Top Tips for Home Remodeling in Davison, Lapeer, and Beyond
Wow! What a hole!!!
This post is a follow-up to last week wondering whether or not the remodeling boom is over?? Check it out here!
Greetings, my dedicated DIY warriors! It's the Flip Flop Agent here, your trusted Realtor in my favorite tri county area of Genesee, Lapeer and Oakland counties! As we continue to traverse the ebbs and flows of the remodeling boom, I'm often asked, "What are some good tips to consider when remodeling a house?" Well, whether you're sprucing up your home before selling or personalizing your new purchase, I've got some nuggets of wisdom to share.
Plan Ahead: Before diving into your project, have a clear vision of what you want and how much you can spend. A well-considered plan will save you time and keep those unexpected costs in check.
Choose the Right Professionals: Even the best DIY warriors need a little help sometimes! Take your time in researching and selecting professionals. Look for local recommendations, and don't forget to check their credentials and reviews. As the best real estate agent in Davison (and a humble one at that), I have a few great contacts I can recommend.
Keep Resale Value in Mind: If you're buying a home in Grand Blanc or selling a home in Fenton, the upgrades you choose can impact the resale value. Kitchens and bathrooms often yield the best returns, but don't forget about curb appeal.
Don't Neglect the Small Details: The smallest changes often make the biggest difference. Think about fixtures, fittings, and finishings - these can elevate your space from 'just fine' to 'just wow!'.
Consider Your Timeline: Home remodeling is not a sprint; it's a marathon. Set a realistic timeline and be prepared for it to stretch. It's all part of the journey in making a house your home.
Remember, DIY warriors, whether you're buying a home in Oxford, selling a home in Metamora, or anywhere in between, RE/MAX Edge is here to guide you every step of the way. Let's keep those hammers and paint brushes at the ready, folks, and make our homes the best they can be!
Stay tuned for more home remodeling tips and tricks in our next post, where we'll tackle the question, "What part of your house is the most worth remodeling?" Until then, stay inspired, my friends!
Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour: Kid's Review: A Family-Friendly Scoop of Joy in Lapeer!
Best. Day. Ever.
Hello to all the wonderful parents out there who are preparing for summer vacation with their kids… or just those of you with a sweet tooth!
If you're searching for one the best local ice cream parlours for a family outing, you've come to the right place. Today, I'm sharing our delightful experience at the Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour in Lapeer, MI, a standout spot for delicious ice cream.
Located at 2423 N Lapeer Rd, the Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour offers more than just a wide array of soft serve and hand-dipped flavors. It's a place where friendly staff serve up scoops of joy in crisp regular cones, waffle cones and flurries, making it one of the must-visit family-friendly spots in Lapeer, MI.
Remember to bring cash along for your visit – Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour is a cash-only establishment. But don't worry, the ice cream is reasonably priced and worth every penny.
Now, let's get to the heart of this Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour review: the ice cream.
Here's what my kids thought:
Aiden (10 years old): Chose Rainbow Sherbert. His verdict? "Best sherbert ever!" Rating: 4 out of 4 flip flops.
Jayce (8 years old): Opted for Strawberry Cheesecake. He found it deliciously satisfying. Rating: 3 out of 4 flip flops.
London (6 years old): Picked Cookies & Cream, which she described as "really, really good!" Rating: 4 out of 4 flip flops.
Aria (6 years old): Went with Bear Claw and declared it "super yummy!" Rating: 4 out of 4 flip flops.
One thing to note about Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour is the variety of flavors they offer. They really have something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth, the taste and experience are more than worth it. Plus, they offer outdoor seating – a bonus for those beautiful Michigan summer days.
Open from 11 AM to 9 PM every day, Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour is the perfect spot for an after-school treat or a weekend ice cream adventure in Lapeer, MI.
So, if you're in search of a local ice cream parlour in Lapeer, MI that offers delicious treats and a family-friendly environment, make sure to visit Mayfield Ice Cream Parlour. You (and your kids) won't be disappointed! Visit them here on Facebook and give them a like!
Until our next family outing, keep enjoying every sweet scoop of life and let me know in the comments where I should have the kids do our next review!
The Great Remodeling Pause: Is It Over or Just Catching Its Breath?
Why did we do this???
Hey there! I hate bringing up the past, but you know how we all spent the pandemic in our homes? We quickly discovered that our kitchen cabinets were as outdated as some of our Spotify playlists and that our home office was actually just a corner of our cluttered bedroom? Yeah, we all became ultra-focused on upgrading our homes (because, let's face it, there wasn't much else to do). We took on remodeling and DIY projects in record numbers. If you were anything like me, you were personally responsible for keeping the local hardware store afloat.
But the winds of change are blowing. Our beloved home improvement giants like Mendards, Lowe’s and Home Depot have been posting lower profits, and their sales outlooks for the year are looking as gloomy as my attempt to install trim in my new kitchen addition (sorry Jessica).
The big question on everyone's lips now (or at least the lips of those who have been neck-deep in paint and plaster) is whether this remodeling pause is just a temporary break or if the boom is truly over.
Experts assure us that while homeowners are currently showing less enthusiasm for large-scale remodeling projects, this lull is likely temporary. One reason is that homeowners often remodel before and after moving. With slower home sales this spring, there may be fewer new homeowners making these remodeling changes. Plus, the median price for a home improvement project surged to a whopping $22,000 in 2022, a record high and a 22% jump from 2021. Like the price of groceries and what feels like everything, all this stuff just keeps getting more expensive, doesn't it?
But don't fret, my fellow home improvers. More than half of homeowners still intend to renovate in 2023. There are a few factors that may keep the remodeling sector strong in the long run:
Low inventory: With fewer housing options on the market, many homeowners may feel stuck and wary of today's higher mortgage rates and home prices. As they stay in place, they may desire to upgrade their current home to accommodate their lifestyle and needs for longer than they intended.
Aging homes: As homes age, they often need repairs or updates to maintain their value. Nearly 30% of homeowners updated their plumbing, followed by electrical and home automation upgrades. Homes enter their prime remodeling years when they are between 20 to 29 years old.
Boost value: Sixty-two percent of homeowners say their main motivation for taking on a recent renovation was to increase their home's value.
So, are you still wondering, "What are some good tips to consider when remodeling a house?" or "What part of your house is the most worth remodeling?" Well, stick around as I delve into these and other burning remodeling questions in our future posts.
And don't worry if you're still asking, "In what order should you renovate a house?" or "What is the first thing to do when remodeling?" We've got you covered. Just remember, the remodeling boom might be on pause, but our passion for creating comfortable, aesthetically pleasing living spaces sure isn't. Let's keep those hammers and paint brushes at the ready, folks!
Stay tuned and stay inspired, my DIY warriors!
Watch D.O.G.S. - A day at Davison's Central Elementary
I may have waited until the last minute, but I kept my promise to my kiddos! For those of you that are not aware of what the Watch Dog program is, here is an excerpt from their site below:
WatchDOGS are fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer for at least one day each year at an official WATCH D.O.G.S. school.
WATCH D.O.G.S., a K-12 program, invites fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or other father figures to volunteer at least one day all day at their child’s/student’s school during the school year. Fathers and father figures sign up to volunteer through a ‘Launch Event’ such as a “Dads and Kids Pizza Night” or “Donuts with Dad” or by calling their child’s school any time throughout the school year. The program is overseen by a “Top Dogs” volunteer team who partners with the school administrator to coordinate scheduling and identify opportunities for WatchDOGS to assist at the school. WatchDOG dads and volunteers perform a variety of tasks during their volunteer day including monitoring the school entrance, assisting with unloading and loading of buses and cars, monitoring the lunch room, or helping in the classroom with a teacher’s guidance by working with small groups of students on homework, flashcards, or spelling.
To dive even further into the program (which I highly recommend), please click here to check out even more amazing details.
I was able to start my day out meeting with Mr. Jim to go over the Watch Dog rules and review my schedule for the day. While I’ve enjoyed my previous visits using this program, this year is especially exciting as I have all 4 of my kids at the same school.
From there I jumped in head first into a whirlwind of recess and lunch with the different classes. I played a bit of football, shot some hoops, stood in wonderment at the chaos in the Gaga Ball pit and even helped some kids get going on the swings! Lunch was another event in and of itself! Lots of help needed when it came to opening cheese sticks, yogurts, lunchables (didn’t realize they were still around) and even sour cream packets because of course… it was TACO TUESDAY!!!
From there, I was on a tight schedule of visiting friends in the library and then headed to my kiddos rooms to oversee some “educational” games with a few select friends.
Overall, it was an amazing day and I am so thankful for the opportunity to engage with our schools and students on their level. If you have school aged kids, I would highly recommend finding the time to take part in this program as it is far and away one of the most special days I get to spend with my kids. A big hats off to all of our educators and support staff for the amazing work that they do. 👏👏
The Top 5 Reasons to (Not) Work with Me: Because Who Needs a Realtor Anyway?
I just can’t help myself when it comes to utilizing AI. While I use several different tools throughout my workday, I always end up coming back to the all familiar Chat GPT. While thinking of reasons why “you” would want to work with me, I couldn’t help but having some fun with my AI friend. I gave it my top 5 reasons that I think you should work with me and asked it to sarcastically spin it so that they were actually reasons you don’t want to work with me… LOL! It’s fun to get a little goofy every now and again, so take a read and let me know what you think!
Putting the "Real" in Realtor, with a Twist of Sarcasm and a Dash of Self-Deprecation
Reason One: I'm a Procrastination Expert (Or So I Like to Believe)
You know what they say, "Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?" Well, that's pretty much my life motto. If you're looking for a Realtor who will respond to your inquiries with lightning speed, well, you might want to keep on looking. I mean, who needs promptness and efficiency when you can have an agent who takes their sweet time getting back to you? It's like a real-life waiting game, and hey, patience is a virtue, right?
Reason Two: Expert in the Art of Unintelligible Jargon
Ever wanted to feel like you're trapped in a linguistics lecture from the 18th century? Look no further! I've mastered the art of spouting incomprehensible real estate jargon that will leave you scratching your head in confusion. Why use plain English when you can impress clients with terms like "escrow," "amortization," and "encumbrance"? Let's turn the simple act of buying or selling a home into a mind-bending vocabulary challenge!
Reason Three: The Master of "Oops, I Forgot!"
Remember that time I promised to include your dream home on the viewing list, but somehow it slipped my mind? Yeah, that's just one of my many talents. From forgetting to send important documents to conveniently leaving out crucial details about a property, you can count on me to keep you on your toes. After all, surprises are what make life exciting, aren't they?
Reason Four: BFFs with Murphy's Law
You know how they say that anything that can go wrong will go wrong? Well, I've taken that saying as a personal challenge. Need a smooth and hassle-free real estate experience? Sorry, but my superpower is attracting unexpected obstacles and unforeseen hiccups. From mysterious plumbing leaks to sudden termite infestations, I'll make sure your journey is anything but boring. Just think of me as your very own real estate adventure guide!
Reason Five: Slightly Sardonic Sense of Humor Included
If there's one thing I can guarantee, it's that you won't be bored when working with me. My sardonic sense of humor is an acquired taste, but hey, life is too short to be serious all the time, right? Brace yourself for a steady stream of self-deprecating jokes, witty banter, and the occasional sarcastic remark. Laughter might not solve all your real estate problems, but it can make the journey a whole lot more enjoyable.
Conclusion:
So there you have it, the top 5 reasons (not) to work with me as your Realtor. From my expertise in procrastination to my mastery of perplexing jargon, I'm here to make your real estate journey an unforgettable experience. Just remember, while my approach may be unconventional, my dedication to helping you find or sell your dream home is anything but. So, if you're up for an adventure filled with laughter, occasional frustration, and a healthy dose of sarcasm, let's embark on this real estate rollercoaster together!
Pretty convincing list huh? 😉 Please keep in mind that this is dripping in sarcasm and is meant as complete satire. I’d love to work with you, so if you cracked a smile reading this, we might be a good fit for each other. Call me!! 🤙🤙
Understanding Easements: Why Utility Companies Can Access Your Property Without Permission 😱👷
construction: Always needed, never appreciated!
Types of Easements and What They Mean for Property Owners
An easement is a legal right that allows someone to use another person's property for a specific purpose. Easements are granted for a variety of reasons, such as to provide access to public utilities or to allow the construction of a road or highway.
Different Types of Easements
There are several types of easements, each with its own set of rules and regulations. Some of the most common types of easements include:
Express Easements: These are easements that are created by a written agreement between the property owner and the party seeking the easement. Express easements are typically recorded in the property's deed and remain in effect for a specified period of time.
Implied Easements: Implied easements are created when the circumstances of a property suggest that an easement was intended. For example, if a property is divided into two separate parcels and one parcel is landlocked, an implied easement may be created to allow the owner of the landlocked parcel to access the public road through the other parcel.
Prescriptive Easements: A prescriptive easement is created when someone uses another person's property for a specific purpose for an extended period of time without permission. To establish a prescriptive easement, the use must be open, continuous, and uninterrupted for a specific period of time (typically 10 to 20 years).
Easement in Gross: An easement in gross is a type of easement that is granted to a specific person or entity rather than to a specific property. For example, a utility company may be granted an easement in gross to install and maintain power lines.
Utility Easements
Utility companies are often granted easements to access private property for the installation and maintenance of power lines, telephone lines, and other public utilities. Utility easements are typically granted as easements in gross, which means that they are granted to the utility company rather than to a specific property.
While utility easements allow utility companies to access private property, property owners still maintain ownership of the land and may continue to use the land for other purposes. However, property owners must allow the utility company to access the property for the purpose of maintaining and repairing their equipment.
Easements are a complex legal concept that can be difficult to understand. However, understanding the different types of easements and what they mean for property owners is essential to protecting your property rights. If you are unsure about an easement on your property or have questions about your property rights, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney who can help you navigate the legal system.
This is such a complicated subject to navigate, so I would highly recommend speaking with a real estate attorney and/or a survey company to ensure things are done correctly from a legal standpoint. As always, I’m happy to offer my help however I can if you have questions or are in need of a referral!
Spring is here... Get your yard tip top for the goodest 🐶🐶 13/10 recommend!! 🐾🐾
Spring has sprung, and it's the perfect time to start prepping your yard for summer. If you're a pet owner, you're likely considering your furry friend's needs when it comes to creating an outdoor space that's safe and enjoyable. Fortunately, with a little planning and attention to detail, you can create a pet-friendly yard that your dog will love.
First, consider planting non-toxic flowers and plants in your yard. Some popular options include marigolds, sunflowers, and petunias. Be sure to avoid any plants that are known to be harmful to pets. Additionally, choose pet-safe lawn fertilizer and avoid cocoa bean mulch, which is toxic to dogs.
Next, designate a specific area for your pet to use as a potty spot. Using absorbent materials like turf or mulch can help protect your lawn. You can also keep pet-safe products on hand to repair any damage that does occur.
Investing in secure fencing is also essential for your pet's safety and your peace of mind. Consider the height and design of the fence based on your dog's size and tendencies. Not only is a fenced-in yard a safe choice for pets and children, but it can also increase your home's resale value.
Finally, make sure your yard has plenty of shade, especially during warmer months. You can provide shade through trees, umbrellas, or even a dog house. Additionally, invest in yard accessories like an outdoor water bowl, a paw-wipe station, and a potty scoop tool to make care and cleanup easier.
By following these tips, you can create a pet-friendly yard that is both safe and enjoyable for your furry friend. So, are you ready to start creating your dog's dream yard? What do you do in your yard for your four legged friend?
Costco!! Why I'm already in love and they haven't even broke ground!! Bulk 🩴🩴
I can’t be any more excited for a store!!
Hey guys, it's your friendly neighborhood Flip Flop Agent, husband, dad, and community enthusiast here, and I've got some exciting news to share. Costco is finally coming to our area (Mundy Township), and I couldn't be more thrilled. As a guy who's always looking for a good deal (bulk flip flops?? 🫶), I'm pumped to start taking advantage of all the savings and perks that come with having a Costco nearby. Here are the top five reasons why I'm so excited:
My wallet is going to thank me: With four kids to feed and clothe, I'm always on the lookout for ways to save money. And with Costco's bulk buying power, I know I'll be able to stock up on all the essentials without breaking the bank. Plus, with their Kirkland brand, I know I'll be getting quality products at a fraction of the cost of name brands.
More time with the family: Let's be real, grocery shopping is not the most exciting activity. But with Costco's wide selection of products, from food to electronics, I know I'll be able to make one stop and get everything my family needs. This means less time spent running errands and more time spent hanging out with my wife and kids.
Exploring new products and trying new things: As a self-proclaimed nerd, I'm always looking for new gadgets and technology to try out. And Costco is known for carrying a wide variety of unique and interesting products. I can't wait to see what kind of cool items they'll have in stock, and who knows, maybe I'll discover my new favorite snack or find a product that will make my life a little bit easier.
Supporting our local community: Costco has a reputation for being a great employer, with good wages and benefits for their workers. By supporting Costco, we're not just getting access to great products and savings, we're also helping to create more job opportunities and support the local economy. I'm looking forward to seeing how Costco will get involved in the community, whether it's through sponsorships or partnerships with local organizations.
Quality products I can trust: As a husband and father, I want the best for my family. And with Costco's reputation for carrying high-quality products, I know I'll be able to get everything I need without worrying about whether it's safe or reliable.
Bonus point: $1.50 hot dog and soda combo: Who doesn't love a good deal, especially when it comes to food? Costco's famous hot dog and soda combo is legendary, and for good reason. At just $1.50, it's a steal, and the perfect snack or lunch when you're running errands or need a quick bite. Plus, it's delicious!
So there you have it, folks, the top five reasons why I'm stoked about Costco coming to our area, plus a bonus point about the famous hot dog combo. I can't wait to start shopping there and see what else they have in store for us. If you see me there, don't be shy, come say hi!
Leaving Las Vegas 🛫👋
Home sweet home! I was fortunate enough to attend the RE/MAX R4 International Sales Conference in Las Vegas last weekend. Las Vegas is never lacking for things to do, it truly is an adult playground. We were able to keep our days filled with learning, networking and celebrating the successes of the past year at the MGM Grand. To fill our nights, we visited The Lost Spirits Distillery, The Atomic Saloon Show and even had a chance to see Carrot Top at The Luxor. The Fremont Street Experience never disappoints and the live music down there is always a blast!
The most disappointing aspect to the entire trip was the garbage weather… it didn’t make it over 50 degrees any of the days that we were there. I also didn’t come home with any c-notes sticking out of my carry-on, but that’s the story for most of us that tried our luck at the slots or the tables.
Regardless of my lack of luck and the weather, I am still so grateful that I was able to attend my first R4 with my peers at RE/MAX Edge and meet so many others from offices all over the world. RE/MAX truly is a global brand and I am thankful to be aligned with such a great company that leads the industry in innovation.
I can’t wait for next year’s trip and am excited to be back home helping my clients.
Weekend Sports Camps… Worth it or nah?? 🤔🤷♂️
Every couple of days, my wife and I will get a few minutes to check out our schedules and lo and behold, it's another sports camp of some sort. Let me be clear… to my wife… who is reading this… I'm not complaining!!
We are very fortunate that we can send our kids to these different camps, but there are times when I wonder how much value - real or perceived - is actually there. I'm typing this out sitting on the floor of the Birch Run High School gym in the final week of our 3 hour baseball camp. Yesterday was another 3 hour camp at the UWM campus in Auburn Hills for football.
I don't have the answer and I know that I'd rather my kids enjoy the camp, learn and develop new skills rather than spending hours playing Fortnite or mindlessly watching television. Ultimately, my question is to those of you with grown kids that have gone through these types of camps… are we wasting our money??
Let's talk about it!!
I'm Back Baby!!! Let's Gooooooooo!!!
Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated! I’m back with so many updates and can’t wait to connect with all of you again! I just launched a podcast with my good friend Travis Howell and we’ll be putting out some amazing content focused on our local community here in Davison and the surrounding areas.
Keep your eyes peeled, we have some really fun things happening and I’m just so honored to be a part of this community.
Take care and talk soon!
Pictured Rocks Boat Tour
In spite of the Covid-19 restrictions, we were fortunate enough to be able to take a boat tour (50% capacity) from Munising to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We all masked up and away we went (after tossing back some Dramamine)! Before we even left port, one of the twins was down and shortly thereafter, 2 more decided it was the perfect time for a nap as well. I couldn’t really blame them, but it was a bit chilly even though it was mid-July. The timelapse I captured was the return trip back to Munising and was truly stunning. Take a watch and let me know if you’ve been to the upper and what your favorite places to visit have been.
Beach Day!
We may be in the wrong peninsula, but that summer sun is still hot! The kids had an amazing time playing in the water which was still cold for this old man! After a quick break for dinner, we went back to the beach for a fire on the water and to enjoy the sunset. The clouds decided they wanted to interrupt, but it is still a very cool timelapse to check out. No clue where we’re headed today, but I’m sure it’ll be fun!
Fighting Prehistoric Flies & a visit to The Big Spring (Kitch Iti Kipi)
We made the drive over to Manistique to check out one of the premier destinations when you’re in the wrong peninsula! After spending an hour in the car, we finally felt as though we had perfected the pronunciation (Kitch Iti Kipi) and arrived at the entrance to the park. NOTE: If you do not have the Michigan State Park Passport, you’ll be required to purchase one to gain entrance to the park.
The view from the boat in the middle of the spring!
With 10,000 gallons of water flowing out of the limestone spring, it gives the water the appearance of bubbling lava the 50 or so feet to the bottom. The water pushes out of the limestone year round at 45 degrees which must be the perfect temperature for the fish (trout I think) as they are enormous.
Check out the video below!
Out of shape Dads climb the dunes and we finally found a lake!
It wasn’t pretty, but we did it! After we made the trek down from the top of the stunning Sable Falls, we decided it only made sense to climb up a sand dune several hundred feet tall!
Dad’s still got it!
After that, we grudgingly took the climb back to the top of the falls! Check out this timelapse of the climb back up!
It was a fun first adventure for our first full day up north and everyone survivied! Check out some of the cool pictures I was able to capture as well!
We’re getting ready for another fun filled day of adventures! See you tomorrow!
Family Vacation - Where in the world am I?
We arrived! The journey wasn’t pretty, but we made It! I quickly realized that we most definitely should’ve given all 4 of the munchkins a double dose of Dramamine! After 2 “episodes”, a pit stop in West Branch, lunch in Mackinaw City we arrived in Grand Marais for a week of exploring what I lovingly refer to the wrong peninsula!
Lots of adventures to come this week as we explore Lake Superior, waterfalls, fresh water springs and eating entirely too much food (see pic below for photographic proof)!
Dinner was a success!
We’re looking forward to exploring, so please comment with all the suggestions you can for things and places for us to go! Cheers to exploring the “wrong” peninsula!
See you tomorrow!
Independence Day and Hitting the 'Reset' Button
What a crazy ass year it has been! Seriously… 2020 feels like what 2012 was predicted to be and while I cannot believe it is already July, it feels like it’s taken a decade to get this far. I’m crossing my fingers that we’ll see a much calmer second half to 2020, but that may just be wishful thinking.
This morning I’m sitting here listening to some music and just trying to relax before the hectic holiday plans kick into gear.
Earlier this week, my family and I were able to get away for a few days and it was a nice way to get out of the daily grind and hit the reset button as a family. We tried out our first ever AirBnB and we absolutely loved it! It was right on Lake Huron with our own little private beach and views for days!
Family Picture in Lexington!
I’m showing a few houses to a client later today and then meeting the family at our first party of the day! Here’s hoping you and yours can get out and enjoy the holiday and in spite of the challenges the world is facing, spend some time with those that matter most!
Happy 4th of July!
Father's Day 2020
Father’s Day 2020
Striving to maintain balance!
Is it possible to make everyone happy?
Not so far as I can tell.
This weekend was busy for a number of different reasons, most importantly because it was Father’s Day! Admittedly, I’m not a huge fan of celebrating holidays (real or imagined) and Jessica has not been able to bring me to the dark side… yet!
Father’s Day is different for me because the kids are excited, not Christmas excited, but we all can sense the enthusiasm for whatever reason.
In spite of it being Father’s Day weekend, the real estate market is so fluid at the moment, it was imperative I showed homes early on Saturday to some clients and submitted an offer on their behalf. Sadly, that offer didn’t pan out as we were outbid by a higher offer (nature of the market currently).
On Saturday evening and due to some poor scheduling by yours truly, it made sense for us to head over to the in-laws and hang out and have a sleepover. Which meant it was S’more time!!!
For Father’s Day, I had new first time home buyers that i needed to show homes to on Sunday morning, so I was gone and on the road while everyone was still asleep. My clients checked out 4 properties and we were able to get one under contract! #winning
I made my way back to my in-laws and as soon as I pulled in the driveway, all 4 kids ran up to me and gave me the biggest hugs and told me they loved me… It was totally worth it! As I mentioned in a previous post, it seems like my kids are always around and yesterday, the saying that “absence makes the heart grows fonder” was in full effect. Yes, i worked on Father’s Day and my kids didn’t get to see me until well into the afternoon. But their enthusiasm in finally getting to see me was the best gift I could’ve ever been given (and we put a house under contract).
Cheers to all the Dad’s out there, here’s hoping your day was special as well.
How good of a seller's market is it? Can it be for real?
Good morning! It is a beautiful Friday morning and I am trying to get this written before my munchkins wake up, so let’s get right to it!
A great many of my peers in real estate have been beating the drum of low inventory and it’s a seller’s market. I’m fairly analytical, so I want to dive into the numbers and see if they were on point or if they were just using “sales tactics” to work their sphere.
To calculate months of inventory (MOI), I first needed to calculate the burn rate, or homes closed in the past 12 months and then average that out. Once the closed rate is calculated, I would take the current number of homes active and for sale and divide by the closed rate to get the MOI.
There has been discussion on what a balanced market looks like, but experts have agreed that roughly 5 to 6 months of inventory is fairly balanced and does not favor either the buyer or seller directly.
Let’s jump in to the numbers and see what my local market is doing.
Lapeer
Average Closed Home Sales per month - 40
Current Inventory - 102
MOI is 2.5 months
Davison
Average Closed Home Sales per month - 35
Current Inventory - 55
MOI is 1.5 months
Woah!! You have heard agents and housing experts saying that it is a seller’s market and I just proved it by the numbers. I cannot tell the future, but I don’t foresee this changing any time soon in my local market.
Food for thought if you had been contemplating selling your home. My weekly market update goes out today at 11:30 with tons of useful information and I even worked in a Lil’ Jon reference as well. Don’t miss it, make sure to subscribe by clicking the My Newsletter tab.
Cheers to the Weekend!
A Family Affair
Kids… My kids are everywhere, all the time, no matter where I go.
For the past few months, the shelter at home order here in Michigan coupled with school being cancelled and my career in real estate being relegated to the non-essential… I have been pushed to evolve into a full time stay-at-home Dad.
Cheers to all of you parents that have juggled working, parenting and just plain 'ol existing during these crazy times!
But... I'm back baby! Regardless of how you feel about the governor's stance in relation to Covid-19, Michigan is crushing it in terms of containing the virus and the real estate market is on fire.
Now that I'm back, I've been fortunate to have helped 2 first time home buyers, one we've closed and one is pending, just this week! You may hear my kids in the background when we’re discussing showings and different properties. They are used prominently in my marketing because they are everywhere, my partners in crime and I wouldn't be the person I am without them.
Call me any time to discuss your real estate needs, my assistants and I are always ready to help! 😁
Start them young! My best sales associates 2020!