LARGE FORMAT PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS  JULY 26 and AUGUST 2 AT HERITAGE PARK   The City of Farmington Hills invites you to learn about large format photography, while enjoying the natural beauty of Heritage Park.  The class will be taught by Jacob Nothstine, award-winning videographer, photographer, and lecturer.   Large format photography is the technique used by the world-famous photographer Ansel Adams.  Class participants will learn about camera parts, types of cameras, operation, lenses, and other special gear needed for success with this style of photography.  Basic photography skills are recommended, but it's not necessary to bring a camera to class.  The class will be held on Saturday, July 26 and Saturday, August 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stables Studio in Heritage Park, located ... 07/25/2008

Farmington Hills is a great place to live and raise a family.  Here one of the community events that City of Farmington Hills is going to put on at the end of the month. STARS IN THE PARK PRESENTS TERRY LEE GOFFEE AS JOHNNY CASH  For fans of Johnny Cash, July 31 will be a very special treat, as the Farmington Hills "Stars in the Park" concert series brings Terry Lee Goffee, known as the "Ultimate" Johnny Cash tribute artist, to Heritage Park for a concert that begins at 7:30 p.m.  Reviewers have said of Goffee that they are "hard pressed to believe" that it's not the real Johnny Cash on stage.  The concert will include all of Johnny Cash's best-known songs. Portraying Johnny Cash in the first person has been a joy for Goffee, who grew up admiring the classic Cash music.  One of his grea... 07/17/2008

Farmington Hills real estate and local information.   At some point in our life we will become more dependent on others, won't want to drive.  We will become those "old people"  Hopefully we will be like the member of Farmington Hills Senior Division.  They are still active and paying their way.  They are giving back to the community.  I hope I become like one of those old people some day.  Come on out and support them and buy a great pie. FIFTH ANNUAL "PIES ON THE GRAND" Come join in the fun at the Fifth Annual Blueberry Pie Extravaganza! Pies will be baked by volunteers and members of the City of Farmington Hills Senior Division at the Costick Center on July 16 - 18 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.  You can purchase the delicious blueberry pies, and also blueberry oatmeal cookies, from July 18 ... 07/08/2008

Happy 35th Anniversary, Farmington Hills!  The City of Farmington Hills is planning to celebrate its 35th anniversary with a bang!  Fireworks will highlight the community gathering planned for Tuesday, July 1 at Founders Sports Park on Eight Mile Road.  City officials will kick off the 35th anniversary celebration with a special program at 8 p.m., followed by live music and then a fireworks display at 10 p.m.   The City got its start as a small Quaker settlement, which was incorporated in 1927 as the City of Farmington.  In 1973, the surrounding township became the City of Farmington Hills.  Today, Farmington Hills is home to many of the world's most advanced technology companies.  The City is known for its high quality of life, beautiful parks, and extensive recreational and cultural p... 06/21/2008

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNER BARBARA BAILEY HUTCHISON IN FREE CONCERT AT HERITAGE PARK JUNE 26  Grammy Award-winning singer Barbara Bailey Hutchison will perform in her folksy and often funny style on Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the City of Farmington Hills "Stars in the Park" concert series.  The concerts, sponsored by Daimler Financial Services, take place in the brand new amphitheatre in beautiful Heritage Park, located at 24915 Farmington Road, just south of Eleven Mile.  The sweet tones of Barbara Bailey Hutchison's voice are recognizable from her many radio and TV commercials.  Her talent goes far beyond commercials, though, as her Grammy Award can testify.  Barbara Bailey Hutchison has appeared at the White House twice; performed in nearly all 50 states, including Alaska and... 06/21/2008

Thrive Festival 2008 in Farmington Hills MI Looking for some family fun that doesn't involve using up a tank of gas?  Well, look no further than Farmington Hills!  Thrive Fest 2008 will be held on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Founders Sports Park, located on Eight Mile Road, just two miles east of I-275.  Thrive Fest is a one-day Family Festival full of music and fun for all ages with 56 different bands playing a variety of styles of music, and well over 20 different activities.  Festival Music & Fun includes: the Detour Disney Show, magicians, a family fear factor; eight different inflatables; a climbing wall; a family game zone;  movie in the park featuring "CARS" hosted by Bob Saks Buick-Pontiac-GMC; Swing Dance lessons from the Farmington/Farmington Hills Mayor's Yout... 06/06/2008

Farmington Michigan June Events Farmington and Farmington Hills are great places to live if you have to relocate to Michigan.  Here are some of the family events that happen in the city. JUNE "ART ADVENTURE" CAMPS IN BEAUTIFUL HERITAGE PARK.   Imagine sending your child not only to an art camp, but instead to an "art adventure" in the gorgeous surroundings of Heritage Park, Farmington MI.  Students taking part in art camps at the Stables Studio not only do hands-on work in the lovely historic building-turned-art classroom, but also hike the park during the week, for photo instruction, storytelling adventures, and much more.  Teachers also love the inspiring setting, and the Cultural Arts Division has been able to draw from the area's best.  Many of the camp instructors also teach at the... 05/31/2008

Metro Detroit real estate, Southeastern Michigan real estate update Weare having a pretty decent spring real estate season.  Many Michigan home buyers are out looking for bargains.  The updated ready to move in homes are selling.  Michigan foreclosures are selling because they are bargains.  Many Michigan foreclosures are getting multiple offers.  There are some bidding wars on some foreclosed homes when the bank price them right. Unfortunately some Michigan homes for sale are still sitting for long periods on the market.  Some of the reasons why these Michigan homes for sale are selling are: Over-priced Not updated In poor condition Wallpaper on the walls No curb appeal Over-priced Over-priced Over-priced Remember to think as a buyer.  Michigan home buyers are not stupid.  They are out... 05/24/2008

Farmington Hills is a located northwest of Detroit in Oakland County.  Farmington Hills, MI (official site) has the biggest poplulation of all the cities in Oakland County.  Many people consider Farmington Hills as an upscale community.  Here is what is happening in Farmington Hills: FHPD Hosts "Cops for Kids" Run  to benefit MDA on Saturday, June 7.  The Farmington Hills Police Department will host its 19th Annual 10K and 5K Run/Walk for Muscular Dystrophy on Saturday, June 7 at the Orchard Ridge Campus of Oakland Community College in Farmington Hills.  Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the run begins at 9 a.m. The event includes a 10K race, a non-competitive 5K run, and a free one-mile fun run for kids.  The $20 entry fee includes a t-shirt, food, drinks, and a donation to the Muscula... 05/19/2008

This is an article written by Pat Gage and reposted by Mark Maupin.  Pat has helped many members of my network obtain business lines of credit and financing for various business ventures.  I highly recommend everyone check out his website and see what he has to offer to all entrepreneurs...   One of the most common business mistakes I see many small business owners and entrepreneurs make, is commingling their business and personal finances. The result can often be catastrophic. And for the most part, small business owners aren't even aware of the implications. How so? Glad you asked.             In a word, "credit". In two words, "bad credit". This phenomenon usually manifests itself when the business owner applies for credit to buy a car, or even get a mortgage. That's when the big, re... 05/11/2008

Federally Regulated and Government Insured Program Designed for Seniors age 62 and overReverse Mortgages are an excellent way to access the equity in your home to pay off your existing mortgage and enjoy the peace of mind with a financially secure retirement.  You can use the proceeds any way you wish.  Maybe you need to make home improvements to your home, consolidate debt, pay for medical expenses, or simply to add to your present retirement income.Under a reverse mortgage, you continue to own your home, with no monthly payments.  This program, guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration and funded by Fanny Mae, is a safe solution for your needs.  With this FHA regulated program you are entitled to receive free independent counseling.Available Cash Based on Home ValueHome Value$1... 05/01/2008

Farmington Hills Michigan Events and HappeningsFarmington Michigan and Farmington Hills are suburbs of Metro Detroit in Oakland County.  The cities lie about 25 -30 minutes northwest of Downtown Detroit.  If you are relocating to Michigan or  looking to buy Metro Detroit Real Estate these cities are great areas to look when buying a home.Farmington Area Fun Walk: For Meals and Wheels                                                                                                       Everybody grab your tennis shoes and a family member and join the fun!  The City of Farmington Hills Senior Division will host the Fifth Annual Fun Walk on Saturday, May 17 at 9 a.m. in beautiful Heritage Park located on Farmington Road between Ten and Eleven Mile.Proceeds from this year's walk will provide... 04/30/2008

If you are one of the thousands of people across the country trying to keep pace with your mortgage payment and are ready to throw in the towel.   DON'T THROW IT IN YET!  Call your mortgage lender or bank.  Talk to them about your problems and see if they will work with you.  If your home is like Metro Detroit Real Estate you may have trouble trying to refinance.  Many Metro Detroit homes have lost 20- 40% of their value in the last few years.  Some areas in California and other states are the same way.SOME BANKS ARE WILLING TO WORK WITH YOUBE NICE (they are just doing their job too)(they are somebodies wife or mother)ASK THEM TO FIX THE RATEASK THEM TO LOWER THE RATEASK THEM FOR A MORTGAGE REDUCTIONBE FORCEFUL, keep asking!TELL THEM THE TRUTHIF YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GIVE THE HOUSE U... 04/25/2008

Sunday, April 27th is around the corner and if you've been thinking about checking out any open houses, now is the time.The Big Open House promises a record number of homes and condos being held open. Visit their website to search for properties, plan and map your tour, then check out buyer tips and resources.Three of our properties will be held open, including:1177 Penniman in Downtown Plymouth (W of Main/N of Ann Arbor Trail) 2112 Lujon in Farmington Hills (N off 8 Mile/West of Halstead) 19661 Northridge in Northville (N off 7 Mile/West of Haggerty) We'll be open from 1-4 PM and we'd love to see you, so stop by and say 'hi'. 04/25/2008

Here are some events coming up in Farmington Hills Michigan  12 ANNUAL ICE SKATING SHOW  The Farmington Hills Ice Arena and the Farmington Hills Figure Skating Club are proud to present the Twelfth Annual Ice Show on Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 10 at 4:00 p.m. The show will take place at the Farmington Hills Ice Arena located on Eight Mile Road between Halsted and Farmington Roads. This year's show, "A Skating Night at the Movies," features talented skaters, great entertainment, and fun music.  The Figure Skaters, Fantasia Synchronized Teams and the Learn-to-Skate students will all perform to hit movie tunes.  Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and children five and under are free.  Tickets may be purchased at the Ice Arena or the Costick Center or ... 04/22/2008

Farmington Hills  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 21112 Lujon this Sunday, April 27th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Conveniently located just north off 8 Mile in popular Meadowbrook Hills, this home offers over 3,000 square feet of living space on nearly .75 acres of property. This is just one of hundreds of homes being held open during The Big Open House. The event promises to be the biggest open house day in Michigan history. Property information 04/21/2008

Farmington Hills City-Wide Open HouseSunday, May 18, 2008Here is a good family outing for the family.  Free, close to home (save on gas), educational, and fun!  The Fourth Annual Farmington Hills, Michigan City-Wide Open House will be held on Sunday, May 18 from noon to 4 p.m. on the City Hall campus at the corner of Eleven Mile and Orchard Lake Roads.Learn about Farmington Hills Police department, Farmington Hills Fire Department, and other City departments at this FREE event.  Highlights include:Fire engines, police cars, and DPW trucks Tours of Police Headquarters, Fire Headquarters, and 47th District Court SWAT, Kasper the K-9 Police Dog, and fire safety demonstrations Moonwalk, games, prizes, and food Musical entertainment from local choirs and dance groups Free shuttle bus from th... 04/10/2008

Kendra Pack is the Expert who can Answer all Your Questions regarding this Special FHA Mortgage Equity Program  Q:  What happens to my house when I pass away?A:  If your spouse is also listed on the title to your home, he/she will be able to continue residing in the home and receiving the benefits of the reverse mortgage.  If you do not have a surviving spouse, all equity remaining in the home will pass to your heirs. Your heirs can choose to sell the house or keep the home and apply for a traditional mortgage to finance the outstanding balance.  In that situation, the lender will work with your heirs to help them decide how to proceed. Q:  Will I continue to own my home?A:  Yes.  You still own your home since you retain the title.  Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation can set a... 01/13/2008

Ask Real Estate Expert and Mortgage Specialist, Kendra Pack, about FHA Mortgage Programs  FHA loans feature plenty of flexibility, including: Low investment of 3% (down payment or down payment plus closing costs)The option to utilize gift funds from family members or close friend with a clearly defined and documented interest in the borrower.Less money out of pocket at closing; add your closing costs to the loanAdjustable rate loans with lower starting interest ratesLoans for those with less than perfect credit   Call Kendra Pack at 248-538-7474 to learn which program is right for you.  Visit our website at http://bloomfieldreal.com/     Kendra Pack, licensed real estate broker and mortgage loan officer, with over 15 years experience, has assisted many people in the following areas: Oak... 01/13/2008

Seniors can Purchase a 2-Unit Property, Have No Monthly Payment, and Use Rent from Other Unit to Supplement Income  Bloomfield Financial Services is offering an excellent program for seniors.  If you are 62 years or older, we can get you into a 2-unit property.  Renters are welcome to apply for this program.   The reverse mortgage is a program unlike the traditional mortgage to purchase a home.  Under a reverse mortgage, you do not make payments and you do not need income to qualify.  You retain title to your home while the property is pledged to the lender as security for the loan.  You continue to pay the taxes, insurance and any other costs that might create a lien on the property.   Call Kendra Pack at 248-538-7474 to learn more reverse mortgages for seniors.  This program can chang... 01/13/2008