Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

Most people make New Year’s resolutions to improve themselves.  If you’re a Troy Michigan real estate home owner, this year consider making a few New Year’s Resolutions to improve your home.  Here are 6 ideas to choose from:

1. Renovate.  Choose one project you really want to do, and get it done this year.  Add on a deck, make minor kitchen renovations or install a new bathroom floor.

2. Practice home safety.  Troy Michigan real estate home owners can practice fire safety by ensuring their home smoke alarms work and holding fire drills. Prevent poisoning by keeping cleaners, medications and beauty products in a place where children can’t reach them and using child safety locks.  Avoid falls by having bright lights over stairs and steps and on landings. Also, keep stairs clear of clutter.

3. Test for radon.  Radon is a significant contaminant that affects indoor air quality worldwide. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Even if you live in an area that typically doesn’t have radon problems, the US EPA recommends testing your home for radon because testing is the only way to know your [city] home’s radon levels.

4. Do one thing to go green.  Change to Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL), install a low-flow shower head, use green cleaning products or start recycling.

5. Check water quality. Drinking water quality varies from location to location, depending on the condition of the source water from which it is drawn and the treatment it receives. Every community water supplier must provide an annual report to its customers. Read your report to find out what your water contains. 

6. Private wells and homes drawing water from other sources such as lakes and rivers are not regulated. If your drinking water does not come from a public water system, you alone are responsible for assuring that it is safe. Routine water testing is essential.

7. Reduce your utility bills.  Troy Michigan real estate owners should review electric and gas expenses for the previous 12 months and make a plan to reduce them. There are many ways to save on energy bills:  increase your insulation, weather strip windows and doors, purchase energy efficient appliances, install energy efficient windows and adjust home temperatures.

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

Do you own Troy Michigan real estate with a small room that’d you’d like to make larger, but you don’t have the money in your budget to tear down a wall or add on to the room?  By using a bit of creativity, you can make that tiny room look larger without breaking the bank.

Here are 8 low-cost decorating tips to make any room in your home look bigger:

1. Leave open space.  Place taller pieces of furniture along a wall rather than out in the open space.  To prevent blocking the view into a room, use shorter pieces of furniture like an ottoman or a low table.   The more open space you can see, the larger the room will look.

2. Brighten the room.  A well-lit room looks larger, whether it’s brightened with natural or artificial light.  Remove heavy, dark draperies to let the natural light into the room.  Install track lighting or recessed spot lighting, which is perfect for a small space.

3. Lighten up the floor and ceiling.  Open up the room by using a white or very light color on the ceiling.  Use light-colored flooring such as light oak or a light-colored carpet to make the room appear bigger.

4. Reduce the amount of furniture.   This goes back to leaving open space.  Keep only those pieces of furniture that you really love or really need in the room.  Get rid of everything else.

5. Switch to glass.  Using a glass-topped dining table, end table or coffee table gives the appearance of an open space, even though there isn’t.

6. De-clutter.  Too much stuff makes even a large room seem small.  Organize anything you must keep.

7. Choose light colors.  Light, cool colors like pale blue and light green can make the smallest space feel open and airy.

8. Use a monochromatic scheme. Take those light colors one step further by using colors all in the same family. When you look around a room that has the same color scheme for the furniture, flooring and walls, you believe there’s more space than there really is.  Contrasting colors break up a space. Furniture is less interrupting and blends with the space if its color matches the wall.

Are you looking for Troy Michigan real estate with large rooms?  I can help.  Give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

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

If you’re in need of an appliance for your Troy Michigan real estate, you may want to buy now to save cash.  The U.S. government is giving you good reasons to buy energy-efficient appliances through its Energy Star designation.  Thirty-six states have launched programs to distribute almost $300 million in rebates to consumers who buy energy-efficient appliances.

The federally-funded programs are similar to the hotly debated cash-for-clunkers auto rebate program of 2009. Rebates differ by state and appliance but typically run between $50 to $75 on refrigerators, washers, dryers and freezers.

To qualify for rebates, consumers must buy Energy Star appliances, which meet or beat energy standards.  These standards are set by the federal government and are up to 30 percent more efficient than non-Energy Star appliances.

Should you buy new appliances for your home now?  Say yes if:

• You need a new appliance anyway.
• You’re tired of throwing away money every time you operate inefficient appliances.
• You want a good deal on a new appliance.
• You want to help the environment by going green and saving energy.

You may even be able to trade in your old-but-still running refrigerator or dishwasher when you buy a new Energy Star model.  For the specific rules and amount you’ll save, go to Energy Savers.  

Want to save even more?  You may also be eligible for rebates offered by manufacturers, local utilities and retailers.  Home Depot, Lowe’s and Sears are all planning special promotions in certain states to coincide with the federal rebate program.

Research the stores’ promotions before you buy.  To find a list of retailers of Energy Star qualified products in your area and the categories of products they carry, use the Energy Star Store Locator. 

Since rebates for Energy Star qualified (or higher) appliances are generally being given on a first-come, first-served basis, and because funding is limited, you might want to act fast before the available cash is gone.

If you’d like to buy Troy Michigan real estate for your new appliances, I can help.  Give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

During this festive season, owners of Troy Michigan real estate have thoughts that turn to giving gifts, baking delicious treats and visiting friends and family. However, there are others who think about unoccupied, gift-filled houses.

Don’t give a thief a chance this year.  Safeguard your Troy Michigan real estate for the holidays by following these tips:

Holiday Safety at Home

• Keep all doors and windows locked, even if your step out for a moment.
• Videotape valuables so you’ll have a record of ownership.
• Inspect all holiday lights for frayed wiring before your hang them.
• Beware of strangers coming to the door asking for charitable donations. Ask for identification, if donations are tax deductible, how the funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, don’t give. Instead, help a charitable group you know.

Holiday Events Away from Your Troy Michigan Home

• Turn on lights, a television or radio so that it appears that someone is home.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• If you have a home alarm system, use it.  Alarm systems are only useful when they’re activated.
• Holiday gifts should not be displayed where they can be seen from the outside.
• Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots or other “secret” hiding places — burglars know where to look for hidden keys.

Holiday Travel 

• Secure all doors and windows including your pet doors.  Burglars can gain access to your premises from amazingly small openings – including cat doors. Secure all pet doors and remember to lock every single window and door, including those on garages and exterior buildings or storage sheds.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your house and pick up any packages left for you.
• If you leave your car at home, park it where you normally would.
• Use automatic timers for your interior and exterior lights.
• Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries.
• Arrange to have snow shoveled (if necessary) while you’re away.
• Notify your local police department and leave a number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

Take the time to be safe so you can relax and enjoy this wonderful time of the year.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Lee Morof
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

Some people who are supposedly “in the know” believe the American dream of owning a home has died.  They spout “facts” that say home ownership – not just for Troy Michigan real estate, but also across the nation – is no longer on the minds of the majority of Americans.

Additionally, according to some of these individuals, suburban sprawl is the reason for:

• the housing bubble burst,
• the breakdown of social mores,
• global warming (due to commutes, of course)
• and more.

It’s amazing that the nation’s suburbs can cause so many problems, isn’t it?

Is the American dream of home ownership really dead? The number of people buying Troy Michigan real estate homes versus renting them points to a definitive… maybe. However, in newspapers and on the Internet, we’re seeing tons of “if you can’t sell your home, rent it out” information. We’re seeing potential homebuyers being told that renting may be the best option. Why?

The economy, of course. While there are plenty of want-to-be homeowners, those same people choose to rent rather than own for a wide variety of reasons. The main reason, however, is that they think it will be cheaper.

When you first think of buying a home, it sounds like an overwhelming prospect with lots of money involved. However, while the down payment is much more than it would be for a rental property, it’s time to really look at the cost. Instead of example numbers, let me point you to Money-Zine.com’s Rent vs. Buy a Home calculator. 

Now, before you start plugging in numbers, remember that the national average for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is around 4.5% – 5%. The national averages for mortgage rates in general range from 3% to 5.5%. Of course, every situation is different, but think about it and really do your research before you decide whether to rent or purchase Troy Michigan real estate.  Don’t just assume it’s better to rent; renting may not be the cheap option you think it is.

If you’d like to find your piece of the American dream, I can help. Call me at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com for more information. 

Lee Morof
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

When people think of environmental concerns, very seldom do they think of their home environment. Mold spores, carcinogens, allergens and more can fill up your Troy Michigan real estate and create a bad environment. Here are a few ways to make sure your indoor air quality is as good as it can be:

• Check for mold. Mold has a distinctive odor; somehow, it manages to smell both wet and dry, as well as musty. It can grow around windows, in the bathroom and in your air ducts. For windows, bathrooms and small areas within your home, you can clean the mold yourself wearing protective gear and using the right mold cleanup methods. 
• Check the ductwork. Mold, dust, insect parts and other small to microscopic pollutants settle in ductwork and then, when the air is turned on, flow out into the various units. I recommend leaving this job to professionals with the proper equipment.  Research green janitorial services in your area that specialize in environmentally safe cleaning practices and provide good indoor air quality through the practices.
• Check your carpet. Carpets can be a big cause of bad indoor air quality. Some carpets contain a high level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are emitted into the air as gases. Exposure to VOCs can cause nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and skin rashes. If you’re having any of these issues, you may want to replace your carpet with an eco-friendly carpet. 

If you’re looking for eco-friendly Troy Michigan real estate, I can help. Call the Michigan Real Estate Expert, Lee Morof at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com for more information.

Lee Morof – Michigan Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

It’s getting close to Halloween, and families across the nation are slowly but surely decorating their homes.  The spirit of the season is in the air, the leaves are changing colors, and pumpkins are going up for sale.  It’s time to prepare your Troy Michigan real estate for the season and carve!

Picking Tips

• Make sure your pumpkin has a stem; it won’t last very long if it doesn’t.
• The pumpkin needs to have a flat bottom so it won’t roll.
• No holes or soft spots, because they’ll rot.
• Choose a light-colored pumpkin for easier carving, or a dark colored pumpkin for a longer lasting decoration.

Pattern Tips
On the steps of Troy Michigan real estate homes everywhere, pumpkin faces sprout fangs and witches ride their brooms.  Maybe you want your carvings to stand out, though.  Here are a few things to look at when choosing a pattern:

• Keep in mind who’ll be doing the carving.  Smaller children generally have a harder time with detailed carvings. 
• Carving patterns should be as large as the pumpkin you’re working with.
• If your design is elaborate, draw it out on paper first.  You can’t erase a cut.
• Remember that you have to leave space between the cuts.  The pumpkin has to stay together.

Carving Tips

• Before carving, wash the pumpkin and let it dry.
• Use good carving tools – or a sharp knife and a small serrated knife – for the more elaborate designs (unless you want to carve a difficult design with a spoon tip)
• Start at the center of your design and work outwards.
• Use petroleum jelly on the cuts after you’re done so the pumpkin will last longer.

Left-overs
Once you’re done carving, you’ll have a lot of left over pumpkin.  Instead of throwing it in the trash, try roasting the pumpkin seeds for a great snack, or try using the flesh for a delicious pumpkin pie.

When you own Troy Michigan real estate, soon, children will be visiting your home in mass.  With these tips on pumpkins, patterns and carving (and candy, of course), you can have them oohing and aahing with delight.

Want to find new Halloween decorating ideas for your home?  Click to Learn More!

Lee Morof
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640

Many older Americans who own Troy Michigan real estate are turning to reverse mortgages to convert part of the equity in their homes into cash.  With reverse mortgages, loans don’t have to be paid back to the lender until the homeowner dies, sells their home or no longer uses it as their principal residence. 

Three Types of Reverse Mortgages
There are three basic types of reverse mortgages: single purpose, federally insured, and proprietary.  For all three types, you need to be at least sixty-two years old and live in your home.  The proceeds are generally tax-free and many have no income guidelines.

1. Single purpose – Generally, single purpose reverse mortgages have very low costs.  They’re offered by state and local government agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations.  As the name suggests, this type of reverse mortgage can only be used for one purpose, specified by the lender.  That purpose is usually for home repairs, home improvements or property taxes.  To qualify, your income has to be low or moderate.
2. Federally insured – Also known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, or HECMs, federally insured reverse mortgages are backed by HUD.  They’re usually more costly than other loans, and the up-front costs can be high.  They’re more expensive if you stay in the home for just a short time, but they’re also widely available, have no income requirements and can be used for whatever purpose you want to use them for.
3. Proprietary – Although backed by private companies, proprietary loans are much like HECMs.  The largest difference is that HECMs generally provide a larger loan advance with a lower total cost than proprietary loans.  However, those people whose homes have a higher real estate appraisal value might get a bigger loan advance from a proprietary reverse mortgage.

People may choose to take out reverse mortgages for home repairs or improvements, or because they need help paying property taxes.  Other reasons include paying for healthcare expenses, paying off a current mortgage, or supplementing retirement income.

Before taking out a mortgage of any type, remember to read the fine print.  Many people who own Troy Michigan real estate have lost their homes because they didn’t fully understand the terms.  If necessary, have a professional explain them to you.

Thinking of buying or selling Southeast Michigan real estate?  When you or your loved ones work with me as your Troy Michigan real estate professional, I’ll refer you to a mortgage loan expert who will help you select the best mortgage for your financial situation.  Call me today at 248-514-2640 or send me an email at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com now!

Lee Morof
RE/MAX Showcase Homes
Birmingham, Michigan
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
Call:  248-514-2640