The Prince of Poison, Archie Bunker   I ran across a professional poison person today.   You know who they are -- the people who complain bitterly all the time.   It is rather sick, but for some reason, professional poison people aren’t happy unless they are bitter. And they are experts at really messing up the days of everyone they run into.   Unprepared for them, or falling prey to their schemes, it is like some evil force sucks out every positive vibe in one’s body. They may turn things around so things you feel they had done wrong are suddenly your fault.   I had a part-time job one summer, back in the 80s when I was in high school. It was there I was exposed to my very first “professional poisonous person,” a true master of his craft named Bruce. But he could do a good job proces... 08/26/2010

We all have heard about radon, the colorless, tasteless, odorless gas produced by the decay of uranium and radium. But what makes it so dangerous? I'll attempt to answer that with as little science as possible. Radioactivity Yep, radon is radioactive. The word "radioactive" may conjure up nasty images in the mind, but what does that really mean for those of us who were daydreaming during Mr. Lavaque's seventh grade science class? Maybe a picture will help.     We'll use a most simple element, hydrogen, in this explanation. At left we have an electron and a proton... no problem, it is stable. In the middle picture, we add a neutron. Again, no big deal, the hydrogen is stable. But in the picture on the right, we add a second neutron, and that throws things out of balance. The addition of ... 08/23/2010

You may be interested in Part I of this post. But continuing on... here are some of the problems when indoor humidity gets out of control. High Humidity and Indoor Air Quality Fungi (that means mold!) Bacterial growth Viruses Biological growth Asthma Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) off-gassing VOC chemical interaction Wet windows Rotting sills Damage to pictures, books, furniture Dust mites Uncomfortable living conditions "Humidity promotes mold growth and dust mite population growth. Both are significant indoor allergens and can set off allergic sensitivity..." --American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology Problems With Low Humidity Levels Static electricity (ouch!) Dry skin, itchy skin, skin disorders Sore throats Bloody nose or nose irritation Germs spread easier Respiratory in... 08/23/2010

Humidity in a house affects health, building materials, and personal comfort. Too high, and mold can grow and things can warp (among other things). Too low, then noses bleed and static electricity zaps (to name a few problems). Relative humidity (RH) is the amount of water in the air compared to how much the air can hold (at that given temperature). The measurement is given as a percentage. The warmer the air is, the more moisture it can hold. If I had a 100 gallon container and filled it full of water, it would be similar to a 100-degree F day at 75% RH. If I reduced the container size to 75 gallons and placed the same about of water in the container, it would be 100% full. Similarly, on a 75-degree F day, if the air contained the same amount of water as it did on the 100-degree F day,... 08/23/2010

What causes the stuff? Mold... what an awful word. There are four things that influence mold growth. But before we dive into those, realize that mold spores are ubiquitous (that fancy word we haven't seen since we took the SATs all those years ago -- it means mold is everywhere!). When we walk inside a house or building, mold spores on our shoes follow us in. When we turn on the whole house fan on a summer night, mold comes in through the window. Mold is in Antarctica and the Arctic. As long as we stay on plant Earth, we have mold spores around us. So what can we do? Well, there are four things mold colonies need to develop. And we know the first -- mold spores -- are readily available. Molds are natures way of breaking down dead organic material. When branches or leaves drop in the for... 08/23/2010

InterNACHI, ASHI and NAHI (the Big Three home inspection associations) guidelines are very specific about what home inspectors should do in an inspection. Sometimes, though, I think it is just as effective to remember what inspectors shouldn't do, and to make sure clients have the correct understanding of exactly what a home inspection is. What follows is a general list of what inspectors should not do, based on a combination of the NACHI, ASHI and NAHI guidelines, and from my own system. Inspectors inspect. Tradespeople fix or build. Don't be a tradesperson who also inspects, as it is a huge conflict of interest. It is one thing to have experience in the trades, or to be a licensed builder. That provides great experience and educational base. But if you mix the two in an inspection, it... 08/22/2010

Did you know the following facts about lead? FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.   FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. FACT: You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead. FACT: You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard. FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.   If you think your home might have lead hazards, read on to learn about lead and some simple steps to protect your family.   Health Effects of Lead Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the U.S. Even children who... 08/21/2010

Water may be essential to life, but, as a destructive force, water can diminish the value of your home or building. Homes and commercial buildings can suffer water damage that results in increased maintenance costs, a decrease in the value of the property, lowered productivity, and potential liability associated with a decline in indoor air quality. The best way to protect against this potential loss is to ensure that the building components which enclose the structure, known as the building envelope, are water-resistant. Also, you will want to ensure that manufacturing processes, if present, do not allow excess water to accumulate. Finally, make sure that the plumbing and ventilation systems, which can be quite complicated in buildings, operate efficiently and are well-maintained. Thi... 08/21/2010

How You Can Save Energy In Your Home Summer is coming to an all-to-quick conclusion, and before long the cold Michigan Winter winds will be blowing. And homeowners will again face heating bills that make them wonder, "Is there anything I can do about this?"  Unfortunately, most people don’t know how easy it is to make their homes run on less energy. Drastic reductions in heating, cooling and electricity costs can be accomplished through very simple changes, most of which homeowners can do themselves. Of course, for homeowners who want to take energy-efficiency to the next level, an energy audit can determine the best energy solutions for their particular home.  Why make your home more energy efficient? Here are a few good reasons: It saves money. It costs less to power a home that has ... 08/21/2010

 Short Sale Troy, MI When Facing Foreclosure: Research, Educate and then Act. By Mike Sher, (248) 644-4700 x242 Max Broock Often you will find ads that are miracle solutions to your financial problems.  "A Magic Bullet" that if you pay $XXX then all of you financial woes will be solved.  Remember what your mother said, "if it is too good to be true, it most likely is." You must Avoid Loan Scams.  Take charge of the process: Do your research, learn about the options; both the positive and negative outcomes.  Educate yourself so when you meet a "Foreclosure Solution Provider", you understand what they are offering and if it sounds accurate to what you learned. Lastly you must act; doing nothing will only cause more damage and hardship to your credit, your family & yourself.  Once you've d... 08/04/2010

Beginning today (Thursday, July 29, 2010), you can get ticketed for "distracted driving" in Troy, Michigan, based on Troy’s newly-enacted Distracted Driving Ordinance. This is a new Ordinance is designed to improve traffic safety and reduce the number of traffic accidents.  Since so many real estate professionals like to multitask while driving, it is important to be aware of this new law, especially while driving through Troy. The Ordinance is divided into three sections, as set forth in Sections of Chapter 106, Traffic, of the Troy City Code relating to distracted driving (Section 1.20.05).  Those sections cover the following topics:  (1) Texting, (2) Cell Phone Use, and (3) Common Disruptive Behaviors. 1. TEXTING The Ordinance reads: “The physical manipulation of any 2-way wireless ... 07/29/2010

MCAR is proud to present Fast Track to Short Sale Success, a program designed to help today's agents guide clients through the short sale and foreclosure process. The last time we offered this program it filled up quickly, so don't miss this fresh opportunity to put yourself on the Fast Track on July 28 (register). Even better: the event is free for MCAR members!Fast Track to Short Sale Success covers the "What," "Where" and "Why" of the short sale process from three different perspectives. Learn the roles and responsibilities of the REALTOR®, the negotiator and the foreclosure attorney during the short sale process. Understanding the core goals of each party involved in the short sale transaction will lead to smoother interactions and a more positive experience for your clients.Additio... 06/29/2010

    Get on the fast track to short sale success! MCAR and Bank of America are proud to present Fast Track to Short Sale Success, a new program designed to help today’s agents guide clients through the short sale and foreclosure process. Put yourself on the Fast Track on May 18 (register); the event is free for MCAR members.Fast Track to Short Sale Success covers the “What,” “Where” and “Why” of the short sale process from three different perspectives. Learn the roles and responsibilities of the REALTOR®, the negotiator and the foreclosure attorney during the short sale process. Understanding the core goals of each party involved in the short sale transaction will lead to smoother interactions and a more positive experience for your clients.Additional topics include: The REALTOR’S® role ... 04/24/2010

After being in the real estate business since 1996, I have had home owners time and time again complain that as soon as the for sale sign goes up they feel as though they are being trampled on by some prospective home buyers. There seems to be a lack of etiquette in the business of home buying and frankly, I thought I would write about it. YES, in many markets around the country their are many many foreclosures for sale. YES, these homes are vacant. YES, its exciting to be starting out the home buying process and maybe find a HOT new listing that just popped up on the market. (I've been there myself!) I understand that there are emotions attached to buying the single largest investment most people make. I do. What on earth possesses some prospective buyers to show up at a homeowners doo... 04/21/2010

The one myth about reverse mortgage that many people from timbuktu ask about is I won't qualify. When you get a reverse mortgage you don't have to qualify with or credit.  So it doesn't matter if you have bad credit or don't have a lot of income.  If you live in Timbuktu and you have a nice house you should be able to get a reverse mortgage.  If you are looking for a Reverse mortgage in Timbuktu MI give a call at   I was just helping a Friend learn how to blog and I was using this as an example.  So don't call me for a reverse mortgage.  Just helping him learn 03/20/2010

REIA of Oakland County Michigan is putting on a seminar on "How to flip houses"REIA of Oakland County is a Non-Profit Real Estate Investment GroupServing Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Livingston Counties in South Eastern Michigan.  I can't say enough about this association.  They go out of their way to teach and inform their members.  If you are a beginner I believe joining REIA (real estate investment association) is one of the best things you can do to ensure your success as a profitable real estate investors.    This month they are proudly presenting Paul Esajian of A&E's "Flip This House" on  February 11, 2010  How To Rehab Like A Pro  Paul Esajian, along with his lifelong friend and co-founder Than Merrill, built their company, CT Homes, LLC into a multi-million dollar company in jus... 02/08/2010

Short Sale, Troy MI.  By Mike Sher, Max Broock Realtors, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan I just got my first equator BOA short sale approved. Both the first and 2nd were with BOA and they negotiated the loans together, which was nice. Time line as follows: 9/9/09 faxed the hardship and offer to to BOA in 10 page faxes. 9/24/09, they did not have the fax yet though re-faxed 3 times. Found a Short Sale person who allowed me to email it to him to be uploaded10/1/2009 Exterior BPO was done 10/7/09 file was moved o REO Trans 10/20/09 seller and Mike Sher uploads all docs and full package to REO Trans/Equator10/27/09 interior BPO done 11/10/09 negotiator emails us to say we are waiting for payoffs from investor11/23/09 Titanium solutions calls me to tell me that they are taking over. They ask for ... 01/26/2010

13 YEARS AGO IT WAS 1996 AND I WAS JUST BEGINNING MY REAL ESTATE CAREER. YOU COULD DRIVE DOWN ALMOST ANY STREET AND FIND 2 OUT OF EVERY 10 HOMES ON A STREET FOR SALE. (IT WAS FOR A DIFFERENT REASON THAN TODAY HOWEVER.) The market in Oakland County was HOT! Sellers had doubled their investments (even without any major improvements) in just under 9 years. The economy was in a much different position that it is in today. A home that was just listed for sale was selling in just a few days and had multiple offers on it. I remember on several different properties putting the for sale sign out and being stopped by a buyer that wanted to write an offer that day! Well... The use of a Realtor has always been important. It is even more important in todays market that ever before however. Things ar... 01/06/2010

WHAT SEPARATES THE GOOD FROM THE GREAT YOU ASK?? ACTION IS JUST ONE OF THE MAIN INGREDIENTS! I GAINED THIS KNOWLEDGE FROM MY FRIEND "MIKE SHER" AND USE IT TO MY CLIENTS ADVANTAGE NOW. Often Realtors, Clients or Friends ask me what is the key to Short Sale success.  As you can guess from the Churchill quote above, "ACTION" is the key to success.  This quote also covers why Short Sales fail "INACTION".   Below I have listed examples of Action and Inaction: so you know the difference. Action: Preparing your seller properly so that they know what to expect! Faxing 3rd party authorizations in the day you get the listing & ordering pre-title. Getting the hardship package scanned, prepped and sent in within the first weeks of the listing. Lowering the list price every 10-15 days until you stim... 01/04/2010

This is a Troy Short Sale that I listed and closed.  My seller needed to sell.  He was stuck in a predatory loan with a very high monthly payment.  The balance of this loan was so high; I don't know how the borrowers could have qualified.  The loan was a no doc, stated income "liar loan".  The fees on the refinance were so high it was criminal. The seller could not afford the loan in the first place and with the economic downturn he was certain to be foreclosed on.  The Seller and Buyer were both thrilled by  my services.   Without a Short Sale, the seller would have been foreclosed on.  This would result in years of debt and probable litigation.   PROFILE: Location:  Troy, MI                           Type: Single Family Residence Condition:  Need of some repair.  Lender #1:  Option On... 01/04/2010