Gary White FlexIt Realty~Real Estate & Updates, Grand Rapids & West Michigan

We are seeing a rush of refinancing with rates dropping to new lows.  Changing consumers monthly payment and debt ratios.

• 30 Year fixed rate hit 5.1 percent
• 15 Year fixed rate hit 4.91 percent
• Five Year adjustable rate hit 5.49 percent
• One Year, adjustable rate hit 4.95 percent

The rule of thumb on refinancing is, if you can save 1 percent it will be profitable for you to refinance.  This was sparked by many things and a lot of people are taking credit for the fall in interest rates and the possible stimulus to the housing market.

Here are some of the real factors that caused the reduction in the interest rates. 
(Rates as of December 25, 2008)

1. The Feds used our money to buy back 600 billion in bad loans.
2. The Feds cut the interest rates or more specific the PRIME interest rate.

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported a 48% jump in refinance applications.  This will help those already in bad mortgages and those savvy enough to take advantage of a major drop in interest rates to reduce their monthly payments because of refinancing.

If you have not taken advantage of these great rates and your mortgage interest rate is higher than 1% of the current rate...call your local lender and see if you can qualify for refinancing.  As with any transaction you should seek professional advice from your accountant or CPA to make sure this is the right thing for you to do.

I hope this gives you a edge to make sure your mortgage is the right one for you.

If you are thinking of purchasing the rates are great and the selection is the best in recent history.

If you are not under contract and are thinking of buying or selling and live in Michigan give me a stress free call.  Your call is always confidential and you will not be pressured.  Call Toll Free 877-667-4699 or Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

Have you won the lottery lately?

I always ask the same question when someone tells me the latest lotto jackpot total...  They say hey did you know the lotto is at....and give me some fantastic number in the millions of dollars.

My response is...do you have to buy a ticket to win?   They look at me quizzically and say YES!  My reply...darn.  I don't buy them and I don't add to the winning totals either.

So as you might expect I don't buy lottery tickets.  So in my traditional exchange of gifts with my family this year my sister buys me a lottery ticket, tucked neatly with a gift card to my favorite place...the book store.

I don't win things, I earn them...so I let my wife rub off the numbers on the way home in our car.  The weather is awful out ... both hands on the wheel.

She say, here we could win $5000.00...I say fat chance I don't win things.  The next two numbers don't match...I say again the odds are getting dimmer by the scratch...four number of six are scratched and another $5000.00 shows up...

I am thinking quietly to myself don't worry this isn't going to happen.  The next number a loser.  My wife says, "one more number", and yeah another loser bites the dust.  She get quiet....I look at her and she says I think we won?

Sure dear, is my next statement.

Here is the ticket we haven't redeemed it yet.

I tell her there has to be something wrong...we don't win things.  She tries to hand me the ticket but the driving is to difficult for a distraction.

OK...if we did win how do you redeem this sucker?

Here is the back of the ticket...Are We LUCKY or WHAT?

I am not a skeptic but things like this don't happen to me...so why would I think any differently? 

My head said NO....my heart was saying YES. 

As you can see things are not always as they seem...some things are best left "In Your Dreams"!

Hope you had a good laugh like we did! 

By the way, I called my sister about 3 hours after we had arrived home and told her of our winnings!

I also told here when my wife screamed we were winners I went into the ditch...it only cost $120.00 to be towed out but no problem we won $5000!

She got real quiet and said, would you read the back of the ticket?  I then said....IN YOUR DREAMS GIRL!

She laughed and said, you had me going!

Just like these tickets if things seem to good to be true in Real Estate they probably are....make sure to use a professional...it could save you thousands of dollars in your next real estate transaction.

Happy New Year....don't take any lottery tickets you didn't buy!

Here is a treat for those that like the old cars......... turn up the volume!

Someone did an awesome job putting this together and with sound to boot. At the very end of the video you'll hear the song ' Thunder Road ' sung by the star of the movie for which it was the theme! Not uncommon except this is the one and only song ever recorded, for publication, sung by Robert Mitchum!

Click here: http://thefiftiesandsixties.com/CarsWeDrove.htm

This will remind you of the sock hops...people danced with their shoes off!  Hence the word "sock hop".

I actually owned some of these tunes on vinyl discs....makes you think they were something other than records doesn't it!

Just a bit of nostalgia...enjoy!

Have a Happy New Year!

That was a cartoon, showing homeless people trudging through the snow asking for directions from a homeowner looking out the window with a for sale sign in his yard!

Michigan is just under 10% unemployment and the big factor for that is the automotive and furniture plants.  We have not diversified in our state more than 40 years. 

What is ahead?  We can be certain that more foreclosures are coming.  One in ten home owners are a month behind on their mortgage payments.

I saw another carton with Santa standing over a little boy.  The caption...Santa was the stimulus package and Santa asked the little boy what did you get for Christmas...as the little boy emptied his stocking...lumps of coal dropped out and that caption said....DEBT!

Despite these gloom and doom reports 90% of Americans are making their mortgage payments.  Despite the statewide unemployment numbers that are sure to rise with factories closing and automotive dependant industries....the resourcefulness of the entrepreneur is going to fill the gap.

Sure loans are going to be more difficult, sure business plans will have to be refined or trimmed to meet the demand...but small business is the backbone of Michigan.  You may think it is automotive but small business and the entrepreneurial spirit is the driving force behind America.  It always has been and always will be.

Right now you can purchase commercial buildings at a lower price than ever before.  Right now you can buy investment properties that will allow those displaced to restart their lives.  Right now you can buy personal residences at the lowest purchase price level in 16 years and rates lower than 20 years. 

You wondering what to do?  The stock market is up and down...the foundation that our country has lived on is housing.  It may be down this year...but you can count on it coming back and for those brave souls that purchase now and over the next few months are going to be getting the deals of a lifetime!

It may not look like it is the time to buy but it is the best time to buy...fewer buyers means more competition to get your buyer dollars.  Fewer buyers means more choices for you to find the exact property.

You may not have considered this could be the last time in your lifetime to get a real deal that is a deal!

If you are considering buying and are not under agency contract and live in Michigan..Call Toll Free 877-667-4699 or Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com for a confidential no pressure conversation on how you can take advantage of this market.  Authorized HUD Broker, Short Sale Specialist.  We are paid by the splitting the sellers agents commission..it costs you nothing yet could save you thousands of dollars in your next real estate transaction. 
Call Toll Free 877-667-4699 or Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com never pressure, just great results!

We have a saying in Michigan...if you don't like the weather wait 24 hours it will change!

I have no idea who came up with that line....but he certainly had to have been a meteorologist!  Just a couple days ago we were digging out and the radio was blaring the "the weather outside is frightful", and it was true!

Today is pea soup...visibility is an 1/8th of a mile, it has been raining and now we have flood warning out.

Look real close, in the photo to the right, center bottom even the deer hold up in weather like this.  A look off my back porch this morning.

Here is something to think about...foreclosure homes most times do not have power.  That means those homes with sump pumps do not work without power and the basements fill up with water.

Before stepping off the bottom step in a basement that doesn't have adequate lighting it might be a good idea to have alternative lighting like a good flash light.  You might be ankle deep in water and didn't realize you were stepping into a pool!

The other really important issue for child safety when touring any home is to keep your children close and if younger hang on to their hand.  Many people do not have their homes "kid proofed" where items that are small can disappear in a child's mouth very quickly. 

Having them go into moldy or tainted water in the basement without you realizing they have fallen in would be a tragedy.

This is a great time to buy a home interest rates are low....the home choices are better than they have been in years...just remember the safety aspect or touring homes.  The injury you save could be yours or your family members.

A look from our deck can tell you safety can be an issue even if you are not inspecting a basement.

If you are not under a buyer agency contract and live in Michigan, thinking of purchasing a home....Call Toll Free 877-667-4699 or Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com for a personal interview and information on buying in a down market.  It could save you thousand of dollars on your next real estate transaction.  Remember it costs you nothing...we share the sellers agent commissions, they pays our fees to represent you!  Call today start a new life with your dream home!

Some of us get those gifts that just make you shake your head...smile and say under your breath....what were they thinking?

When getting a gift it is supposed to be remembered for the spirit of the act...my mother and father told me that from the time I was little and it rings in my head every time I get something that is never going to be used by me.  That happens rarely but it does happen. 

I am always appreciative but will never use the item, sometimes it is a shirt that could only be worn on Saturday Night Live, other times it is items that just don't fit my lifestyle and I have no need or use for them.

The re-gifting craze of perfecting good items has been one avenue...Rule # 1 of re- gifting, don't give it back to the person that originally gave you the gift!

The other opportunity is to return it to the store it was purchased and exchange it for something more fitting or useful.

This list may help you of what people's return policies are.  If your retailer isn't on the list give them a call if you think your item came from their store.  No sense standing in line for an hour only to find out it was a discontinued item and they will not take it back.  Electronics have some unusual return issues too!

Here are some of the Return Policies:

Best Buy: You have to return items purchased November 1st or later by January 24th, January 8th for most electronics or 14 days from the date of purchase.

Circuit City: January 31st for purchases made after November 2nd 15% restocking fee on open-box electronics.

Kohl's: No Deadline...that was easy!

Macy's: 180 days from the purchase date.

Meijer: 90 days from the purchase date or 30 days for UNOPENED electronics.

Sears: 120 days for purchased between November 6th and December 23rd except it is 30 days and a 15% restocking fee for electronics, software and mattresses.

TJ Maxx: January 5th for purchases made from October 26th to December 5th then their standard return policy applies.

Target: 90 days from purchase and 15% restocking fee on portable electronics.

Toys-R-Us:  90 days/45 days for unopened electronics, video products and collectibles.

Wal-Mart:  90 days, 15 days for most electronics, 30 days for cameras, 45 days for PC accessories.

That ought to give you a head start on your returns...but it won't help you standing in line...or maybe it will...call the store your purchase was made from before getting in line.

Hope you had a great Holiday and received everything you wanted and more for Christmas.  Being in real estate cameras are a very important tool, software, pens, scanners but sometimes it simply is the wrong one. 

Best Holiday Wishes.

Going Green long after the Christmas is taken down is just as important as having a "Green" tree during the Christmas season.

One of the best things you can do is recycle your tree!

In many areas of the country there will be specific hours you can recycle your tree.  In our area of West Michigan we have many choices of going green by recycling.

• Ada Township Park: January 12th, 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.
• Allendale Township: Does Not participate in tree recycling,
• Allegan: Has curbside pickup of trees between January 7th and the 18th. 
• Alpine Township: Has a drop-off site in the township parking lot...marked with the "Orange" fencing starting now until January 31st.
• Belding: Department of Public Works is offering curbside pickup between January 5th and the 16th.
• Caledonia: Starting today can put their trees by the curb away from the trash any tree over 8 ft. must be cut in half.
• Cannon Township: Drop off your trees at the Township Center 9 am to 3 pm on January 3rd and on January 10th.
• Cascase Township: Leave trees at Firestation # 2 on Buttrick through January 11th.
• Cedar Springs: Curbside pickup through January 31st.
• Courtland Township: Drop off at the fire station on 14 mile rd. until January 31st.
• East Grand Rapids: Curbside collect the first two weeks in January.
• Georgetown Township: Does not participate.
• Grand Rapids: North end or Riverside park and Mackay/Jaycee Family Park on Kalamazoo from 9 am to 4 pm on January 3rd and 4th.
• Grand Rapids Township: Drop off on weekends between 7:30 am and 7:30 pm through January 31st.
• Grandville: Drop off until January 31st behind the public works building, from 8:15 am to 3:30 pm.
• Kentwood: Drop off between 7:30 am and 4 pm through January at the Public Works building on Breton.
• Rockford: Curbside pickup through January 31st.
• Wyoming: Drop off at the Public Works building on Burlingame from January 2nd to January 30th.

You can make a quick phone call to your local township or city government and they will tell you if they have a recycling plan for Christmas Trees!  Remember to make your tree GREEN long after Christmas is over.

Hope this help you find a local source for recycling your tree.

Nobody can say Michigan does not have a "White" Christmas!

We have just less than 24" setting on level ground...time for a snowman!

For those of us that are hosting the family gathering it may be very easy compared to driving on the icy roads.  All we can do is be concerned that everyone arrives and returns home safely.

For those defending our country in harms way we should stop and say a prayer of thanks and appreciation for them as well.  I spent a tour of duty in Vietnam and Christmas was the least of my worries while still being on on the forefront of my mind hoping they were all safe and enjoying the traditional family gathering.

Our military family may not be your immediate family...but they are certainly putting their lives on the line for us.  Regardless of what we think of the political issues of the war.

The poor, homeless and unemployed are in our thoughts and prayers as well...these times where unemployment is skyrocketing it will be more concerns and worry for those families. 

The real estate family that I know is a very giving and conscientious full or concern and caring.  The posts amplify that feeling this year as well.

To all have a safe and joyous holiday...and extend a hand to those will less...they will never forget your generosity!

OH...don't forget to bring your shovel and drive slow....!  It will be worth the extra few minutes.

Merry Christmas to all. 

Showing homes in the snow belt.

Many of us that like the change of seasons or say we do while our teeth chatter have a couple little issues when showing homes when the snow is deep.

1. Buyers do not find going to a home and wading through knee deep snow to get to the front door!
2. You want them to take off their shoes after you made them wade through the snow...fat chance.
3. You think they are going to bid a fair or higher price on a home that looks like the seller doesn't care if it is shown or not?
4. Electronic lock boxes with dead batteries that won't open will not amuse the buyers or sellers.
5. Icy steps because the seller doesn't salt is a liability and can be a big flag that drainage is wrong....you realize it just after you have bumped down the last step!
6. Not having the driveway plowed when there is nowhere to park may make your listing a drive-by.

Having buyers fell like the property owner cares even when vacant can mean thousands of dollars difference in the offer.  A service from a handy man the comes by with a snow blower can sometimes make the difference in buyers feeling good and walking away.

One other little thing...all those business cards from showings left on the counter, they don't mean you have had a lot of showings.  It doesn't stimulate the buyer...it makes them wonder what is wrong, nobody bought this home yet! 

So today I stopped by a couple of my listings to check if buyers could access the property.  I had to make a couple of calls to the sellers and asked if they would make a paths.  They don't always think of the importance.

If they are your listings do you approach the sellers with a little advice on winter showings and the liability of walkways?

How do you like wading through the snow to show property with your buyers in tow? 

This time of year you never know what to expect.

You won't believe the Christmas Card I received... My sister just sent me the most unique Christmas card and I must admit, took me completely by surprise. 

The outside of the card showed snow covered trees and Merry Christmas written across, but it was the message inside was not what I was expecting!

I usually don't share many personal family issues.  I had written about my sister before and her long time battle with MS.  I didn't tell you her husband of over twenty years couldn't cope with her illness.  They divorced some 20 years ago.

She has since met a life companion and been with him for some 14 years.  Like many with an illness that will continue to become more debilitating as time goes on these people that silently wage a personal war to maintain dignity and independence do not want to burden anyone with their life issues.

My sister is no exception.  Over the years George has asked my sister to marry him and each time he has been given  a resounding NO!  The reason has always been insurance...which he has great health care.  The extended commitment that marriage creates, her list has always been long and frivolous to most of us..but that was her list and it hadn't changed in the last 10 years.

So I get a Christmas card.......Here is what it said:

During this holiday season and a special time in our lives it would not be complete without sharing our exciting news with our friends and family so we are very happy to announce that we are now husband and wife!

They had a small service just her children and tied the knot!

So I am very happy to say Hurray for Sherry....about time!