remax of michigan

Negotiating a Home Sale

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 Question:   We are preparing to sell our home, and we’re not really experienced in negotiating, any tips to offer?

Answer:   Negotiation is one of the primary reasons homeowners hire a professional REALTOR to handle the sale of their home.  Negotiation is as much an art as a skill and many people lack the training and experience to negotiate a home sale to a successful closing.  The best tip to keep in mind is to always, always consider the other party’s position and work toward an outcome that is agreeable to all stakeholders.  Negotiations tend to fail when one party is unwilling to compromise on even the slightest (and often meaningless) detail.  When negotiations become a “competition” to one or more of the party’s the end result is usually a disagreement.  In the sale of a home, it is extremely helpful to keep the end goal of the buyer and seller in the forefront:  the buyer needs/wants to buy and the seller needs/wants to sell.  Negotiations fail when the details or obstacles become more important than the bigger goal of completing a sale.  Take the time to ask your REALTOR about their experience and training in negotiation.

To help answer all your real estate questions or to search Homes for Sale, contact a RE/MAX United agent today at (616) 866-5800 or visit our website at http://www.REMAX-Rockford.com.

RE/MAX Of Michigan Automates Marketing for Every Listing

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RE/MAX of Michigan automates marketing for every listing starting April 1.  This new system will enhance the marketing efforts of homes for sale automatically for RE/MAX United Agents and their sellers.  In return, buyers will have the ability to visit single property websites of homes they searching providing them photos, property information, school information and mortgage details.

Visit the article at Market Watch to learn more:    Automated Marketing

Spring is Here …. Along with Leaky Roofs and Flooded Basements!

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Spring is set to arrive in Michigan in all its glory, which includes snow melt, heavy rain, and a slow thawing of frozen ground.  This is the time of year that many homeowners encounter the joy that is a flooded basement and leaky roofs.  A little preparation can reduce or eliminate major damage to your home.  If your home is equipped with a sump pump, make sure it is in working order by pouring a bucket of water into it and verifying it is discharging properly.  A battery back-up can also ensure the sump keeps running when you are not at home and can be purchased at local hardware or home improvement retailers.  Check your downspouts to make sure they are free of ice and snow build-up that can back water up against your foundation.  Push snow and ice away from basement windows and window wells to prevent seepage.  Gutters should be free of leaves and debris that build up in late fall and can cause water to back-up onto the roof surface or overflow the gutter into poor draining areas around your home.  If you should encounter a major problem, your REALTOR can recommend basement or restoration contractors to return your home to good condition.

To help answer all your real estate questions or to search Homes for Sale, contact a RE/MAX United agent today at (616) 866-5800 or visit our website at http://www.REMAX-Rockford.com.

Finding the Right Property to Build Your Dream Home

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Question – – “We are planning to build our dream home and have our plans set except for the land.  What do we need to be concerned about in finding the right property?”

 REALTORS have heard this question many times over the past few months as a low supply of existing homes for sale has prompted more prospective home buyers to consider building a new home to fit their needs.  When selecting a building site there are two distinct avenues to go down:  a platted development lot or privately owned land.  In considering a developed lot your process becomes much simpler as the developer has done much of the necessary work for you.  The developer will have selected suitable building sites and surveyed the boundary lines, determined location of utility and water/sewer lines or proper location of well and septic systems.  A developer can also offer guidance on particular lots that will accommodate the type of floor plan you have in mind, as an example, if you had selected a walk-out plan would a particular lot work best for that type of construction.  When considering a privately owned property all of the above responsibilities shift to the buyer.  To accomplish proper site selection and suitability for construction a land buyer should enlist the assistance of a Realtor and a builder or excavator with knowledge of soils, gas/electric/cable/water/sewer availability, as well topography. A REALTOR will assist in determining any local zoning restrictions that may affect your building project and if the land is subject to any easements, gas or oil leases, and establish a proper value for the land and negotiate a fair price.  Often times land buyers have a vision for a piece of property that can’t be realized without proper due diligence.

To help answer all your real estate questions or to search Homes for Sale, contact a RE/MAX United agent today at (616) 866-5800 or visit our website at www.REMAX-Rockford.com.

Tom and Tracie Rich, RE/MAX United Named Broker/Owner of the Year

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Tom and Tracie Rich of RE/MAX United have been named RE/MAX of Michigan’s Broker/Owners of the Year for 2014.

The RE/MAX of Michigan Awards Gala and Conference recognizes brokers and realtors of RE/MAX franchise offices throughout the State of Michigan.  The event was hosted by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and attended by more than 500 REALTORS, staff, and sponsors.

The Broker/Owner of the Year Award is the highest honor a RE/MAX franchisee can achieve at the event as it recognizes market performance, growth, innovation, and dedication to the brand.  The Rich’s were honored in the Medium Density Market category which is determined by the size of the population area the brokerage serves.  The award is also given to brokers in High and Low Density market areas.

Tom & Tracie also received the award in 2013 as well as being selected New Franchise of the Year in 2012.  Co-owner Tom Rich was happy to receive the award for 2014. “Honestly, we were as surprised to win as we were the year before.  The competition for the award in our market size is intense and there are many excellent RE/MAX offices throughout the state.  Winning it once is something to be proud of and winning it twice makes us want to work even harder – it sets a baseline for us.  We have many of the finest agents in the marketplace and how they represent RE/MAX United and their clients allows Tracie and I to be recognized.  We know this is an award earned not just by the owners but by the agents, staff, and our vendors.  It takes a strong team to achieve big things.”