Understanding Your Credit Score

The KCM blog recently posted this useful article explaining the basics of credit scores.

http://kcmblog.com/2010/12/16/the-basics-of-credit-scoring/

2009-10 Cost vs Value on Home Upgrades and Remodels-REALTOR MAG

If you are wanting to spruce up your home prior to putting it on the market.  Here is REALTOR Magazines 2009-2010 cost vs value report on small projects that can give you big bang for the buck!

http://www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/Articles/1001_costvsvalue_2009

Buying a Short Sale?

The Short Sale process can be complicated and time consuming.  Here are some tips that should help you if you are considering buying a Short Sale Property.

http://www.realtor.org/rmosales_and_marketing/handoutsforcustomers/handouts/short+sales+tips+for+buyers

Don't Go It Alone, Hire a Real Estate Professional

http://kcmblog.com/2010/11/09/5-reasons-you-should-use-a-real-estate-professional/

Top 5 Cities with Rising Home Prices-Says Forbes Magazine

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=26389371

Home Buying Tips

Here are some helpful hints for getting a fair price when buying a home.
http://www.investopedia.com/slide-show/10-tips-for-fair-home-price

November-Home Maintenance Tips

November Home-maintenance Checklist

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107890

Sound Advice For A Condo Buyer

When you are buying a Condo there are some things you need to know and consider before taking the plunge.  This article from MSN details 7 key items to consider.
http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=26005052#atoolb

Buy now!!! If you can...

If you are considering purchasing a home in today's market it may be the best time to buy in over 40 years.  Interest rates are near or at historic lows and home prices are still waiting to rebound from the housing crash.  http://www.mortgageloan.com/most-affordable-time-40-years-buy-home-7977

Rember to Inspect/ Home Inspecton 101

Whether you are a first time buyer, investor, or a veteran of countless real estate transactions I feel it is important to emphasize the importance of getting a home inspected prior to buying.  The inspection may uncover a hidden defect or problem that needs to be addressed.  You then can present any issues to the seller and negotiate a proper resolution.  Also most Purchase Agreements contain an inspection clause that will allow you a way out of the contract if the results of the inspection is not to your liking.  The inspection clause is time sensitive so be sure to know your time line and address any issues immediately just to be safe. http://www.frontdoor.com/Buy/Home-Inspection-101/27

Michigan Market Conditions by City

http://realtytimes.com/rtmcrstate/Michigan

Importance of Pricing your Home Correctly

It can not be overstated that in order to sell your home it must be priced correctly.  Remember that you don't determine the value of your home, the market does. 

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2012981343_realpricing26.html

Fannie Mae National Housing Survey

http://www.fanniemae.com/about/housing-survey-091610.html

Understanding Agency and Agency Relationships

   Whether you are buying or selling a home it is important to understand what your agency relationship is with the people you are dealing with.  In Michigan REALTORS are required to provide an Agency Disclosure form to you describing the types of agency relationships and what is expected from them.  You are to read it and sign it prior to disclosure of any personal information.  I have attached an article that explains the various types of Agency you will commonly run into. 

http://www.realtor.org/rmosales_and_marketing/handoutsforcustomers/handouts/seller15

Can You Afford to Buy???

http://www.move.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/can-you-afford-to-buy-a-house.aspx

Home Seller Basics

http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/sellers-basics/home-sellers-basics.aspx

Home Buyer Basics

http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/buyers-basics/home-buyers-basics.aspx

Welcome!!!

I would like to welcome you to Metro Detroit Real Estate News, Notes, and More.  My goal is to provide a resource for information related to the home buying and selling process.  The information provided in this blog will hopefully aid in the educational process thus helping you to make more informed decisions with regard to the buying or selling of residential real estate.  Thank you for stopping in and I hope that all of your real estate goals and dreams are soon realized.

Sincerely,

Todd E. MarLett/REALTOR
Real Estate One Inc.

If you are a resident of Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan and  have any real estate needs or questions I can be contacted through my website at http://toddmarlett.realestateone.com/vp/AgentServlet?SITE=REO&tp_Usage=AgentPersonalWeb&context=AGENT_PAGE&cd_Agent=22397&cd_Web=toddmarlett&REQUEST_HOST=www.realestateone.com