Birmingham Michigan real estate, homes for sale and information was designed to make you aware of the doings and shaking's in this vibrant and prosperous community.  Located in Oakland County, Birmingham is approximately 30 minutes north of downtown Detroit and over time has been able to maintain the small town feeling, while offering the qualities of an upscale and affluent area. Real estate primarily is single family residential homes situated in distinct neighborhoods.  Due to the fact that the city has been built to capacity, Birmingham has encountered a boom in recent years with existing real estate being renovated, enlarged and in some cases demolished and rebuilt. Some of the real estate has also been converted to condos and lofts which offer combination work/home environments. I... 12/10/2009

The substantial amount of distressed commercial properties and REO's has not hit the market as much as expected.  This short one minute video explains some of the reasons and the potential opportunities that may exist.  Where Are The Bank REO's 12/09/2009

Birmingham Michigan homes for sale  Real estate prices up     If you live in Birmingham Michigan, there is very good news.  Regarding homes for sale, sales volumes and the overall number of homes sold have increased compared to year to date figures as of October 31, 2009.  As of the same date in 2009, the number of home sales have increased by a whopping 65.2%.  Also, the median value of homes for sale that sold went up an incredible 118%. The bottom line here is encouraging.  Should we go out on the streets and celebrate?  Maybe not yet.  It does take several forms of data to see a trend. However, recent activities may be the start of pulling out of this deep real estate abyss we're in. According to Realcomp II, the local multiple listing service, figures show that all MLS sales in 200... 12/09/2009

Short sale rules change quickly and quietly.  What does that mean?  It means that the new directive from the Treasury Department did not make my morning newspaper or was splashed all over CNN.  It was sent by email from FNMA, buried in my junk mail.  Like always Important News never makes the NEWS. So here is the News, which is GOOD NEWS!!  The Treasury Dept has announced that they have added a new program to HAMP (Home Affordability Modification Program).  HAMP is the program that was created so servicers were able to offer loan modifications for people who were facing foreclosures.  Well, it has not worked as well as they had hoped.  So the new program, HAFA, was created for borrowers who were unable to qualify or keep up with the terms of the trial loan modification, the borrower wou... 12/08/2009

 Actions and Attitudes. You have to have both to achieve sustainable success in life. Having one without the other will only allow you to achieve a mild level of success. Having both will enable you to accomplish anything! If you have the right attitude in sales but don't link that with the correct actions, you will receive limited results. If you have the right actions but have the wrong attitude when you are engaged in the actions, you will receive marginal results. Only by having both will you fulfill your full potential. I always ask people which one influences the other more. Does your attitude influence your actions, or do your actions influence your attitude? Take a moment and consider your response. If you are like most people, you selected the first: your attitude influences yo... 12/05/2009

What's going on?  Its not the end of the month.  All I've seen the past few days is cops , both local and state aiming their radar detectors in the freeways and highways.   I swear that I've never seen so many people pulled over and given tickets.  What's happening?   I know that there no money anywhere, but why are you taking the money from the people WHO PAY YOU? Wouldn't the $200 fines you collect be better put to use in our economy and not for you to get your new sporty unmarked car.  Or are there no crimes being committed?  Public safety, remember "to protect and to serve"   I'm not diminishing what cops jobs are.  I know that they're high stress and pretty much thankless.  But come on...stop trying to stop speeders, stop the bad guys. 12/04/2009

By:Robert Pliska, CRE, CPA| Managing Director | Sperry Van Ness/Property Investment Advisors | Birmingham, Michigan Why should you demand your commercial or residential real estate advisor be a social media expert? Anyone who has endured multiple market cycles understands that market consolidations cause a weeding-out process to occur. While many tend to perceive those forced out of the market as simply not having the financial wherewithal to survive, the truth of the matter is that the reason most companies fail in tough markets is that they refused to change. Had they changed, had they adapted, had they innovated, they would have found a way to create the financial resources necessary to weather the storm. Static thinking simply does not mix well with fluid markets. To use a military ... 12/03/2009

Market Analysis For Birmingham MI October 2009 October 09 median sale prices increased 5% from September 09 & a 26% decrease # of homes sold. Private owned homes median price decreased 10% in Oct. 09 from Sept. 09.  Bank owned homes median price decreased 21% in Oct. 09 from September 09.  October 09 median sale price increased 16% from October 08. Yr ending Oct. 2009 median sale price compared to yr ending Oct. 08 decreased 19% Statistics rounded to nearest % -compiled from RealComp II data believed to be reliable. Active & Solds October 2009 340 listings:   28 Sold listings:   Median List Price  $419,500 Median Sold Price  $284,000 Avg. DOM 195 Avg. DOM 149 Private Owned 319 listings Private Owned 24 Sold  Median List Price  $450,000 Median Sold Price  $295,000 Bank Owned 21 listings... 11/13/2009

One of the most important things about being a short sale Realtor having quality content about short sales that sellers can read on-line.  Often, Short Sale Sellers, do not want to call a Realtor first.  They want to learn as much as they can before deciding which agent to work with.  Make sure you have good on-line content and you clients will be happy to work with you. Content like: Short sale website, (mine is http://www.shortsaleoaklandcounty.com/) Write a blog about short sales, like Active Rain. Put information on your linked-in page. Your Face Book is a great place to link articles about short sales You regular Real Estate Website.  (www.mikerealtor.com) I put links to from my short sale blog or other short sale related content. Twiiter is another good place to let people know ab... 11/12/2009

Going From Mark-To-Market to Mark-To-Make Believe! By Robert Pliska Have we gone from "mark-to-market" to "mark-to-make believe"? The FDIC just released its policy statement - Prudent Commercial Real Estate Loan Workouts. The FDIC's purpose is provide transparency and consistency to commercial real estate workout transactions and not curtail the availability of credit to sound borrowers. While the FDIC's intentions are honorable, the policy may provide the opposite effect - lack of transparency and consistency and extending the lack of credit to sound borrowers. The key point of this policy statement is - loan workouts need to be designed to help ensure that the institution maximizes its recovery potential. Renewed or restructured loans to borrowers who have the ability to pay their deb... 11/07/2009

Great news for all of you Buyers  & Sellers!!!  The Home Buyer Tax Credit is out and looks great. Buyers: Starts December 1st 2009 to April 30th 2010 $8000 for 1st time home buyers $6500 for current homeowners Current homeowners "Must  have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the 8 previous years." Must have contract to purchase by 4/3/2010 Must close by 7/1/2010 Income limits: $125,000 single income $225,000 married Sellers: More buyers are going to be in the market to buy your home.  Reduced inventories will raise sale prices less foreclosures Read below for more details below from NAR   Mike Sher, CDPE: http://hosted.cdpe.com/MikeRealtor/ Office: (248) 644-4700x242 Fax :(248) 499-1020 4120 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 E-mail:mi... 11/06/2009

Be Positive and Opportunistic! In commercial and residential real estate like other areas of business, there are many reasons to be negative. Yet, there are ways which we can be positive and opportunistic! This short short 2 minute video may be of assistance to brighten your day! Have a little faith!  Be Positive and Opportunistic 10/29/2009

Wonderful Birmingham Cape Cod had offer two weeks after listing. This Birmingham home was staged by Virginia Tatseos and  Stage-Show-Sell   Birmingham Cape Cod 328 George, Birmingham, MI 48009 View Map This Traditionally Styled Cape Cod Home Has Been Updated Beyond Belief. The Kitchen Is State-Of-The-Art With Dark Cabinetry, Granite Counters, Top Of The Line Stainless Appliances, Water Filtration System And Ceramic Floors. Upstairs, The Master Suite Has A Large Walk-In Closet With Built-ins, A Sitting Room, And A Bathroom That Must Be Seen. Glass Shower, Jetted Tub, Granite Counter Top, Skylight And Granite Floors. The Third Bedroom Is Located On The Lower Level And Has Been Professionally Finished and Includes An Egress Window For Safety. Additionally, There Is A Natural Fireplace In T... 10/27/2009

Here is a great site to evaluate if you are a good candidate for a Short Sale.  You will find great content like: Foreclosures solutions Short Sale explanation FAQ's about Short Sales Under resources you will find 3 reports Options and Solutions Foreclosure Vs. Short Sale 7 Short Sale Myths Plus on the right side of the screen you will find a report on: Understand your options and learn what you can do next. Both of the links below will get you to the site.  Call me if you have any questions or need my help. Shortsaleoaklandcounty.com Mike Sher                                                                      Office: (248) 644-4700x242   Fax :(248) 499-10204120 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302E-mail: mike@mikerealtor.com             Blog/Profile: http://activerain.com/mikerea... 10/11/2009

Birmingham Michigan Market Analysis For  September 2009 September 09 median sale prices decreased 23% from August 09 & a 29% increase # of homes sold. Private owned homes median price decreased 26% in Sept 09 from August 09.  Bank owned homes median price stayed the same in Sept. 09 from August 09.  September 09 median sale price decreased less than 1% from September 08. Yr ending Sept. 2009 median sale price compared to yr ending Sept. 08 decreased 21% Statistics rounded to nearest % -compiled from RealComp II data believed to be reliable. Active & Solds September 2009 384 listings:   38 Sold listings:   Median List Price  $399,900 Median Sold Price  $268,762 Avg. DOM 185 Avg. DOM 89 Private Owned 358 listings Private Owned 27 Sold  Median List Price  $439,450 Median Sold Price  $326,... 10/10/2009

  Research area, meet neighbors before buying home By Eric CzarnikC & G Staff Writer Many homes on the market are judged for their architecture, floor space and condition. But some experts are warning homebuyers not to confine their checklists to a house's four walls. The atmosphere of a neighborhood can have an extensive effect on quality of life, said Joan Downing, broker-owner of RE/MAX in the Hills in Bloomfield Hills. She said neighborhoods vary in quality on everyday factors such as neighbors, crime, aesthetics and schools. As a result, a savvy homebuyer should do independent research before any dotted lines are signed. "They should investigate, on their own, the crime statistics and the school information," she said. "Over and above that, they can search for crime in different n... 09/30/2009

The Counselors of Real Estate - A Capstone of Professional Achievement By:  Robert Pliska The Counselors of Real Estate is an exclusive membership organization whose CRE designation is a capstone of professional achievement. Only 1,100 real estate advisors worldwide are entitled to display the CRE designation after their names. Membership is extended by invitation only. The web site for the Counselors of Real Estate is www.cre.org.  As a matter of clarification, the web site www.cre-advice.com is not affiliated with the Counselors. To be considered a Counselor of Real Estate, real estate advisors must be recognized by their peers, clients, employers and the marketplace for the scope of their professional expertise, acknowledged leadership, impeccable judgment and unwavering integrity.  ... 09/27/2009

  Market Analysis For Birmingham MI August 2009 August 09 median sale prices increased 16% from July 09 & a 16% decrease # of homes sold. Private owned homes median price increased 16% in August 09 from July 09.  Bank owned homes median price decreased 43% in August 09 from July 09.  August 09 median sale price decreased 12% from August 08. Yr ending August 2009 median sale price compared to yr ending Aug 08 decreased 20% Statistics rounded to nearest % -compiled from RealComp II data believed to be reliable. Active & Solds August 2009 370 listings:   27 Sold listings:   Median List Price  $419,950 Median Sold Price  $350,000 Avg. DOM 202 Avg. DOM 110 Private Owned 350 listings Private Owned 22 Sold  Median List Price  $445,000 Median Sold Price  $441,750 Bank Owned 20 listings Bank Own... 09/23/2009

Birmingham Michigan is a great place to live and a prime location is the neighborhood surrounding Booth Park.  It is a four-acre park located as a gateway to the center of town coming from the north.  The entrance to Booth Park is on Harmon Street near the corner of Old Woodward and is a destination point for parents and kids with the community-built “Castle” play station, labyrinth/tunnel and an Astroturf hill where you can see children (and adults) slide down on pieces of cardboard.  Along with a climbing wall, rock garden and a pedestrian trail connecting to the Rouge River Trail, there is a large open green space leading into the residential area where many homes overlook the park area.   Booth Park in Birmingham Michigan from Cathy Tishhouse on Vimeo.   The Cranbrook Foundation do... 09/17/2009

After doing short sales for about a year now I find it alot hard to be on the buyers side as opposed to the sellers side because you have more control  and a buyer can simply withdraw his offer. Coming down to the wire of the tax credit many of my buyers are becoming impatient, and one thing I hate doing is calling or emailing listing agent s for updates because I know it can be a nuissance because, as I dislike getting those calls or e-mails as well. At the same time its a good idea to where you stand in the short sale process. I wish it was a smoother process, but the harder the conflict the more glorious the triump.   Call me for any questions regarding short sales Office:248-649-7200 Cell:248-730-5411 Email: aliasjus@gmail.com justenalias.com Prevent Foreclosure if you or anyone you... 09/16/2009