I am not surprised you didn't recognize the word "Sprummer".  My wife and I haven't ever seen weather like this in Michigan in our lifetime.  Apparently neither has anyone else since we have been breaking temperature records day after day! We decided it must be "Sprummer", spring and summer combined.  Usually in July and August we can count on days of 85 degrees but March...never!  I like it tooo!  This weather does make me a little concerned.  If we get a hard frost we could have a real crop problem.  Trees and flowers are blooming.  I just heard this morning we are going to get a hard freeze next week.  Why not it is still March. I have gotten a lot done that would never be done before early May, in the past.  Fertilized my lawn, cut down some areas that I know grow quickly.  Planted ... 03/24/2012

It wasn't long ago in a real estate committee meeting I made the statement, "the Internet has Changed how we do Real Estate FOREVER", I should have said everything forever!  I just looked up some interesting statistics that may illustrate why we need to have better communications, better websites and better technology. Smart phones were introduced in mass to the public in 2009 with a mere 25% of the population owning one of the tiny technology marvels.  The consumer electronics industry reports the number jumped to 52% in 2011.  That's significant but another 52% say they will buy one in the near future.  That is gigantic for real estate agents and companies that create websites and listing compatible with smart phone formats. The cable companies are not off the hook either.  The Intern... 01/06/2012

We made the news again and it wasn't the heat wave or flooding.  It was snow.  It took three hours to snow blow my little driveway.  I usually exercise in the morning before starting my day...but this day was different.  I looked outside and thought I'll get more than enough exercise just clearing the snow.  I was right.  I opened the garage door and over a foot had accumulated next to the door with drifts higher in the middle.  Oh well it's just snow, right? My snow blower usually works like a charm but when the snow is higher than the blower chute it has a problem...along with it's operator! I finally get the drive done.  Now I have to do the street near my mailbox or I don't get mail.  My wife and I call this "Mayberry", we are sure it used to be! I get a double width car path carved... 02/26/2011

Ever thought about the process of selling your home. Most people look to professionals to sell their home for a variety of reasons.  Others have knowledge and can sell on their own. Although sellers that sell on their own nearly always turn to title companies, attorneys or other professionals during the final process of the sale.  This demonstrates that even the veteran seller in the end needs help to finalize the sale. Here is a link from my website that outlines a few steps that you may not have considered when choosing a professional to help you.  This little video offers some key insight into the process of selling. Click the link for this an more informative information on selling. http://www.flexitrealtymichigan.com/HowtoSellYourHome Hope this helps you in your quest to sell your ... 06/27/2009

When things go bad sometimes they get worse! That is what one of my clients told me this morning.  I asked why he would say that. His credit card debt was rising because his hours had been cut.  It seems he had planned on the overtime in his budget.  Not a new story or scenario, now that his hours have been cut he has to adjust his standard of living...the problem is adjusting sooner than later. So his option, to cure his financial problem, selling his home in a down market.  Many homeowners are faced with the same decision. Before making the final decision to list your home for sale consider some of these options.  It may sound odd a Realtor telling you not to sell your home just yet.  It shouldn't sound odd.  Realtors many times offer clients advice to wait or not sell depending on th... 05/02/2009

I know you been reminded!  REMEMBER for those of you in a state that "springs" forward and "falls" back that is my little way of remembering when and what. Nothing worse than showing up for church and hour early! Nothing worse than shaking your spouse awake with a hair raising shriek...."get up we have over slept"....and she smacks you and says we changed to "Daylight Saving Time" last night! ........mutterings under her breath....go to sleep! Nothing worse than flying out of bed...showering getting dressed, being quite not to disturb anyone, only to hear on the radio, as you go to work an hour early.  "Don't forget Daylight Saving Time, the changed last Night" set your automobile clocks if you haven't..now you why the traffic is so light! Nothing worse than jumping out of bed stepping ... 03/07/2009

Beware of the Scam Artists! They can be on the Internet with an email that asks you to verify your bank account.  Everything looks like your bank...but your bank won't ask you to do that! As times are getting more difficult we are seeing new wrinkles in the way scam artists are looking to get money. Here is one that should be considered very dangerous.  A person coming to your door says they are from the water department...they say they have been told you have a leak and need to check your water lines or meter inside your home.  This is a home invasion technique.  All city workers make appointments for repairs.  They will not come to your home un-announced to check your water quality either....that is another one of the ploys.  They have identification. Mostly this has been used on elde... 02/21/2009

It doesn't sound like a big deal....but before you purchase you may want to sit down and make a needs and wants list.  Take a piece of paper and make categories..."must have" items should be first.  Then go to the "like to have" items and finally the wish list of items that if they came with the home that would be a bonus! Watch a quick little video of my friend...he'll give you some very compelling reasons to carry him with you the next time you are house hunting. Thanks for taking the time to watch Buyer Tip # 2 making a needs and wants list...it may be one of the best things you can do to help you stay on track. 09/05/2008

The end of summer in Michigan means school is getting ready to start and is only weeks away.  This always produces a panic for those that have been trying to sell and for those that are trying to buy. Schools of choice become a factor.  The gas prices have created another requirement for driving distance to work and commutes to the grocery store...so location of the new home has also become a more important factor. The size of the yard, the toy storage has been an issue too...but some folks are looking at selling some of those gas guzzling toys. So there seems to be a bit of a lull in the yard storage issue. The end of summer means those maintenance issues that have been put off have to be addressed before the cold weather is back....what a thought that is..where did I hide the snow sho... 08/23/2008

Well we have seen some relief at the pumps but we sure have not seen much relief in the foreclosure homes coming to the market. The issue with foreclosure homes is two major ones as I see it.  They can be a great bargain if you go into the process knowing you are buying an "As Is" property.  You are going to have things to fix.  It is a rare find and it will not be on the market long if a HUD foreclosure home does not need repair. So what are the two things? There is a huge supply of HUD homes and being a HUD authorized broker we have seen the good bad and the ugly.  Many times because we have been in these homes before we can offer some first hand information.  We can help find out in advance with a short personal meeting how much a buyer is willing to repair and narrow the seach based... 08/02/2008

In case you didn't know Grand Rapids has a baseball team that won the 2007 championship.  The park has lots of activities but is a family based fun spot. This shot only shows the entrance look at the photo below. This is a great facility and there is more.... They have a great score board, concessions and give aways and much more. Spectators are always close to the action with seating like the big parks. If you want some low cost family fun...go to the ball park, enjoy a day with your family. You'll have a great time.     For the latest in information and game schedule click this link: http://www.whitecaps-baseball.com/ Trust me you'll have a great time and just enjoy the outdoors in a great ball park.  They start the play off schedule in the first week of September.  Check the link for... 07/26/2008