HOW TO FIGHT YOUR PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT I do a lot of comps for Metro Detroiters that want to fight their Michigan property tax assessment.  So many Metro Detroit cities are not lowering the property taxes as quickly as Metro Detroit home values have fallen. Some cities are giving what I a call a "bone".  They are lowering your Michigan property taxes (the SEV) a little but not as much as they should.  I don't blame the cities they need the tax revenue to run the cities. But the homeowners need relief according to the law.  They should be only be taxed on market value and the legal increase as prescribed by Proposal A .  That is the way the proposal A was set up. It is not very easy to understand how Michigan property taxes are calculated and why they go up.  The key is to get your St... 06/10/2009

Northville Twp real estate MI Stonewater is an old sand and gravel quarry that was extensively shaped to create 6 small lakes and an elegant subdivision.  I consider Stonewater to be one of Northville's top 5 subdivisions. Looking at the prices in Stonewater right now I am seeing the average list price quite a bit higher than I have seen them over the winter.  We will see how hungry buyers are to own a home in the subdivision.  it will be interesting to see if there will be a rebound in prices in Stonewater. If you want the latest Northville foreclosures and Northville homes for sale emailed to you weekly join my Northville real estate VIP club.   Stonewater Neighborhood homes for sale as of 5/14/2009 Price Address Bed Bath $4,000  4747 MANORWOOD DR 4 3.2 $590,000  1884 OVERLOOK TRL 4 3... 05/14/2009

Northville Real Estate Stonewater is considered on of Northville Michigan's more prestigious subdivisions.  It is one of the few places in near M-14 that has Wayne county lakefront homes that are within 35 minutes of downtown Detroit MI Stonewater subdivision has one homeowners association.  Stonewater has approximately 443 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1999 - 2009.  There are still a few lots left in the subdivision.The homes are mostly Colonial and Cape Cod style.  Most of the homes have stone & brick exteriors, 3 & 3+ car garages, 4-5+ bedrooms, 3 + bathrooms, basements (some walkout).Square footage of Stonewater homes range from 3300 - 5700 square ft.The school district for the residents of Northville's Stonewater subdivision is Northville Schools           ... 05/09/2009

Well it was a very interesting day.  I was closing on a Detroit multi family home today.  The closing was taking place in Northville.  The seller and I got there about 5 minutes before the closing.  Well the closing time came and no home buyer.  We waited 10 minutes and then I called my home buyer.  NO answer.  I called again in five minutes.  No answer.  I called again no answer.  Finally my investor called.  It was like he wasn't worried about being there! I just don't get it.  Yesterday I sent him an email with all the necessary information. where the title company was located at when the closing was to take place title company phone number to bring his social security card and photo id how much the check was to be, and who to make it out to all the closing documents so the buyer cou... 04/22/2009

The following is a monthly market analysis for Northville Michigan.  It compares only residential homes sold in March 2009 with Feb. 2009 to determine the # of homes sold for the month and the increase or decrease in median sold price.  It shows all homes sold then private owned vs. Bank Owned/HUD.  In the latter part of 2008, Realtors were required to categorize ownership status so figures are not accurate for bank owned in earlier months and not calculated.   Northville Market Analysis also compares first quarter 09 to 08 and year ending March 2008 to March 2009.  To exclude leases in data, minimum sale price used was $5,000. Market Analysis March. 09 median sale prices decreased 4% from Feb. 09 & a 24% decrease # of homes sold. Privately owned homes decreased 4% in March 09 and Bank ... 04/19/2009

I saw an article on insurance fraud and cars this morning.  It was about people who were setting their cars on fire to avoid any more payments. I had heard that home fires were up too.  I don't think there are as many homes being burnt as there are cars.  But I have heard that there are more fraudulent claims on damage to the home.  People are intentionally damage the homes.  People are claiming the damage, then not using the money to fix the damage.  They use the money to pay bills. But there is a major downside to insurance fraud, it's called jail time.  There is no payment or money worth going to jail.  Keeping your house by committing fraud, or burning your house down.  It is better to lose your house, let it go into foreclosure before you commit a criminal act.  I know a person tha... 04/08/2009

Here what I am seeing in the Metro Detroit real estate market. Many colonial homes are selling for less than a $100 a square foot in the Metro Detroit area(Canton, Farmington are just some of the cities that it is happening in)  Updated, ready to move in homes are selling first and for the most money Some great priced foreclosures sell in less than a week and sometimes for more than list price  Homes that are not updated or that have external factors or problems will take longer to sell Inventory of homes are getting smaller especially homes priced lower than $200,000  Home buyers losing out on great priced foreclosures because they lowballed it HUD homes taking up to six months to close Many Short sales homes never close even though there are good solid offers. Homes in Livonia, Westla... 02/27/2009

Did you know that dryers have a life expectancy of 10-25 years? Or that it costs $7,500-10,000 to convert a hot water boiler heater to a forced air furnace? The Pillar To Post website offers a great tool showing the estimated life of appliances and major systems and components in a home. They also estimate the cost of replacing them, as well as the cost of home repairs. Once you have the page open, click on the left-hand side to "Expand All" so you can view the details...Did you know metal roofs last 60 years? 02/01/2009

The good thing about making a move in this real estate market is that there are lots of good deals out there. The question is, what do you do with your home? When faced with that situation, many Northville MI owners are opting to lease. Before you consider leasing, you should first check with your lender to get preapproved to make sure you can afford your next home. Also, check your existing mortgage because leasing may invalidate the terms. I've heard homeowners with good and bad leasing experiences. Many would simply prefer not to become landlords. If you do opt to lease your home, be sure you request a credit report as well as personal and landlord references. Then, read through the State of Michigan Tenant/Landlord Handbook to research and become familar with your responsibilities a... 01/06/2009

And I don't babysit at your house.  Yep I get asked those questions sometimes.  As a real estate agent sometimes my job is to keep the kids occupied and happy while mom and dad are talking about the house. I have rocked a baby to sleep, and I even played school this weekend.  I was the student with a bossy teacher! But this weekend was one of the best group of kids I have had.  I got hugs each morning and we went 3 days straight 8 hours a day for a fast paced Michigan relocation buyer.  They had to find a house in three days and close in 50 days. We had emailed back and forth before they got here.  They wanted to relocate to Michigan in the cities of Northville and Plymouth. We had our list planned out and then after I was with them for a day.  I got the feel of what they wanted and I w... 01/06/2009

 Northville Township is located in Western Wayne County about 20 minutes from Downtown Detroit.  Plymouth Mi is on the southern border on Northville Township, Livonia is on the Eastern border, and Novi is to the North. Most of the terrain in Northville Townshipis rolling hills with some flat areas.  Maybury State Park is located in Northville Township.  For detailed information on Northville and Northville Subdivisions visit my websites. The city of Northville is located within the township. Demographics for Northville Township, Wayne County, MI Date Created or Incorporated 1829 Area (Square Miles) 16.63 Water Area (Square Miles) 0.16 Land Area (Square Miles) 16.45 Population 2000 21,036 Population Density Per Sq Mile (2000) 1278.5 Housing Units Per Sq Mile (2000) 515.4 % Aged 18 & Over... 11/22/2008

I've written about the Northville Psychiatric Hospital redevelopment efforts for over four years now and now there's a new fly in the ointment. A group of local residents have filed suit against the Northville Township Board alleging violation of the Open Meetings Act. The next Township Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night, October 16th which should be interesting. Somehow I don't think we're going to see redevelopment on this 400+ acre parcel anytime real soon. See also: Annexation Plan Goes Down in Defeat The Great Annexation Debate Another Round, Another Deadline 10/15/2008

I was watching the national news and was alerted to the latest real estate scam.  Metro Detroit real estate is taking a beating and homeowners are losing a lot of money.  Metro Detroit foreclosures are on the rise.  So many Metro Detroiter's are having to rent homes. The latest real estate scam is showing up on Craig's list.  What the scammer is doing is taking the address and the pictures from the MLS listing and then posting it as a rental.  They are showing the inside saying that they had to move overseas.  The scammer is offering the home for a bargain rental price.  All you have to do is wire the money overseas to the scammer and he will mail you the keys.  Would you like to rent this house? They had an Atlanta couple on the show who's house was on Craig's list.  It was being offer... 09/09/2008

Northville Real Estate MI Lakes of Northville subdivision.   Lakes of Northville has approximately 304 homes in it.  The homes were built during the years of 1979 -1986.The homes are mostly Colonial and Cape Cod style.  Most of the homes have , brick/vinyl, brick exteriors, 2 car garages, 3-4 bedrooms, 2 + bathrooms, basements.Square footage of the ranch homes range from 1700 - 2100 square ft.Square footage of the colonial homes range from 2000 - 3900 square ftAll of the above information is general information.  We do not guarantee the information.  This is to give a guide to the subdivision. The school district is Northville Schools The location of the subdivision is between 6 and 7 mile roads and between Haggerty and Northville Roads.The streets that are in the Lakes of Northville su... 09/06/2008

Northville Subdivisions MichiganMaple Hill Subdivision  If you as a resident would like to add information or something that is happening in Maple Hill please email me at info@russravary.com   Northville Links City of Northville official site Northville Schools Northville Twp Offical site Northville Parks and Recreation My City of Northville info site Northville High School Other Northville Subdivisions Northville Police Northville Public Library Northville Chamber of Commerce Northville Public Library  Related Links State of Michigan Oakland County Wayne County Livingston County Washtenaw County City of Novi Official Site Maple Hill subdivision is actually 2 subdivisions with one homeowners association.  Maple Hill has approximately 174 homes in it.  The homes were built during the yea... 08/18/2008

I first wroteabout the old Northville Psychiatric Hospital property back in 2004 when the State of Michigan accepted a bid from a local developer on the property. Fast forward 4 years, and the property is still entrenched in a quagmire. Now, because of difficulties between the developer and the Township, Livonia residents will have a chance to vote on August 5th whether or not to annex the property to Livonia. Read the Livonia Chamber of Commerce's Question & Answers Report, check out the pros and cons and decide for yourself what the best course of action is for this property. All I DO know is that this site along 7 Mile has been an eyesore for far too long! 07/11/2008

If you aren't motivated to sell your home at the current Metro Detroit real estate market prices then don't list it. Homes values in Metro Detroit real estate have fallen tremendously in the last few years.  Now is not the time to "test the market" or list it to see if " I can get my price". Now every agent can see how many times you have taken your home on and off the market for in the last 3 years.  Then the agents pass it on to prospective buyers.  I  feel you can see who is chasing the market down.  Lower their price as the home prices fall. As an agent I can tell who is unrealistic in their pricing and even who is willing to negotiate based on some of their price reductions.  Sometimes the clients won't even put in an offer on a over priced home.  It is sometimes too overpriced to ... 06/26/2008

Don't get sucked in to the line "it was worth ...... 2 years ago" or "condos in the area were selling for ......." All of that doesn't matter now.  What is important is how does the house price compare to recent solds?  Is it high?  Or is it in line with other homes and condos.  I have been seeing some homes and condos sell for as little as $60 a square foot.  I have seen a 900 square foot Garden City house sell for $54,000.  I have seen 1300 square foot Northville condos sell for $77,000. There are bargains out there you have to be patient.  Don't get sucked into the hype by a realtor or a FSBO that their house or this house is a great deal because 2 years ago it was worth this. IT DOESN'T MATTER. Have the realtor you are working with pull recent comparable sold homes (within the last ... 06/21/2008

I say the magic year for Metro Detroit Homes is 15 years old.  That is when things start to need to be replaced on Metro Detroit homes.  Roofs start going,  air conditioners start faltering.  Some wood windows need replacing.  Kitchens are no longer "up to date". Kitchens that were "in" during the 1990's white cabinets are now longer passe'.  Formica was "in and Corian was a major upgrade.  Now Granite is "in". To replace a roof could cost anywhere from $5000 to $15,000 depending on the size of the home.  A kitchen could cost $20,000 to $85,000 depending on the size of the house.  To replace wood windows on a 3200 square foot house could cost $50,000 ( one of my clients just got an estimate).  An air conditioning unit could cost $3000 plus. So when buying a home that is at the fifteen y... 05/31/2008

When relocating to Michigan you can find out a lot about Metro Detroit Real Estate by surfing the net, by checking different realtor sites, but the best way is to contact a Local Michigan Realtor. We can help you by sending you a Michigan relocation package.  We can save you hours of searching and surfing by pointing you directly to the right source of good information for the area.  Whether it is a Michigan relocation or a relocation anywhere in the USA a local realtor can help you. Here are some of the things I have done and many Realtors would be glad to do when you are searching for homes in the area:  I have: Taken videos of homes and uploaded them to youtube.com  so the buyer could view them at their current home Found a hotel for clients that suited their lifestyle while staying ... 05/11/2008