Hello Record-Eagle readers,

If you are a regular Ask the Realtor reader, or know me personally, you have heard my fervent declarations that Northern Michigan in general, and Traverse City in particular, is The Greatest Place on Earth. And I’m not just talking about the real estate. Well, word is getting out. More »

Hello Record-Eagle readers,

There is currently legislation in both the U.S. House and Senate that would greatly expand the Federal First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit. A proposal by Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., would raise the tax credit amount to a maximum of $15,000 for any buyer of any home over the next year, thereby almost doubling the current credit amount and removing the “first-time” homebuyer limitation. More »

Hello Record-Eagle readers,

People are finally catching on that this is a fantastic time to buy Traverse City real estate. There is a sea of properties to choose from at every price point. Foreclosure and short-sale properties on the market continue to force asking prices way down. Interest rates are still very, very low. “First-time” homebuyers earn an $8,000 federal tax credit, and buyer’s agent representation in Michigan is free. You will not see a better scenario to purchase property during your lifetime. More »

Hello Record-Eagle readers,

The Traverse City real estate market and community, like virtually all of the real estate markets and communities around this country, is seriously struggling with the causes and effects of what has been conveniently coined the Mortgage Meltdown, but which has become a global economic crisis. Week after week I counsel Clients who are either struggling to avoid foreclosure, have been sucked into the foreclosure system, or are trying to deal with the scars and effects of living through it. More »

Hello Record-Eagle readers,

As promised, this week I am going to delve into “the numbers” from the first half of 2009 in the Traverse City real estate market. I am primarily comparing the first two quarters of 2009 with the same period from 2008 in an attempt to discern both the current state of our real estate market, and where I think it is heading in the future. More »

Hello Record-Eagle readers,

The week-long National Cherry Festival has wrapped up another outstanding year here in Traverse City, and the Traverse City Film Festival is little more than a week away. The weather is gorgeous, activity abounds, and life seems pretty darn good right now around Northern Michigan. TEAM MIKE feels very fortunate to call Traverse City our home and is constantly asked, “How is the real estate market doing?” More »

Hello Record-Eagle readers,

Last time we discussed buyers’ first impressions of property, how important they are to sellers of Traverse City real estate, and how good landscaping can help grow your property’s Wow Factor and maximize your property equity. Now let’s take a closer look at some of the finer points of residential landscaping, and how to get “the most bang for your buck.” More »

Hello Record-Eagle readers,

One of the most important factors to consider when trying to successfully sell your Traverse City home is its curb appeal — its Wow Factor. When buyers pull up to look at your house, you want them to see a home that is neat, well taken care of, and beautiful – their first impressions are very important to your efforts.

A buyer’s first impressions can often make or break a sale, and the exterior of your home is the first thing anyone sees. They need to see the sort of home that is in demand and valuable. More »

Hello Record-Eagle readers,

So what’s up with this $8,000 First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit that we are hearing snippets about all over the place? Come on, it’s not just that we Mikes are real estate nerds, there is a lot of conversation and confusion about this tax credit and how it can affect the Traverse City real estate market. More »

Hello Record-Eagle readers,

The Traverse City real estate market and community, like virtually all of the real estate markets and communities around this country, is seriously struggling with the causes and effects of what started out as the Mortgage Meltdown, but has now grown into the even bigger and much-more-ominous and far-reaching Financial Crisis, or Catastrophe, or Emergency, depending upon your news source. More »