Once or twice a year I have a buyer client that wants to rush the closing, this always causes problems.  Those closing always either go wrong or get the clients even more upset.  Here is what happens in the closing process for your Plymouth home.   Once you have all your mortgage documents in, the appraisal done we wait for the mortgage underwriter to review the documents and find out if they need anything else from you.  Once the bank approves everything they issue a clear to close.  Nothing can be done for closing under your mortgage company issues the clear to close.   Once the lender issues the clear to close, then the title company will allow us to schedule the closing on your Plymouth home.  I call you, the listing agent, and the title company.  I try to figure out a time that is ... 10/13/2011

In the past year 4 Maple Croft subdivision homes sold (Plymouth, Michigan). On average these homes were on the market for 53 days. These Maple Croft subdivision homes range from colonial and cape cod homes at 1500 to 2700 square feet and ranch style homes between 1500 and 2700 square feet. Maple Croft subdivision homes are a part of approximately 93 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1941 - 2007.  Maple Croft subdivision is located between Mill and Main St and between Ann Arbor Rd and Ann arbor Trail. Price AddressCity   BedBathStyleSq.Ft. ExteriorBasementGarage SizeLot Size/Acres Year BuiltSummer TaxWinter TaxSchool Dist. $160,000 1052 COOLIDGE ST PLYMOUTH   32RANCH1,739 BRICK2 CAR57 X 170/0 19784,285493PLYMOUTH CANTON $188,000 963 HARDING ST PLYMOUTH   32CAPE COD1,... 10/13/2011

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself before buying a Plymouth home. But if you can nail down these ten points, you’re a long way from making the Big Mistake. And it’s a hardened soul, indeed, who doesn’t fear that as closing day nears. 1. How much cash will you have to live on each month? You can’t count on your mortgage lender to keep you from getting in over your head. The old standards of allowing 28% of your income for mortgage debt (including taxes and insurance) and 33% total debt usually still apply, but if you’re taking out an adjustable-rate mortgage, you’re usually qualified on your first-year payments. Assume your interest rate will jump two percentage points in the second year, and base your budget on those numbers. Your real estate agent or mortgage lender should estimate y... 09/30/2011

In the past year 5 Colony Farms subdivision homes sold (Plymouth Michigan). On average these homes were on the market for 78 days. These Colony Farms subdivision homes range from 2300 square feet to 2700 square feet. The homes are mostly colonial and a few ranch style homes.  Most of the homes have brick exteriors & brick/vinyl & brick/alum & brick/wood exteriors, 2 car garages, 3-4 bedrooms,  2.5 + bathrooms, with basements. Colony Farms subdivision homes is a subdivision with approximately 98 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1973 - 1978. Colony Farms subdivision homes are located between Joy Rd and Ann Arbor Rd and between Ridge and Beck. Price AddressCity     BedBathStyleSq.Ft. ExteriorBasementGarage SizeLot Size/Acres Year BuiltSummer TaxWinter TaxSchool Dist. ... 09/27/2011

I’m going to explain the Plymouth home selling process and how long do the buyers home to get a home inspection done.  In our contract that we sign we have a definite period of how long the buyer have to get your Plymouth home inspected. Normal inspection times range between 7 and 10 days.  You as a seller want the inspection to be done as soon as possible.  Because that is one area that the buyer can back out in if the inspection comes back bad. So really if they inspect your Plymouth home and find mold the buyer can void the contract.  So if it takes them 10 days to get the home inspection done then it is off the market for ten days.  So you never want to allow the buyer more than 10 days to get the home inspection done.  I like giving only 7 days. There is a gray area here on the da... 09/19/2011

In the past year 27  Lake Pointe subdivision homes sold (Plymouth, Michigan). On average these homes were on the market for 55 days. The homes in Lake Pointe subdivision range from 1000 square feet to 2300 square feet. The style of homes range from ranch to colonial and split level homes. Lake Pointe subdivision has approximately 808 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1957 - 1966. Lake Pointe subdivision is located between 5 Mile Rd and M-14 and between Haggerty and Northville Rd. Price AddressCity BedBathStyleSq.Ft. ExteriorBasementGarage SizeLot Size/Acres Year BuiltSummer TaxWinter TaxSchool Dist. $1,150 14266 SHADYWOOD DR PLYMOUTH TWP 31.1RANCH1,315 BRICKFINISHED2 CAR65 X 122/0 19571,6951,551PLYMOUTH CANTON $1,250 41330 SCHOOLCRAFT RD PLYMOUTH TWP 32SPLIT LEVEL1,... 09/14/2011

  In the past year 12 Ridgewood Hills subdivision homes have sold (Plymouth Michigan). On average these homes were on the market for 34 days. These Ridgewood Hills subdivision homes range from 2000 square feet to 3200 square feet. The styles of homes in the Ridgewood Hills subdivision are colonial, cape cod and ranch style homes.   Ridgewood Hills subdivisions homes are actually in 4 subdivisions.  Ridgewood Hills subdivisions have approximately 393 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1979 - 1989.    Ridgewood Hills subdivision homes for sale are located between Powell andAnn Arbor Rd and between Beck and Ridge.   Price AddressCity BedBathStyleSq.Ft. ExteriorBasementGarage SizeLot Size/Acres Year BuiltSummer TaxWinter TaxSchool Dist. $200,000 10375 RED MAPLE DR PLYMOU... 09/09/2011

If you are a Plymouth first time home buyer you need to have a home inspection.  I highly recommend it. In our purchase agreements we have standard language to protect you.  A home inspection contingency is one of two contingencies that help protect you the first time home buyer.  The standard inspection contingency gives you 7 days to get the home inspected after you sign the papers.  If you don't like what comes up in the inspection you can void the contract or you can ask for a reduction in price, or to have it fixed.  Well, septic, radon, termite inspections can all be done and are part of the inspection contingency.  So if something major in the home inspection comes up then you can declare the purchase agreement null and void. When the home inspection is done you have 24 -48 hours... 09/09/2011

In the past year 11 homes in Andover Lakes subdivision have sold. On average these homes were on the markey for 26 days. The homes in Andover Lakes subdivision range from 1900 square feet to 3300 square feet. Most of the homes are cape cod and colonial style homes. Andover Lakes subdivision has approximately 220 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1996 - 2008. In Andover Lakes subdivision there are some small ponds which they call lakes.  Very natural looking with logs and stumps in them.  The lakes/ponds are more of a natural, rustic look than a pristine, manicured look. Andover Lakes subdivion is located between North Territorial Rd and M-14 and Napier and between Gottfredson.   Price AddressCity BedBathStyleSq.Ft. ExteriorBasementGarage SizeLot Size/Acres Year Buil... 08/29/2011

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a summer blood drive at the Plymouth City Hall tomorrow, Thursday, August 25th ***  If you donated on June 3rd at City Hall, you are eligible for the August 25th blood drive*** Save a Life ! There is always a need for blood and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. >>>>> If you come to donate blood in the City Hall Blood Drive there will be a raffle for a pair of CEDAR POINT TICKETS.  In addition, you will be entered into a summer blood donor raffle for a $3,000 GASOLINE CARD!!!  <<<<<   >>>>>In Addition-- Every donor will receive a coupon for a box of chocolate covered fruit from Edible Fruit<<<<< BLOOD ... 08/24/2011

If you have a Plymouth MI relocation in your future downtown Plymouth Michigan might be an area you want to check out.  The City of Plymouth and Plymouth Township are actually governed and two different areas, but the locals refer to the whole area as Plymouth. The City of Plymouth is closer to the downtown and many of the homes are older.  But there are new homes in the City of Plymouth.  Whereas Plymouth Twp is composed of newer homes and more structured subdivisions (More on Plymouth Subdivisions).  So Plymouth real estate is a mixed bag of homes from 1800 victorian and wood homes to 2000's built colonial on larger lots. Downtown Plymouth Michigan is full of restaurants, coffee shops, small boutiques, stores, bars, and restaurants.  There is a central park called Kellogg Park.  Downt... 08/23/2011

  Welcome to the Plymouth Michigan Real Estate Home Buying Video web-blog written by Plymouth Real Estate Agent Bob Jakowinicz.  The purpose of this blog is to give you some general information about home purchasing in Plymouth Michigan.  The picture you see here is the warm welcome sign you will see in many different places as you enter Plymouth Township.  A few websites of interest on your upcoming move to Plymouth might include PLYMOUTH WEBSITE, DOWNTOWN PLYMOUTH WEB PAGE, PLYMOUTH-CANTON SCHOOL DISTRICT, PLYMOUTH REAL ESTATE AGENT and PLYMOUTH MICHIGAN LIBRARY.  Of course there is much much more in the area but this is a nice start.  If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home in Plymouth Michigan feel free to visit WWW.REALESTATEBUSYBEES.COM anytime.  You can also ca... 02/14/2011

  15" of pure white powdery snow have fallen on Michigan over the past week. Many are starting to wonder what they should do with all of the white stuff. Plymouth, Michigan has come up with a contest and a constructive idea, build snowmen. The challenge is to build the best snowman. All Plymouth children are invited to e-mail a picture of their snowman by March 4 to sobsniuk@ci.plymouth.mi.us or drop off the picture to the recreation department office loacted at 525 Farmer ST. Make sure to include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address.   The contest winner will be announced March 14!   Now get out there and make a snowman. 02/06/2011

 This is why I love Plymouth Michigan.  They is always something going on for the local residents.  So if you live in Plymouth Michigan join in the fun and enter your snow man into the City of Plymouth MI Snowman Contest.  I know you can design something unique that will catch the judges eyes.  Snowman Photo Contest   Now that more snow has fallen gather up all the snow and creativity you can and start building!  Build a snowman, dress him up, and take a picture.  Drop-off the picture at the City of Plymouth Recreation Office or send it in by mail, email it to Lauren at lobsniuk@ci.plymouth.mi.us, or fax it in, whatever it takes.  Just get the picture to the office along with the name, address, phone number and email address of the person who created the snowman before Friday, March 4th... 01/13/2011

As a Michigan home buyer sometimes you don't know what to look for, so here are 5 items to watch out for.  I believe when you are buying a home you should try to remember out 5 items that can be very costly to repair.  They are Foundation Roof Kitchen Baths Furnace If  the kitchen and baths are updated then it is a cost that you are not going to have to pay for years.  If a roof is newer again it may be 10 -15 years before you have to replace it.  Having a newer roof or furnace is good because you aren't going to have to shell out money for a few years to get a new one.  Michigan Foundation problems can be very expensive to fix.  So as a Michigan home buyer you want these 5 items to be newer or updated.  It is almost impossible to have all 5 newer or updated unless you are buying a new ... 01/11/2011

Rolling Oaks Subdivision is located in Plymouth Township MIoff North Territorial Rd just  west of Beck Rd.  So it is a great subdivision is you need freeway access because the M-14 and Beck Rd entrance ramp is right around the corner. Rolling Oaks subdivision has about 156 Colonial and Cape Code homes in it.  There are some ranch  homes.  The subdivision has a clubhouse and community pool.  Current Rolling Oaks Subdivision homes for sale as of 12/14/2010 LIST PRICE STREET NAME SQUARE FOOTAGE BEDROOMS BATHS.LAVS YEAR BUILT 330000 ORCHARD 3263 4 2.1 1999 399100 HILLTOP DRIVE W 2770 4 2.1 2002 The average time on the market for these Plymouth Township homes is 30 days.  If you would like to see any of these homes or want more information on them send me an email at info@russravary.com Movi... 12/13/2010

I have to thank David Knox for this because he had a video in his library of videos that showed me how to do it. Basically an agent from another state gave away a Christmas tree in exchange for a toys for tots gift.  You bring us a toy we will give you a live Christmas tree.  I thought it was a novel idea because I love Christmas so much.  It helps everybody. So I found a friend that had a cousin who owned a tree farm.  I ordered fifty Christmas trees and split them with another agent in my office.  I called a friend who needed extra money and I worked it out with him to play Santa Claus.  Then I ordered a nice Santa Suit online and my early preparations were done. Then I went to dialing my clients.  I soon found out it was hard to give away a live Christmas tree.  So many people use ar... 12/09/2010

Many parents in our area are struggling financially, making the hope of toys under the tree a far off dream. That is why I love the Salvation Armies Tow Towne program. Toy Towne provides new and like new toys, set-up in a toy store atmosphere, where parents can walk through and select toys for their children.   I am excited to work with Toy Towne with my children at Toy Towne this Christmas. If you are looking for a place to volunteer this Christmas, there are local Toy Towne's all over the country.   The Plymouth, MI Salvation Army schedule is: Toy Towne Distribution:        Dec. 18 (Sat) 10 - 4pm        Dec. 20 (Mon) 10-6pm        Dec. 21 (Tues) 10-6pm        Dec. 22 (Wed) 10-1pm Refresh & Restocking        Dec. 18 (Sat) 4-6pm        Dec. 20 (Mon) 6-8pm        Dec. 22 (Tues) 6-8pm   12/05/2010

I received an e-mail this week from the local Salvation Army food pantry. As can be expected, they announced that there is an incredible need this year for assistance. They communicated that their shelves are literally almost bare. They are pleading for extra food help this year, especially this holiday season. So, my family has decided to use all of the, "buy one get one free' deals that are at nearly every grocery store and  donate the free to the food pantry this holiday season. We will be delivering our "get one free" turkey and cans tomorrow. I am sure food pantries in your region have the same message. Consider giving the "free" away.       11/22/2010

Plymouth MI history - Early Plymouth resident were entrepreneurs and inventors.  Did you know Plymouth MI was home of a cigar factory.  George W Springer's cigar factory manufactured a line of cigars including the "Hotel Plymouth", "Hotel Victor", and "The Mail". William Wherry invented the self setting mole trap.  I myself think William Wherry was one of Plymouth's great inventors because some many people are troubled by moles in their yard.  Wherry's shop was located on Dodge street behind his house which was on main street. The rail road was instrumental in helping get these products around the country. With out the railroad line in Plymouth many of these product may not have been widely marketed.    They say at one time Plymouth had railroad tracks that went North, South, East, and... 11/11/2010