Time to Look @ Property Taxes!
March 8, 2011 by Scott Hoyt · Leave a Comment
Submitted by: Shannon Jones, ABR/Realtor ChangingStreets.com
Don’t forget it’s that time of year to make your appointments with the tax review boards if you feel your property is not being assessed properly. Most municipalities you can call and make an appointment to go in front of the Review Board and plead your case. Go prepared! Take your appraisal if it was done in the last 6 months or last year when you purchased your home, and if you don’t have that, call us at ChangingStreets.com and an agent would be happy to provide you with some recent sales data to take with you. Some townships require you to take in a form that you can download from www.michigan.gov/treasury
And the form is called the l-4035 Petition to Board of Review
You go to the site, then to “Forms” at the top of the page, then click on “Property Tax Forms”, then “Property Tax-Board of Review”.
I have went in front of different boards on different occasions and as long as you are prepared they are great to work with, and you will be surprised at your success. If you are unhappy with their values even after you meet with them, there is always the State of Michigan Review Board…Tax Tribunal!
Most of the townships and cities are meeting in the next few weeks in March, so CALL TODAY and get your appointment to hopefully save a few $$ on your property taxes!!
Grand Blanc Home Market Strong
March 2, 2011 by Scott Hoyt · Leave a Comment
We have really been busy in Grand Blanc the last six months, sales are up, activity is up and web traffic for Grand Blanc is up, so I wanted to see if it was just us or the overall market. What if found is both, kind of…here is what we found.
In November, December and January a year ago there were 131 closings, same period this year 120 so down 11 units or 8.4%. Total pending were up from 118 a year ago to 128 this year (so we should see great February 2011 closing numbers) and total homes listed was down from 322 to 219 or 32%! So over all there is as much activity in Grand Blanc as there was last year, with less inventory which should drive up prices…
Well as you can see on the above chart we are even with last year. It appears at the though the trend is upward and February solds will be a big sign as to what we can expect in 2011. Peliminary numbers show 44 closed up from 38 last year at an average sale price per square foot of $60.67 up from $52 last year nice 14% bump. As of this blog there are 131 pending transaction at $58.55 a sq ft, some of these will not close but it does look like a very solid sold number will be achieved in March. 51 Sold in March of 2010 during the end of the Tax Credit.
Even with less active inventory sales remain strong and prices continue to trend in a positive direction. Let’s hope that continues over the next 10 months!
Homes Are Moving, Inventory is Down.
March 1, 2011 by Scott Hoyt · Leave a Comment
Quick thoughts on the following graph, inventory is down around 30%, pending sales are down 3% that seems like huge plus on the market heating up index…
Carol Scharrer: Flipping Over Real Estate
February 16, 2011 by Cindy Langston · Leave a Comment
Carol Scharrer started selling real estate in May 2007 to form a partnership with her husband who is a builder. The plan was to build and flip a couple of houses a year, to supplement their income. The timing was a little off though, as the market was already starting to dip, and the houses were taking longer to sell than anticipated. So house flipping Flint took a break. The surprise, though, was how much Carol enjoyed the job anyway. So she stuck around and we’re glad!
If she had to pick, Carol says her favorite part of the job would be sharing in the joy of her buyers as they become home owners for the very first time. Her disappointment in the job would be that in reading the blogs of her Streeter associates, she has discovered that not enough crazy, weird stuff has happened to her on the job. She has encountered no live critters or squatters, she hasn’t walked in on back yard barbecues while showing a house. She also claims to have never even fallen down on the job. I think she’s lying but I can only report what I’m told. Of course, this is Genesee County, though, and she has found herself knee deep in basement water on more than one occasion.
At first thought Carol said she hasn’t really noticed much of a change since she joined the business, and that would be understandable since she had not really experienced a good real estate market yet. But as she thought more about it, she was reminded of how many more cash deals she sees these days, and transactions where family members are buying homes for family members to live in, because many folks having lost jobs and credit are not able to get financing on their own. This is a sad commentary on the industry but a positive mark on friends and family helping one another through tough times. It is very much like Carol to find the silver lining in a situation and appreciate the compassion of others. She can relate to that.
Like everyone else, Carol is excited about all the great deals available to people today, at a time when deals are most definitely needed. She notes the bittersweetness of it all, her heart going out to the homeowners who have lost their homes or sold under duress to provide this supply of great deals. But ultimately knows moving forward and getting these houses sold and lived in is what’s going to expedite the healing for everyone.
As much as Carol enjoys working with buyers, the Flushing native has been branching out into working with sellers too and has hadd a blast. So regardless of your real estate needs, give Carol Scharrer a call. See if you can help her find something to trip over or the perfect anecdote, while she finds you the perfect house. 
810-341-4214.
Imported From Detroit
February 9, 2011 by Cindy Langston · Leave a Comment
So I was in my glory Superbowl night. Not because my favorite team was playing – I don’t even have a favorite team. I don’t watch pro football. And not because I was excited by the cornucopia of finger foods & libations that usually put me on cloud nine for the annual awesome commercial fest. In fact, the reason Superbowl Sunday was such a a joy for me was not something I could have anticipated. It was a complete surprise. Three of my favorite things were brought together in one commercial and it was delicious. The Eminem Chrysler spot.
By now probably every one has seen the ad. I will post it anyway just in case someone has managed to miss it. Also because people are watching it over and over. Myself included. I had goosebumps. If you try and tell me you didn’t have some sort of emotional reaction – that you didn’t feel SOMEthing – I will call you a liar.
I have written a lot about my feelings on the automobile industry. Much of it was “lost” when we went to the new format. Hehe. It was pretty opinionated – negative even, some might say. I’ll just sum it up. Buy American. =)
Take that a step further and more specific – I love Chrysler. I’m a jeep girl. Hubs is a Dodge truck guy. It’s not only all he has driven for years, but he also builds them.
Next stop connecting the dots is our first date was in Detroit. For better or worse that makes a warm spot in my heart for D-Town. I think most people in Flint feel a connection to Detroit though. We have a lot in common with our big sister city, from auto making to thriving & decline – our cities can relate.
Bringing the line full circle is Eminem. I love him. My whole family loves him – he is a common ground for us. He is an anthem for my angsty teenage son. My 11 year old daughter “is not afraid” because Eminem told her not to be. The nation loves him. The whole world loves him. But he’s ours. He doesn’t talk much so when he does, people listen. And when he does speak you know he means it.
So imagine the goosebumps and choked upness when those three things came together – out of nowhere – packing such a punch. ”Detroit is alive. We work hard. We made this bad ass car. Buy it.” Who’s gonna argue with Eminem? From the incredible response to the ad, nobody wants to.
Here’s the ad for your enjoyment. And FYI Chrysler just renewed their Friends and Family program so track down your favorite Chrysler worker and see what kind of discount they can get you. =D
Jan Smith: Batty About Real Estate
January 27, 2011 by Cindy Langston · Leave a Comment
Jan Smith has been in and out of real estate for 30 years. She got her start doing the books for the family real estate business, and eventually became an agent.
Jan remarks with wonder how the business has changed over the years. While most agents will talk about buyers, sellers, and banks, Jan notes how technology has changed the business aspect of real estate. ChangingStreets has always been on the cutting edge of technology utilizing the internet, instant messenging, & social media to reach out to one another as well as potential customers. But Jan remembers a time of showing houses without lock boxes, and having to go to the listing offices for keys – then return the keys after the showings. And there was no such thing as mortgage “pre-approval” so you didn’t even really know if the buyers could buy until an offer was made. With mortgage rates at 12% at that time, it is hard to imagine anybody even wanting to buy!
“The business has become a lot more streamlined and efficient with the advent of technology.”
Jan works primarily with buyers these days and has a blast helping people find their dream homes. She leaves no stone unturned while viewing houses with her buyers. Although, ever since that time she was holding back the shower curtain while her clients inspected the tub for rust, and noticed three bats hanging off the curtain by her arm, she has learned to look even carefully before reaching out and entering new rooms!
Jan believes that with all the different loan programs available and the low priced inventory, there are many opportunities for people to own homes, even if they never thought possible.
Jan spends as much time as she can with her grand children and searching for that elusive “ugly golf course.” She’s also waiting for your call. 810.625.1796
Jennifer Nemitz: Short Sale Specialist
January 27, 2011 by Cindy Langston · Leave a Comment
Jennifer Nemitz got into real estate six years ago to be able to generate an income working around her family’s schedule. In her experience in the field she has witnessed big changes in the market. She also quickly found out she didn’t have as much control over her schedule as she had anticipated – but that hasn’t changed how much she loves her job and meeting new people.
Jennifer is currently the short sale specialist at changingstreets.com. She also enjoys working with all buyers and sellers alike.
In a profession full of embarrassing stories and new crazy things happening on a a daily basis, Jen is happy to claim that her most embarrassing moment of getting her heels caught in the shag carpet and falling down the stairs – was while showing houses to members of her own family. That’s pretty impressive!
As Jennifer contemplates the market over the years, she notes that the houses used to be full of furniture, then suddenly, they were all vacant. That set me back a minute. Such a simple observation speaks volumes about what is seen from the eye of the “field” as well as what was happening behind closed doors. To our neighbors, to families, and communities.
In Jennifer’s experience she feels the market is leveling out. She notes prices rising in some areas. Jennifer also expects to see another round of foreclosures around the middle of the year, as well as the emergence of more home buyers.
“More buyers means more multiple offers”,
Jennifer points out. She advises that everyone be prepared with their mortgage pre-approvals and not waste time in making offers when you find something you REALLY like, because if it is a good deal, there will definitely be competition for it.
If you are ready to start shopping for that great deal or have questions regarding short sales, you can reach Jennifer at 989.666.3686.
Margie Pattee: Residential Dream Catcher
January 18, 2011 by Cindy Langston · Leave a Comment
Margie Pattee is a dedicated professional who has been living, working, and breathing real estate since 1990 when she decided she wanted to take the leap from stay at home mom to career woman. Selling real estate had always sounded interesting to her so when the third of her four kids graduated she went for it!
At a time when many agents are specializing in working with either BUYERS or SELLERS, Margie considers herself an expert at both. She should be! In addition to her twenty years, Margie continues to take every class and achieve every designation she can get her hands on. The business and the market are constantly changing and staying informed is the key to Margie’s success and satisfaction of her buyers.
The impressive list of abbreviations behind Margie’s name includeAccredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Professional Relocation Skills (PRS), Residential Market Master (RMM), and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).
Margie has seen it all in her two decades of helping Genesee County buy and sell their homes. One of the oddest things she recalled was running into a family of raccoons in a chimney during a home inspection and having to cool the heels of the home inspector/ Sherriff Deputy who was going to shoot the critters so he could finish the inspection. What?! Thanks for looking out for ALL of Genesee County’s residents, Margie!
Also, having experienced a couple decades worth of trends in the business, Margie has dealt with Buyer AND Seller challenges, but this is the first time she recalls having to work twice as hard and drive three times farther to find business and still make LESS money. An interesting point in an economy and a market where so much focus is on lost jobs, dropping house values and stressed home owners.
I asked Margie to tell me something positive about the real estate martket today and she joked, “I’m still a Real Estate Agent!” That actually really IS a positive point when you consider how many agents have dropped out over the last few years. Those hanging in there like Margie are the most dedicated and most educated cream of the crop. Margie’s husband says she’s “married to her job.” Margie says she just loves what she does and is committed to help customers “Realize their Dreams.”
Take advantage of Margie’s experience and knowledge. She’s waiting to help you find the house of YOUR dreams. 810.513.3185.
Genesee County Sales Prices Continue Ascent
January 18, 2011 by Scott Hoyt · Leave a Comment
Another positive quarter for Real E
state in Genesee County!
The average sales price was up to $73,840 for Q4 of 2010, the forth straight quarter of average price increases and the fifth straight quarter of Year over Year gains. It is now pretty clear that the top of the market hit in Q3 2005 and the bottom was Q1 2009.
The average sales price in the first quarter of 2009 was $57,789.07. Since that time we have seen quarter to quarter increases in six out of seven quarters. Pretty good news. The average sales price was up 8.8%. This is very consistent with the prior three quarters of the year. For a more detailed view check back next week as I am putting together the year end look at Genesee County Real Estate.
Adam Abt: Co-Founder, Broker, Big Daddy
January 18, 2011 by Cindy Langston · 2 Comments
Adam Abt, broker and co-founder of ChangingStreets.com, has been involved with real estate for 16 years. I can clearly recall the day he came into the doctor’s office where I worked and told me about some guy “Hoyt” he knew that he was going into business with, to start a new real estate company. He was a top producer where he was working at the time and he was making more money than he ever had, but he was so excited talking about the potential of this new business and it was contagious. Nine years later he STILL gets that excited about the business and it is still contagious. When I look back I don’t think that I ever doubted the success of the company – but I know I never thought it would grow so big, so fast.
You gotta have heart
Adam and his partners are smart guys and if you asked about the success of their company they would talk about stats and production and methods and websites, rock star agents, and so on. As a one time outsider turned insider, having once looked in and is now projecting out – honest to goodness I believe it’s the heart of these guys that kept the doors open as a struggling young company and continues to see it grow.
It’s kind of old hat now, the amount of generosity and sincerity that floats around here, but I remember in my first several months here I was many times blown away by the battles Adam fought for his clients. (and agents!) If his client was not treated properly and fairly by someone else involved in the transaction, he went to bat for them. When the City of Mt. Morris would not turn on the water so that the mandatory pre-sale home inspection could be performed, he went above heads and talked to the media to get the red tape cut. When one of us agents is having trouble with a file because someone involved in the transaction isn’t playing fair, we give it to Adam who takes on the fight as his own and makes things right.
Man overboard
Adam really does go over and above for his agents and his clients. It’s one thing to sit and plan how to best handle a situation and to do the right thing. But it’s how a person acts on instinct that gives a glimpse into their intentions. So when Adam’s pregnant client tripped and was on her way to falling in the swimming pool during a house showing, and he dove to nudge her to safety while falling in the pool himself… in December - “It was her or me” he said – we weren’t surprised. Even though we told him we were. :)
Down to bidness
For all the schmoozing I’m doing here, and the fun to be had at his expense, at the end of the day, Adam is the boss and he has a business to run – a lot of people are counting on him to make sure they get their houses sold and buy their dream homes. He takes this very seriously as he continues to study the market and its current fickle ways. He can’t believe how much things have changed since his early days of buying investment property, which sparked his interest in selling real estate – to his current days of owning his own company, sitting on committees, and assisting with the company HUD account. He calls the current market 100% different than it ever was, and says
“Nothing is the same as it even was a few years ago. The biggest challenges are the ever changing foreclosure/REO market, and the daily changes to the buying and negotiating process. I’ve always considered myself somewhat of an an expert but it’s difficult to make that claim now when there is the chance that the sound advice I feel I am giving today won’t be relevant tomorrow.”
Adam describes the Genesee County real estate market as “still unstable & unpredictable” but cannot stress enough the opportunities for getting great homes at a fraction of the price of a few years ago. He adds,
“Anyone who buys a house now will be set in a few years when the rebounding of property values really begins.”
Managing a sales team, working with HUD, creating stained glass art, kayaking and spending time with his family (Did I mention he and his wife have TWINS!?) sure keep Adam busy and on his toes. But you know what he can’t seem to do without? Working with buyers and sellers. It was his first love in this crazy business and he’s looking forward to your call when it’s time to take that step into buying/selling your home. 810.955.1087.
Call Us at 810.733.3374 
flint@ChangingStreets.com
|