Now the federal government is suppose to bail-out both the lenders and the home owners who have been irresponsible with their choices so we can attempt to move past this mortgage crisis we're in.  I know that everyone wants to have their "American dream" and own a home.  But banks and mortgages companies have gotten aggressively greedy and have convinced buyers that putting no money down on a house is a safe investment.  And those first time home buyers, many of whom live week-to-week, have fallen for the charade.
We must keep in mind that the "federal government" is you...and it's me!  So, once again, we are suppose to come to the rescue and use our money to help those who are in trouble.  I certainly believe that we should help and that we should help now, however it should be evaluated on an individual basis...not across the board.  Regarding those who make uninformed financial choices, it is not our responsibility to make their mortgage payments for them.  Putting more stringent lending policies in effect for our banks and mortgages companies is a key component for helping the consumer to make good choices.  What do you think?  

$1,750,000.00 5823 Lake Harbor Rd Norton Shores, MI 49441 Beds: 5.0 Rooms: 5 Baths: 4.00 Sq. Ft.: 4284.00 Garage: 2.0 Built: 1994   Enjoy miles of unsurpassed views of Lake Michigan with 140' of low-bluff, private frontage. the 4,300 square foot house is privately and strategically positioned on the property to capture sensational west Michigan sunsets. This is a new listing that I thought you might be interested in. Visit this listing online to see more photos of the property, Google Earth satellite images, and much more.   If you have any questions about this property or require more information, please feel free to call. Hugh Griffith Keller Williams of Grand Rapids 6164435251 www.hughgriffith.net     Visit this listing at Here

Selling your house...or planning to sell?  Don't believe everything you read in the papers or hear on the nightly news.  Yes, from a seller's perspective, it's challenging.  But houses are still selling and there are still buyers willing to pay for the houses they want.  So sellers...listen carefully.  It's ALL about price, condition and location! 

A house in bad condition can be corrected by price.  But even a house in good condition won't be corrected by a bad price.  Look carefully at the comparables, listen intently to the advice of a trusted professional and ask yourself this question: based on the comps, what would I pay for my house if I were the buyer?  

Grand Rapids is experiencing a downtown "revival".  There are new restaurants, new businesses, new office space, new expansions...and simply, a lot more activity.  The large corporations who made major investments in this growth certainly did their "due-diligence" before making their financial commitments.  These investments also have included many new dowtown condos, lofts, etc.  And it certainly made sense.  But now, there seems to be many more "investors" who have jumped on the downtown condo band wagon.  It appears now that anyone finding as much as a run-down empty closet, they have converted it to a downtown, luxury loft condo (with stainless aplliances, of course).  So, it's the old, "supply and demand" story.  And once again, it's a great time for buyers to take advantage of this over supply.

With an increasing number of bank foreclosures, we will continue to see 20% - 30% more inventory through the Multiple Listing Serivce in 2008.  Therefore, we should see another year of incredible values, if you're looking to buy or invest.  And, once again, there's never been a better time to "size-up".  However, if you're "sizing-down", it may be in your best interest to wait until there is a shift in the market.  During a presidential election year, we traditionally experience a certain amount of uncertainty and volatility across the board.  However, once the majority has spoken and a new president is chosen, there has always been a settling of prior uncertainty.  And at that point, the housing market will begin to turn more in favor of sellers.  So, thoroughly analyze your situation, be a student of current market conditions and make prudent decisions.

We've all been there.  We're wanting that new floor in the kitchen but I think I can get it done cheaper than the quote from the flooring expert.  What's not to like: less money AND a new floor.
 
There are so many nightmare stories regarding home improvements done by skilled want-to-be's.  Spend the few extra dollars and/or wait another 4-6 weeks and get the one who has great references and one who is a licensed contractor and is insured.
 
What happens if the job is done incorrectly or it costs thousands more than quoted or if a worker is hurt on your property?  With a licensed, insured contractor...you're covered.  With someone who can "get-it-done-tomorrow" on a shoestring budget, you'll end up with more headaches than you would ever have imagined.

With the increased number of foreclosures in west Michigan, it's not just a problem with the owners!  There are many owners who have rented their properties and have been collecting rent from their tenants. These landlords have not been making their mortgage payments, however they are collecting the money.  What a rip-off for the renters.  Now many people are left homeless and scurrying around to find other places for themselves and their families. 
 
Just like landlords, who require extensive backgrounds on potential tenants, shouldn't renters be given the same courtesy and be able to see a good track-record of landlords who pay their monthly mortgage payments?

Buying real estate?  Are you being represented?  Who's looking after your best interests?  Not too many years ago, when someone was in the process of buying a house, a "hand-shake" meant something.  It meant we had a deal!  It's not true for most anymore.  Our culture has shifted.  Today, it's seller's agents, buyer's agents, dual agents, designated agents, transaction coordinators, attorneys, etc., etc!  And the sellers and buyers themselves often get confused with "who's on first".  In a market like we have, it's so important that both seller and buyer have good, sound, professional representation. For most of us, our houses are the biggest investment that we have.  And, at the end of the day, don't you want to feel like you've bought the best place for the best price?  On the buying side, without representation, you could be leaving thousands of dollars "on-the-table".  On the selling side, a potential buyer might not even be qualified to buy a tent...much less a house. So, when you buy or when you sell...you NEED representation.  What do you think?      

Quite frankly, the real estate market in west Michigan for the fourth quarter has been active...very active. For investors, for first-time home buyers and for those who are "sizing-up", it's never been a better time to buy. And, interest rates continue to remain low.

I've been in this long enough to know whatever kind of market it is...buyers versus sellers...sellers always want more and buyers always want it for less. However, sellers have had a more realistic perspective of the market and have been pricing their properties accordingly. Adjusting your mindset from decorating your house for your lifestyle to staging your property for the market are two, completely different mindsets. In a shifting market, maximizing your properties selling potential is crucial for securing a fair market price for your investment.