Angie's Blog

Visit my new Blog, Angie's Real Estate Corner

2007-05-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

Angie's Real Estate Corner! Thanks and see at the Corner!

2007-04-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

New Orleans

2006-12-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

Yes I rode the "Bull"

New Orleans is a great place to visit! The Annual National Association of REALTORS® Conference was in New Orleans. The food was great, the entertainment the best and awesome hospitality.
The French Quarter is hopping. Some rebuilding is still in the process, but most business seem to be up and running.
We took a tour of the famous 9th Ward. I can never put in words the feelings I felt seeing the devastation even after a year. Do they rebuild or not? Would you place your family in an area that does not have a pharmacy, doctor or other daily resources we take for granted?
They still need our help and prayers!

Time

2006-10-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Much time has past since I last blogged. I have opened a new office at 2442 E Maple Ave, Suite 209, Flint, MI 48507, 810 744 4600. Business is booming. My REALTORS® love our new office. It’s not so big, just a new place to call home. The office is centrally located which I am finding my clients like. The Flint Chapter, Women’s Council of REALTORS® has truly blessed me over the past year. Due the education I have received through The Flint Chapter, Women’s Council of REALTORS® , Michigan Chapter, Women’s Council of REALTORS® and the National Women’s Council of REALTORS® my business is better than ever. My clients and agents are benefiting from the knowledge I have received.

Current Listings
1807 Cadillac, sharp 2 bedrooms. Freshly remodeled, full basement and more..$44,900
http://www.1807cadillac.completerealtyllc.com/

5189 Merit, Kearsley Schools, 3 bedroom Tri-level. Back yard backs up to woods, 2 car attached garage, a must see for only $127,000. http://www.5189merit.completerealtyllc.com/

1917 Cadillac, Short Sale, make offer to bank, currently asking $50,000 http://www.1917cadillac.completerealtyllc.com/

3730 Delaware, Sharp, Move right in 3bedrooms http://www.3730delaware.completerealtyllc.com/

And many more!!! www.completerealtyllc.com

Statistics for the Flint Area Association of REALTORS

2006-06-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

Information for Sellers and Purchasers.
This information does not include "Unrepresented Sellers". Only homes that are
listed with REALTORS.
Total Homes Listed on Market as Active Listings with the Flint Area Association of REALTORS

Total
7304
School Districts
Atherton
72
Beecher
60
Bendle
98
Bentley
78
Birch Run
51
Byron
44
Carmen/Ainsworth
345
Clio
218
Davison
324
Durand
109
Fenton
319
Flint
1461
Flushing
411
Genesee
20
Goodrich
152
Grand Blanc
684
Holly
103
Kearsley
224
Lake Fenton
252
Lakeville
94
Lapeer
87
Linden
291
Millington
64
Montrose
77
Mt. Morris
147
Swartz Creek
294
Westwood Heights
84
Information source: Flint Area Association of REALTORS MLS- Kinnexus.

Education

2006-05-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

Land Use Academy.

It was a privilege and honor to attend the Michigan Association of REALTOR® Land Use Academy.

This academy offered insight of a changing real estate market from the view of Builders, Developers and Government Planners.

Smart growth is the future. Smart growth considers the health of the individuals while adding economic growth for the community. Smart growth is the opposite of urban sprawl. Smart growth puts the sidewalks back in the community while preserving land for community use. Smart growth allows for mixed-use developments.

Imagine a high density development in a round area with various sized homes, including apartments with stores and restaurants on the main level, various wildlife preserves in the area, a bike path with sidewalks and a day care located in the center. Paint a picture of narrower streets with wider sidewalks. This is a mixed-use subdivision. The residents can work or own facilities in the mall area of the apartments. Walk ways and paths are a cause for residents to interact, get together, and socialize.

Planners are putting the driveways and garages back behind the homes again.

We discussed better infrastructure with greater planning, tax relief and other incentives for improvement of a Brownfield area in order to save the Greenfield land. We learned about the effects urban sprawl has had on the water sheds. We heard about rain gardens not only on the ground but now on roof tops replacing drainage ditches. There is just too much information to list.

2006-04-20T06:39:00.000-07:00

Little things to help sell your home.

2006-04-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Lots of Light - Create a warm environment and make rooms appear bigger if you open the curtains and blinds, turn on lights and shine up those mirrors.
Warm Paint Colors - Instead of using white, which can seem cold, use pale colors, soft taupe or off-white.
Clean Floors - Buyers prefer to see clean hardwood floors - even newer-looking carpet or floor materials will have a positive impact.
Updated Bath - Quick fixes like replacing old tiles, fixtures and shower curtain will make the bathroom appear more updated.
Cleared Kitchen - Clearing the countertops will make a kitchen more appealing, and a few new appliances will be worth it in the long run.

Marketing with Microsoft Office Class, Pat Zaby

2006-03-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

If you ever have the opportunity to take the Marketing with Microsoft Office class taught by Pat Zaby, I encourage you to take it. The class has helped me professionals and personally. My professional techniques just keep improving, my confidence is stronger.

http://www.PatZaby.com , follow the link for more information.

Home Equity Lines NOT Dependable

2006-03-09T15:45:00.000-08:00

I read this article, I knew is was worth posting. Please follow the link: Equity Lines

Have a Great Day!

from Cheri French's email

2006-03-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar.-Robert Brault,

Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.-Philo

FHA Loan Limits

2006-02-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

FHA Loan Limits Have Increased!

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has released revised FHA Maximum Mortgage Limits. This is great news for both of us! More of your properties will qualify for FHA loans, making these homes more attractive for buyers and more of my customers will qualify for these loans.

Genesee County maximums:
Single Family Home $ 172,632
Lapeer County maximums:
Single Family Home $ 226,100

This information comes from
Bob Smith @ Republic Bank
Email: rsmith@republicbk.com
Office: 653-0039
Cell: 845-1683

Educational Achievement Award

2006-01-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the Flint Area Association of REALTORS Knowledge Management Team for the recognition of my education.

I find that education keeps me up to date with real estate laws, customer service and self improvement. I am making this award a goal for the future years.

Staging

2006-01-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some “staging” tips you might find helpful:* Keep your home in “show shape.”

Make sure that beds are made, dishes are done, everything is picked up, and the kitchen and bathrooms sparkle.

* Decorate with fresh flowers. Many home sellers use potted flowering plants that last much longer than cut flowers. Place them inside and out. They really add cheer!

* Turn on lights; replace all burned-out bulbs. Open blinds and draperies. Let the natural light in.

* Confine pets and keep them out of sight when possible. They can be distracting, and some people have allergies.

* Create a relaxed atmosphere with soft background music.

MOST MORTGAGE RATES DROP, CREATING RE-FI OPPORTUNITY

2005-12-29T16:46:00.000-08:00

The yield curve inverted this week, creating a refinancing opportunity for some homeowners who have hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages, interest-only home loans, or equity lines of credit. Home buyers should pay attention, too. "It means go and get your fixed-rate right now," says Ellen Bitton, president of Park Avenue Mortgage, based in New York City. "It's time to consolidate, if you plan on being in the property long enough." The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 5 basis points to 6.28%, according to the Bankrate.com national survey of large lenders. A basis point is one-hundredth of 1 percentage point. The mortgages in this week's survey had an average total of 0.36 discount and origination points. One year ago, the mortgage index was 5.83% ; four weeks ago, it was 6.36%. (Source: Bankrate.com) Full Story . . .

Merry Christmas

2005-12-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

While with your family this Christmas, take a moment and look at each member like it's the last time you will see them again. You may need that rememberance in the future. Enjoy yourself, family and friends. Smile, laugh and love.

Happy New Year!

Greenspan

2005-12-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

On December 13th, after nineteen years of service, Mr. Greenspan will chair his last Federal Open Market Committee meeting. He might leave us a parting gift by keeping the federal funds rate low, but there is a good chance he'll raise the rate and go out with a bang. (source, RealEstate.com [RealEstate@email.realestate.com]).

Saving Energy and Positive Thinking

2005-12-08T16:41:00.000-08:00

FTC OFFERS THE "INSIDE" STORY ON CONSERVING ENERGY AT HOME
On a new Web site, the Federal Trade Commission offers energy conversation tips to help consumers save money in every room of the house, from the attic to the basement, even in the garage. A great resource for your clients and for yourself. (Source: FTC) Full Story . . .

The average pencil is seven inches long, with just a half-inch eraser, in case you thought optimism was dead. --Robert Brault

Real Estate Ethics

2005-12-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

My website is creating a lot of real estate traffic. With the traffic comes emails. I love every email I receive. A common email is a seller asking me to evaluate the price of their home. I can give evaluations of real estate property only if the property is not currently listed or the seller is interviewing me to change agents.

I am a member of the National Association of REALTORS, as a member I cannot interfere with any agents current listings. This is a violation of our Code of Ethics. I am aware not all REALTORS follow the Code, I do. I found following the Code earns respect from sellers, purchasers and my peers. Integrity is important in this business, I want to earn your trust.

Please feel free to comment to any posting I enter, this is a billboard style blog and your comments are posted as well.

My Thanksgiving

2005-11-29T09:52:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this just say it all! Meet Lexy. 3 months old.

MORTGAGE RATE INCREASE STOPS AT LAST

2005-11-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

Mortgage rates finally stopped rising. Rates had gone up nine weeks in a row. This week, for the first time since early September, mortgage rates didn't rise. The end of the longest rising-rate streak in 18 years is being celebrated in silence. The streets remain peaceful as home buyers observe the end of the remarkable run by wondering whether they should lock, in case rates resume their upward path again, or float, in case rates fall. There is no celebratory speech by the chairman of the Federal Reserve, nor are fireworks being discharged over the headquarters of the Mortgage Bankers Association. Calm reigns over this electrifying development in mortgage rates. The benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage remained 6.42%, according to the Bankrate.com national survey of large lenders.(Source: Bankrate.com)

Staging worked for clients

2005-11-22T14:01:00.001-08:00

A REALTOR from another company called to see one of my listings. She was also showing another home with my listing. She called me with feedback from her showing. She said the showing went well, the home that they are leaning towards was staged. She said her clients could see their belongings in the staged home easier.

A couple of days passed, the REALTOR called me back, ask to view my listing again with the same clients. I made the appointment. I called the sellers of my listing and explained what needed to be done. Empty everything you can. Clear the table tops, dresser top and all counter tops, including the bathroom. They have 2 children, they removed all the children's items from the living room and dining area. Take all quilt throws off the couches and chairs, put all spices and toasting items in cupboards ect.

The other REALTORS purchasers put the offer on my sellers home. The REALTOR said her clients could visualize their belongings in the home. She said she couldn't even believe difference.

The Red Wings Player is OK!

2005-11-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

Our prayers were heard.

Red Wings Game

2005-11-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was at the Detroit Red Wings game. It was a sad evening. It was my first major Hockey game, I don't know the player that fell, I just pray for him and his family.

Just another reminder of why we must "be in the moment."

A word about our market from Patty Kelso

2005-11-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

MARKET COMMENT
Mortgage bond prices rose last week pushing interest rates slightly lower. With very few economic releases, the Treasury auctions carried more weight. The 5-year and 10-year results were mixed. Fortunately, mortgage bonds rallied following the 10-year auction Thursday, which showed increased foreign bank demand.
For the week, interest rates on government and conventional loans fell by about 1/8 of a discount point.
The consumer price index and producer price index will be the most important events this week. Retail sales, housing starts, industrial production, capacity utilization, and the Philadelphia Fed will also be important.

Patty KelsoMortgage ConsultantAssuraFirst Financial1063 West Hill RoadSuite DFlint, MI 48507(810) 239-8160toll free: (800) 450-8167fax: (810) 239-0310cell: (810) 241-7686
Send Me An Email

The market is tough, I'm trying something new

2005-11-13T16:19:00.000-08:00

We have hit the highest records for Real Estate Listings in our Multiple Listing Service. Delphi has caused panic in Flint, MI and the surrounding areas. Sellers, I'm sorry, it is tough to sell a home right now. I am doing all I can with the "Talking Houses", Website Advertising" and newspapers.

I am taking the next leap to help the buyers reach my sellers, I have purchased Virtual Tours. I am expecting a package full of goodies this week. Expect a call from me to take many new pictures of the inside and outside of your homes.

An Economic forecaster for Flint is coming to speak to the Flint Chapter, Women's Council of REALTORS Wed. Nov. 16th. I will be updating the Blog with his information for you shortly after the meeting. I am excited to hear what he has to say, hopefully the sun will be up and strong for business.

Take a Moment

2005-11-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving Day, while with the one's you love, take a moment, look around and be "in the moment" with your family.

If you are driving to be with your family, take a moment to look beyond the road. Look as far as you can to the left then to the right. It's amazing what we see when we look beyond.

Thanksgiving Idea

2005-11-12T09:37:00.000-08:00

My son Matt emailed this to me

An old man in Phoenix calls his son in New York and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.""Pop, what are you talking about," the son screams."We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the old man said. "We're sick and tired of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her." And he hangs up.Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone, "Like hell they're getting a divorce," she shouts."I'll take care of this."She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at the old man, "You are NOT getting divorced! Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and she hangs up.The old man hangs up the phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "They're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way

Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Jane Landaal ABR,CRS, GRI
2005 President Women's Council of Realtors
Flint Chapter
Piper Realty Co.
5454 Gateway Centre Suite B
Flint, MI. 48507
810-730-0098

Turning 40, it ain't so bad!

2005-11-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for the thoughtful gifts. The sign on my home was hilirious. Thank you for making me laugh!

Education is flowing

2005-11-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

I have taken the TRC designation class, Transnational Referral Certification. I can now assist my clients globally instead of just locally. If you have any marketing ideas, please share them with me.

I have been reading the book, “HOW TO MAKE MEETINGS WORK”, by Michael Doyle and David Straus. They teach the “Interaction Method.” Good Stuff! Have you ever been in a meeting that is dominated by the chairperson or a manager? Did you feel like your input didn’t count or you were shot down before you could be heard? The arrangements were already made, you don’t understand why the meeting was called? Time to change.

I will briefly explain the process; the book is easy reading and full of scenarios. The players are as follows
A Recorder (this person writes on 3 big sheet of paper or more so all can view in the members own works, serves as the members memory)
A Facilitator (a person who runs the meeting and cannot have input about the topic)
The members of the meeting.

The Chairperson or Manager organized the meeting, states the purpose of the meeting. The members decide the process that will be used to best achieve a win/win out come. The facilitator makes sure the meeting is timely, and stays focus. Everyone is heard, no one is allowed to cut some one else off, thus creating a positive flow of energy.

The recorder records ideas in the members own words, they can reflect on the paper, for it is the meetings memory.

The Chairperson or Manager is an equal in the meeting, not a dominating factor. Please read the book for great information to improve your meetings!

San Francisco Women's Council of REALTORS

2005-11-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

So much was taught and learned. I attended the Business of Your Business, a WCR PMN course. If you want more knowledge of bugdeting, setting goals and getting organized this is a great class. I learned to budget on not what I earn, but what I want to keep. What a concept! The class supplies you with the information and actual forms to get you on the right track of budgeting and running your business like a business.

I would like to thank the Flint Chapter Women's Council of REALTORS for the relationships of business and friends I am making. WCR, Where It All Comes Together. I understand the concept now. Networking with people all over America and abroad. The Business Resource Center, if a member has a question or a need, a fellow member will assist to answer the question or help find a person to satisfy the need. I was once told, "We won't let you fail." WCR makes that statement true in every way possible.

As nominated President Elect 2006 for the Flint Chapter Women's Council of REALTORS, I well strive for ultimate education in our monthly meetings. Education will help all members continue growth both personally and in business. Thank you.