Waterford has seen an improvement in the number of house sales over the past three months. Although the prices have stayed on a steady decline, it is considered a seller's market in every price bracket below $125,000. The Absorption Rate Graph for Waterford is posted below.6 Months Supply of Inventory = Balanced MarketOver 6 Months Supply    = Buyer's MarketUnder 6 Months Supply = Seller's Market   07/22/2009

Absorption Rate is a method we use to determine the supply and demand for housing. We determine the number of listings on the market within particular price brackets.  We then view how many houses have sold or pended in the past three months and calculate the average per month.  The number of active listings is then divided by the average sales per month to identify how many months inventory is available. Sellers Market - Less than 6 Months InventoryBuyers Market - More than 6 Months InventoryBalanced Market - 6 Months Inventory All information included in our Absorption Rate Graphs is generated from Realcomp Inc, an area Multiple Listing Service serving Southeastern Michigan. Note that no private sales would be included in this report. All information is deemed accurate but not guarant... 04/22/2009

  Students delivered over 1,400 kicks and more than 2,400 hand techniques as they kicked, punched and chopped their way through a 5 1/2 hour black belt pre testing at Waterford Tae Kwon Do in Waterford, Michigan. These students were evaluated by a panel of Martial Artists with over 100 years combined experience. Now it's "Go Time" as they were all provided scoring sheets detailing what areas needed to be worked on. They now only have a few weeks to practice, refine, and correct their techniques before testing in front of the Grand Master and other Martial Arts dignitaries.   Help Kick Cancer!! - Check out How   James Iodice  Looking for Commercial Real Estate in Michigan? CommercialRealEstateMichigan.NET 02/14/2009

 Raising the Bar - Students pushed to "Kick it up notch" Literally! January 31, will be all about: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit. These are the tenants of TaeKwon-Do. Saturday, 14 students will be pushed beyond the limits in a Black Belt testing, held in a closed session at Waterford TaeKwon-Do.     Much more than kicks and punches, the Martial Arts instill values, discipline, respect and much more in students. These students pre testing for various degrees (also known as Dans) of black belt, will be pushed well beyond their physical abilities. For over 7 hours they will be required to demonstrate, knowledge of Martial Arts history, foreign history, physics of the body, and self defense.       Martial Arts provide a solid foundation, I believe n... 01/26/2009

The downward trend in the real estate market has encouraged mortgage fraud perpetrators to develop and utilize many schemes.  The recent rise in foreclosures along with a depressed market, declining values and decreased demand has placed pressure on lenders, builders and home sellers.  Fewer loans will be originated as lending practices tighten in response to the subprime lending crisis.  Identity theft is a popular tool for use in mortgage fraud.  With higher lending standards being enforced, individuals with good credit are valuable to perpetrators; therefore, at risk for identity theft and mortgage fraud schemes.   Illegal Property Flipping   Illegal flipping is a popular scam; here's an example:  An investor purchases a property for $20,000 and has the property fraudulently appraise... 12/30/2008

Economic times are especially tough for seniors today.  Many have worked for years expecting a nice pension, just to have the rug pulled out from under them when the company folded or they just cut back on benefits.  Others are forced to continue working well into their 70's and 80's.  Some will never enjoy retirement.  This is a sad situation.  The good news is there is now a solution for those who own a home.    The reverse mortgage for seniors is a government regulated program that allows seniors who are 62 and older to draw upon the equity in their home to supplement their social security and pensions.  The beauty of the reverse mortgage is that it does not have to be paid back until the senior dies, moves or sells the home.  Credit is not an issue as the reverse mortgage is determi... 09/29/2008

Economic times are especially tough for seniors today.  Many have worked for years expecting a nice pension, just to have the rug pulled out from under them when the company folded or they just cut back on benefits.  Others are forced to continue working well into their 70's and 80's.  Some will never enjoy retirement.  This is a sad situation.  The good news is there is now a solution for those who own a home.    The reverse mortgage for seniors is a government regulated program that allows seniors who are 62 and older to draw upon the equity in their home to supplement their social security and pensions.  The beauty of the reverse mortgage is that it does not have to be paid back until the senior dies, moves or sells the home.  Credit is not an issue as the reverse mortgage is determi... 09/29/2008

Life insurance is essential if you have a family that depends on you for financial support.  Life insurance protects your loved ones if you die.  You should consider purchasing a life insurance policy if you are married and your spouse depends on your income, you have children or an aging parent or disabled relative who depends on your financial support or if your savings and other assets are not sufficient for their support.  Other good reasons to have life insurance are if you own a large estate and expect to owe estate taxes or if you own a business.  Your surviving spouse will need legal council to handle the estate and an accountant to handle the business.  Life insurance will provide the money to pay for the necessary professional services needed in this case.   Some jobs are risk... 09/29/2008

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home!  Now that you're unpacked and settled in, you should think about evaluating your insurance needs.  You probably already have homeowner's insurance as this was a requirement of your mortgage company, but is it enough to protect you?  Get this business out of the way now and enjoy life in your new home.  Homeowner's Insurance:  You most likely have a mortgage on your home, so your lender required a certain amount of insurance coverage in the event of a loss.  If your home were to burn to the ground, would you be able to write a check to cover the balance due on the mortgage or to rebuild?  Of course not!  This is just one reason you carry homeowner's insurance.  The minimum coverage you must have to satisfy your lender is a policy in the a... 09/25/2008

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home!  Now that you're unpacked and settled in, you should think about evaluating your insurance needs.  You probably already have homeowner's insurance as this was a requirement of your mortgage company, but is it enough to protect you?  Get this business out of the way now and enjoy life in your new home.  Homeowner's Insurance:  You most likely have a mortgage on your home, so your lender required a certain amount of insurance coverage in the event of a loss.  If your home were to burn to the ground, would you be able to write a check to cover the balance due on the mortgage or to rebuild?  Of course not!  This is just one reason you carry homeowner's insurance.  The minimum coverage you must have to satisfy your lender is a policy in the a... 09/25/2008

Your home is one of the largest investments you will ever make.  Homeowner's Insurance is essential for protecting your investment.  It is also important that you have adequate liability coverage to protect all of your other assets as well.     Basic Coverage:  A standard homeowner's policy will cover damage to your home and contents caused by fire and smoke, ice and snow, lightening, theft and frozen pipes.   Your policy will also cover you in the event of liability claims if someone is hurt on your property, medical payments to third parties, and legal costs should you be sued.  Most people have $100,000 - $300,000 in liability coverage on their homes; however, the very wealthy sometimes carry more as they have more to lose in the event of a lawsuit.  Additional Coverage:  You should... 09/25/2008

The cost of health insurance has gone up significantly over the last decade, making it difficult if not impossible for smaller businesses to provide health care plans for employees.  There are several types of health plans available, including HMO's, PPO's and POS plans.  Some larger companies are able to offer their employees a choice of health plans or insurers where smaller companies are only able to offer one.  Here is an overview of the common types of health care plans:  HMO - Health Maintenance Organization  HMO's are generally the least expensive health care plan, but they are also the least flexible, requiring you to visit only those doctors who are in your HMO network.   With these plans, you elect a primary care physician who is a part of the network.  The primary care physic... 09/25/2008

The cost of health insurance has gone up significantly over the last decade, making it difficult if not impossible for smaller businesses to provide health care plans for employees.  There are several types of health plans available, including HMO's, PPO's and POS plans.  Some larger companies are able to offer their employees a choice of health plans or insurers where smaller companies are only able to offer one.  Here is an overview of the common types of health care plans:  HMO - Health Maintenance Organization  HMO's are generally the least expensive health care plan, but they are also the least flexible, requiring you to visit only those doctors who are in your HMO network.   With these plans, you elect a primary care physician who is a part of the network.  The primary care physic... 09/25/2008

The cost of health insurance has gone up significantly over the last decade, making it difficult if not impossible for smaller businesses to provide health care plans for employees.  There are several types of health plans available, including HMO's, PPO's and POS plans.  Some larger companies are able to offer their employees a choice of health plans or insurers where smaller companies are only able to offer one.  Here is an overview of the common types of health care plans:  HMO - Health Maintenance Organization  HMO's are generally the least expensive health care plan, but they are also the least flexible, requiring you to visit only those doctors who are in your HMO network.   With these plans, you elect a primary care physician who is a part of the network.  The primary care physic... 09/25/2008

With the price of health care, insurance is a necessity.  The cost of medical care is rising rapidly and few people are able to afford this luxury without insurance.  Types of Health Insurance Coverage:  Two common categories of health plans are indemnity plans and managed care plans such as health maintenance organizations (HMO's) and preferred provider organizations (PPO's) and point of service (POS) plans.  An indemnity plan offers the option of choosing your own doctors.  They pay for your medical expenses, in full, in part, or up to a specified amount per day for a certain number of days.  Managed care plan provide broader coverage, but involve an arrangement between the insurer and a selected network of health-care providers.  An HMO will require that a primary care physician coor... 09/24/2008

Most people are not familiar with gap insurance and why it is so important to have.  You should consider purchasing gap insurance if you owe money on your vehicle so that in the event of an accident or theft, you will not have to continue paying on a vehicle you no longer have.  What is gap insurance?  Most people finance their new cars rather than paying cash for them.  Gap insurance is a product offered by car dealers to ensure the vehicle is paid off in the event of theft or an accident resulting in a total loss (meaning the vehicle is not worth repairing).  Gap insurance protects you from the obligation of continuing to make payments when the vehicle is no longer in your possession, leaving you free to purchase another car without having to pay off your previous car loan.  The value... 09/24/2008

Everyone should have some form of health insurance or basic medical coverage so they can see a doctor for yearly physicals or when they are ill.  Private health insurance used to be something only the wealthy could afford, but there are companies that can make medical coverage a reality for you.   Shop Around and Ask Questions  Medical coverage varies from one company to another with many different plans available to serve your individual needs.  Shop around, ask questions and take notes.  At first, you may not know what to ask.  As you visit with different insurance agents and hear about the different plans offered, you will become more familiar with the process and you will soon know just what you are looking for.  Do not purchase a policy with the first company you make contact with;... 09/24/2008

Auto insurance is required by law for anyone who purchases a car in any state in the US.  Anyone who is caught driving a vehicle without auto insurance faces heavy fines and possible jail time.  In addition, your car can be seized and impounded.  The total in fines, impound fees and bail to get out of jail is far more than the cost of the insurance.   Another good reason for auto insurance is to cover you if you are involved in an accident, causing damages and injury to someone.  If you are adequately covered, and you get sued for millions of dollars, the insurance company will have attorneys to represent you and handle the claim.  Otherwise, you stand a chance to lose everything you own, and more!  So, if you're going to drive, be sure to have insurance!   The main reason the law requ... 09/24/2008

Warning! Your Dryer Can Be a Fire Hazard!   This doesn't necessarily mean you need a new clothes dryer...   Waterford, MI -- In preparation of National Fire Prevention Month this October, I asked one of our Dryer Vent Wizard customers about his close call with blackened dryer lint found within the dryer and the dryer vent. Over a short period of time, Tom Mitchell noticed that the family's white laundry was coming out of the dryer an unfortunate shade of gray. They called their local dryer repairman, who found the dryer "jammed full" of darkened lint.   The dryer technician extracted the lint from the dryer. He noticed that it was dark gray - even black in portions - and, in fact, smoldering. The dryer repairman suggested that the family get a new dryer, but they decided instead to clea... 09/23/2008

How much do you know about dryer vents and their purpose?  If you're like most people, all you know is that your dryer is a very simple to use appliance that provides a much needed convenience.  Most people take it for granted, like turning on a faucet to get water, or depressing a handle to flush a toilet.   No one thinks about the mechanics of what is happening within a dryer vent system.  Few have any idea of the danger that lurks in a dryer vent system unless they have had the unfortunate experience of a clothes dryer fire.   One of the problems encountered by most consumers with clothes dryers is caused by a lack of dryer vent cleaning and maintenance.  Dryer ducts take the heat, moisture and lint from clothing inside the dryer to the dryer vent outside their home.  The moist lint ... 09/23/2008