It's that time again!  Preview Properties conducts at least one community service function every month.  Past beneficiaries have been Gleaner's Food Bank, LACASA, The Connection House, The Salvation Army, Family Impact Center, Livingston Educational Service Association, Cell Phones For Soldiers, and of course, the Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Please consider a blood donation. This Red Cross chapter provides 97% of all of the County's blood needs, as well as their emergency services for local disasters and emergency messages for families with overseas servicemen and servicewomen.  It's an easy way to give back to your community.  Our blood drive will be held on Friday, February 13, 2009 from noon till 6pm.  The office is located at 130 W. Grand River Ave, Brighton... 01/27/2009

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) enable all investors to invest in large-scale, income-producing commercial real estate backed Mortgages which is both owned and managed by professional companies.  REITs provide portfolio diversification and strong, reliable dividend income.    What is a REIT?   A REIT is a company that owns and operates income-producing commercial real estate of which the shares are traded on major stock exchanges.  The income is generated from rents of apartment building, offices, shopping centers, hotels and other commercial real estate.   Why were REITs Created?   REITs were created by Congress in sixties so that all investors would be able to invest in income-producing real estate and large scale commercial properties in the same way they invest in other indust... 01/24/2009

  Local Businesses Provide a Fun Twist on Secret Santa with their "Finders, Keepers" Gift Bag Event Some little extras will be scattered around town this week in hopes of spreading some extra holiday cheer over Brighton. Taking the lead from a recent Coopers & Binkley promotion, three local businesses created thirty gift bags filled with goodies that will be left in thirty area business establishments. Where will they be?  That’s for the finders to find. Once they find, they keep!   "We just wanted to add a special element of fun and surprise to the season, especially with the economic climate the way it is," says Joanne Giardini of NuStar Insurance Agencies, the brains behind this project.  “A friend had stumbled upon a small jewelry box containing earrings from Coopers & Binkley as th... 12/24/2008

It looks like after many consecutive years of warmer weather and patchy snowfall that the local ski resort, Mt. Brighton, will have a great year!  They opened earlier than ever this year and are making snow like crazy.  A week ago today they had a 16" base on the intermediate hill. Today is the first day that all hills will be open.   Skiers and snow boarders eat at local restaurants, buy gasoline, and often shop at area stores while in town for the slopes.  And Brighton has a very strong retail segment between the newer developments at Grand River and Challis and the downtown area.   Many years ago (way before Brighton had ‘grown up' development-wise), I came out for a day of skiing. I decided to take Grand River all-l-l-l the way back to Detroit.  I discovered a small store just east ... 12/11/2008

4 Women Artists Exhibit at 6020 Wyndam Lane, Brighton Earlier this year, I saw a couple posts about using the work of local artists in houses that are staged as a great way to get more exposure for all concerned. So, when I noticed that the Brighton Art Guild was temporarily set up in a vacant storefront in downtown Brighton, I stopped in to ooooo, ahhhh, and chat. I met a few artisits and floated the idea of showcasing some of their work in an appropriate house, and they seemed interested. Long story short, I reconnected with them when I got the opportunity to stage a spectacular house in the prestigious development of Pine Creek. And, voila--the "Home Is Where The Art Is" Open House was born. It was originally scheduled for early December, but that turned out to be less-than-auspiciou... 12/01/2008

On Thursday, December 4th, I'll be joining my colleagues from the Brighton Optimist Club to ring bells for the Salvation Army.  We'll be in front of Taorello's Market Place, 1007 E. Grand River, Brighton 48116, from 10 AM - 8PM. If you're in the area, stop by and say "Hello!" to an Optimist - especially if it's a cold day.  We'll be working in one hour shifts, and I can tell you that standing for an hour on a cold day is a challenge.  My time slot is from 3-4pm, and I'd especially love to see you and exchange greetings of the season! This year's campaign kicked off on November 14th, and the goal is $145,000.  The Salvation Army also runs an Adopt-A-Family program to make sure that nobody is forgotten during the Holidays. This is just one of the many community service projects that the B... 11/27/2008

Livingston County real estate update for sold homesSouth Easterm Michigan Real Estate Market statistics Home Sales Statisticsfor LIVINGSTON County MI 08/21/2008  Livingston CountySingle Family Residence  Time Period Number of Sales Median Sale Price   Jul 2008 180 $156,327   Jul 2007 121 $179,000   Jun 2008 103 $154,900   Jun 2007 111 $191,000   2008 YTD 835 $167,500   2007 1,467 $186,500 Livingston County Home Price Statistics Livingston County HomePrice Range Number of Listings Days on Market       25,000 to 75,000 183 126 75,001 to 125,000 516 140 125,001 to 175,000 1149 158 175,001 to 225,000 1069 188 225,001 to 275,000 859 194 275,001 to 325,000 565 226 325,001 to 375,000 369 229 375,001 to 425,000 255 233 425,001 to 475,000 124 256 475,001 to 525,000 113 243 525,001 to 575,000 70... 09/20/2008

 Fires can be Prevented with Proper Dryer Vent Cleaning and Maintenance   Most people are conscientious about having their furnace cleaned, however, very few people think of clothes dryer in relation to fire prevention. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an estimated annual 15,500 fires, some resulting in deaths and injuries, due to clothes dryer fires. Besides fire, improper dryer venting also poses a carbon monoxide risk.  These accidents can be prevented with properly installed and maintained dryer venting.    A clothes dryer fire occurs when lint accumulates restricting airflow which then leads to overheating.  The heat and the combustible lint are the main ingredients for a clothes dryer fire.  Dryers produce a lot of lint and simply cleaning the lint screen is not... 08/05/2008

This Saturday, June 7th, the Brighton Optimist Club will be holding its 22nd annual Free Fishing Derby For Kids at the Brighton Millpond. Free to kids under 16, there will be awards in various categories across three age groups, free bait, a Lil' Anglers event for children 4 years of age and younger, and a casting contest. A large display tank will show some of the better catches that day. Bring your rod and reel and a bucket for the fish. There will be three weighing/counting stations available, and all fish are to be released after being recorded. There are some loaner rigs available and free bait, while supplies lasts. The first 400 kids registered will also get a tee shirt. Registration starts at 7:30 am and the Derby runs 8-11 am. Souvenier picture fishing licenses are also availab... 06/03/2008

Youth boxer remains in a coma...A benefit event is scheduled   Brighton, MI--"Fighting out of the blue corner weighing in at 120 pounds, wearing blue shorts and gold shirt representing his gym, Crown Boxing"... the boxing ring announcer introduced 12 year old Juan Contreras. This was only his second amateur match. He was victorious in debut match held two weeks earlier in St. Clair Shores and with his father Jose and uncle David Martinez, in the stands cheering him on, young Juan was ready to win this bout.   But this 15th day of March would hold a different fate that no one could imagine. The bell rang sounding round one and Juan came out like a champion landing blows on his 13 year old opponent. This is what he had been training for, jogging 10 blocks routinely to condition himself. H... 06/02/2008

Where to Turn When Your Home Doesn't Sell?  If your home has just come off the market and hasn't sold don't be discouraged.  The reason your home did not sell may have nothing to do with your home or the market.  In reality, your home may have been one of the more desirable properties for sale.So Why Didn't Your Home Sell?Last year many of the homes listed for sale never sold at all and many sellers found that there was a tremendous amount of homeowner needed education on the sale of their home for top dollar in the shortest period of time.Don't risk making the wrong choices in losing both time and money on your investment.  Before you hire a realtor, know the right questions to ask to save you time and money.  Here at the Fisher Team we have prepared a free special report called "How t... 05/07/2008

Roy Malone, Loss Mitigation Expert and Short Sale Negotiator can Help you Save your Home from ForeclosureBad things happen to good people.  Life is unpredictable, and circumstances often arise that create financial hardship making it difficult for you to make your mortgage payments.  Responsible, hard-working people often encounter unforeseen situations which affect their ability to pay their debts in a timely manner.  There can be one or several contributing factors such as temporary job loss, medical illness or injury, marital difficulties, emergency repairs, high utility rates, tenant problems, or death inn the family. The possibilities are endless; everyone has a different sad story to tell.  How would your life look if you were not facing foreclosure?  The time to take action is no... 05/01/2008

Brighton Michigan Median Home prices  Average time on the market for homes for sale in Brighton Michigan.  Whether you are relocating to Michigan or just moving from one city to another within Michigan you will like Brighton Township's low taxes.  It is one of the lowest Millage rates in Livingston County Michigan. The table below shows you the average time on the market for Brighton Michigan homes for sale in each price range.  The last table shows you the average median home prices for sold and listed homes in Brighton Township and the City of Brighton.  Also included is the average time on the market for homes.   Price Statistics Num of Listings   400   300 200 100   0    R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 R11 R12 R13 R14 R15 R16   Price Range Price Statistics Legend Range Name Price Ran... 04/25/2008

Hello all you happy Real Estate investors!!!! Weather you are a first time home buyer, or someone that has bought a home in the past, tonight at Keller Williams in Brighton,MI come and join us for a free home buyers seminar! Food, drinks, and free gifts will be provided to those that attend. Combined experience on the mortgage side of 31 years! Come with an open mind, and prepare to be educated with all of the changes in the mortgage and real estate industry! See you tonight at 6:30pm. The address is 1005 E. Grand River, Brighton, MI 48116. 04/02/2008

The subdivision The Dominion is located in Brighton, Michigan. It sits just North of I96 and West of Spencer Rd. As of February 6th, 2007 there are currently 8 Dominion homes for sale. This is a fairly small number compared to the number of homes there are in Dominion. Dominion has 143 homes in its subdivision, but only 8 of those are currently for sale. To search Dominion homes for sale visit http://www.oaklandlivingston.com/brighton-real-estate.html, or you can contact me directly from here. 02/06/2008

Recently I read a post where one realtor commented to another realtor that - just because they market houses differently, doesn't mean one way is a wrong way. (One didn't recommend or use staging) A common question is - does every home need to be staged? The answer is yes! One home may need more attention than another, but to present a home to market - staging is a necessity.Staging can make a difference in how a buyer feels when they tour.Staging can make a difference in what the buyer sees when they tour.Staging can make a difference in what the buyer focuses on when they tour.Staging can make a difference in what the buyer smells when they tour.Staging can make a difference in what the buyer offers after the tour.Staging can make a difference in when the buyer makes an offer.Staging ... 01/12/2008

I'm proud to say that my office will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, January 5, 2008, from 10 am through 3:45 pm.  Preview Properties is located at 130 W. Grand River (corner of St. Paul) in downtown Brighton.Stop by and donate a pint! According to the American Red Cross of Livingston County's web site, last year they touched the lives of 1 in 3 people in the County and provided 97% of blood needs to Livingston County hospitals.Visit their web site for information on building a home disaster kit or get  info on CPR and First Aid courses. 12/28/2007

Brighton's Senor Center, located at 850 Spencer Road,  announced it will change its operating hours stating in January. Currently the hours are from 9:00am to 4:30pm Monday thru Friday.The new scheduled hours the center will close Tuesdays and Fridays, open noon to 8:00pm Wednesdays and open noon to 4:00 pm on Saturdays.Anne Rennie, director of Brighton Community Education said the changes are made to reach out to more seniors and attract more members.  There are no plans to close the center.   Rennie said the new hours target baby boomers and working seniors, and there was a feeling that maybe this population is being left out. 11/18/2007

In Brighton at noon on Monday, November 11th, the VFW Post 4357 and American Legion Post 235 will participate in the City's Veteran's Day Parade.  It will start at Brighton High School, proceed on 7th to Main and end at the Millpond. The public is then invited to the American Spirit Centre (Brighton VFW) on E. Grand River for hot dogs.Veteran's Day was originally called Armistice Day.  The name came from the armistice that was called to end World War I, or the Great War.  The armistice took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.In 1938, Congress adopted legislation that established the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Later that month, Congress declared Armistice Day to be a Federal holiday, honoring all that participated in the war.Followi... 11/09/2007

The Brighton District Library has many varied programs that will be of interest to all ages.  Here are a few that are coming up soon.2007 Art At The Library Series . . continues with the works of Hank Cornille and Scott Lurain,  art in terra cotta and acrylic, respectively.  The exhibit runs from October 5th through December 6th with a reception on Sunday, October 7th from 2-4 pm.Open Computer LabDrop in every Thursday from 3-5pm to learn new computer skills.Genealogy GroupTuesday, November 6th from 2-4pm in the Brighton Room.  Help with genealogy projects is available."Hi, I'm Ernie Pyle" - November 10th, 2-3:30 pmA one man dramatization of the Pulitzer-Prize-winning WWII journalist. Gary W. Morrison portrays Ernie Pyle.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Brighton District Library.Micros... 10/29/2007