You never know where you will find "Green" technology.  My client and I have viewed a few homes 5-6.  We keep going back to the same home.  The more we look at the home the more we realize the "green" features.  Keep in mind; this is a previous owner occupied home, not "new" construction which makes this more interesting.

Rain barrels are used to fill the pool.  Rain barrels collect the water from eves.  The collected then fills the pool by a hose running from the barrel to the pool.  Rain barrels can also assist in preventing water in the basement and flooding yards.  For more information please visit:  http://www.arlingtonva.us/DEPARTMENTS/EnvironmentalServices/epo/EnvironmentalServicesEpoRainBarrel.aspx

  The construction of the pool room was constructed SIP style, structural insulated panels.  SIPS are made in the factory.  Constructed inside, weather is not a factor with materials.  Insulation is foam or Styrofoam that expands between to pieces of OSB, Oriented Strand Board.  SIPS can be used to construct all exterior parts of a home or building.  The SIPS come in sections and provide easy installation, energy efficiency and cost savings.  For more information please visit:   http://www.epsmolders.org/3-sips.html  Exterior Cedarwood siding provides for low future maintenance.  The material doesn't rot.

Insulation with a high R factor is needed in northern climates.  The higher the R factor the more efficient.

Solar panels were installed to heat the pool.  For more information please visit:  http://www.poolcenter.com/heater_solar_poolstor.htm

Angie Ridley, MI RE Broker, Notary,EcoBroker Certified^®
www.CompleteRealtyLLC.com
mailto:  Angie@AngieRidley.com
Flint:  810 744 4600 Fax: 810 936 4395

Angie's Real Estate Corner, a little of this and that blog.  

2009 Michigan Women's Council of Realtors® President -Elect  

Paperless with Instanet Transaction Management, e-signatures and much more...

Please feel free to enter Reviews and Testimonials about your experience with Complete Realty, LLC and / or the agents:  Angie Ridley or Deanna Ruhstorfer.  Happily serving Michigan residents with their real estate needs.

Thank you ahead of time for your time.

www.CompleteRealtyLLC.com

Al Serra Hummer has out sold every other Hummer Dealership in the United States for the 3^rd year in a row!  They sold approximately 900 Hummers.  http://hummer.alserra.com/

With all the gloom and doom on the news, I hope this gives Genesee County a reality check.  Try to eat at Logan’s, Out Back Steak House, Olive Garden, ect on Friday or Saturday night with out having to wait 45 minutes to an hour.  Record home sales are happening in Genesee County.  Last year we had our 3^rd largest transaction year, we are way ahead of the year to date sales this year already.  The prices are down, we have to sell to level the prices out and create a demand.

My husband and I were attempting to find our kids a used camper for the summer.  That was nearly impossible.  The used trailers went like hot cakes and the salesperson at General RV Birch Run Michigan said the new trailers are selling just as fast!

                             I wish the news media would talk about these positive issues…

Al Serra, Congratulations for more reasons than one!

 

130 Woodward Ave.

PENDING

130 Woodward Ave., Otisville, MI 48463 USA

$44,500

Property Type: Single Family MLS Number: 29079782 Year Built: 1930 Square Feet: 950 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Lot Size: 66*180 Garage: 1 Stories: 1 Company: Complete Realty, LLC Agent: Angela K. Ridley Office: (810) 744-4600 Email: Click Here

Picture perfect. Ready to move in. Fresh paint and carpet. Full clean repainted basement. Lots of windows. Just bring your furniture. Enjoy country living with all the perks of a city. Enjoy sidewalks to town. Nice backyard. Front and rear decks. Do you have a king size bed? Bring it! Open floor plan. Dining area is separated from kitchen, yet open. This is a must see!

Cable TV Detached garage w/ electricity Dining Room First Floor Bedrooms Full Basement Master Bedroom Pantry Paved Drive Private Road Sidewalks Smoke detector Storm Doors Storm Windows Sump Pump

The information presented here is deemed reliable, though not guaranteed.

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Complete Realty, LLC Flint 810 744 4600 Davison 810 653 6900 Fax  810 936 4395    Send an IM!  Info@CompleteRealtyLLC.com Complete Realty, LLC's policy is to provide list of individuals or businesses that provide various services. Complete Realty, LLC does not reccommend the services of these individuals or businesses, we our providing our clients and customers with choices. Always interview 2 or more individuals or businesses for any service you may need. The client or customer can never have too much information. State of Michigan License and Verification On-line Service. We Love Referrals!  Please read our disclaimer and our privacy statement.       About Me - Apply Online - Buyer Seller Tips - Calculator - Community Links - Consumer Links - Contact Me - Dream Home Finder - Favorite Links - Featured Listings - Free Reports - Interest Rates - Local Partners - Real Estate News - Resource Center - School Information - Search For Homes - Useful Tools - Your Home's Value ABC Real Estate Directory

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5189 Merit Drive

5189 Merit Drive, Kearsley Schools, MI 48506

$104,500

Property Type: Single Family MLS Number: 05090745 Year Built: 1971 Square Feet: 1458 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Lot Size: 85*190 Garage: 2 Stories: 3 Company: Complete Realty, LLC Broker: Angela K. Ridley Office: (810) 744-4600 Email: Click Here

Super Sharp Home. All updates done. 3 closets in Master Bedroom. Large Fenced Backyard, Backs up to Woods, Lots of Windows, Priced to Sell, Ready for the Pickiest Buyers! This homes sits at the end of Merit Drive a non thru street, no traffic.

Attached Garage, direct access, electricity Back Yard Ceiling Fans Central Air Fenced Yard Finished basement w/ Daylight windows Forced Air Heating Large Closets Large Kitchen Natural Gas Pantry Patio Paved Drive Public Water and Sewer Range Refrigerator Shed Washer/Dryer Window coverings wood stove

The information presented here is deemed reliable, though not guaranteed.

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Complete Realty, LLC Flint 810 744 4600 Davison 810 653 6900 Fax  810 936 4395    Send an IM!  Info@CompleteRealtyLLC.com Complete Realty, LLC's policy is to provide list of individuals or businesses that provide various services. Complete Realty, LLC does not reccommend the services of these individuals or businesses, we our providing our clients and customers with choices. Always interview 2 or more individuals or businesses for any service you may need. The client or customer can never have too much information. State of Michigan License and Verification On-line Service. We Love Referrals!  Please read our disclaimer and our privacy statement.       About Me - Apply Online - Buyer Seller Tips - Calculator - Community Links - Consumer Links - Contact Me - Dream Home Finder - Favorite Links - Featured Listings - Free Reports - Interest Rates - Local Partners - Real Estate News - Resource Center - School Information - Search For Homes - Useful Tools - Your Home's Value ABC Real Estate Directory

RealTown's Saul Klein  Kudo’s and thank you for thinking outside the box.  MLS 5.0 must be an MLS system, not another Realtor.com.  MLS Today and MLS Tomorrow - The MLS of the Future

The current structure of the MLS is built by boomers for boomers.  Now we need to accommodate 4 generations with a 5^th coming up fast.  We aren’t ready the X’ers, I can’t imagine the being ready for the Y’s and beyond.

Can you really have a national plan that focuses on the relationship between the consumer and the agent?  Can you really have a national business plan that is ready for technology changes and current implementation that puts the Realtors® in the center of the real estate transaction?

I would love one MLS for all.  In real town America, if the people making the MLS decisions are not keeping up with today’s real estate education, our MLS’s do not contain the fields needed.  The information is slim.  Example, NAR’s Green Designation information, some agents have the information, most do not.  The one’s that do not have the education that are making the decisions are holding back the educated agents back.  NAR keeps up on today’s information and needs.

            Resort and secondary homes is another great example.  Real Estate is local, it can remain local by using the “Agent Typed Remarks” field in a national MLS system.

Many MLS’s concentrate on keeping the information limited to a one page print out.  Information about a home should be pages long.

Let me use “Views” as an example of what could be in an MLS, “City View”, “Country View” “Lake View” “Mountain View, “ “City Skyline”  ect…  This list maybe in Colorado’s MLS, but it’s not in my MLS.

Another example:  Interior:  Drywall, Plaster, Paneling ect…  pictures don’t say it all.

                            Construction:  2x4, 2x6, cement block ect…

All that I have listed are not in my MLS.  I know they are important and should be included.  So if they are yours, the reader, please be understanding.

If these fields were listed, maybe agents would be forced to learn what these fields are therefore creating better education for their clients.  It almost seems like many Realtors® believe the less we know, the better off we are because, oh- we didn’t know.

I say skip the regional MLS and state MLS’s, go for one national…

Then I would stop all syndication.  The IDX for the MLS could be put on all agent and broker website but not syndicated to Zilliow, Truilia or any others.  Make the buyer or seller contact the Realtors® websites for housing information.  Yes tax records and deed information are available on various sites, if we pulled all our information back, then we would hold a majority of the information.  These places would then stop selling referrals to the agents based on the information the agents supplied to the syndicated sites.

I love the fact that you are including Transaction Management.  Interaction between agent, lender, and all parties involves gives the seller / buyer confidence that all servicers are on the same page.  Include mapping, GPS, ect…e-signatures, Contact management with a drip campaign for listings or news letters would be an great feature.  One stop shop!  As new tools become available and researched, add to the tools.  I know of one regional MLS that hasn’t had a dues increase in 10 years.  They just keep growing therefore adding tools for the agents and systems updates.  How many associations can afford a “Research and Development Department” to research tools for their members, I believe its call attend the NAR tradeshow to see what is new…

I don’t think most MLS’s have caught up to the idea of MLS 2.0 yet.  Not catching on to 2.0 is only causing agents to fail.  Move on to 5.0 and we can all progress with education and give education.  My MLS is not interactive, however the 2ndary MLS system that I am using is.  Why do I need 2 MLS’s?  I have to pay for each.  Again, if NAR was in control, we would have the correct tools for our careers.  Then it becomes a choice of rather an agents chooses to use the tools available. 

I know this probably will not happen in my life time, however, I can dream big in my life time.

Thank you!

Book Review, Nothing to Lose, Lee Child   

"Nothing To Lose", Lee Child

            The book took me about 2 days to read.  Since I am camping I like the idea that I don't have to think too much while reading.  Jack Reacher is a character in a couple of Child's books.  Lee Child has a series in the process.

            Jack is a veteran wonderer.  From military to wonderer.  He travels by foot, purchases clothes as he needs them.  No baggage, no fuss, or so he thought.  He wonders into 2 small towns, Hope and Despair.  Despair has a secret.  Hope employs a lovely police women.  Jack goes up against a whole town of Despair. 

What could a quiet recycling plant in the middle of Colorado be making?  Why is there a military post at the entrance of the plant?  Why does one man own everything in Despair?  Will Jack fall in love?

            The book has action and tender moments.  Jack is a man's man and a women's unknown hero.  I would recommend the book for summer reading.

            Enjoy...          

Book Review: Sundays at Tiffany’s by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet

            A simple delight.  The question is "What if your imaginary friend from childhood was your one true love?

            If you like happy endings, you'll love this love story.  Michael is there to assist Jane through childhood.  Michael leaves Jane when she turns 9; she is supposed to forget him.  All "imaginary" friends are forgotten.

Jane talks about all the insecurities women have.

            Michael returns.  Why does Jane remember him?  Why did he return?  Why does he bleed when shaving?  Snap, there's money.

            If you enjoy ice cream and diamonds, you'll appreciate "Sundays at Tiffany's".

Quick easy reading...

            Yes, I'm on vacation...

The 1^st quarter is officially over and we are will into the 2^nd quarter of 2009.  How is your business fairing?  Let’s talk about business plans, goals and accountability.

Is your business plan real or a wish list?  A questioned asked by Debra Asher in the MichiganRealtor May 2009, “Feeling Lucky? Your Success-By luck or by Design.  This made me think of my plan and what I have done to assist my business plan.

Everyone in business should have short term goals and long term goals.  Have self rewards for each level of goals accomplished.  Think of rewards as accountiblity.

Do you schedule time to achieve your goals? 

1.      Do you schedule online line social networking? 

2.      Do you schedule time for face to face marketing?  I bowl, that is part of my marketing plan.  I socialize and everyone knows I sell real estate. I took a year off from this activity the result was my business suffered.

3.      Do you schedule time to send out hand written cards weekly?  Better yet, do you have an assistant to send out cards for you?  Sending out hand written cards has been a success story for my office.  Many past clients call to thank me for remembering them. 

4.      Do you take time to update your active client base weekly?  Communication is the key to a successful transaction.  People just want to know what is going on.  They want to know you haven’t forgotten them.

5.      The list goes on.  Schedule your time to allow you to accomplish your goals.

Are you too busy doing the work an assistant can do?  Is not having an assistant slowing your bottom line down?  I went to a Women’s Council of Realtors® national meeting a few ago to learn everything I possibly could.  Gail Hardnett from Boise Idaho was a speaker that made a huge difference in my life.  Gail asks the audience, “How many of you have an assistant?”  Most of the room raised their hands.  Then she asked, “How many in the room have a house keeper?”  I was stunned; most of the room raised their hands.  She went on to explain how if I didn’t have an assistant, I was the assistant.  I also must say, the house keepers have helped my home life.  These 2 items have assisted to create balance in my life.  My clients and family benefit from the rewards.

            My goals become easier to reach, my transaction sides increased and past clients call me to thank me for thinking of them.  Totally a win-win situation.  My past clients are my future.

Take inventory, what are you doing that is preventing you from reaching your goals.

Angie Ridley
Complete Realty, LLC
810 744 4600

Serving Mid-Southeastern Michigan

The MichiganRealtor magazine did a great article for the “Industry Leader” section.  The MichiganRealtor interviewed Mike Riedmann, President of NP Dodge Real Estate Sales in Omaha, Nebraska.  I was intrigued with the questions asked in the article, of course most questions and answers have the economy as a key factor.

            Riedmann states his market is doing better than most of the United States.  To assist his bottom line he has cut back on print media, focused more towards internet advertising.  He includes “Facebook, ActiveRain and YouTube” in his description of media tools.  He remarks that personal and business ethics are the most important qualities for a sales agent.  His agents are the best recruiters he has.  Being involved in your membership is important. 

            Riedmann discusses how 2.0 web tools assist his business.  He would never be without his smartphone.  Reidmann says the new administration has a history of pro housing.  He is very optimistic about the housing future.

            This was good article.  Positive remarks is so important for everyone in today’s ecomony.

            “Good Job” MichiganRealtor and thank you Mike Riedmann…

(Source:  MichiganRealtor March 2009)

Governor Granholm Consolidates to reduce cost

As most of us are aware the 2009 Michigan budget is living with shortfalls.  Too assist with the budget issues, Governor Granholm is attempting to consolidate 18 state departments into 8.

            The Michigan Association of Realtors® (MAR) supports streamlining government to prevent tax increases.  In 2005, MAR in efforts with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce funded an initiative to change the way the state approaches the budget process.  The Price of Government (POG) approach is to budget for outcomes.   If this approach would have been used, perhaps we wouldn’t be in the budget situation we are now.

            Let’s hope the consolidation works in the long run.  Change can be difficult, we are witnesses that change is needed.  As of May 2009, these changes have not yet been implemented.

(Source:  MichiganRealtor March 2009, May 2009)

Angie Ridley

Complete Realty, LLC

Serving Mid-Southeastern Michigan

810 744 4600

Possible Property Tax Relief?

In Nov. MI voters maybe asked to make major decisions about property taxes.  House Speaker, Andy Dillon (D-Redford) says Michigan's tax system is too complicated.  Property taxes continue to increase while values decrease.  Representative Brian Calley (R-Portland) would like to add to the ballot a constitutional amendment to prohibit property tax increases when values stay the same or decrease.  If the Legislature doesn't put Calley's amendment on the ballot, he will ask for signatures from the people of Michigan.  He will need to collect 300,000 registered voter signatures.

            We have to think on the side of caution and make sure the full research is done before we vote.  How will this effect budgets?  The Michigan Association of Realtors® Public Policy Committee is watching the proposals closely.  The Michigan Association of Realtors® will review the proposals and share the information.  As always the Michigan Association of Realtors® is looking out for home owners and property rights.

            As if May 2009 the Legislature will be polling the Michigan consumers for ideas as well.  To be successful the plan will have to be simple...

(Source:  MichiganRealtor March 2009, May 2009)

Angie Ridley
Complete Realty, LLC
810 744 4600

Serving Mid-Southeastern Michigan

6322 Detroit St.

Price Reduction!

6322 Detroit St., Otter Lake Vlg, MI 48464 USA

$44,700

Property Type: Single Family MLS Number: 04090769 Year Built: 1920 Square Feet: 1410 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Lot Size: .28 Acres Garage: 2 Stories: 1.5 Company: Complete Realty, LLC Agent: Angela K. Ridley Office: (810) 744-4600 Email: Click Here

Nice Home ready for New Owners, feel the New Carpet, New Hot Water Heating System, New Sump Pump, Decorate the Fresh Paint, Enjoy the Extra Large Garage, 5" well, Sit in the Bright Fla room/Porch with deck, backs up to woods, 1st floor laundry and more.

Breakfast Room Cable TV Deatached Garage w/ Electricity Deck Dining Room First Floor Bedrooms First Floor Laundry Full Basement Lake Privileges Shed Sidewalks Sump Pump

The information presented here is deemed reliable, though not guaranteed.

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Complete Realty, LLC Flint 810 744 4600 Davison 810 653 6900 Fax  810 936 4395    Send an IM!  Info@CompleteRealtyLLC.com Complete Realty, LLC's policy is to provide list of individuals or businesses that provide various services. Complete Realty, LLC does not reccommend the services of these individuals or businesses, we our providing our clients and customers with choices. Always interview 2 or more individuals or businesses for any service you may need. The client or customer can never have too much information. State of Michigan License and Verification On-line Service. We Love Referrals!

Micrsoft Office Live Workspace with Shared View has proven to me to be an awesome “free” program.  I needed assistance with some paper work I was filling out.  It was so nice to invite other people to view the document as was typing as giving their input and advice.

I also use Micrsoft Office Live Workspace to store and share documents that I may need to assess while I’m out of the office.  The program stores and allows you to edit stored documents.  I can share the docs from that space instead of sending attachments through email.

I really like being able to upload multiple documents at once!  I have tried other programs and that is the slowest part.  With Micrsoft Office Live Workspace I will no longer pay for Relay Transaction Management system.

Check it out!

MI Women's Council of Realtors® Education: Per Bill Martin, This is the year of the MI Constitution Convention vote. This voting item is put on the agenda every 16 years. Special interest groups would like to see the Constitution totally rewrote. Michigan Association of Realtor's stance is, it is much easier to amend then to write. While rewriting would create some benefits, the losses are much greater. Google MI Constitution Convention...

From Womens Council of Realtors Meeting at MAR: Make sure you pay attention next week to the new MSHDA plan. Bill Martin spoke to us about MSHDA offering a $7500 DPA to assist first time home buyers. No recap. Yes, these purchasers will still get the $8000 tax credit. The last details are being worked out now. This should help many of us that focus on first time home purchasers. To be implemented when rolled out.

 Michigan State Housing Development Authority - MI State Housing Development Authority.

 www.michigan.gov/mshda  

Angie Ridley

I attended  Lake Pointe Women's Council of Realtor's Business Resource Meeting.  The speaker was Michael Lothamer.  Attendance was great.  I was amazed at what I learned.  I look at Michigan property taxes very differently now. 

Do you tell your clients that they must fight both the Assesed Value and Taxable Value at the same time to win a case?  Did you know there is property tax relief for people poverty stricken?  There is so much more...

If you didn't know this information, you should ask Michael to speak to your members.  I understand he speaks for "free".  

8491 Bellechasse Dr.

8491 Bellechasse Dr., Davison, MI 48423 USA

$169,500

Property Type: Single Family MLS Number: 02090630 Year Built: 2004 Square Feet: 1600 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Lot Size: .23 acres Garage: 2 Stories: 2 Company: Complete Realty, LLC Agent: Deanna Ruhstorfer Office: (810) 653-6900 Email: Click Here

Great family home. Neutral decor. Fireplace in living room with vaulted ceiling and wired for surround sound. First floor laundy. Master has full bath. Large fenced in yard with huge deck. All appliances stay. Full unfinished basement.

Attached Garage, direct access, electricity Cable TV Ceiling Fans Central Air Deck Dishwasher Disposal Fenced Yard Fireplace Equipment First Floor Laundry Garage door opener Gas log in living room Master Bath Microwave Multi-Media Wiring Oven/Range Paved Drive Refrigerator Security Alarm Shed Sidewalks Sump Pump Washer/Dryer Window coverings

The information presented here is deemed reliable, though not guaranteed.

Search for more properties

Complete Realty, LLC Flint 810 744 4600 Davison 810 653 6900 Fax  810 936 4395    Send an IM!  Info@CompleteRealtyLLC.com Complete Realty, LLC's policy is to provide list of individuals or businesses that provide various services. Complete Realty, LLC does not reccommend the services of these individuals or businesses, we our providing our clients and customers with choices. Always interview 2 or more individuals or businesses for any service you may need. The client or customer can never have too much information. State of Michigan License and Verification On-line Service. We Love Referrals!  Please read our disclaimer and our privacy statement.

Follow the links for more information!  These classes are offered in the Lapeer Michigan area. 

Brokers Prep:   http://www.lutar.org/Forms/2009-03-BrokersPrep.pdf  

Blogging: http://www.lutar.org/Forms/2009-03-20-Blogging.pdf    

Green Meeting at night:   http://www.lutar.org/Forms/2009-03-26-BuildingGreen.pdf

Education is knowledge and we all know "Knowledge is Power".

I have a little challenge for you…  Are you ready?

1.       For one week do not “one up” someone.  If someone has a good or bad experience, simply listen.  You can not answer with a comparing situation that happened in your life.  You must answer with a Positive remark.

2.       For one week you cannot complain about anything.  You can discuss a situation only if you have a solution or are searching for a solution.

3.       For one week if someone tells you they are angry, you must respond positively.  You must have a positive response for every negative remark or comment made to you, or you just listen.

My personal results:  I have learned to listen more.  I find myself attempting to think more about what I say.  I take longer to respond.  I am attempting to be proactive instead of reactive.  I have not successfully met this challenge for a full week yet, I am trying.  Please accept this challenge then let me know how you do.

In my year as President, this exercise helped me understand and listen to our members and my clients.  I hope it does the same for you…

Angela K. Ridley, Real Estate Counselor