Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

Halloween is a fun and exciting time, especially for children. To ensure youngsters and your Royal Oak Michigan home for sale make it safely through the festivities this year, follow these Halloween safety tips:

1. Eliminate trip hazards. Remove bikes, toys and garden hoses from your Royal Oak Michigan home for sale front yard and porch. Sweep and rake leaves.
2. Replace burned out lights. Trick-or-treaters have a hard enough time seeing through their masks; don’t increase the danger by keeping them in the dark.
3. Restrain pets. You don’t want your pet to jump on a trick-or-treater, or even worse, bite someone.
4. Use a flashlight or glow stick to illuminate your carved pumpkin. Lit candles are dangerous, especially around small children or crowds of people.
5. Practice candle safety in your Royal Oak Michigan home for sale. Keep indoor jack-o-lanterns with lit candles, and any decorations with open flames, away from curtains and other furnishings that can easily ignite.
6. Apply makeup as a mask. A loose-fitting mask might restrict breathing or make it difficult to see. Instead, draw on a mask using makeup. If a mask is used, make sure it fits securely and has large eyeholes so the child can see.
7. Choose flame-resistant costumes. Many Royal Oak Michigan homes use lit candles as part of their exterior Halloween decorations. A child’s costume could accidentally brush against the flame. Purchase costumes with flame-resistant labels. If a costume is homemade, spray it with a non-toxic fire retardant.
8. Add a few strips of reflective tape to costumes and treat bags. This helps drivers see the children. It’s also helps to have trick-or-treaters carry flashlights – both to see and be seen.
9. Limit where children go. They should only knock on the doors of homes with a porch light on. Instruct them to never enter a home or a car for a treat. Teach them to stick to well-lit streets, stay on sidewalks and never cut across yards, use alleys or dash between parked cars.

Wishing you and your loved ones a fun and safe Halloween!

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

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You might be scratching your head right now wondering why in the world you would want to hire a real estate agent when you’re buying a Royal Oak Michigan home for sale by owner (FSBO). You may even have the misconception that real estate agents can’t work for you if you want to buy a FSBO.  That’s not true.

Real estate agents can represent your best interests when purchasing FSBOs, just like they do when purchasing homes listed with a real estate agency. You get the same service from your agent whether he or she is helping you buy a traditional Royal Oak Michigan home for sale or a FSBO.

Here are three benefits to working with a real estate agent when buying a FSBO:

1. It could save you thousands of dollars.

Most people consider buying a FSBO because they fall in love with the house, not because it’s a great price. In fact, the majority of FSBOs are priced at or above the actual market value of the home. Why is this? Home owners are novices at pricing homes, their information is typically out of date, they don’t have access to the sales prices of all homes in the area, and they don’t have the technology needed to accurately process the data.

When you hire an agent, you gain a considerable advantage over the seller when negotiating the price. Agents are experienced negotiators, and they have the sales statistics to support their requests.

Some proponents of selling your Royal Oak Michigan home for sale by owner argue that you’ll pay more because you have to pay the agent’s commission. In this buyer’s market, all homes including FSBOs take longer to sell. If a homeowner is serious about selling, and the home has been on the market for a while, the seller more often than not agrees to pay all of part of the real estate agent’s commission.

2. It’ll save your sanity.

Sellers have an emotional and personal attachment to their homes. They frequently take it personally when buyers want to negotiate. Without an agent, it’s you and the seller pitted against each other. Emotions often flare, which could prevent you from getting the best deal possible or could cause you to lose the opportunity to buy the house altogether.

3. All legal issues and paperwork will be handled by the agent.

The process of buying a house is complex. Your agent will guide you through the entire process including the negotiation, inspection, re-negotiation (based on findings during the inspection) and closing.  He or she also will make sure all legal issues are considered and handled appropriately, and all paperwork required to buy the home is properly completed.

If you’re interested in buying a home, whether or not it’s a FSBO, I’d like to help you.  Call me today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

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Real estate has a language of its own, and I don’t just mean phrases like closing costs, short sales and foreclosures.  What I’m talking about are buzz words used to advertise Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale.

When you understand the typical meaning of these code words, you’ll be better able to determine which Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale are worth looking at in person.

• Cozy: Look at this home if you don’t mind a much smaller than average home.
• Rustic: If you want a home in the country (or one that looks like it should be in the country), take a look at this one.
• Move in Ready: Usually means it’s vacant.
• Starter: It’s smaller and less expensive than average homes in the area.  If you’re in the market for a starter home, this is the phrasing you want to look for.
• Needs TLC: It probably needs more than just a little work.  If you don’t mind that, check it out for yourself to see how much work it really needs.
• Handyman’s Special: Needs more work than TLC, which probably means you’ll need to hire professional contractors to get at least some of the work done.  If you like the home, have a home inspection to find all the problems and then negotiate for a good price.
• Investor Special: Best use of this property is to rent it out.
• Investment in Land: If there’s a house on the land, this means you’re probably wisest to tear down the home and rebuild.
• I’m Beautiful Inside: The interior is nice, but something about the exterior is unappealing.  It could be something easy to fix like old siding and cracked concrete or something impossible to remedy like being on a busy street.
• Honey, Stop the Car: This is a must-see home, if it fits your budget and needs.

If you’re looking at Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale, let me help you crack the code.  I’ll help you find a home you’ll love and use my negotiation skills to get it at a great price.

To get started with your home search, give me a call at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

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Buying Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale when you live in another state or country can be challenging.  Here are a few simple ideas to help make things a little less hectic.

• Investigate online.  Most people know to search for Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale Michigan online, but what about searching for a neighborhood?  Although you can’t search each and every individual neighborhood, you can research almost any city online.  This gives you a pretty good idea of what the area has to offer in the way of schools, shopping and safety.
• Hire a buyer’s agent.  While you’re searching online, your buyer’s agent can search the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for you.  She or he can email newly listed properties to you daily.
• Use your buyer’s agent as your eyes, ears and nose.  When you find a home that meets your needs, ask your buyer’s agent to visit it in person.  Have him or her take photos of the interior and exterior of the property and email them to you.  S/he can even take a video and post it on YouTube for you to see.  Ask your buyer’s agent to tell you what the home smells like and how loud (or quiet) the neighborhood is.
• Share as much information with your agent as you can.  The more you research the area, the more information you are going to have to give to your agent.  Talk with your agent and let her or him know what you have found and any areas that you may have decided against.  This will save you and your agent time.
• Visit to get a personal impression.  If at all possible, after you’ve narrowed the properties down to the top two or three, personally visit them.  While you can buy a house sight unseen, it’s best to make at least one trip to get a feel for which home most appeals to you.

For more information on long distance home buying or other tips to make your search for Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale easier, give me a call at 248-514-2640 or send an email to info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

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In today’s environment, do you think buying one of the Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale has become less popular than renting?  Then, you’ll probably be surprised to learn that 81% of American adults still think that buying a home is the best investment a person can make.

In comparison, two decades ago, a CBS News/New York Times survey found that 84% of American adults thought buying a home was the best investment a person could make.  That’s only a 3% decline in 20 years.

The new information is based on two nationwide studies performed this year by the Pew Research Center and Trulia, a real estate website.  The Pew Research Center’s survey sample included 2,142 adults.  Fifty-seven percent of the people who answered the survey own a home, 30% rent and the remainder has other arrangements, such as living with family members.

Here are some other findings provided by the studies:

• Buying is more affordable than renting in 78% of America’s major cities.
• 81% of renters would prefer to own a home than continue to rent.
• 47% of homeowners say their home is worth less now than before the recession started.  31% say its value is the same.  17% say their home is worth more than before the recession.

The bottom-line?   In most areas of the country, even though home prices have declined in the past four or five years, homeownership is still preferred and is also a practical financial decision.

If you’re ready to buy one of the Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale, I can help you find one that you’ll love in a price range that fits your budget.  To find the perfect Royal Oak Michigan home for sale, give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

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If you’re looking to purchase a new home, then you have a list of priorities. When looking at Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale, families with young children consider proximity to schools and quality of school districts as two of the top concerns on their home buying checklist.

With “back to school” on the brain, your top priority when looking at Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale might be how close a home is to schools. Before you purchase property near a school, take the following considerations into account.

• Top-notch education – If the local school is the best in the surrounding area, then your property value could increase. Houses in your neighborhood will be in high demand because families will want to ensure their children are included in that district.
• Around the block – Living near a school could be beneficial if you have younger children you can walk with. Additionally, your proximity will allow you to react quickly if school closes early or your child gets sick.
• Noise alert – With cars whizzing by and children walking past, you might have to deal with daily commotion and traffic. Depending on how close you live to the school, you could also be subject to noise from recess, after-school practice and Friday night football games.
• School view – Living directly across from a school could actually decrease the value of your home and increase the litter. A view of a high school isn’t as good as a view of a quaint, tree-lined street; and the constant foot and car traffic could mean more mess in your yard.
• Neighborhood watch – Do your research. Some neighborhoods surrounding schools may have better relationships with the school. If your neighborhood association meets monthly with a school, you’ll be able to voice any concerns you might have.

While there are many pros and cons to living near schools, you need to decide what is best for your family.

Whether you’re interested in Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale near or far away from schools, I can help you find a home that fits your priorities.  Call me today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

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In order to get the most buyers through your front door, you’ll need to do more than just stick a sign in the front yard. An aggressive and thoughtful marketing campaign can make the difference between a quick sale and your house continuing to sit on the market with little activity.

Take the time to thoroughly market your Royal Oak Michigan home for sale by owner (FSBO).

1. Take a lot of good photographs. You have to expect that buyers will look at your property online before they decide to take the time to visit it in person. Make sure you have a lot of photographs online and that they do your house justice. Take pictures from multiple angles in each room and choose the best ones. Also, if you have a great yard, make sure you show it off.
2. Make the most of your signage. Ensure your phone number is clearly visible. Also, check with your homeowners association and neighbors that live at busy intersections to find out if you can put a sign with an arrow pointing toward your house.
3. Put ads on every website you can. Most buyers start their search on the Internet, so make sure your Royal Oak Michigan home for sale by owner has a strong online presence.
4. Don’t forget about print ads. Many buyers still look at newspaper Classifieds, so make sure your house appears there. You can often place large ads in smaller publications for relatively little money.
5. Host open houses. Not every location is especially suitable, but try it a couple of times and see how many people turn out.  If you’re getting good foot traffic, keep it up.

If you need help marketing your Royal Oak Michigan home for sale by owner, please call me at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com for more information.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

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You’ve decided to try to sell your Royal Oak Michigan home for sale by owner (FSBO).  One of the many tasks you’ll be performing is showing your home to potential buyers.  You won’t personally know most potential buyers, so be sure to take precautions to stay safe.  After all, these are strangers you’re allowing into your home.

Here are six tips to protect your safety when showing your Royal Oak Michigan home for sale by owner (FSBO) to potential buyers:

1. Pre-qualify potential buyers.  The most basic thing you want to do is identify qualified buyers by determining if a potential buyer can afford to buy your home.  The best way to do this is to require that the potential buyer give you a copy of their pre-approval letter before scheduling a viewing of your home.  Buyers who are not serious about buying within the next few months will not have bothered to get pre-approved, and buyers who cannot afford your home will not be able to get a pre-approval letter.
2. Use a sign-in sheet.  Keep a sign-in sheet near the entrance to your home.  Have everyone who comes to view your home fill out his or her name, address and phone number on the sheet as soon as they enter.
3. Stay with them while they tour your home.  While you don’t want to hover over their shoulders, don’t allow them to wander around your home by themselves.
4. Have someone else with you.  Don’t be home alone.  Have your neighbor, a friend or family member with you at all times.
5. Hide valuables.  Do not leave money, jewelry or other valuables where they can be seen or easily taken.
6. Require an appointment.  Whether you’re selling your home as a FSBO or with an agent, requiring an appointment allows you to keep a normal schedule.  You don’t want people touring your home while you’re eating dinner or taking a nap.   If a buyer is really interested, he or she will not have a problem making an appointment.

Want help marketing your Royal Oak Michigan home for sale by owner?  Give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com for more information.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

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With the struggling economy and the move toward living greener, small houses are becoming more popular.  You may have heard about the Small House Movement and wondered if living in a small Royal Oak Michigan home for sale will be right for you.

To help you decide, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about small houses:

How tiny is a small house?

What is typically referred to as a small house varies widely in size from about 650 square feet down to the extremely miniscule house of about 120 square feet. However, any home with fewer square feet than you’re living in now can be considered a small house.  If you’re currently living in 3,000 square feet and you move to a Royal Oak Michigan home for sale that has 1,500 square feet, you’ve downsized by half.  It all depends on your perspective.

Does smaller equate to less expensive?

Most smaller Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale are less expensive simply because of the reduced square footage.  For the same reason, smaller houses cost less to heat, cool and maintain.  Of course, if you add on luxury features like marble counters and hand-carved built-ins, a small home can quickly go from economical to expensive.

Do I have to have it built from scratch?

Although the Small House Movement trend is fairly new, there have been small houses around for centuries.  Depending on the area in which you live they may be called cottages, bungalows, row houses, town houses or even shotgun houses.

Whether you want a micromini house, a mcmansion or any size in between, I can help you find and negotiate a good price for it.  Give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com to get started.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

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The real estate market is flooded with homes for sale.   Interest rates are at an all time low on fixed rate mortgages.  And, terms for acquiring a home loan are still fairly open.  This is expected to change and possibly soon, which means now is prime time to buy Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale.

To help you with this process, here are answers to four of the most popular questions I’ve recently received from home buyers:

Q:  Where can I find the best deal on Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale?
A: The answer is almost anywhere.  Because homes are sitting on the market for a long time, most homeowners are more willing than ever to negotiate.

Q:  What about buying new construction?
A: The option for new construction is open to more people than ever before.  Builders are offering extended home warranties and many upgrades to help move their inventory.  Some builders now offer financial assistance to reach an even larger number of buyers.

Here’s the number one tip to get the best deal in new construction:  Before starting your search for new construction, hire a real estate agent.  Your real estate agent can negotiate the best deal for you, even in new construction.   Be sure to visit new construction with your agent so the builder knows you’re represented.  This representation costs you nothing and can save you a lot of money.

Q:  Should I look at short sales and foreclosures for my best deal?
A: Not really.  Although there are good deals to be found, the time and effort involved in purchasing short sales and foreclosures can be a huge negative.  Negotiating with a homeowner can be much easier than trying to negotiate with a lender for the short sale or foreclosure.

Q:  Should I wait for home prices to go even lower?
A: Definitely not.  Prices of Royal Oak Michigan homes for sale have come down from a few years ago and are much more stable and accurate.  The days of inflated home prices are long gone.  This does not mean that homes will not increase in value.  It only means that they will do so at a rate that should prevent the upside-down mortgages that some people are facing today.

This is a prime time to purchase a home.  With the large number of homes on the market, you are certain to find one to call home.  Let me help you in your search.  Call me today at 248-514-2640 or email me today at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

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