Lansing, Michigan
I am prepared to employ the latest techniques and services for your benefit, just like you've grown to expect from a professional. Real estate transactions are complex, involve large assets and demand competent representation. Marketing properties, home selection and financing are just a few of the skills today's consumer looks for when they select a real estate professional. I am prepared to offer my clients the knowledge and expertise to counsel them in relocating, buying, investing or selling the family home.
"Expect the Best"
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Aug. 17, 2009
Because a home is the biggest purchase most people in the greater Lansing, Michigan real estate market will make in their lifetime, It is important to not only make sure you have the right Realtor, know all the pros and cons of homeownership, but, also couples need to know each other’s tastes, and how much you and your spouse differ in the home-buying process.
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC surveyed 1,000 individuals to discover some very interesting stats that may help you in your next buying decision. Using a third party research firm, Coldwell Banker Real Estate engaged ICR to conduct an omnibus survey via telephone in May 2009, among more than 1,000 respondents.
Below are some key highlights from the Coldwell Banker Real Estate study:
Women may be inclined to make up their mind more quickly than men …
- When asked how long it took before they knew their home was “right” for them, almost 70 percent of women had made up their mind the day they walked into the house, vs. 62 percent of men. Conversely, significantly more men needed two or more visits: (32 percent of men vs. 23 percent of women).
Women would rather live closer to their extended family than to their job …
- 55 percent of women find it more important to be closer to their extended family (those that do not live in their household) than to their job, compared to only 37 percent of men.
A home’s security is a deal-breaker for both men and women …
- 64 percent of women said that if they found the home of their dreams but had concerns about its security, they would no longer be interested. More than half of men agreed (51 percent).
Couples say that no one “wears the pants in the relationship” in terms of major financial decisions …
- When asked who wears the pants in the relationship (when it comes to major financial decisions, such as purchasing a home), almost 70 percent of respondents living with their significant other said it’s actually mutual.
- However, 23 percent think that they, themselves, wear the pants in the relationship, not their partner. More men than women said this (26 percent vs. 20 percent, respectively).
Men and women agree on how they would use a spare room, for the most part …
When the respondents were asked how they would use an extra 12 x 12 room if it could be anything they wanted, men and women agreed on the top three most popular, and very practical, responses:
- Bedroom: 25 percent
- Office/Study: 15 percent
- Family Room / Den: 11 percent
However, men really do want a “Man Cave”…
- Interestingly, out of the 8 percent who indicated they would turn that spare room into an entertainment center, it was a preponderance of men leading the charge. In fact, four times as many men as women said they would use the extra space for recreation / entertainment.
Patton concluded: “These results further validate how critical it is for couples to recognize each other’s differences and work together, from deciding a neighborhood to how to use a spare room,” she said. “ Online tools and the expertise of a real estate professional can be particularly helpful for couples, especially if they work together step-by-step along the way.”
“Expect the Best” Mike
Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 517-492-3400 Fax: 888-832-6203
email: Mike@MikeBowler.com
Website for Clients: MikeBowler.com
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Jun. 24, 2009
There's new energy and enthusiasm in the Greater Lansing Regional area with businesses, events, and opportunity. Most homeowners like the Lansing area because it's a great place to live, work and play. With many projects in the works for future growth, I am optimistic that Central Michigan will begin to see light at the end of the tunnel for the challenging times we have experienced.
The housing market is beginning to bottom out with inventory continuing to shrink, pricing stabilizing, and pending sales beginning to exceed last years numbers. The residential market surplus was 9.2 months of inventory compared to 15.7 months last year at this time as of May 31, 2009. The average sale price is still down 19.2% over last year as of May 31, 2009 to offset the economic conditions and inflated market values of 2001 - 2006. Most real estate economists are beginning to think we have bottomed out. If that's the case, I believe we will see an increase in sales, gradually over the next 24 months. (That's promising)
Greater Lansing has many events, festivals and celebrations going on throughout the tri-county area this summer. Below, I listed three that you may want to mark on your calander to attend. The Greater Lansing Michigan Visitors Bureau has a complete list of all event and will allow you to get additional information.
June 21-27 Red Cedar Jubilee - Williamston
The Red Cedar Jubilee features parades as well as craft shows, a demolition derby, lawn mower races, a duck drop and a food and beverage tent with live music. While in town visit the antiques district.
June 27th 12-6 P.M. Delta Rocks! Family Festival - Delta Township
A free family festival featuring clowns, pony rides, inflatable attractions, games, kids' make-it and take-it crafts, music, live animals, super slingshot, face painting, turtle races, trackless train, concessions and more.
July 6-12 Common Ground Festival - Lansing
The Common Ground Music Festival is an annual celebration featuring an impressive array of headlining musical entertainment for seven nights! Be sure to bring a chair and enjoy the concerts under the stars!
If you're interested in learning more about the greater Lansing area real estate market, would like a more detailed report on market values, neighborhood sales or demographics, feel free to visit my site. Buying or selling a home in the greater Lansing, Michigan real estate market can be complicated without having the proper expertise and guidance throughout the process. Visit http://mikebowler.com for tips that will assist you.
"Expect the Best" Mike
Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 517-492-3400 Fax: 888-832-6203
email: Mike@MikeBowler.com
Website for Clients: MikeBowler.com
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May. 10, 2009
The Right Selling Price Affects Your Bottom Line
When you're selling your home in the greater Lansing, Michigan real estate market, the price you set is a critical factor in the return you'll receive. That's why you need a professional evaluation from an experienced Realtor. This person can provide you with an honest assessment of your home, based on several factors including:
Market conditions
Condition of your home
Repairs or improvements 
Time frame
In real estate terms, market value is the price at which a particular house, in its current condition, will sell within 30 to 90 days.
If the price of your home is too high, several things could happen:
Limits buyers: Potential buyers may not view your home, because it would be out of their buying range.
Limits showings: Other salespeople may be less reluctant to view your home.
Used as leverage:Other Realtors may use this home to sell against homes that are better priced.
Extended stay on the market: When a home is on the market too long, it may be perceived as defective. Buyers may wonder, "what's wrong," or "why hasn't this sold?"
Lower price: An overpriced home, still on the market beyond the average selling time, could lead a lower selling price: To sell it, you will have to reduce the price, sometimes, several times. In the end, you'll probably get less than if it had been properly priced at the start.
Wasted time and energy: A bank appraisal is most often required to finance a home.
Realtors have known it for years - Well-kept homes, properly priced in the beginning always get you the fast sale for the best price! And that's why you need a professional to assist you in the selling of your home.
Realtors provide sellers invaluable services, and there are many reasons to work with one. A Realtor:
Can give you up-to-date information about the market, prices, financing, terms, and conditions of competing properties
Will market your property to other real estate agents and to the public
Will know when, where, and how to best market your property
Can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your market position
Can help close the sale of your home
As a Realtor who has been in the home selling business since 1978, I provide my clients and customers with consistent, reliable and predictable service, and with a written guarantee. My goal is to provide you with the latest marketing systems, technology and a high level of customer satisfaction to get you happily moved into your new home or to sell your existing home. Our company, Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood has been in business for 40 years. We are the #1 real estate company in the greater Lansing area. With the solid support of the best Franchise, Coldwell Banker, the best company, Hubbell Briarwood Real Estate, and a Realtor committed to meet your needs, like Mike Bowler Sr. you can "Expect the Best."
Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 517-492-3400 Fax: 888-832-6203
email: Mike@MikeBowler.com
Website for Clients: MikeBowler.com
Search Listings
May. 1, 2009
Greater Lansing Michigan Real Estate Sellers Have New Opportunity to get their home the best exposure when selling their home. The days are gone of just putting a sign in the yard and selling your house. With over 85% of all home-buyers shopping the Internet prior to contacting a Realtor, it is imperative that your Real estate agent provide syndication from their website to offer better search engine exposure.
Point2Agent is A powerful, professional, and customized online presence to grab the attention of potential buyers. Everyone knows having a website online is very important. Making sure your website is sticky and packs a punch is even more valuable to being successful online. That's why sellers should make sure that real estate agents are providing the widest amount of Internet marketing exposure available in today's market.
My Point2 Agent website provides the seller with a powerful suite of website tools that allow me to have the customized, professional online presence I need and to properly market a home for sale in a competitive market.
With the highest number of syndication partners available and more being included all the time, Point2Agent also provides me with a competitive edge above other real estate professionals. Syndication gives me an advantage that is clear to sellers.
In addition to Point2Agent I like SawItOnLine and Postlets, These programs allow sellers and buyers to obtain updated information on properties, new liistings and many pictures. Syndication out to additional sites by all three of these programs also allows for my listings to be advertised across multiple popular home search sites with just a click of the mouse.
Real estate agents today need to be Internet savvy with the best tools to properly market a sellers home. a few snap shots of the house is not sufficient when most major portals accept up to 30 pictures, plus a virtual tour of the home. The key for getting your home the most exposure in today's market is to ask the right questions and have your Realtor demonstrate an Internet marketing plan on where your house will be promoted.
"Expect the Best" Mike
Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 517-492-3400 Fax: 888-832-6203
email: Mike@MikeBowler.com
Website for Clients: MikeBowler.com
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