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2008 Oakland County Assessed Property Values Tumble
2008-01-25 02:14:00
Updated January 25, 2008 According to Andrew Sawmiller in the January 23, 2008 edition of The Spinal Column weekly for the Lakes Area of western Oakland County "Lakes Area" assessed property values decreased by an average of single digits in 2008. According to the article, "only two communities in Oakland County did not have a decrease in property value...."  (Look under Archives January 23, 2008 for the entire article after the week of January 21 - 26, 2008)The following local communities were highlighted in Andrew's article Residential property values declining across western Oakland CountyCommerce and Wolverine Lake property owners will see an average drop of 5.27 percent in their residential property values.Milford's average residential property assessment values fell by 2.55 percent in the last year.Orchard Lake homeowners may see an unprecedented decrease in their property's assessed value. Sailer said he expects to see a decrease of about 2 percent on average.Walled Lake is...
More About: Property , Values

Changes to Active Rain Site Search
2008-01-18 17:11:00
I would like to thank Active Rain for changing the site search engine. Previously everyone was able to search Profiles, Groups, Blogs, and Blog Comments.  The search engine has been changed.The updated version allows you to enter your search word or phrase and select Search . You can now decide after the search results come up whether to further sort your search by:BlogsGroupsMembersQuestionsAllI encourage everyone to make use of the search tab on the top menu bar. This is a great tool that you can use to find answers to your questions or search for ideas when you have writers block. 
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How to Melt Five Inches of Ice in Five Days
2008-01-10 03:47:00
 Global warming?...El Nina?...Year ending with an "8"...what ever! I should not be able to fish from the end of my dock on January 9, 2008. Nope, I did not have to chop a hole or even skim ice. Just baited the hook with a couple of wax worms, drop it into the water, and pull out Blue Gill.         ;      &nbs p;      &nb sp;      &n bsp;      & nbsp;               ;      &nbs p;      &nb sp;      &n bsp; November 2007 Oakland County (Pontiac) Temperatures      ;      &nbs p;     This has been a very unusual winter in southeastern Michigan. From the middle of November through the middle of Decemb...
More About: Days , Five Days

Southeastern Michigan Real Estate Agents: Inexpensive Website with IDX Sea
2008-01-09 04:10:00
Since coming to my new broker, I've received numerous requests for information about free and or inexpensive websites. (Members Only post)  Sure there are plenty of good agent websites, but once you start incorporating Internet Data eXchange, IDX, search capabilities the dollars start to flow.In late November, I found out about Online Connexions while inquiring about FTP feed providers. I tested the site in December and eventually decided this was the best and easiest website providing IDX search for the money.Online Connexions out of Flint Michigan has been working with real estate professionals for approximately 10 years. They offer an agent expandable real estate website with IDX search from Realcomp, MiRealsource, Flint Area Association of Realtors, or Lapeer and Upper Thumb Association (LUTAR). If you are an agent within any of these MLS's I suggest taking a look at an Online Connexions website. Here's a partial list of clients. Those of you that are Flying Tig...
More About: Website , Estate , Real Estate , Agents

Oakland County Residential Home Sales Increase Slightly
2008-01-09 02:59:00
Preliminary numbers for residential homes sold in Oakland County Michigan indicate a slight increase in sales during 2007. According to my search of all residential homes sold by Realtors® (based upon all homes listed and sold by all real estate companies and recorded on Realcomp II Ltd as of January 8, 2008)During 2007 there were 10328 homes sold as compared to 9991 homes sold during 2006. Median sale prices decreased almost 10 percent in relation to 2006. Most value decreases were caused by the glut of foreclosure homes on the market.Complete information from all Multiple Listing Services, for the first 10 months of 2007, is available at http://mirealtors.com/ by searching under Housing Statistics on the left side or top menu of the page.Totals above do not include private sales of residential homes. Information that is more complete will be available from Oakland County Public Records shortly.Looking for specific information on your home? An online Home Evaluation will provid...
More About: Residential , Sales

How Many Homes Sold in Commerce Michigan in 2007?
2008-01-07 01:21:00
Commerce Township Michigan 2007 Home SalesPrice Statistics Legend of Sold Homes **For the 299 listings:For the 299 Sold listings:Average List Price$272,507.00Average Sold Price$248,155.00Median List Price $259,900.00Median Sold Price $240,000.00Highest List Price$740,500.00Highest Sold Price$670,000.00Lowest List Price$52,800.00Lowest Sold Price$1.00Average Days on Market 143 Days ** Information based upon a search of Commerce Twp on Realcomp II LTD Multiple Listing Service, January 6, 2008. Information from all homes listed and sold by all real estate companies. Corrected 1/8/2007Breaking down home sales for 2007 within Commerce and Commerce Twp Michigan: Of these sales 216 homes were not lakefront properties. Many homes in Commerce have lake privileges. 83 homes were waterfront homes which were those homes having property frontage bordering a lake, canal, or river. 62 of these homes were on area All-sport or those not having a no wake or no motorized watercraft designatio...
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21st Century Businesses WWW is a Natural in the Water-Winter Wonderland Sta
2008-01-06 03:35:00
 There is an old idiom that goes something like "I'm glad it wasn't a snake or it would have bit me" to emphasize the inability to see the obvious. Well, it seems to the State of Michigan is missing a potentially productive 21st Century business advertising campaign to attract Internet and Technology based business by using the State of Michigan nickname "Water -Winter Wonderland. I doubt any other State in the nation could provide a better place for Internet based or new technology start-ups. This includes those currently suffering in the San Fransisco Bay Area. While I doubt the State would repaint the Mackinaw Bridge, you could purchase a lakefront home in the area for a fraction of the cost in California.If you have a 21st Century Internet Based or Technology business and are looking for the perfect location there are several places in Michigan. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation  is a great source of information to help you start, expand or relocate your business in...
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8 Free Reasons to Join the White Lake Township Michigan Public Library
2008-01-01 17:52:00
Looking for something to do or considering moving to White Lake Township, Michigan ? Our Public Library may not rival those in the City of Detroit, but they offer a tremendous number of services people in the community. Below are just 10 reasons why you should visit the White Lake Township Public Library this year.Museum Adventure Pass: In cooperation with 162 metro Detroit area libraries, Macy's, members of the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan and the White Lake Township Public Library, active members can get FREE passes to several local museums, cultural centers, and historical sites. Some places allow two free passes while others allow up to four people. Some of the big players include The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), Cranbrook Art Museum, Motown Historical Museum, and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. More information, website links, and a complete list of FREE pass sites is available at The White Lake Township Public Library website or by visiting the library at 7...
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2007 Cost vs Value Home Remodeling Report Now Available
2007-12-03 21:05:00
Attention home sellers and wannabe home sellers!  The 2007 Cost vs Value Survey results are now available from Remodeling Magazine Online and Realtor Magazine.  Why is this important to you? For over 20 years Remodeling Magazine has surveyed professionals to see what home remodeling and home improvements warranted completion prior to selling. In the East North Central area (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin) Remodeling Magazine Online surveyed NAR members with a series of questions pertaining to the cost of a remodeling bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. They also requested information about additions, backup power, and replacement of items such as roofs, siding, and windows. Professionals were asked not only the estimated costs of these items, but also their professional opinion of the cost recouped by homeowners when the property was sold.Surprisingly, costs recouped ranged from 46.9 percent to only 82.4 percent for the East North Central area. For interi...
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12 Reasons to Market Your Home During the Holidays
2007-11-18 02:20:00
When the snow is swirling and would-be buyers are scarce, you need to take extra steps to get your home sold. So pour a cup of tea, put another log on the fire, and curl up with these suggestions on how to make your home more attractive and possibly sell during the holiday season or in the upcoming Michigan winter. 12 Tips for Selling Your Home During Holidays and Beyond. 1. Keep snow and ice at bay. Only serious buyers venture out during winter. If the buyer cannot get in easily, the house will not sell. That means keeping walkways and driveways free of the frozen stuff. Just like trimming the lawn in the summer, you want to make the home look well maintained. It can pay in terms of both both getting buyers in the door and protecting yourself to hire a service to regularly salts or shovel the driveway and sidewalks. 2. Warm it up. If you are showing your home to it's best advantage during the winter, think warm, cozy, and homey. Keep the thermostat at 70 degrees ...
More About: Market , Reasons , The Holidays

Livingston County Area Fall Color Tour
2007-10-16 05:58:00
In a quote from the Screams Ice Cream page on the Livingston County Convention and Visitors Bureau website about Hell Michigan; Someone once said "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Had they been to Hell, Michigan, they would have added, "And...it's a lovely drive." Peak fall colors can be found in southeastern Michigan between October 20th  to November 4th 2007. The State of Michigan. Flint - Brighton - Bloomfield Hills fall color tour is listed as one of the best on the http://Michigan.org website. This 150 mile self driving tour makes for a comfortable weekend activity close to home. Some highlights of the tour include:Highland Lake Recreation Area Proud Lake Recreation AreaIsland Lake Recreation AreaKensington Metro ParkBrighton Recreation AreaPinckney Recreation AreaLakelands Trail State ParkPontiac Lake State ParkFor a complete list of Fall Color Tour s in Michigan including the Flint - Brighton - Bloomfield Hills tour go to the Michiga...

Laurence Technological University Solar Decathlon Home
2007-09-29 19:53:00
 Last Friday, I played hooky from Real Estate and still ended up going to an Open House. Well, this wasn't just any Open House. I was at the second dry run showing for Lawrence Technological Universities Aloeterra Team entry in The Solar Decathlon . Why a dry run? More than 100,000 people are expected to visit the home during their 8 Day Open House. (Realtors®, there are some good marketing ideas for your next Open House in the article)LTU, will be one of 20 teams participating in this years Solar Decathlon on the Mall in Washington D.C. Students from 3 colleges within LTU combined to build a prototype solar home for the Solar Decathlon. (You do understand prototype is code for expensive) LTU is this year's Michigan entry although other Universities participated in the past.LTU's Aloeterra team decided to go "simple" in the construction of their 770 sqft entry. Using a modular construction, entries are trucked to Washington D.C., with Structurally ...
More About: University , Home , Logical

Last Weekend for Some Trout Streams
2007-09-29 18:29:00
 I spent part of today on the Huron River fishing between the dam at MossLake and down to Wixom Rd. There were a few hikers, three canoes, and a kayak on the same stretch of river. I prefer fishing the Huron in early fall just because there is less pressure on the fish. In early spring when fish are planted, the river is wall-to-wall fishermen. Not too much fun, plus the raised trout are not as difficult to catch as the remainder of the year.No I didn't catch any fish, I had three small fish follow the streamer, but no hits. Still, part of the day on the Huron River is better than being in the office!Please remember, trout season closes on the Huron River in Milford and Wixom Michigan on September 30th.               ;     Huron River Flies Only Section near MilfordMore trout and river information in MichiganTrout Unlimited Huron River InformationLivingston County Trout Club is ...
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Big Box Store Fires First Salvo in This Years National Energy Awareness War
2007-09-23 01:32:00
 October is National Energy Awareness month. And, one of the large box stores has come out swinging. According to the Reuterswebsite, one large box store will be selling its own brand of CFL bulbs at a lower price than the name brand bulbs. While I'm trying to be Politically Correct on this issue, I think the cost savings would be better spent improving environmental conditions in the Countries manufacturing the bulbs.Additional information on National Energy Awareness Month at the Federal Energy website. There are several additional You Have The Power campaign materials.     & nbsp;        More information on this subject in October!
More About: Store , Fires

?Silent Running? Electric Boats on Michigan Lakes
2007-09-19 18:36:00
 As a Michigan lakefront homeowner and avid fishing enthusiast, I've breathed in plenty of fumes from the older 2 stroke marine engines. Most of my youth was spent trolling for northern pike and lake trout. Many times I had to adjust my intended path because of fumes coming back into the boat. Sometimes, I simply sucked in the fumes trying not to breathe deeply.When manufacturers finally started producing a cleaner burning 4 stroke engine, I was one of the first to change. Even then, fumes were noticeable at slow speeds. In April 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency issued its list of proposed changes to marine "spark engines" reducing pollution from these sources an additional 35 percent.The use of an electric trolling motorwould also solve those issues for most boat owners. An electric motor allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the lake, while still making good headway thanks to the virtually silent electric motors. I'm currently between boats, and ju...
More About: Running , Boats , Silent , Electric

This 8 Day Open House Draws Thousands of People
2007-09-16 01:41:00
Did you ever have a Sunday Open House and nobody came? That's one of my problems, but by utilizing technology I found a way to entice viewers to your next Open House . All you need to do is sponsor a prototype off-the-grid home. The cost, a mere $646,198.40; you can afford that, right? Perhaps your homeowner will kick in for refreshments. Yes, Laurence Technological University is teaching Realtors® how to hold an Open House! First, you make sure the home is clean almost new condition with good curb appeal to get buyers to say "Wow". You do know Internet Photos are the new curb appeal, right? Write convincing copy for your ads and incorporate innovative technology with your marketing. Provide plenty of information about the home's materials and it's qualities.Justify the asking price based upon Facts of RecordProvide a score card for feedback to homeowners.Target Market to the right buyers by sending information to other Real Estate professionalsBe able to answer any questions pot...
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Oakland County and Surrounding Area U-Pick and Cider Mills
2007-09-13 17:57:00
It's that special time of the year. The kids are back to school, days are getting shorter and our bodies crave the sweetness of apples, and apple baked goods. Luckily, there are several local Cide r Mills and U-Pick apple orchards in Oakland County and surrounding areas.I'm trying to shopping locally whenever possible. So, I'll be picking apples next week at Longs Family Orchard and Farm located at 1342 E. Commerce Rd in Commerce Twp. (see interactive map below)Apples and cider are usually available through Christmas. For the latest information call (248) 360-3774. Fresh tomatoes are still being sold along the road near the red barn. I purchased some today, they were delicious. According to the hotline, picking season is as follows:September 15th, season starts Cortland and Macintosh apples are available.September 22nd, Jonathan, Empire, and Golden Delicious apples availableSeptember 28th, Red Delicious apples availableOctober 5th Northern Spy apples availableAdditional services a...
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Oakland County FREE Housing Counseling Services to Buy or Save Your Home
2007-09-10 21:25:00
Did you know that Oakland County residents can get FREE Housing Counseling? True, to all resident through a Comprehensive Housing Counseling Grant.The following services are offered to Oakland County residents (owners and renters) by appointment and phoneProvide counseling and advice to tenants and homeownersProvide mortgage default resolutions servicesProvide reverse mortgage counselingEducation and counseling for both tenants and landlordsFair housing counselingInformation on government subsidiesInformation on non-profit (non-government subsidized) organizationsInformation on emergency sheltersConduct community outreach activitiesAffirmatively further fair housingAccording to the Oakland County website, the above services are approved by HUD. So anyone living in Oakland County Michigan, Visit the Oakland County Website or call 248-858-5402 or toll free at 1-888-350-0900, ext. 85402Having a Housing Problem?  The Housing and Urban Development offers a list of Housing Counselors...
More About: Services , Home , Free

Peak Fall Color Tour Locator
2007-09-08 17:44:00
According to the Ironwood Daily Globe, western Upper Peninsula leaves are between 5-10 percent turned depending upon location. Peak color is expected shortly after September 15th. Peak colors move down through Michigan generally through the end of October. A suggested western UP color tour drive.I have two favorite Fall Color Tour Routes. The first is from Manistee to Northport on M-22. This winding road traverses several hardwood ecosystems along the western ridge of northern Michigan. The route is dotted with lakes, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, and views of Lake Michigan which makes for spectacular views against the blue October sky. My second favorite Fall color Tour route is closer to home along M-59, Grand River Ave, Pontiac Trail, and includes the recreation areas of Brighton, Island Lake, Proud Lake, and Highland in southeastern Michigan.For more information about Michigan Fall Color Tours, Color Tour Hot Lines, and weekly emails please visit the links below.Receive mo...
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Shrinking Lake Superior a Poster Child for Finite Resources
2007-09-06 00:19:00
 "...Water, water, every where and all the boards did shrink;..." So begins the albatross's revenge in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The Great Lake s climate is changing. Great Lakes levels have dropped almost two feet, the State of Michigan issued an Emergency No Burn order on August 16, 2007, which is still in effect because of continued drought, most of the Michigans Hardiness Zones changed up one from the 1990's, and lake water temperatures are increasing further lowering levels. There may actually be a time in the future where commercial ships cannot transport goods from Duluth and Marquette to the rest of the world. Niagra Falls may become just a trickle. The five Great Lakes, Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior (that's H.O.M.E.S. for those that weren't paying attention in school) contain approximately 20 percent of the worlds coveted fresh water. Yet, in the SooToday for September 1, 2007 was a...
More About: Resources , Poster , Child

Chili Recipes Wanted
2007-09-03 19:34:00
 The leaves are changing. That means it's the start of chili time in Michigan. If you have a favorite recipe you're willing to share or favorite ingredient that you add, please either contact me or make a comment below. There's nothing more satisfying than a bowl of chili on a brisk fall day. I'm not a chili purist; I won't be competing in a local or the World Chili Cookoff in Omaha Nebraska October 5-7. (But, I do plan on having chili while fishing that weekend) My chili contains kidney beans (preferably dried and soaked). In fact, I once made a very tasty chili by substituting a can of purchased Sloppy Joe mix for some lost tomatoes.  My chili doesn't even have to contain meat. One of the best meatless versions I've had contained textured vegetable protein and plenty of garlic slices. I must admit, I was completely fooled. My favorite Chili Reci peI start with fresh spices from Rafal Spice Company in Detroit.1 pound crumbled meat or m...
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2006 Climate Changes
2007-09-03 01:50:00
Concerned about climate change? The newest version of Plant Hardiness Zones is now available from the National Arbor Day Foundation. (see photo at right) Take a few moments to see how your area has changed from the last map in 1990.To find your new hardiness zone simply enter your zip code on this page.White Lake Michigan, zip code 48383 was unchanged (yeah)   While you're on the National Arbor Day Foundation website you'll notice that you can get Ten trees for 10 dollars! 
More About: Climate , Chang , Chan

Six Rules of Savvy Home Buyers
2007-09-01 19:46:00
 America On Line featured an article today written by Eric Peters entitled Six Rules for Savvy Car Shopping The basic ideas in Eric's article on successfully purchasing a car can also be used when looking for and buying your next home. Here are the six rules; every home buyer should follow when purchasing their next home.Shop when you don't have to: Desperation rarely leads to a good deal. Be a smart home buyer and. start looking online before you need to move. Allow at least 6 months to decide which school district and community you want to live. Real Estate professionals are prevented by Federal and State laws from showing you a specific area. Buyers must use information readily available online to narrow their search area. Shop for money first: The first person to contact is not an unrepresented homeowner or real estate professional. The first person should be a lender. I would suggest speaking with one lender, allowing that lender to pull your credit and g...
More About: Home Buyers , Home

Michigan Vacation Rental Property Websites
2007-08-31 00:48:00
 Thinking of Moving to Michigan or Oakland County?  Rather than living out of a cramped hotel room, how about your family staying in a 5 bedroom Victorian Home or spending time on an All-Sports lake in a vacation rental home? Vacation rentals can be a delightful alternative to motel stays, while looking for the perfect home, your next business trip, or even a short weekend vacation. Yes, they may cost slightly more during the busy summer season, but the more than make-up the difference by allowing you access to laundry and kitchen facilities. Some vacation rentals offer wood burning fireplaces or outdoor fire pits and even use of a boat and fishing equipment.Each summer I receive email requests from MichiganLakefronts.com for vacation rental properties. Usually, I'm able to find some type of property online, but I've never kept a list of sites. So, I went on a search for vacation rental homes in Michigan. There were hundreds of cabins, lodges, homes, and Bed &...
More About: Rental , Property , Websites

Camping in Michigan Can Be an Inexpensive Summer Vacation
2007-08-13 01:24:00
 A recent Harris Pole indicated just more than half will take a vacation this summer. Money was one of the main reasons. If you're not able to take a vacation this summer because of money, I would like to suggest camping within Michigan as an alternative. Even if you just camp in the backyard, here are some ideas to save money obtaining camping supplies:Find Camping equipment at garage salesGet Free Camping Equipment on http://www.freecycle.org/Borrow equipment from friends or neighborsImprovise; we all have a little MacGyver in us.Garage Sales offer a chance to purchase brand new and slightly used equipment for less than a quarter of the original cost. Just take the time to have the owners walk you through use of equipment, especially tents before making the purchase.Freecycle The groups main rule: Everything posted must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages. You could be the only or one of several email the giver receives so make your reason count. There are over 1...
More About: Summer , Vacation

Oakland County Farmers Markets in Full Swing
2007-08-11 19:09:00
What a tremendous summer we're having! Oakland County Farmers Markets are in full swing until October. Take some time to visit a farmers market or street side vegetable stand today. All purchases help keep Michigan's economy rolling.  Make sure to ask where items are produced and if there is a quantity discount. Canning supplies are available in many local markets and some Farmers Markets.Yes, canning supplies. You remember when people used to can their own fresh picked fruits and vegetables, right? That was in a time before global produce. Well, you can do your part to save the environment and assist Michigan by purchasing food locally and taking a step back to can some items. Try purchasing a locally made jam or jelly today and invent your own flavors. My favorite is the champagne raspberry jam sold at the Northville Farmers Market. I've tried but can never match their flavor.Here are a list of Oakland County Farmers Markets. If you know of one not on the lis...
More About: Full , Swing

Waterford Michigan Real Estate Trends
2007-08-10 21:58:00
The two graphs below contain the Average and Median asking price for homes in Waterford Michigan marketed on Trulia.com over the past few months. Charts are updated frequently, check back for an update. Gary Smith, Real Estate One, 8430 Richardson Rd, Commerce, MI. 48382 Waterford Real Estate - Trulia Looking for property in Michigan? A no sign-in home search is available on the column to the right. (over 80,000 homes via IDX search of properties on the MLS) If you have a question about your homes value, I can perform an online estimate based upon recent sales. Information usually provided the same day. Need information about any property for sale? Just ask, I will send you information. Just remember, Michigan requires all real estate professionals to work for the homeowner unless under a signed Buyers Agency Agreement. Samples are available by clicking on my photo. This information is best viewed on Mozilla Firefox a free downloadable ...
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Walled Lake Michigan Housing Trends
2007-08-09 03:06:00
Thinking of buying or selling a home in Walled Lake Michigan ? The charts below contain the Averageand Median Listing price for home marketed on http://Trulia.com . Check back frequently to view seasonal adjustments. Click on Market Trends on the bottom right corner of the graph to view housing values over the past few years. Gary Smith, Real Estate One, 8430 Richardson Rd, Commerce, MI. 48382 Search for over 80,000 homes, vacant land, condos, and small commercial properties in Michigan via Real Estate One's IDX (Internet Data eXchange) No signing in, most addresses included, Search by MLS number near the bottom of the new page.
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Milford Michigan Housing Trends
2007-08-09 02:40:00
The Charts below contain the latest housing information for Milford Michigan based upon homes entered into their system, this does not include ALL homes placed on the market in Milford Michigan. Gary Smith, Real Estate One, 8430 Richardson Rd, Commerce, MI. 48382 Searching for homes? Simply click on the Home search to the right for 80,000 homes, condos, vacant land, and small commercial in Michigan.
More About: Trends , Housing , Ilford

How Long Will My Oakland County Home Take to Sell?
2007-08-07 19:33:00
 Real Estate One released the latest Oakland County Market Report this morning for the period of April 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007.  The average Supply of Home s in all price ranges was 20.8 months. This is compared to 16.0 months for the same time period in 2006 and signals a slight worsening of the market in some areas.  View the entire Oakland County Market Report.  Results are sorted by city and in 100,000 ranges. This is a two page report with totals on the second page. Raw sale data for the entire State of Michigan is available on the Michigan Association of Realtors website.How does this relate to How Long Will My Oakland County Home Take to Sell ? If you follow the Four Factors in selling your home, paying specific attention to:Current market conditionsThe condition of your propertyPromotion efforts and tactics The asking priceYour home most likely will sell within your desired timeframe and with less stress. If you fail to follow any one of these factors...