February 12, 2010

The “Buzz” On Google

I have just started to investigate the buzz that is Google Buzz.

Truth be told, I am really just starting to discover all that Google has to offer.

Wow!

-Gotta Get Movin’

Jeff McIntyre
989.277.3510
Jeff@ForSaleByJeff.net
http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net

Check out my blog “Movin’ Shiawassee”  at  http://www.JeffMcIntyre.com
Follow me on Twitter! @forsalebyjeff

Be sure to join Shiawassee Real Estate Network on Facebook!

February 3, 2010

1101 Meadow Dr. Owosso – $139,999

Meticulously maintained 3 bedroom, 3 bath brick ranch in a quiet subdivision. Nice finished basement with a beautiful family room, office area, kitchenette, laundry room and workshop. Fenced yard with nice in-ground pool, 2 car garage. This home has it all and has a GREAT price tag! For more info visit http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net

January 20, 2010

Dear Fence Riders (You Know Who You Are!):

To Those That Are Capable of Buying  A Home But Choose Not To:

There are plenty of good reason to be buying a home right now: Up to $8000 in FREE money, interest rates at an all time low, and home values at an unprecedented low. Yet there are a significant amount of people “riding the fence” between homeownership and well…..no homeownership.

I am hoping to get the answer once in for all from you. On behalf of (literally) hundreds of sellers in Shiawassee County: Why are you choosing not to buy a home right now?

Don’t get me wrong. There are quite a few active buyers in Shiawassee County looking at homes in the frigid cold Michigan winter. I have good reason to believe that with all the incentives and current buying conditions that there are more people out there that could (and should) be buying their next home right now- they are just choosing not to.

So I present you with a challenge that, if accepted, will reveal the answers to questions that sellers, other buyers, and people in the real estate profession would like to know:

  1.  Tell us all what your reasons are for not choosing to take advantage of all the perks of buying a home right now versus waiting until conditions become less favorable.
  2. Share with us what it would take for you to buy a home right now. Are there more incentives you need from the government, is THE perfect home for you just not there? Please SHARE with us so that we might LEARN the reason this market has not improved as many of us have hoped it will.

If enough of you choose to ENGAGE in this discussion we might be able to decipher the mystery.  We may finally know the real reason that the Average Days On Market for a home in Shiawassee County in 2009 was 150 days and why the average sales price in Shiawassee County in 2009 was only $75,000. By the way, that is out of only 463 single family residential homes.

So please respond to my challenge. Enlighten us all. So that we can do our part to make conditions better, or understand why you are not willing to come down off of that fence and own your own piece of Shiawassee County (yet).

We will be waiting for your input….patiently….done yet?…….ok……how about now?

-Gotta Get Movin’

Jeff McIntyre
989.277.3510
Jeff@ForSaleByJeff.net
http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net

Check out my blog “Movin’ Shiawassee”  at  http://www.JeffMcIntyre.com
Follow me on Twitter! @forsalebyjeff

Be sure to join Shiawassee Real Estate Network on Facebook!

January 18, 2010

Shark Tanks-Try Not To Get Bitten:

Have you ever met someone that worked so hard at not working at all? The same people will wait for someone else to come up with a great idea, then take it and make like it was their own idea all along. These same people work harder at trying to make people think they are genuine, sincere, and a good human being than they do at actually proving these things.

If someone can “justify their actions in their own head”; does it make it (them) right?

Don’t you wish you could stear clear of these people? Easier said than done though. They are everywhere!

All you can do is what you know is right. Always.

Just sayin’

-Gotta Get Movin’ (In the direction of some sincerely good people!)

-Gotta Get Movin’

Jeff McIntyre
989.277.3510
Jeff@ForSaleByJeff.net
http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net

Check out my blog “Movin’ Shiawassee”  at  http://www.JeffMcIntyre.com
Follow me on Twitter! @forsalebyjeff

Be sure to join Shiawassee Real Estate Network on Facebook!

January 13, 2010

Do people really make millions of dollars buying with no money down?

It’s a big country and you can be sure that each year someone will win the lottery, someone will be hit by lightening, and someone will buy a home at a steep discount, with predatory terms, and no money down.  The odds in every case are grim.  

The essential issue is NOT buying property with no money down, it is buying property that can produce a positive cash flow and/or be sold at a profit.  Unless one or both of these conditions can be met, then the economics of buying a home with no-money-down are unlikely to make sense.                                                                                                          

Those buying under the VA program can buy with no money down, and residential financing with 5% down or less is widely available, especially for first-time homebuyers.  However, all of these programs require appropriate credit and income. 

As in all aspects of life, be cautious with the “Get Rich Quick” approach to anything. In my opinion, real estate is best viewed as a mid to long term and low risk investment. If you are looking to get rich quick real estate investment might not be the best place to do so. If you are looking for a sound investment that will provide the positive cash flow for you give me a call anytime at 989.494.1BUY (989.494.1289) or visit my website 24 hours a day/7 days a week!

-Gotta Get Movin’

Jeff McIntyre
989.277.3510
Jeff@ForSaleByJeff.net
http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net

Check out my blog “Movin’ Shiawassee”  at  http://www.JeffMcIntyre.com
Follow me on Twitter! @forsalebyjeff

January 8, 2010

Why does closing on a house cost so much?

State and local governments have discovered that real estate transfers are wondrous opportunities to tax with little political responsibility.  If a politician says that taxes should be raised, the individual may well be out of work when elections next roll around.  But if real estate transfer taxes are raised, the game changes because many of those impacted by the higher tax will move elsewhere, and thus they cannot vote against the politician.  

The result is that transfer taxes and “stamps” often amount to thousands of dollars per transaction, income that is enormously profitable to states and local communities.

The other thing to remember is that there are a host of people that work to make your real estate transaction possible. They all have to feed their families!

To help me feed my family, give me a call anytime at 989.494.1BUY (989.494.1289) or visit http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net !

-Gotta Get Movin’

Jeff McIntyre
989.277.3510
Jeff@ForSaleByJeff.net
http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net

Check out my new blog “Movin’ Shiawassee”  at  http://www.JeffMcIntyre.com
Follow me on Twitter! @forsalebyjeff

January 7, 2010

Does it make sense to buy real estate for cash?

Probably the best answer works like this: Is there a better place to put your money? Is there an alternative investment that will produce like returns with equal risk? Is it simply more comfortable as a matter of personal preference to pay cash? The decision to pay cash or not pay cash includes both economic considerations and personal choices.  Many people simply prefer a home that is free and clear of all debt.  Several advantages can be obtained by paying all cash.  There is no mortgage application and no need for private mortgage insurance.  There is also no mortgage interest to write off.  

However, if you elect to pay all cash, be sure to insist on the protections that a lender would want  a title inspection, title insurance, survey, termite inspection, appraisal, etc.         

It may be worthwhile to sit down with a tax professional or a fee-only financial planner to review the consequences of paying all cash or financing.

Not all buyers and their situations are the same. I have extensive experience in helping buyers make the right choice whether you are looking to purchase as an investment or the home you will live in. I can help guide you to make the right decision. Give me a call on my 24 Hour Buyer Hotline 989.494.1BUY (989.494.1289) or visit http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net

-Gotta Get Movin’

Jeff McIntyre
989.277.3510
Jeff@ForSaleByJeff.net
http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net

Check out my new blog “Movin’ Shiawassee”  at  http://www.JeffMcIntyre.com
Follow me on Twitter! @forsalebyjeff

January 6, 2010

We are buying a home and have a copy of the seller’s disclosure form. Should we also get a home inspection?

The State of Michigan has a mandated seller disclosure form that must be used for most properties.  This form provides an opportunity for the seller to answer certain questions regarding the property’s condition.  Just ask the broker or the owner for a copy.  

But a seller disclosure form is not a substitute for an independent examination by a professional home inspector.  A seller may well complete a form to the best of his or her ability, but without knowledge of home construction, that ability may be limited.  And a state-written form may not ask the questions you want answered.  For example, when was the owner last in the attic to check for leaks?  When was the furnace last examined?  Does the home have aluminum wiring?

Over the years, I have used many of the home inspectors that do business all over Mid-Michigan. To take advantage of yet another important piece of my professional network that will best inform you about the property you intend to purchase give me a call anytime at 989.494.1BUY (989.494.1289) or visit my website at http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net

-Gotta Get Movin’

Jeff McIntyre
989.277.3510
Jeff@ForSaleByJeff.net
http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net

 Check out my new blog “Movin’ Shiawassee”  at  http://www.JeffMcIntyre.com
Follow me on Twitter! @forsalebyjeff

January 4, 2010

How can our family buy real estate together?

There are a number of choices including:  Equity-sharing deals.  These have potential for everyone if a home in poor condition is purchased and the adult child will put in the sweat equity required to fix it up.  Partnerships.  Family partnerships are common but everyone has to understand their obligations.  

A corporation could be formed, with shares for everyone.  The problem here is selling shares in a small entity if someone wants out.  All familial arrangements should be based on a written agreement developed by an attorney, wills and living wills for everyone, and advice from a tax professional for each party.  Also, speak with lenders before making a final arrangement.  Some approaches may be easier to finance than others.

I have a professional network of mortgage experts that will be sure to find a program that works for your situation. Give me a call anytime at 989.494.1BUY (989.494.1289) or e-mail me at Jeff@ForSaleByJeff.net

-Gotta Get Movin’

Jeff McIntyre
989.277.3510
Jeff@ForSaleByJeff.net
http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net

 Check out my new blog “Movin’ Shiawassee”  at  http://www.JeffMcIntyre.com
Follow me on Twitter! @forsalebyjeff

January 1, 2010

218 N. Smith Rd. Owosso – $189,999

Great new build with modern floor plan and tons of great upgrades! Bamboo floors, ceramic, master with bath and walk-in closet, and lawn irrigation are just a few. All on a great 1.38 acre lot! Your HOME is finally here! Check out the details at http://www.ForSaleByJeff.net