Featured Property

Buy Now? Why NOT?

Whether you are renting an apartment, a house, or want to expand your living space to a larger home, even downsize—now is the time to buy! Why? Why not? Mortgage rates have hit a record low in the last thirty years!

In fact, a recent article in the Detroit Free Press claims that housing prices in the metropolitan Detroit area have risen 2.7% over a one year period. If that’s not enough reason to jump on the “Buy Now” band wagon, what is?

The Midwest has the highest homeownership rate in the country, at 70.3%, while Washington, D.C. and New York have the lowest at 54.4%. Nevada and California hover around 60%. Rentals seem to be the most common housing option there.

But rental vacancies are also on the rise – and there are good reasons for that. First, equity! You are investing your money in property rather than lining the pockets of a landlord. Second, a stable neighborhood allows you to socialize better, with residents looking out for each other’s houses. Apartment living can’t guarantee that.

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Previous Featured Properties

The War on Mold and Mildew

Homeowner alert! Autumn is one of the worst times (along with spring rains) when mold and mildew can result from basement leaks, floods or even humidity in your home. Condensation, inadequate roof vents or a lack of ventilation in bathrooms or kitchens can also be problems. Mold and mildew need a few things to grow—a food source like wood, cotton, drywall or plaster, oxygen, darkness and moisture, and time.

Mold and mildew can be hiding in a home—new or old—and it’s not always weather-related. Some people discover this fact when ripping out an old bathtub or shower. While toxic “black” mold is the most serious, any mold or mildew will bring on allergies and upper respiratory problems in adults, children and even pets. 

 

Sometimes you can’t do anything but call an expert! Livingston County residents can turn to several businesses dedicated to helping homeowners recover and restore their homes after a devastating flood or major mold problem. TCI Restoration Services (Howell and Brighton, 1.800.620.9100 toll-free or email...

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Unique Vintage Barn and Fenton Farmhouse

Do you have a dream of raising your kids with lots of room to roam? Do you enjoy riding horses or long walks in the tranquil country? Or perhaps you love history or unique barns – if so, this property is a dream come true!

Built in 1876, with frontage on two roads, this Victorian charmer of a farmhouse at 2400+ square feet of living space has room to spare. Add your own rocking chairs to the lovely front porch. Located south of Fenton, north of Brighton, you would have easy access to both communities via US-23. And you won't find such a spectacular and unique dairy barn of this massive size and in great condition anywhere else, with its original hardware, trim and flooring.

The farmhouse boasts ten foot ceilings on the main floor, crystal doorknobs and a crystal chandelier, plus many modern updates to make this offering showcase quality with crown molding interiors. Guests will enjoy the formal living room with a gorgeous bay window and open arched doorways to the dining room and charming parlor.

Chop home-grown vegetables with the family gathered around in the generous country kitchen. It features a large pantry, a lovely coved ceiling and plenty of cabinet and counter space. The...

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Dirty Roof? Clean It Up!

In today’s market, first impressions are crucial. Sellers have to show a pristine house or lose a sale. No intended buyer wants to see cobwebs, cluttered rooms, broken blinds, twenty or thirty year old appliances or scuffed and dirty floors. But most sellers also don’t consider the house’s exterior beyond the front steps, mail box or address marker.
Stained shingles will show up from the street and in photographs. You may not even be aware of such stains until your house is being prepared for sale. Even office buildings can have stained shingles, as Joe DeKroub realized about Brighton RE/MAX Platinum’s main office. He hired Bob Martin, the Roof Shampoo contractor for Professional Roof Cleaning Services, LLC. You can see the “before” photograph with visible stains. The “after” pictures show the proof that an “eco-friendly” roof shampoo is the safest, non-toxic and most effective process.

What are the causes of stains? Algae, lichen and moss are the most common—organisms and fungus that thrive on the northern or western exposed side of a roof, in shaded...

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Steal of a Deal on a Victorian Home!

Love Victorian style and history? Look no further than this gorgeous two story five bedroom, four and a half bath, 3300 square foot home. The secluded ten acre property is about five miles south of Howell’s city center and west of Coon Lake off of a paved road.

Charm? Loads of it, with lovely landscaped gardens front and back plus a trellised gateway to the path leading to the covered porch. Built in 1995, the custom historic floor plan gives this home that treasured 1800s look. The home includes a mother-in-law suite with a private entrance, with a bedroom, living room, full ceramic bath and a small kitchen. The suite's walls are non-bearing and can be removed to convert into a Great Room and wet bar. The large deck out back is perfect for parties and entertaining or just sitting and enjoying the view.

Comfort? You bet, with a two-zoned forced air furnace and central air, a generous kitchen with new custom granite counters, oak cabinets, a dining room and a central hall with oak flooring. The 500 square foot master bedroom suite has a lovely all ceramic bath. Angled ceilings in the second floor bedrooms...

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