I saw a blurb on short sales on a national morning news channel this week.  What they were showing is that short sales are taking a long time.  They say they are taking twice as long as they were a  year ago.  They showed a couple of people that took 8 months and 12 months.  In the metro Detroit area most short sales are taking about six months.  The issue usually is that sellers are trying to short sell their property too late.  If you think you are in trouble or need to sell call a Realtor quickly.  Get the home listed as soon as possible. The news channel also said 12% of all homes on the market are short sales.  They also said that only 60% of the short sales get done.  I honestly don't think anybody really knows that number.  What I am finding out or noticing is that short sales do... 10/21/2009

It was a mixed day for weather here in Detroit.  It was a normal October fall day.  A light wind with a mix of sun and clouds.  Weeven got a shower.  You see here in Metro Detroit September and October seem to be wetter, but they aren't. In October the average rainfall is 2.1 inches.  The average temperature is 51 degrees.  There are an average of 8 days that are clear, 9 days are partly cloudy, 15 days are cloudy.  And there is usually a nice breeze almost every day. I got some of my tomato plants out and I got some of the perennials cut down.  I even started putting up some of my Halloween decorations for the kids.  Now all I have to do is talk my wife into a small Halloween party! I hope your day was as relaxing and enjoyable as mine.  Have a great night! Russ 10/04/2009

Are we protecting the home buyer enough?  Here in Michigan we have a seller's disclosure form that has to be filled out by the seller unless it is a foreclosure.......... It's a shame really....  We as Realtors need to step up to the plate and get the home buyers protected better.  This sellers disclosure should have a section for the realtor and the asset manager.  We should be notifying the future home buyer that there has been water damage or if the basement has been flooded or if the water pipes have burst. We as real estate agents should be held to a higher standard.  If we know of past problems such as flooding and water damage that created mold then it should be revealed to potential buyers.   Too many flippers and investors are getting away with covering up mold.  Some banks are... 10/01/2009

doesn't me it is yours.  I had a buyer call me over the weekend all upset.  He had driven by the house and a lawn ornament that was in the flower bed was missing.  He was all upset about it.  He thought if it was in the picture it was part of the house.  He thought it was his. So I had to explain to him that lawn ornaments like gnomes were personal property.  The grill or the flower hanger doesn't come with the house.  If you are a buyer and want something like that you need to tell your agent that you want this or that out of the house.  Your agent then will ask for it in the purchase contract. You may not get it but you might.  The seller may have emotional attachments to the item.  But normally what is included in the home sale is anything that is permanently attached to the house.  ... 09/27/2009

Don't run your fingers through the mold.   The old adage of look and don't touch really applies here.  Sure most molds are not harmful, but why take the chance of getting sick. Some molds produce mycotoxins which are harmful to our health.  Only laboratory testing can determine what is an "OK" mold or one that is bad for you.  So if you go into a house with mold don't touch it.                  And if you are not interested in the house get out of the house.  Molds can aggravate your allergies and asthma.  So get out of the moldy house as soon as possible.  If you do touch it wash your hands and be sure don't touch your mouth or nose until you do. Russ Ravary your Metro Detroit real estate agent                                  Search Metro Detroit foreclosures and get the latest forecl... 09/06/2009

 The two reasons Metro Detroit FSBO's don't sell are: The for sale by owner house is overpriced.   The FSBO is not advertised in the right places  Advertising is what sells a house.  Getting it out there that your home is for sale.  Whether you are a for sale by owner or have your home listed by a real estate agent it needs to be advertised.The number 1 reason that for sale by owners don't succeed is the lack of advertising.  You need to have: 1) a for sale sign out front with a phone number that goes to you directly  2) listing brochure out front of the house with all the facts of the home (the data sheet) 3) getting listed on the local Realtor multiple listing service.By being listed on the local MLS (multiple listing service) in Michigan your home's information is put on multiple web... 08/30/2009

 if you are looking for great food in the Metro Detroit area then try E G Nicks Plymouth restaurant.  My wife Marianne and I and two of our friends Tom and Debbie Jackett went there tonight.  It was a little muggy after the rain but we still chose to eat outside on the patio.                                    E G Nicksis located on Forest Street which is one street west of Main Street.  It is a quiet street with lots of boutique store, little restaurants, and bars on it.  It is just a short walk from Kellogg Park.   So it's easy to get to and there is lots of parking nearby. E G Nicks Plymouth Restaurantis part of a small group of restaurants that are owned by a group of local  business men.  So the money you spend here is staying in the community unlike many of the chain restaurants. ... 08/08/2009

The Box Bar & Grill in Plymouth Michigan is one of the places that people remember about Plymouth.   The Box Bar is a Plymouth Institution.  It used to be a small old time neighborhood Plymouth bar known for it's hamburgers.                                           In the 1990's it underwent a large renovation.  Originally the owners were going to turn the bar into a brew pub.  But brew pubs have kind of come and gone so Chip has changed gears and expanded the beer menu to one of the best in the Metro Detroit area.   Featuring an amazing 700 + beer menu, including 40 draughts from around the world. During the week you might find the Plymouth Backgammon club playing in the back room of the Box Bar & Grill.  And you will find all the local sports teams playing on one of the TV's.  There ... 08/02/2009

Country Acres Plymouth Michigan is one of western Wayne Counties nicer subdivisions.  It has estate sized homes on large lots and conveniently located close to the expressways.                                                                   Located in Plymouth Township which has one of the lowest Millage rates (tax rates) in Wayne County Country Acres is off Ann Arbor Rd.  It is north of Ann Arbor Rd, south of Powell Rd.  East of Napier Rd, and West of Ridge Rd.  M-14, I-96, and I-275 expressways make it just 15 - 20 minutes away from Ann Arbor, MI, 30 minutes from downtown Detroit, and 25 minutes from Metro Detroit airport. Country Acres has approximately 312 homes that were built during the years of 1997 - 2001.  The characteristics of Country Acres Plymouth Michigan homes are: Most... 07/27/2009

Congratulations Plymouth Township, Michigan!   I have always know you were a great place to live but now you have national recognition.  Read the little blurb they have about Plymouth.   CNN Money ranks you as one of the top small towns in the US! http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2009/snapshots/PL2665085.html                                              When relocating to Michigan ....Plymouth real estate is a great place to start looking. Here are some of the pluses of Plymouth and Plymouth Township: low taxes easy access to freeways (I-275, M-14, I -96) good school system (Plymouth Canton Schools) old time downtown Active and lively downtown with restaurants, bars, festivals, small boutique stores nearby parks wide variety of homes in all price ranges and styles But the ... 07/13/2009

With the current economy and real estate market we deal with a lot of REO listing agents (for those of you that don't know what that means it means agents who handle bank foreclosure listings).  There are some that are good at their job but there is a percentage of them that are unethical and basically dirt bags.  They don't care about ethics, your clients, their word, simple customer courtesy. Some foreclosure agents will NEVER call you back.  So you never know what is going on with the offer.  Your clients are left in the dark until the foreclosure agent blesses you with a denial email or acceptance.  Once in a while you win one with these agents.  But you have no voice contact.  I never want to be that way.  Communicating with the other agent always makes the deal go smoother.  Some ... 07/07/2009

Plymouth MI is a great little town.  What is great about the City of Plymouthis that they are trying hard to keep the old downtown area alive by bringing in people from outside the city to visit.  ( And they are succeeding!)  The way they do that is to have some different festivals throughout the year. The Plymouth festivals are: Plymouth Ice festival The Green festival Plymouth Art in the Park The Chili Cookoff The Plymouth fall festival                                                   Sometimes these Plymouth festivalsdraw a couple of hundred thousand people that shop and eat in all the local Plymouth restaurants.   Even in the frigid cold the Plymouth Ice Spectacular draws huge crowds.  It keeps the local businesses afloat by bringing in outside dollars and makes the old time downto... 06/06/2009

Here is indepth Plymouth Subdivision information Plymouth PhotosWhen people move to Michigan  they many times don't have a clue what a subdivision is like or what city or neighborhood that will fit their needs.  I have included about 22 Plymouth Michigan subdivisions for you to get an idea of Plymouth and Plymouth Twp real estate.  Each subdivision has Metro Detroit suburb homes for sale info, and recent Michigan sold homes.I f have included the styles of homes in the Plymouth subdivision, the age of the homes, features of the homes, how many car garage, names of the streets in the Plymouth neighborhoods, and number of homesin the Plymouth subdivision.  if you want to get the latest list of Plymouth homes for sale and the Plymouth sold home prices.  If you do not see your sub in here em... 05/30/2009

Plymouth Township Michgan real estate update Andover Lakes subdivision has a homeowner association.  Andover Lakes has approximately 220 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1996 - 2008.  There were still a few vacant lots in 2009. The Plymouth homes in Andover Lakes are mostly Colonial and Cape Cod style homes.  Most of the homes have brick exteriors & brick/vinyl & brick/wood exteriors, 2 & 3 car garages, 3-4 bedrooms,  2.5 + bathrooms, basements (some walkout, some regular basements).  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.   They have cattails and lots of wildlife including ducks and geese.  There are a few homes that a... 05/09/2009

   When relocating to Michigan or just thinking about Plymouth as a place to live it's hard to decide what is "right" for your family.  Which Plymouth subdivisionis right for you.  Which Metro Detroit home is the right "fit" for your family.  So If you are thinking of city of Plymouth or Plymouth Township here is some info on one of it's subdivisions.   Cambridge Green subdivision Cambridge Green has approximately 127 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1968 - 1970.  The homes are mostly Colonial and ranch style homes.  Most of the homes have brick exteriors & brick/vinyl & brick/wood exteriors, 2 car garages, 3-4 bedrooms,  1.5 + bathrooms, basements Square footage of the ranch homes range from 1000 - 1400 square ft.Square footage of the colonial homes range from 150... 05/01/2009

Downtown Plymouth  ~  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 146 Hamilton in Downtown Plymouth this Sunday, May 3rd from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Conveniently located a short stroll to Kellogg Park in popular Daisy Square, this sharp condo is a former Builder's Model & is move-in ready! This is just one of hundreds of homes being held open during The Big Open House, which of which are in the Plymouth area. Come check out the condo when you're attending the Green Street Fair in Downtown Plymouth. Property information ~ North off Ann Arbor Trail, East of Main 04/30/2009

Here is the latest update for Westbriar subdivision in Plymouth MI.  Plymouth and Plymouth Twp have lots of great subdivisions and homes.  If you have a Plymouth relocation or Michigan relocation in your future feel free to check out my websites for more great local Metro Detroit Michigan information Westbriar Subdivision homes for sale as of 3/6/2009Average time on the market                   108 daysAverage List price                                    $259,467 Westbriar Plymouth homes currently for sale     Price   Address Bed Bath   Sq Ft         $238,500    46002 ROCKLEDGE DR 4 2.1   2360       $259,900    46356 BARRINGTON 3 2.1   1552       $280,000    46700 STRATHMORE 4 2.1   2707 Westbriar subdivision homes that have sold in the last six months Average time it took to sell     ... 04/25/2009

Many people love the idea of investing in real estate but are not sure which way to go with their investments. When it comes to real estate you can go from one extreme to the other, having real estate holdings that are liquid like stocks, bonds and other stock market offerings to literal property purchases that are much more permanent.   Property   The first way many people think of investing in real estate is to purchase a piece of land or a home that becomes an investment property.   While property values can fluctuate over the years, the truth is there is only so much property on the planet. With the population always growing, that means over time property will always have great value.    The only problem with purchasing property is the amount of paperwork and money that is involved.... 04/19/2009

Huntington Park SubdivisionSelling your Plymouth MI home or are you looking to buy Plymouth real estate.   Huntington Park subdivision is in Plymouth in Wayne County MI.Some Plymouth home buyers are from out of state and making a sound decision on this Michigan relocation is important to them.  Michigan Home buyers want to know what Plymouth MI Subdivision is best for them.  What Plymouth home style best fits their families needs.  I hope this information below gives you an idea of what Plymouth homes for sale are selling for and have sold for.Plymouth homes for Sale Huntington Park Subdivision homes for sale as of 2/20/2009Average time on the market   390 daysAverage list price                     $388,514 Huntington Park Subdivision Plymouth Twp MI Price Address Bed Bath Sq Ft   $2,00... 04/18/2009

If you are thinking of making Plymouth MI or Plymouth Townshipyour home you should check out my indepth Plymouth subdivisions information  or my Plymouth MI subdivision real estate updates.  This will give you a general idea of what the subdivisions are like and the Plymouth home styles. Mayflower Village Subdivision homes for sale currently as of 2/20/2009Average time on the market         11 days MAPLE VILLAGE SUBDIVISION PLYMOUTH MI HOMES FOR SALE     Price   Address Bed Bath   Sq Ft             $174,900    9166 MAYFLOWER DR 3 1.1   1469   Mayflower Village Subdivision homes that have sold in the last 6 monthsAverage time to sell these homes           129 daysAverage sold price                                    $194,500 MAPLE VILLAGE SUBDIVISION PLYMOUTH MI RECENTLY SOLD HOMES Statu... 04/11/2009