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.

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?