I get asked several times a day about the real estate industry: Are things getting better? Are property values...

"I know they say you can't go back home again. I just had to come back one last time. Ma'am, I know you don't know me from Adam, but these hand prints on the front steps are mine..."
Miranda Lambert's song begins by painting a picture for the rest of her song, or story. The winner of the 2010 American Country Awards for Best Female Vocalist, continues telling her story that so many American's can relate to. We get caught up in the "American way".
Miranda continues, "You leave home, you move on, and you do the best you can." So many people end up getting transferred, moving for jobs, or for a lifestyle changes. That's been happening a lot here in Michigan. Personally, many of my friends have moved out of the area for work. But, the good news is that many of them also plan on returning to their home-town to settle down one day.
Recently, I was speaking with a client's moving company- they estimated that only about 15% of their clients are moving into Michigan. That is a small number, however, it is up from their estimated 10% from last year at this time. Our statistics also show that home sales are up from last year. And, more vacant land is selling and people are building again. Because financing can still be tricky, banks are not lending to anyone or on anything. Land Contracts are gaining in popularity. Hopefully this will give rise to more small or local entrepreneurs in the real estate investment arena.
Miranda's song was written from the heart. In an interview with The Boot, she says that after having children she often thought of her neighborhood and the house that she grew up in. In her song, she sings, "Mamma cut out pictures of houses for years, from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. Plans were drawn and concrete poured, nail by nail, and board by board, daddy gave life to mammas' dream."
This time of year people start thinking of spending time with family- walking into your home, smelling the warm fresh cider, the turkey in the oven, and the apple pie banking. There's no place like home, the people in it, and the memories created. No matter where you are, or where you go, just remember that you'll always have the memories... from the house that built me.

Visit My website or
E-mail me at Brittanisimone@gmail.com
Growing up with a large family — cousins, aunts, uncles, second cousins — there’s always someone who knows someone who does something. My immediate family was always involved with real estate. My parents owned investment properties, rentals, and did developments. My mom sold homes “back when interest rates were 18 percent.” She’s always reminding me how good we have it now.
I feel as though I have Real Estate in my blood. I sold my first house in one week when I was in college. I’ve always been interested in what homes sold for, when they were built, and the character inside of each home; they’re all so different. I also love marketing and sales. So, it only seemed a natural fit for me to take my career path into real estate after graduating college.
I was schooled and licensed in June of 2006 at The Michigan Group, just as the market was beginning to make a change that many people had never experienced before. Luckily, I was able to take advantage and learn from the teachers, coaches, attorney, and managers on staff. Immediately, I began working with a team as an assistant and a buyer’s agent, learning a lot from Realtors who had many years of experience. Later, I managed a successful team of 23 agents and their 60+ listings. They always say, if you can manage Realtors, you can do just about anything.
Since then, The Michigan Group joined with RE/MAX Platinum, providing even more benefits, and with four locations, we have a large market domination.
I have also branched out with my own group. We have listing agents, buyer’s agents, and more professional resources than one person could ever need. Most importantly, I love what I do every day; not always all day every day, but I definitely love what I do, every day. With a 100 percent success rate, I think that it shows. You won’t find anyone who is more dedicated and will work harder to help you achieve your goal.
When it’s warm out, I really enjoy spending time on the lake with my family and friends. I enjoy cooking and getting creative in the kitchen, hosting parties, intimate gatherings, and helping couples plan weddings. I have an everlasting love for dogs and horses, and have also owned some more exotic animals.
There’s not much that I’m afraid of, and I’ll usually push the envelope, especially when I’m fighting for something that’s right. I’m a big supporter of education. I love to write, read, and tutor. Most importantly, I’m great at working with people. I enjoy working by referral because I’ve had the opportunity to work with such great people. In this market, things are always changing, so I’m always looking for the next challenge.
And lastly, my favorite words to live by: “He never said it would be easy, He said it would be worth it.”
I get asked several times a day about the real estate industry: Are things getting better? Are property values...
On May 2, Gov. Rick Snyder signed SB 349, legislation that makes it easier for homeowners to use the important...
In my last blog post, I wrote about my frustration with a local unit of government that seemed to value more highly the...
Let me tell you a story: A free medical clinic that donates over $1 million in help to the local community and operates...
I have a lot of respect for real estate agents who earn every penny of their commission.
Just try to close a...

© Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Comments
great article Brittani - love
great article Brittani - love the video!