Traverse City Real Estate Blog: February 2010

3000+ sq. ft. 4 BR 3 Bath, 5.47 acres Reduced $248,400

Interlochen, Green Lake Township  -  Announcing a price reduction on 9459 Larchwood Ln., a 3,035 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $248,400 - Custom Quality Throughout.  Near all sports lakes, snowmobiling, camping, golf, Arts Academy, stores....10 mins to TC 

Property information

Published Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:49 PM by Jon Becker Filed under: Real Estate, For Sale, Announcements, Buyer information

Buyers: In todays competitive market many homes(especially the "great deals") and properties are sold  even before they are advertised to the public. With my New Listings Notification System you can instantly be sent any new properties matching your parameters from my website or take it one step further and contact me and ask to be setup on my auto-prosepcting program direct from our multiple listing service and recieve ALL new MLS listings or price changes within 15 minutes  of them hitting the Traverse City MLS, giving you, my clients ,FIRST DIBS and being a step ahead of the competition!  Looking for bank foreclosured homes or short sales ? Contact me  for a complete list of local foreclosures & short sales with advice on the special buying process for these properties. See what my other buyers,sellers and collegues have to say about me on my "Client Testimonials" page.   Area residents thinking of  buying out of area? I can help with that as well. I will get you set up with a quality agent in the area you are considering. 

Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland

Interlochen, Green Lake Township  -  Announcing a price reduction on 2875 E. Railroad Ave., a 1,560 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 1 1/2 story. Now MLS® $84,900 - REDUCED $20,000.  + $8000 Home Buyer Tax Credit!!!!!

Property information

 Buyers: In todays competitive market many homes(especially the "great deals") and properties are sold  even before they are advertised to the public. With my New Listings Notification System you can instantly be sent any new properties matching your parameters from my website or take it one step further and contact me and ask to be setup on my auto-prosepcting program direct from our multiple listing service and recieve ALL new MLS listings or price changes within 15 minutes  of them hitting the Traverse City MLS, giving you, my clients ,FIRST DIBS and being a step ahead of the competition!  Looking for bank foreclosured homes or short sales ? Contact me  for a complete list of local foreclosures & short sales with advice on the special buying process for these properties. See what my other buyers,sellers and collegues have to say about me on my "Client Testimonials" page.   Area residents thinking of  buying out of area? I can help with that as well. I will get you set up with a quality agent in the area you are considering. 

Published Thursday, February 25, 2010 11:44 PM by Jon Becker Filed under: Real Estate, For Sale, Announcements, Buyer Information

Home inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more specialized inspection than a small condominium. However, the following are the basic elements that a home inspector will check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you might purchase.

For more information, try the virtual home inspection at www.ASHI.org, the Web site of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Structure: A home's skeleton impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural components, including the foundation and the framing, should be inspected.

Exterior: The inspector should look at sidewalks, driveways, steps, windows, and doors. A home's siding, trim, and surface drainage also are part of an exterior inspection.

• Doors and windows
• Siding (brick, stone, stucco, vinyl, wood, etc.)
• Driveways/sidewalks
• Attached porches, decks, and balconies
  
  Roofing: A well-maintained roof protects you from rain, snow, and other forces of nature. Take note of the roof's age, conditions of flashing, roof draining systems (pooling water), buckled shingles, loose gutters and downspouts, skylight, and chimneys.
  
  Plumbing: Thoroughly examine the water supply and drainage systems, water heating equipment, and fuel storage systems. Drainage pumps and sump pumps also fall under this category. Poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots, or corrosion can indicate problems.
  
  Electrical: Safe electrical wiring is essential. Look for the condition of service entrance wires, service panels, breakers and fuses, and disconnects. Also take note of the number of outlets in each room.
  
  Heating: The home's heating system, vent system, flues, and chimneys should be inspected. Look for age of water heater, whether the size is adequate for the house, speed of recovery, and energy rating.
  
  Air Conditioning: Your inspector should describe your home cooling system, its energy source, and inspect the central and through-wall cooling equipment. Consider the age and energy rating of the system.
  
  Interiors: An inspection of the inside of the home can reveal plumbing leaks, insect damage, rot, construction defects, and other issues. An inspector should take a close look at:
  
• Walls, ceilings and floors
• Steps, stairways, and railings
• Countertops and cabinets
• Garage doors and garage door systems
  
  Ventilation/insulation: To prevent energy loss, check for adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic and in unfinished areas such as crawlspaces. Also look for proper, secured insulation in walls. Insulation should be appropriate for the climate. Excess moisture in the home can lead to mold and water damage.
  
  Fireplaces: They're charming, but they could be dangerous if not properly installed. Inspectors should examine the system, including the vent and flue, and describe solid fuel burning appliances.
  
  Source: American Society of Home Inspectors

Contact Jon Becker  - Century 21 Northland for a list of home inspectors in the Grand Traverse area.

Published Monday, February 22, 2010 11:58 AM by Jon Becker Edit Filed under: Real Estate, Announcements, Buyer Information [Edit Tags]

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.

1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.

2. Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, just as there's no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess interest rates ( currently approx 5.25% for a 30 year fixed mortgage- dependant on lender & buyer individual qualifications) or the housing market by waiting longer - you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn't change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won't stay on the market long.

3. Don't ask for too many opinions. It's natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family - the people who will be living in the home.

4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it's in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.

5. Don't try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to "win" by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.

6. Remember your home doesn't exist in a vacuum. Don't get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself - room size, kitchen, etc. - that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.

7. Plan ahead. Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don't leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate. Don't get too hung up on the purchase price itself but also factor in the cost of owning and maintaining the home overall for the life expectancy of the home ( the time you will own it). Consider utility bills, does it have maintenance free siding/exterior, will I need to replace flooring/carpeting before I sell, am I likely to have to repair or replace major items or do major renovating in the home during ownership ( heating system, roof, windows etc.). Also factor in tax advantages of owning a home ( see previous blog post).

9. Accept that a little buyer's remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don't lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased. See my previous blog post regarding Tax benefits of owning a home.

10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home's most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.

If you are considering purchasing a home, investment property, vacant land contact Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland anytime for prompt professional advise and service!

Published Monday, February 22, 2010 11:41 AM by Jon Becker Edit Filed under: Real Estate, Announcements, Buyer Information [Edit Tags]

The tax deductions you're eligible to take for mortgage interest and property taxes greatly increase the financial benefits of homeownership. Here's how it works.

Assume:

$9,877 = Mortgage interest paid (a loan of $150,000 for 30 years, at 7 percent, using year-five interest)
$2,700 = Property taxes (at 1.5 percent on $180,000 assessed value)
______

$12,577 = Total deduction

Then, multiply your total deduction by your tax rate.

For example, at a 28 percent tax rate: 12,577 x 0.28 = $3,521.56

$3,521.56 = Amount you have lowered your federal income tax (at 28 percent tax rate)

PLUS - 1ST TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT UP TO $8000 AND UP TO $6500 FOR OTHER BUYERS UNTIL 04/30/10!!!

Note: Mortgage interest may not be deductible on loans over $1.1 million. In addition, deductions are decreased when total income reaches a certain level

Published Monday, February 22, 2010 11:36 AM by Jon Becker Edit Filed under: Real Estate, Announcements, Finances, Buyer Information

Dear Jack,

During the RTV virtual tour webinar regarding the LifeLock system, Jason LaVanture mentioned a few steps to take if you thought you had spyware on your computer.  Could you please do me a HUGE favor and outline those steps? 

Yours Truly,

Melissa

Melissa my dear,

Thank you so much for your interest in keeping your computer running smoothly. There's simply nothing worse than having a virus or spyware taking your valuable time away from you.  Let me run through what Jason (The Virtual Tour Guru) was talking about on the webinar and explain what he referred to as "Protocol". 

Before spyware does strike you down you should arm yourself by going to http://www.avast.com/download-software  and http://www.malwarebytes.org/  and http://www.atribune.org/ for the ATF cleaner.  These three programs should be installed on your computer and you should regularly get updates for them.

Should you ever feel that your computer is running slowly or that you're infected you should immediately take the following protocol:

1. Update Malwarebytes and then unplug yourself from the Internet

2. Turn off System Restore (I know this is a scary thing to do but please trust me!)

3. Reboot your computer in safe mode with networking by pressing F8 during boot

4. Once logged into windows run the ATF cleaner and remove all

5. Run Malwarebytes and perform a full scan

6. Once scan is complete reboot your machine once again in safe mode

7. Run Malwarebytes again, check for updates (plug in briefly and then unplug), and run a full scan

8. Continue scanning and rebooting in safe mode until your scan comes up clean

9. Boot into regular windows, plug back into the Internet, update Malwarebytes again and run another full scan

10. If the scan comes up clean turn System Restore back on and consider yourself very LUCKY!

11. Good luck out there!

Print these directions off now and tuck them away somewhere.  Trust me, when you've got 1800 Virtual Tour Providers around the World you tend to deal with this on a daily basis!

Real Tour Vision
http://www.realtourvision.com
Virtual Tours

Traverse City Central Neighborhood Home for Sale

Friday, February 12, 2010 by Jason Kudary

New listing! Beautifully remodeled in-town home in the very desirable central neighborhood, within walking distance to Traverse City beaches and downtown shopping and restaurants.  This 3-bedroom, 2.75-bath home has been tastefully updated with quality amenities and stylish décor.  The fabulous master suite features a gas fireplace, vaulted ceiling, skylight, walk-in closet and private bath with whirlpool tub.  The bright kitchen is highlighted by granite counters and custom lighting with a mudroom/pantry area just off the kitchen. Also on the main level--a dining room, front/sitting room, living room and laundry. Bay windows let in plenty of natural light. The wiring, plumbing, siding and roof have also been completely updated. Situated on a double, fenced lot with large stamped-concrete patio, detached garage and dog kennel area.  A great find!  For full details and photos visit 210 W Twelfth St, Traverse City, MI. 

Jason Kudary real estate - Traverse City real estate - Century 21 Northland

For those that read my post a few days ago regarding my personal sales transactions being up 57% in 2009 compared to 2008 in a " down market" as we all constantly here in the media......more great and positive news......my office, Century 21 Northlandann has seen tremendous increases as well.

Our listing inventory ( amount of listings taken) was +18.06  but our % of listings sold was up an INCREDIBLE +85.48% from a year ago

Buyer side closed sales + 70.45% 

and total closed sales $$$ with decreased property values was still up +31.79%    while the area wide average was +12%

Considering purchasing or selling your home or property Contact Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland today!

Whether SELLING or STAYING in their home for the long haul, here are a few improvement ideas for home owners to consider in the New Year.

Remodeling and decorating trends in 2010 are likely to reflect the fact that many home owners are settling in for the long haul.

Here are some ideas for updating homes and gardens from decorators and leading real estate practitioners:

• Environmentally sensitive furniture. Natural fibers, sustainable woods, and recycled products are key to attracting environmentally concerned buyers.
• Classic neutral colors. Deep gray browns and gray blues, muted beige, and chalky white will be particularly popular shades, Pittsburgh Paints predicts.
• Backyard gardens. First Lady Michelle Obama led the way in 2009 when she installed one at the White House.
• Backyard living. Wood-deck additions offer an 80.6 percent payback, according to the annual Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling magazine and REALTOR® magazine. Simple fire pits and outdoor fireplaces also will be popular, trend-watchers say.
• Made in America. As more people feel compelled to support local employment, U.S. manufactured products and antiques will become more popular, says Patricia Shackelford, author of design blog, Mrs. Blandings.

Source: Orlando Sentinel, Jean Patteson (12/26/2009) and Kansas City Star, Stacy Downs (12/27/2009)

Posted by Jon Becker- Century 21 Northland | 1 Comments Filed under: Real Estate, Market Conditions, Announcements, Seller Information

As many of you know the 1st time homebuyer tax credit has not only been extended into 2010 but it has also been expanded to include current home owners as well. Below is a bullet point summary of this great home buyer program.

1ST TIME BUYERS: (does not mean you can never have owned a home - if you have not owned a home in the past 3 years you are again a first time home buyer)

* have not owned a home in past 3 years

* must be 18 years of age or older

* income under $125,000 for individual $225,000 for couples

* purchase price must be under $800,000

* credit of 10% of purchase price up to $8000

* must have accepted offer on home by April 30,2010 and closed by June 30, 2010

* must be your primary residence

Current Homeowners:

* all above criteria applies +

* must have lived in your current home as your primary residence 5 of the past 8 years ( you do not have to sell your current home to buy under the tax credit however the one you buy must become your primary residence)

* no "move up" requirement - you can downsize

* military personal are exempt from these requirements

* your credit is 10% of purchase price up to $6500

There has never been a better time to buy.....property values lower than we have seen in years and years, interest rates are outstanding and up to $8000 Tax Credit.  You can't beat it!!!

Call Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland today to help you find your next home and take advantage of this great incentive!!!

231-342-5401                jon@c21jb.com                 www.c21jb.com