a face-to-face meeting.

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

Buying a home is often considered one of the most stressful things you will do in your life.  Unless you’re a real estate investor, you will most likely experience home buyer stress.

You can help your Southeast Michigan real estate agent find you a home, and successfully close the deal, if you are as prepared and knowledgeable as possible. Here are a few tips to help you be ready and make your transition as painless and stress free as possible.

Have all of your financial records in order. This includes:

• Income records: You usually need two recent pay stubs. If you are self-employed, it will get trickier.  Want to be even more prepared?  Get pre-approved for your mortgage.
• A clean credit report: Make use of those free credit reports and check for errors, outstanding debts, and a high debt-to-income ratio.  If you find any errors, it’s worth your time to get them fixed prior to applying for a loan or searching for a home.
• Know what you want: As unusual as that seems, not knowing specifically what you need and want in a new home can prolong the search and have you and your agent running in circles trying to find the right home. Price is only one of the considerations. Know how many bathrooms and bedrooms you need. If there are specific amenities you desire, let them be known.  Don’t wait until you’ve traveled all over the countryside looking at homes to tell your Southeast Michigan real estate agent you absolutely must have a sunken tub.

Read up on everything you can find that will help you understand the options available to you and what you need to get financing and you will be your own best asset in finding the perfect home. Making your Southeast Michigan real estate agent work smarter, not harder, is the way to a beneficial arrangement for you both.

If you’re looking for the home of your dreams, 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

Every year I order the results of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Survey of Home Buyers and Sellers. I am particularly interested in How the Buyer Found His or Her Home in the last year because that determines where my marketing efforts will go to sell the homes that I list.

Because the numbers pertaining to open houses are so dismal, it is no longer a category in the survey results. I do understand that open houses were more successful before personal computers and the internet but now, approximately 90 percent of buyers begin their home search on the internet. Thirty six percent will find their home on the internet, another thirty six percent will find their home through the help of a Realtor, twelve percent from a yard sign and six percent from a friend, neighbor or a relative. That covers ninety percent. Another five percent, will purchase new construction from a home builder or the builder’s agent.

So why do some Realtors continue to do open houses? I find that generally two types of Realtors continue to do open houses despite the numbers.

1. The first category is the Realtor who has not adapted to the internet. He or she refuses to accept that it is here to stay and plans to retire in the next few years, so why bother?
2. The other category is the new and inexperienced Realtor.

Both categories of  Realtors have just a few listings and hope to acquire some buyers from the open houses. The reality is that qualified buyers who are looking for a home such as the one listed by the Realtor will find it from the top sources listed above and either call the listing agent or have his or her own Realtor schedule a showing

Open houses are also a HUGE security risk for the sellers and the Realtor. We all have been notified by our Boards of murders, robberies, rapes, etc. that have occurred at open houses. Let’s face it. A Realtor has no control over who is coming through the door at an open house. By doing so, you are leaving the door wide open to those who have motives other than buying a house. Besides those who intend to do harm to a Realtor, you invite nosy neighbors, people looking for free food or a bathroom, and burglars to see what the seller has inside the home for him to take when no one is home.

At every list appointment that I have, I advise the seller prospects about the facts of open houses. Almost all of them, after being given the facts,, respond with “That’s great. We were worried that you would want to do open houses and we are not comfortable with idea.”

Since I have been doing this in listing appointments, I have never had a seller insist that I do open houses. If I do, I will pass on the listing. A seller who refuses to accept the facts, will probably be difficult when it comes to the many other things that come with selling a home such as pricing, taking care of the home, etc.

I sell approximately 85% of the homes that I list. I am not a “mega” lister. I am interested in the quality of the seller and his or her home they want to sell and its price. When other Realtors are doing open houses, I am doing things that are much safer and productive like showing homes to buyers who contact me through the internet or yard signs or just having some me time.

If you’re thinking about selling your Southeast Michigan real estate, give me a call at 248-514-2640 or email info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com for more information.

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

Selling a home isn’t easy, especially now.  Yet some homeowners believe they can stick a “for sale” sign in the ground and have the house off the market within a few days. 

While FSBO (For Sale By Owner) sales do occur, four out of five homeowners still use a Southeast Michigan real estate agent in Oakland County.  Why?  Because selling your home on your own is hard work, and even more importantly, statistics prove that real estate agents get homes sold faster and for more money than FSBOs. 

If you’re not sure what you should do, here are a few things to think about:

FSBO
Sometimes, for sale by owner purchases are a good deal for the homeowner.  That doesn’t mean you should just jump in, however.  FSBO might be a good thing for you if:

1. It’s a seller’s market 
2. You don’t care how long it takes
3. You are unwilling to pay the typical Southeast Michigan real estate agent commission
4. You have a good attorney who can keep you protected for the legal aspects
5. You have the time to learn how to do it, answer the phone and provide open houses
6. You’re comfortable negotiating
7. You’re confident you can price your home correctly

Real Estate Agent
Although you will have to pay your agent a commission, there are some definite benefits to hiring one:

1. A good agent can help you price your home correctly.
2. They have an abundance of resources to help find buyers, get the best price and get your home sold.
3. They make sure the potential buyer can actually afford it.
4. They’re good at negotiating and aren’t emotionally invested in the sale.
5. If for no other reason, they’re interested in getting the highest price possible because of their commission.
6. They put in several hours a day, that you may not have available, to get your home sold.
7. They have advertising resources, such as real estate magazines, that you may not be able to touch (or afford).

A Southeast Michigan real estate agent may not be the best way to go for you.  On the other hand, you may not have the necessary information and time required for FSBO.  Before going one way or the other, take the time to really look at both sides and decide which works well with what you expect from the sale of your home.

If you’ve tried to go the FSBO route, and it didn’t work out, or if you know FSBO isn’t for you, 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

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

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

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

“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