How will home improvements affect the value of my home in today's declining market?  This is a good question and well worth your careful consideration if you are planning to make improvements to sell your home.  One question to ask when determining the value of a home improvement project is, "Would the average purchaser complete the project when they buy a home of this type in this location?"  If the answer is yes, then chances are you will recover the cost.  If not, then you are not increasing the value by completing the project.   Consider the area the home is located in.  For example, a nice in-ground pool with a surrounding deck is not a good investment if your home is located in an area where the summer season is very short.  A sunroom or gazebo with a hot-tub is not a good idea if... 10/05/2008

It is incredible how many different types of adhesives there are available today.  Just go to your local hardware store and you will most likely find an entire aisle stocked with hundreds of different types of glues and adhesives.  There are many different kinds for bonding various materials.  I would have to write a full length book to cover them all.  In this article, I'm going to cover two types that every handyman should carry a supply of.   Construction Adhesives   There is a wide range of adhesives commonly used in building and renovation homes and commercial buildings.  You can find products in any hardware store that are labeled "construction adhesive", but in this article, I'm referring to a certain class of adhesives that have certain characteristics, including:   Available in... 10/05/2008

The Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk came through Plymouth last Saturday and Kellogg Park was awash in a sea of pink. Even the fountain was flowing pink in honor of those whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. More than 3,000 participed in the 3-Day, 60-Mile walk to raise money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Starting the trek in Farmington Hills on Friday the 26th, participants came through Plymouth on Saturday. According to the official website, Plymouth residents and business owners turned out to cheer on and support the walkers. The Walk ended on Sunday with celebratory Closing Ceremonies at The Henry Ford. 10/02/2008

This Sunday, October 5th, the 13th Annual Great Lakes Regional Chili Cook-off and Motorcycle Show returns to Downtown Plymouth. Participants can compete in the red chili, green chili, or salsa competition. Winners from each category will move on to the 2009 World Championship Chili Cookoff next Fall. More than 15 restaurants will be competing in the Restaurant Chili Challenge where attendees will judge who serves up the best chili. The chili sampling will be held in The Gathering across from Kellogg Park. Besides lots of great chili, the streets will be filled with motorcycles, live entertainment, and Kid's activities. Proceeds from this year's event support the Western Wayne Habitat for Humanity. Update: Plymouth's Chili Cook-off Serves Up Crowds 10/02/2008

Last weekend was the 53rd Annual Plymouth Fall Festival. For the entire weekend, Downtown Plymouth was transformed into a car show-carnival-entertainment-eating extravaganza. Even though it rained early Sunday, the event culminated under sunny skies with The Rotary Club's Chicken BBQ. An amazing 12,000 chicken dinners were prepared and served. If you've never attended this wonderful community event, be sure to check it out next year! 09/09/2008

Plymouth Michigan Events Tomorrow is the last day for Plymouth Michigan's Fall Festival.  Located right in the heart of Plymouth Michigan around Kellogg Park the Fall Festival draws thousands of people from Metro Detroit.  The festival was set up to be a fund raiser for various non-profit groups in Plymouth.                                                They raise money for sports teams, the junior or sophomore class, the polish dancers, the Rotary Club.  They get a food vendor and pair them up with a local civic group that want to raise money for their cause.  Like the Plymouth High School tennis club I believe does the lemonade stand.  The kids on the team or organization help make the food or lemonade and work the food stand.  They then get a cut of the profits.  Sometimes they rais... 09/06/2008

 Plymouth Michigan Real Estate information Plymouth Links City of Plymouth Official Site   Plymouth Canton Schools Plymouth High School Plymouth Parks and Recreation My City of Plymouth info site Plymouth Township Official Site Other Plymouth Subdivisions Plymouth Police Plymouth Public Library  Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Plymouth Old Town VillagePlymouth Historical MuseumRelated Links State of Michigan Oakland County Wayne County Livingston County Washtenaw County City of Novi Official Site Huntington Park subdivision Huntington Park has approximately 166 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1998 - 2006.  The homes are mostly Colonial and Cape Cod style homes.  Most of the homes have brick exteriors & brick/vinyl & brick/wood exteriors, 3 + car garages, 3-4 bedrooms... 09/05/2008

Now that September has arrived, Plymouth's Fall Festival is just around the corner. Celebrating its 53rd year, this weekend's Fall Festival kicks off Friday night with Bingo in the Gathering and a TasteFest. With over 20 local restaurants participating, the TasteFest festivities at Station 885 will have lots of great food and entertainment. From Friday through Sunday, the streets will be lined with community and business booths, plus a variety of food booths sponsored by local organizations. There's something for everyone with antique and classic cars on Saturday and Sunday, a Sunday morning 5K Fun Run, and Carnival rides and games. Special events include the Saturday morning Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Rotary Club's Spaghetti dinner on Saturday evening and their signature Chicken BBQ f... 09/03/2008

The Plymouth Historical Society has created a virtual photo library of images created by early Plymouth resident Charles Draper. Through photographs, postcards, negatives and glass plate negatives, Draper captured images of Plymouth life and real estate from 1890-1930. With more than 500 images, the collection presents a glimpse into what life was like in Western Wayne County as the area transitioned from the horse and buggy days into the 20th Century. Visit the Plymouth Historical Society Museum to view a special exhibit of the inaugural ball gowns of presidential first ladies, now through November 5, 2008 Image courtesy of the Plymouth Historical Society. 08/19/2008

If you've been on the fence about whether or not to buy your first home, NOW is definitely the time--before October 1st! The Mortgage Relief program recently passed by Congress goes into effect on that date and eliminates downpayment assistance programs. In fact, many mortgage lenders have already eliminated the option in anticipation for the October 1 deadline. After that date, the only assistance buyers will be able to get is through their family or friends in the form of gift funds. Another perfect first time buyer option ends September 30th. Any HUD home purchased by an owner occupant buyer is eligible for $2,500 towards expenses and $100 downpayment options on most homes. Plus, the advantage of a HUD home over a bank-owned home is that your offer will be competing against other ow... 08/17/2008

Should you hire a contractor or do it yourself?   Often a contractor's fees to handle small projects can be prohibitive. A handyman, who makes a living from small remodeling projects, is often a better alternative.   Once the handyman is on site, moving from one small project to another is cheaper than having them come back two or three different times.   Americans are busier than ever. That often means they are too busy to handle the simple home improvement projects a house needs from time to time.   But before going out and hiring a general contractor to repair a hole in drywall or to paint a room, homeowners should consider an alternative - a local handyman or handyman service. With the boom in home remodeling, it's often difficult to find a contractor who has time to do small projec... 08/09/2008

HandyPro Specializes in Taking Care of To-Do Lists    Plymouth, Mich. - They began as a local handyman service, HandyPro Handyman Service, Inc. of Plymouth and they are expanding, opening franchises across the US.  With the success of shows such as "Trading Places" and ever-growing to-do lists, it's no wonder HandyPro was featured among the Top Low Cost Franchises of 2003 in Entrepreneur magazine's "Be Your Own Boss." annual edition.   "We specialize in taking care of people's to-do lists," said Keith A. Paul, president of the company.  "In today's microwave society, people are so busy that they don't have time to fix a squeaky door anymore."   Keith and Debra Paul started HandyPro in 1993 as a referral service for home improvement contractors. Having received so many calls they couldn'... 08/09/2008

I see so many real estate agents and Realtors send out the worst newsletters.  Marketing is all about getting people to read your info instead of throwing it out.  Many Realtor newsletters will show a few listings and put a short blurb about something in their newsletter.  Or that they sold 13 million dollars last year.  But what does that mean to the consumer?  What are you giving your client? I send out a homemade newsletter.  It is a little hokey but is like my blog.  It is about me, about the area, and about things people want to know about.  Mine takes time and I only send out 4 a year but the response I get from it is incredible.  Whether I am at a party, or wedding I get people coming up to me and my wife telling us that they love my newsletter.  I remember at one wedding I had n... 08/07/2008

Plymouth, MI What a great place to visit There's always something going on in Downtown Plymouth Michigan! This weekend, the fun begins on Friday night when Paul King's Rhythm Society takes the stage at 7:00p.m for the free Friday night Music in the Air concert series in Kellogg Park. This 16 piece band specializes in true vintage swing music.   Condos that overlook Kellog ParkSaturday is Kidpalooza! in Downtown. Children ages 6-12 are invited to explore Downtown through a fun treasure hunt with games, activities & prizes! Registration begins in Kellogg Park at 10 a.m. The event lasts until 4:00p.m. and participation is free. Plymouth's Farmer's Market is Saturday from 7:30a.m - 12:30a.m. at the Gathering next to Kellogg Park on Penniman Avenue. Find fresh, locally produced vegetables, f... 08/01/2008

 I got an email the other day.  Here is what it said: I am wanting to relocate to Michigan and basically start over. I am looking for information on buying my first Michigan home and any other programs that might help with my Michigan relocation. My credit is poor. I am setting a goal to move later in the year or beginning of next. Once I find a good job out there and get my living situation together, I'm out of here. If you could help me with any information you can along with mortgage information, I would greatly appreciate that. I replied to them and then realized that this could help many people out there.  Here is what will help this family get back on the path to home ownership.  The main key now is to get your credit back on track.  It is impossible to buy a home with out decent ... 07/30/2008

Plymouth Township, Michigan Wayne County  DEQ and Goodwill Industries have partnered to bring electronic waste collection to Plymouth Township, MI this Saturday,  July 26 from 8 am - 12 noon.  RECONNECT is a comprehensive electronics recovery, reuse and environmentally responsible recycling program offering free drop-off recycling and reuse options for unwanted electronic items.  Only the following items will be accepted:  -  Computer monitors and CPU's (main computer) -  Keyboards & Mouse Devices -  Printers, Copiers, Fax Machines -  Cell Phones   NO boxes, manuals or software will be accepted.  Time:  8 am - 12 Noon Place:  Compuware Arena and Drive-In, 14900 Beck Road Date:  Saturday, July 26th  For additional information, call  (734) 326-3936.  For large quantities, please call (313... 07/25/2008

While we've continued to see values decline, activity is up year to date with Wayne County posting the largest increase in June according to the Detroit News. In fact, for the sixth straight month this year, the number of homes sold increased 13.1% over 2007 in June according to an article in Crains Detroit Business. However, there has been a lot conflicting press, particularly when it comes to recent sales. Karen Kage, President of Realcomp, our local and Michigan's largest Multiple Listing Service, clarified the reason for this in a recent Detroit Free Press article saying the MLS data is more readily available as it can take between 30-90 days for county governments to count a sale. Those of us out on the housing front have noticed many of the properties we call on to make appointme... 07/20/2008

I jumped into real estate with both feet just as the waters began to recede. When I got my license in March of 2005, prospects for real estate sales in Michigan were becoming increasingly pessimistic.  I distinctly remember the advice of a veteran builder and broker with 20 years of experience telling me, "This is the perfect time to get started.  You won't be spoiled by any easy deals."  I loved the positive spin and humor.  Yet, the irony was not lost on me.  His words have shaped my approach to this business. This current buyer's market has taught me not to stand on the shore but to swim out to where the buyers and sellers are.  Between my experience and course work, I have recently earned a new status as Associate Broker at Remerica Hometown One.  This allows me to provide my client... 07/14/2008

Celebrating its 29th year, Plymouth's Art in the Park kicked off today and runs through Sunday, July 13th. Dubbed one of the "Gems of the Great Lakes" by AAA Magazine, Art in the Park features more than 400 artists. Come for the art, enjoy the food, check out the entertainment, and savor the sunshine. And don't worry about fighting for a parking spot...catch a shuttle that delivers right to the heart of Plymouth. Here's a preview of this year's event. Make a Smilebox slideshow 07/11/2008

Art In The Park, an annual art fair in downtown Plymouth that fills the streets with art vendors, great food, and music. Stay tuned for a photo journey of the work of my favorite artists after this weekend. According to the website, in its 25-year history, Plymouth Art In The Park has grown to become the second largest art fair in Michigan. Held every year in July, this three-day event assembles over 400 artists from all over the country who display their work to nearly 200,000 attendees. This art, music and food extravaganza was voted one of the "Gems of The Great Lakes" by AAA magazine, as well as #14 in the USA and #3 in MI among the top 200 art fairs in the country by America's Premier Show & Festival Magazine. Join the action July 11, 12, & 13. Free shuttle service are stationed a... 07/10/2008