Should you buy foreclosed homes by approaching a bank?

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Herb Strather just wrote a great post about finding deals in the REO market.

And I'd like to add to his point on approaching the banks to get these deals...
Here was my response:

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I'm glad you posted this Herb. I'm not into spamming boards. But there are many qualified Real Estate Owned realtors who specialize in these type of properties. We get a listing of these homes from the lenders themselves. The advantage of working with a REO realtor instead of just with the bank is:

• The realtor knows more about the communities and locations of these homes
  
• A realtor can answer questions with a level of objectivity
  
• A realtor knows what has been selling in the neighborhood and has volumes of information on comparables(often called COMPS)
  
• One can build a relationship with a realtor who can look out for properties that meet your specifications.
  
• A realtor can give you an opportunity to see more homes.
  

These are only a few reasons you should seek the help of a professional realtor when buying Real Estate Owned properties.

Thanks,
Willie
http://www.redcarpetkeimwillcooperate.com

Foreclosure Fallout: You'd rather Rent...It's not so easy anymore

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Do you know the most common reason people don't want to buy a home? They'd rather rent. Do you rent? You will definitely want to follow me on this post.

Renting is easy? right? you just fill out the application, hand over the deposit, view the apartment, pay a little extra for a credit check. Done. Over. You got the keys. Much easier than buying a home.

As you know when you buy a home you've got to: get inspections(if you're wise) review lots of legal documents(will probably need an attorney, if you're wise), get all your bills and personal documents together over at least the last 6 months, fill out papers about every aspect of your life(your employment, credit history, residential history, auto, children, bills, assets, liabilities).

Well guess what? the same process has now arrived in the Rental world. We can look to a recent article in the New York Times. So look for this in your area soon if not already.

The lesson: If you're going to rent why not considering buying? The process is the same. Something to think about...
Click here to read the New York Times Article.

So what do Michiganders think about home ownership?

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Recently I read an article on the scarcity of new home sales.

Of course Michigan is on the list.

While building a home can be a gratifying experience, many are choosing to redecorate their homes, buy Real Estate Owned homes or continue renting.

I want to know your feelings about home ownership? I want to hear about your vision and dreams positive or negative. A realtor first and foremost should be interested in YOU. It's not about us. It's about you.

Michigan is making a comeback and what it means for you

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Michigan is the second state in the nation to make a comeback. The economy is growing stronger because of the automotive industry. Even though employment statistics are still high economist predict that Detroit will become stronger than many comparable cities. Here is what this means for you. If you can buy a home it is time. Some Michigan agents are even reporting that it is no longer a buyers market, as in some areas of the state homes are being sold at market value. It is still time to buy with interest rates lower than ever. Here is an artice about the Detroit Michigan market.

Here's all the Homes in Inkster, Michigan and Call me: Why?

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Sometimes I forget, because I live here, that many of you aren't  familiar with the town of Inkster, Michigan where I do business. So I'm enclosing a link where you can see all the homes. Take a look around. There are prices for all budgets.

That said, let me tell you why my company is called Red Carpet Keim Will Cooperate. Of course the Red Carpet Keim are trade names for real estate company. But what you may not know is about the Will Cooperate. When I first started in this business I had a saying on my building which said I will help you help you. Sounds redundant right? Well here's the deal.

You would be surprised how many people in this day and age think I should just give them a list of homes and send them them on their way to look at them and then purchase them from others. Well my friends, that is not how real estate works. Did you realize that you can have ANY real estate agent sell you a home. Because you see the signs in the windows or in the yard doesn't mean that is the only person or agent that you can buy a home from.

If this were the case, there would be only a few businesses in business. There are different types of real estate agents: some list, some sell and hopefully some do both. But the real estate person of your choosing  can sell you a home. We as professional real estate agents just need to be clear who we are representing. Some times you can find an agent to represent you in a transaction and they will do all they can to help you get the home of your dreams. Then there are agents, unfortunately , may only want to sell you what they've listed.
You see professionals want you to get the home you want. They will work with the listing agent or sales agents to make that possible. This in no way hurts your transaction.

So pick the real estate agent of your choosing. Do business with them and know they should help you to get the home for which you qualify.


Here is that link. Go house hunting and then, I hope, you'll give me a call.
Willie

CRAFT at Windsong Farm

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CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) was held this past Sunday at Windsong farm in Honor. The farm has been in the same family for over 100 years and is still run by a member of that family, Cindra Moore. At the farm she focuses on her personal food supply along with herbs. Her herbs are grown both as food and can be used for medicinal purposes. Some can be heated for herbal teas, made into oils, or eaten directly with foods. There were many plants that she explained in detail, some that help with the common cold, to one more specific plant called Pleurisy that helps with the lung ailment of the same name along with other respiratory conditions.

In addition to having herbs for practical use, Cindra had an interesting take on the relationship between her farming and ritual. This sense seemed to inform how she planted her gardens spatially with the land, what she grows, and how she goes about the harvest and cultivation. We ended the afternoon with some fresh kale from her garden, and lots of other yummy dishes brought by folks who attended.

—Dulcee, ISLAND summer intern

Hog Breakdown and Charcuterie Workshop with Steven Grostick

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Saturday, October 1 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Epicure Catering, 5530 N West Bayshore Drive, Omena, MI The ultimate workshop for the foodie homesteader! We'll will start with a hands-on hog breakdown from primal cuts of meat into cuts for charcuterie. Then, using simple cooking techniques, you will learn to preserve meat in your own home through salting, smoking and curing. This craft has been practiced for hundreds of years and is easier than you think. Some salt, a little time and you have all you need to enjoy the art of preserving. Techniques will be discussed in detail. You will get plenty of hands-on experience, as well as freshly butchered pork to take home to complete the curing process on your own. Steven Grostick is award winning Executive Chef at Toasted Oak Grill and Marketplace of Novi with more than 15 years of experience as a progressive culinary professional. Steven studied and trained under Chef Brian Polcyn for 11 years, during which time he assisted in testing recipes for the book Charcuterie, the Art and Craft of Salting, Smoking and Curing. Cost is $195, which includes a gourmet lunch featuring pork by Epicure Catering, a copy of Charcuterie, the Art and Craft of Salting, Smoking and Curing, and an equal share of freshly butchered pork to take home. Each attendee will need to bring their own knife. Pre-registration required by Monday, September 26th. To register and for more information, contact Yvonne at (231) 480-4515 or yvonne@artmeetsearth.org. In partnership with the Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference With support from: Epicure Catering, Hillside Homestead, The May Farm, Rising Star Wellness Center, Eden Foods, and Organic Valley.