Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

You’ve probably heard the terms real estate agent, broker, REALTOR®, listing agent and buyer’s agent. But do you know what they mean and the differences between them?

Here are the definitions of terms you may encounter on your Bloomfield Hills real estate agent search:

1. Real estate agent: Agents are licensed sales people. They are not real estate brokers. In fact, they must work for an employing broker and cannot work independently. An agent works under the broker’s guidance and legal protection. Real estate agents are required to undergo education pertaining to real estate law and ethics.
2. Real estate broker: A real estate broker has more education than an agent, they can work independently, and they can hire other real estate agents. While many of the responsibilities of an agent and a broker are interchangeable when it comes to customers, the role and qualifications for each are incredibly different. Typically, a broker is more of a manager for a real estate company. Brokers have to undergo more extensive education than agents in relation to business management.
3. REALTOR®: Not all agents are REALTORS®. A real estate agent becomes a REALTOR® when he or she joins the National Association of REALTORS®.  The term “REALTOR®” is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abides by its strict Code of Ethics.
4. Listing agent: They are also known as seller’s agents because they represent the seller.  A listing agent can be a real estate broker, a real estate agent and/or a REALTOR®
5. Buyer’s agent: Buyer’s agents represent the buyer. They can be a real estate broker, a real estate agent, and/or a REALTOR®

Basically you want to find out which side the Bloomfield Hills real estate agent you are talking to is on — the buyer’s or the seller’s.  Then you will understand where their loyalty lies.  You always want someone on your side that will look out for your best interests.

If you’re looking for a Bloomfield Hills real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home, please contact me. I’d love to be considered for the job. You can reach me at 248-514-2640 or info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

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

As a Bloomfield Hills real estate agent, I spend a lot of time rushing in and out of homes. It’s easy for me to get caught up in the hustle-bustle of Bloomfield Hills real estate transactions, and I forget to slow down to appreciate the pleasure of owning a home. So today, I want to take a moment to reflect on the home aspect of real estate.

My job (one I love) is to help people just like you find the perfect Bloomfield Hills real estate that suits their lives.  Once you move in, you make that house into a home. 

Holiday Traditions 
Your Bloomfield Hills home is where you and your loved ones celebrate holidays and where you create and continue family traditions. Whether you deck the halls with layers of tinsel and wreaths or have the whole family over to spin Hanukkah dreidels, the spirit of the season comes from the energy of the people gathering together in your home. 

Season of Family Warmth
While you’re making your famous sugar cookies or spiking your secret-recipe punch with extra holiday cheer, pause for a moment to enjoy the warmth and beauty of your Bloomfield Hills home. My wish for you is that you live every day like it’s a holiday, being thankful and spending time with loved ones.

Happy Holidays!
May your home be filled with the joy of family and friends this holiday season. There’s truly no place like home for the holidays!

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

Before you put your home on the market, you want to make certain that it’s in tip-top condition to ensure a quick sale. The key to listing your home at a competitive price and guaranteeing you have what buyers are looking for is to think like a Bloomfield Hills real estate agent.

To get your home ready to sell, here are five easy and inexpensive home improvements this Bloomfield Hills real estate agent recommends:

1. Layout – Take an objective look at your home and stage accordingly. Remove clutter and rearrange so that potential buyers can envision each room for its purpose. Also, store any obtrusive furniture that disrupts walking flow or makes rooms look smaller.
2. Hardware – Update all hardware. Changing out door handles, drawer pulls and light fixtures is an easy way to modernize your home while costing little money.
3. Charm – Play up the unique features of your home. Refinish hardwood floors if scuffed, remove excess objects from built-in bookshelves and clean unique light fixtures. It’s these irreplaceable elements that make your home stand out from other homes and hook buyers.
4. Scent – Eliminate all bad odors like pet scent, stale cooking odors and cigarette smoke.  Just lighting candles or spraying air freshener won’t work.  Clean, deodorize and get rid of rugs or other cloth objects that still smell bad.
5. Curb Appeal – Spend some time sprucing up the yard of your Bloomfield Hills real estate. It’s the first impression buyers will have of your home, and although the house might be in mint condition, a lots-of-work lawn could instill a negative notion before they even step a foot inside your home.

Buyers’ needs vary in every market. However, buyers will always consider these five features before they buy. So, stay one step ahead of the game and ensure your house is up to par with buyers’ expectations.

If you’re getting ready to sell your home and are looking for a Bloomfield Hills real estate agent who can help you sell your home fast and for top-dollar, I’d be honored to be interviewed for the job.  Give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com to schedule an appointment.

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

Here are five tips to help you identify the best Bloomfield Hills real estate agent to get your home sold as fast as possible and for the most money.

1. Hire a full-time Bloomfield Hills real estate agent.  Part-time agents typically have less experience and fewer sold properties under their belts than full-time agents.  Because part-time agents usually have another job, they don’t have as much time to take care of your needs and market and show your home to potential buyers.  Full-time agents have bigger networks they can enlist to help find a buyer for your home.
2. Find a skilled negotiator.  A seasoned Bloomfield Hills real estate agent understands the psychological nature of selling a home.  They advise you during the contract negotiations to ensure you get the best deal while alleviating your stress.
3. Pick an aggressive marketer.  Without a well-implemented, far-reaching marketing program, your house will sit on the market these days.  You want an agent who promotes your home both online and offline, in order to reach the greatest number of potential buyers.  Simply having your home listed on Realtor.com is no longer enough of an online presence.  You want your home showcased on multiple websites with a lot of professional photos and, ideally, a video tour.
4. Choose an agent who knows your neighborhood.  Each neighborhood has different pros and cons which must be promoted or overcome by the agent.  An effective agent knows how to price your property because they know the local competition, which homes that have closed recently are similar to yours and how much they’ve sold for.
5. Ask for home staging services.  Home staging is no longer a “nice to have;” it’s now a “must have,” if you want to sell your home for the most money in the least amount of time.  Many Bloomfield Hills real estate agents are now professional stagers or have a home stager on their teams.

Choosing a powerful listing agent is your first step toward a successful home sale.

If you’d like to work with an agent who is a skilled negotiator, an aggressive marketer and works full time, 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

Thanksgiving is coming soon to Bloomfield Hills homes near you. It may even be coming to your home, bringing friends, family, good food and happy memories. In the midst of all the activity, take time to think about what you’re thankful for this year.

The last year has been hard for hundreds of thousands of individuals and families. Some who, at the beginning of the year, had a good job, nice house they could afford, 2.5 kids – you know, living the American dream – are now trying to figure out where their next meal is coming from. Some are trying to figure out where to sleep tonight.

Many homeowners – those with Bloomfield Hills homes and homes elsewhere across the nation – seem to think these people must have “done something” to be in their current situation. They believe that as long as they don’t “do something,” they won’t experience similar problems.

This belief is far from the truth. Not all, but most, Americans struggling today paid their bills on time, went to work every day and were just regular, responsible people. Their place of employment closed or their jobs were cut and, with hiring freezes, they couldn’t find new jobs. They could no longer afford their mortgages. The banks foreclosed. This is the true story of all too many people across the U.S.

Did they really do anything? Could they have stopped the companies from letting them go or closing? Could they have forced someone else to hire them?

As Thanksgiving draws near, I urge you to take a look at your own situation. Whether you hate or love your job, be thankful you still have one, when thousands don’t. Look around your warm, safe home and be thankful you can still afford it – even if it’s underwater and/or losing equity. You know where your next meal is coming from – even if you can’t decide whether it’s chicken or burgers tonight.

Be thankful for your Bloomfield Hills homes, your jobs, your families and your good, full life. I know I am. This Thanksgiving, take time to let go of the cares of the world; just enjoy what you have and with whom you have to share it.

Finally, I’d love to hear what you’re especially thankful for this year, so please feel free to add your comments below. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving for many years to come!

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

If you’re looking for ways to save money this Thanksgiving, I have a few tips for you.  As an added benefit, you’ll also be helping the environment when you implement these ideas.

1. Bring in the outside:  A lot of people in your Bloomfield Hills home, plus the heat from the oven, can make even a November day uncomfortably hot.  Instead of turning on the A/C, open some windows to cool your home down.

2. Buy only a few organic foods:  Organic food is usually more expensive than conventionally grown food.  Instead of buying a lot of organic groceries, purchase only key organic items that are most likely to transmit pesticides to you.  Check out the Dirty Dozen list to discover the produce you should consider purchasing from the organic section for your holiday meal.

3. Compost:  Add your Thanksgiving fruit and vegetable trimmings to your Bloomfield Hills home’s compost bin, or start one if you don’t already have one. Next year’s garden will thank you.

4. Eat locally grown food:  Depending on where you live, there may not be much locally grown produce available in November, but there are other foods you can purchase locally.  Apples and apple butter top my list of things to buy locally this fall.  Purchase turkeys and chickens grown by local farmers.  Buy delicious homemade pies and bread at your local farmer’s market.

5. Plan a potluck:  Instead of doing all the work yourself, make this turkey day a potluck.  It’s easier and cheaper for you, and allows family and friends to feel more a part of the event.  This is a wonderful new tradition you can start, which others may well continue for years (and generations) to come.

6. Save leftovers in glass jars:  Instead of putting leftovers in plastic bags or Styrofoam containers, use glass jars.  Save glass jam jars or spaghetti sauce jars and reuse them to package leftovers.

7. Wash and reuse:  Use cloth napkins and tablecloths that can be washed and used again.  If you don’t already have some, consider making your own cloth napkins out of material you already have in your Bloomfield Hills home.  Not only are they eco-friendly and inexpensive, they’re also elegant and attractive.

Don’t stress about doing everything perfectly.  Putting just a few of these ideas into practice saves money and the environment. 

I wish you and your loved ones a very warm and happy Thanksgiving!

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

If higher electric rates and lower budgets have you searching for creative ways to cool your Bloomfield Hills home without spending more, read on:

1. Stop generating heat.  Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.  Lower the thermostat on your water heater.  Air dry your dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s dry cycle.  Grill outdoors or use your microwave instead of your oven.

2. Install shades or blinds.  The best way to keep your Bloomfield Hills home cool is to keep the heat out.  White window shades, drapes, or blinds reflect heat away from your house. Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans or air conditioners cool more efficiently.

3. Use a programmable thermostat.  Automatically adjust your air conditioner’s  setting at night or when no one is home.

4. Improve your air conditioner’s efficiency.  Add insulation around A/C ducts that are in hot spaces such as attics, crawl spaces and garages.  Make sure your fireplace damper is closed.

5. Turn on a fan.  Whether you use a box fan, a ceiling fan or an oscillating fan, this one appliance can make your room feel 6 to 7 degrees cooler.  You can keep a fan on for 12 hours a day and still spend less than $10 a month on electricity for it.

6. Open your windows.  Once the sun goes down, and it gets cooler outside than inside, turn off your A/C and open your windows.  Getting a breeze of fresh air after your home has been closed up all day is very refreshing.

7. Run your furnace fan.  Check your thermostat to see if it allows you to run your furnace fan without engaging the furnace or air conditioner.  By running your furnace fan, the air circulates throughout your home balancing out any cold or hot spots.  This makes your entire home feel more comfortable.  Additionally, allergens that entered your home when your windows were open (see tip 6) will be trapped by the furnace filter. 

8. Move heat generating appliances.  Don’t place lamps or TVs near your air conditioner’s thermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer.

9. Live in your lowest level.  Because heat rises, the basement and first floor of your home are naturally cooler than the upper levels.  Spend as much time as possible in the lowest levels of your home this summer.  If the majority of your time is spent there, you may want to close up the A/C vents in the unused upper levels to save even more money.

10. Hang laundry outside to dry.  Your clothes dryer is like a spinning oven.  Don’t heat up your home by turning it on.  Instead, go for the green fix and hang your laundry outside to dry.  If your neighborhood bans outdoor clotheslines, wait until the cooler evening hours to use your dryer. 

Stay cool and enjoy your summer for less!

How do you save on energy bills?  I’d love to hear your ideas.  Post a comment here, or email your tips to 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

When most of us think of Fourth of July festivities, we think of fireworks and food, especially barbeque.  In fact, the Fourth of July is one of the most popular days of the year for barbequing. Many invite family and friends to their Bloomfield Hills home and throw burgers, hot dogs or ribs on the grill.

Unfortunately, some barbequers unknowingly give their family and friends a healthy dose of bacteria along with the food.  To keep your family and friends healthy over the holiday, while still enjoying this summer activity, follow these meat safety tips at your Bloomfield Hills home:

Avoid cross contamination
When you go to the grocery store to buy meat and other foods, keep the raw meat separated from the rest of the food to lessen the chance of cross contamination. Make sure the raw meat is wrapped in plastic bags, again, separated from other meat and foods. Even packaged raw meat can leak, and you want to keep the juices from seeping onto other food.

Head Home
The summer is hot for most areas of the country. Even if you have air conditioning in your car, you want to go straight home from the grocery store. The longer food is exposed to heat, the more chance it has of gaining a nice bacterial growth. Make sure the grocery store is your only, or last, stop before heading home.

Refrigerate
When it’s hotter than 90 degrees, food needs to be refrigerated within the first hour of leaving the store. If it’s less than 90 degrees, you have two hours. Freeze any meat or poultry you won’t be using in a day or two, but make sure everything is refrigerated as quickly as possible.

Thaw Carefully
If you’re going immediately from thawing to the grill, you can use a microwave to defrost. However, for the safest methods, either slowly thaw in the refrigerator over a period of a day or two, or use cold water and sealed packages.

Transport Cold
If you aren’t barbequing at your home and need to transport the meat, transfer the meat immediately to an insulated cooler (40 degrees or below) right before leaving home. As well, make sure you keep the cooler out of direct sun, which can reduce its efficiency at keeping food cold.

Serve Hot
Keep the food hot (140 degrees or warmer) until it’s served. You can set the meat at the side of the grill rack or on a warming tray. Use a clean serving platter rather than the same plate that held the raw meat.

By following the above tips, you’ll help your family and friends have a happy, healthy Fourth of July.

Looking for Bloomfield Hills real estate to celebrate next year’s Fourth of July in? I can help. Call me at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com for more information.

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

You already know that the quality of your buyer’s agent can make or break a deal.  To find a quality Bloomfield Hills real estate agent (or other Southeast Michigan communities in Oakland County), you know that you need to interview several agents and consider their years of experience and levels of service. 

There’s one thing you might not have thought to take into account when hiring a buyer’s agent:  the communities in which they specialize.  Here are six benefits of hiring a neighborhood specialist:

1. Get insider’s knowledge of the Bloomfield Hills real estate market:  Your neighborhood specialist knows the history of neighborhood homes including who owned them and when.  He knows which streets are considered the most desirable and why.  He’s up to date on neighborhood nuisances and their influence on home values.  He’s aware of pending legislation and neighborhood regulations.

2. Work with locals who know their businesses:  A neighborhood agent develops a professional network of local contacts who will be very useful to you when buying a home.  A neighborhood real estate agent personally knows the local home inspector, mortgage broker, title company and contractor and will introduce you to them.

3. Receive personal recommendations:  In addition to understanding the local real estate market inside and out, a real estate agent who specializes in a particular area knows the businesses in the neighborhood.  He can recommend the best dry cleaner, dog walker and doctor from his own personal experience.  He can also tell you which businesses to avoid. 

4. Save time:  When you tell the neighborhood specialist the type of home you want to buy, she knows where to find that home.  She knows about new homes that are not yet on the market but are coming soon.  She knows which properties you should stay away from and which you should snap up quickly, if you like them.  In other words, she saves you precious time you’d otherwise spend trying to find that elusive, perfect piece of Troy Michigan real estate. 

5. Discover the real scoop:  Want to know what’s really going on in a community?  Ask the real estate agent who specializes in that community.  She can tell you what’s really going on.  She knows the quality of the schools, the condition of the roads and the amount of crime in the neighborhood.

6. Save money:  The neighborhood specialist knows what makes some homes on a particular street worth more (or less) than others.  He knows the supply and demand of the houses in that area. He knows how long the property has been on the market, and if it was previously on the market.   Bottom-line, he knows what you should pay for a neighborhood home and the terms you should ask for.

If you’re looking for an agent who specializes in Bloomfield Hills real estate, 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

More festive candles are used in your home during the holidays than at any other time of year, so it’s important to review the safety rules.  Here are few tips to keep your Bloomfield Hills real estate safe:

Candle Placement Preparation
It may sound silly, but you need to prepare before you light that candle.  First figure out where you want to place the candle in your home. 

• Find a heat resistant surface.
• Make sure there aren’t any books, papers, curtains, or bedding nearby. 
• Watch out for flammable holiday decorations. 
• Keep the candle away from windows and vents, and check for signs of a draft. 
• Place the candle where children and pets can’t reach and where it isn’t likely to be bumped into.

Getting Ready to Light the Candle

• Before burning the candle, review the manufacturer’s instructions.  Most recommend that the wick be trimmed to 1/4 inch before lighting.
• Make sure to use only approved candle holders.  Using an unapproved glass holder could cause it to burst and send glass everywhere. 
• Place candles at least three inches apart so the additional heat doesn’t cause them to melt improperly.

Burning the Candle

• Now that the candle is lit, make sure to never leave it unattended.
• Watch the candle to see if it smokes or flickers a lot.  This could be a sign that the candle isn’t burning properly. 
• Leave about two inches of wax when you extinguish the candle.  Most manufacturers recommend that you don’t burn the candle all the way down. 

Putting the Candle Out Safely
The safest way to put out a candle is with a candle snuffer.  Don’t use your fingers or blow out the candle; the flame may travel and cause a fire.

• Never use water to put out a candle; the wax may splatter and burn you. 
• Wait until the wax is cooled before you move the candle.

Homeowners of Bloomfield Hills real estate find candles are a beautiful way to decorate for the holidays.  By following these simple safety suggestions, you can help to ensure that your holidays are happy and safe. 

If you’re interested in looking at Bloomfield Hills real estate and want to be in a new home or condo before the next holiday rolls around, 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