Seller Beware!

Unfortunately the real estate industry has a real problem.  Real Estate agents are giving lock box codes out to people without licenses to view vacant homes. 

This is not the way a real estate agent is suppose to practice. 

     1.  Make sure your agent will attend all showings with purchasers not represented by another agent.

     2.  Ask your agent their office real estate agent showing verification process.
              A.  Does the office require all real estate agents showing property to give a license ID number?
              B.  Does the office require the office to verify the license number with the state for accuracy?
              C.  Does the office require the showing agent to leave 2 telephone numbers?
              D.  How does the office verify these numbers are correct?
     3.  At what point is the lock box code to your vacant home released?

Why?  The real estate agents that are giving the lock box codes out with out proper verification procedures are at risk of causing theft, physical harm and more.

Our offices uses a system called "BookAShowing".  Only State of Michigan licensed real estate agents with a membership to the Flint Area Association of Realtors can use the system.  Our office knows the person setting the appointment is licensed and accountable.  Please see www.bookashowing.com for more information.

Out of area agents must give license number, office telephone number, office address and the agents direct number.  We then verify the license on-line, match all numbers with names, call the office if open, then the agent.  We are always looking for ways to improve the system, any ideas, please let me know.

I would like to do away with push button and dial boxes.  They are not the safest tool available.  Companies now make lock boxes that must be opened electronically.  When the lock-box is utilized an email and/or text message is sent to the listing agent.  This alerts the listing agents that someone is viewing the home.  The seller can get a full report as well.  The Flint Area Association of Realtors did have this type of service at one time, agents complained because there was an extra item that had to be carried.  It wasn't the best system, now the systems are much improved.

Any ideas to help secure homes and make showing safer is more than welcomed.

Genesee County MI Board of Commissioners 12/04/2007

Ambulance service and The Broome Center.

This was a very interesting meeting. Much of this post will be based on the public opinion at the meeting.

Apparently the Board of Commissioners would like to create a one provider per area ambulance service. The audience and speakers for this discussion included paramedics, a minister, firefighters and the public. The majority does not want Genesee County to control community ambulance issues.

The feeling in the room was by implementing this idea, free market enterprising would not exist. A consultant was hired to evaluate the situation; the consultants report was never heard.

Many of the EMS people stated radios were purchased for them by a grant. It was said these radio's are sitting a room and not giving to the EMS people for use. It was stated that the real problem lies with the current 911 system. Too many people call 911 for non life threatening issues. Maybe the counsel should think about a 311 system for non life threatening calls, but need attention right now (accidents).

A resident talked about how the EMS people need GPS. They witness ambulances turning around because maps are wrong or the drive just didn't really know where the address was.

It was stated a sole provider would eventually cause taxpayer money to increase.

Another hot topic was The Broome Center. The state would like to close this facility. The Broome Center building is owned by the Career Alliance, Inc. Career Alliance had an issue with an AE allegedly mishandling funds, local, state and federal.

The Broome Center is located in area that has seen better days. The people that live in this area need The Broome Center to sustain a community environment. The Broome center has many helpful agencies that assist people find jobs, provide day care, education programs. We cannot lose this vital organ in an area that needs this assistance. I can not begin to list the all the programs and function this vital center offers. Please write Jennifer Granholm: Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, Michigan 48909

PHONE: (517) 373-3400
PHONE: (517) 335-7858 - Constituent Services
FAX:(517) 335-6863

The Genesee County Board of Commissioners expressed they don't want The Broome Center to close.

   11637 Read Ave.

Included:  Ceiling Fan, Dishwasher, Disposal, Microwave, Oven/Range, Pantry, Security Alarm, Smoke Detector, Sump Pump, Window Coverings.  Deliciously decorated home inside and out was built in 2005.  The ceilings are high!  Bedrooms have big closets.  Basement has drop ceiling, carpet & lights.  Speakers for the surround system stay, but unit will go.  Corner Lot, Dog on Premise, Fenced Yard, Paved Drive, storage shed, and deck.

$102,000 to purchase.

CLICK HERE for a VisualTour of this listing visit this site for a visual tour.  $124,900, 3 bedroom and 1 bath, Kearsley school district, tri level, 2 car garage.  Has a storage shed, paved drive, patio, garage is attached to the house with garage door opener, has dining, living, and family room. The family room has wood stove in it. Comes with Ceiling Fan, Disposal, Dryer, Oven/Range, Pantry, Refrigerator, Smoke Detector, Washer, Window Coverings and cable tv.  Super shrarp home.  All updates done.  3 closets in master bedroom.  Large fenced back yard, backs up to woods.  Lots of windows.  Ready for the pickiest buyers. RV parking.  Online Open House Available!  Merit is not a thru street. *Withdrawn*

 Living RoomDining/Kitchen

Kitchenbackyard