Lisa Bender - Livingston County Michigan Real Estate Blog

 Metro Detroit Market SummaryYear to Date August 2006 vs. August 2007The chance of selling a home in the next 120 days has actually improved in most markets since last year, more of an indication of fewer homes on the market than more sales, but still a healthy sign. The drastic drop in median ho...

I guess I'm just naturally curious ... I like interactive posts. I enjoy talking with other Realtors about how they run their business and sharing my ideas as well. And what a wonderful outlet for my curiosity ... Active Rain!I call this responsible posting because I think it can help newbies and...

How many designations or certifications does it take to make a good Realtor? Kind of like asking, "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?" Well, not really ... or is it? Realtors have layers ... don't we? We're a multi-faceted profession! I like to think getting t...

We all do ... don't we? Or I am the only pathetic parent/Realtor on this planet using their kids to stir up some attention?Over the weekend, South Lyon, MI had their annual Pumpkin Fest which included a parade as many fests do. Real Estate One always has a spot in the parade and I decided to join...

OK, I've held off long enough ... I have to get some professional pictures taken for my business cards and other marketing material. Anyone have a favorite or suggestions for types of photos to get rather than the old stand by. Not that I'm opposed to that, I will get one of those too. I'm just l...

Since I work in the Michigan market, it's only a matter of time before you're asked to put an offer in on a bank owned property. Here's my question: if we're working for the buyer, how can we present our offers to the bank rather than just the REO Agent? Anyone have any tips on how to best negoti...

Is it me or does it seem like a lot of Realtors just grab a domain name and toss it out there so they can say, "yeah, I have a website!" Don't take offense. I understand. We get our license and turn and run the minute we can sell houses. We want to make money right? But seeing how NAR research in...

I've been getting my feet wet with BPO's and finally starting to see some action (thanks to Clear Capital) after filling out all those online forms for what seems like hundreds of companies. I hope I never have to look up another zip code again! Uggghhhh!!!!So, here's a question to all you season...

Are you one of those agents that put off Con Ed??? Hopefully not ... it's stressful thinking about getting it done. Well, maybe I can help make your Con Ed requirments a little easier. My Managing Broker is offering FREE Con Ed in South Lyon, MI to any non-Real Estate One agents. Did I mention fr...

No, you don't have to be a certain height to sell your home. :-)But, if you've landed here, you must be researching "short sales". A lot of people are beginning to hear these buzz words and most really don't understand it. Don't feel bad, it hasn't been widely publicized up until recently. Some p...