Understanding Real Estate: Curb Appeal

Looking to sell your home faster and for more money? If so contact the KW Selling Team to evaluate your curb appeal. Statistically, homes that are dressed up on the inside and out sell for more money. The exterior of your home should not be forgotten when attempting to sell. You can spice up your curb appeal just by changing the numbers on your house to something unique, but why stop there? View a list of common improvements you can make.  If you think your house could use a little extra attention outside contact these landscapers that KW Selling Team recommends:

Lifescapes Landscaping: 517-204-0008
Bluegrass Lawn and Landscape: 517-490-0449

Home Buying Guide: What is a Point of Sale Inspection?

A Point of Sale Inspection is a well and septic inspection.  Many Mid-Michigan counties require this inspection before the transfer of a property.  Point of Sale Counties are: Eaton County, Ingham County, Shiawassee County and Washtenaw County.  Inspectors also have to license within the county that the home is listed for sale or your loan officer will not accept the report.

For a well inspection, your inspector will determine the size, age, gallons per minute (gpm) and if the well is within the county compliance codes and HUD guidelines.  Also, water samples will be drawn and sent to a lab for testing.  Different loans and counties require different water tests.
You need the following water tests: total coliform (bacteria), nitrates, nitrites, arsenic and lead.  It is always a good idea to ask your local health department what the county requirements are.  You also need to check with your lender for additional water tests.    

A well inspection will be called for in a non point of sale county if the appraiser notes the following:
-knowledge that the water might be contaminated
-corrosion of the pipes/ plumbing
-if the property is located less than 1/4 mile from an area of intensive agriculture, gas drilling, coal mining, dump, junkyard, landfill, factory, gas station, or dry cleaner


A domestic well must be at least 50 feet from a septic tank, 100 feet from the septic tanks drain-field, and 10 feet from any property line.  A survey might need to be preformed if: the appraiser identifies adverse conditions or indicates that the minimum conditions might not be met.

For a septic inspection, your inspector will provide you with a written report on the size, location, age and working condition of the system.  They will advise you on when the next pump out is needed and any visible issues.  Also, the inspector will know whether or not the septic system meets the local county compliance codes and HUD guidelines.

Non Point of Sale Counties are Branch County, Calhoun County, Clinton County, Hillsdale county, Jackson County, Lenawee County, and Monroe County.  A well and septic inspection is not required on the county level for the transfer of a property.  However, many lenders will require it for loan approval.  For example, in Clinton County if the appraiser sites that there are visible issues with the well and/or septic, an inspection will be required.

For all your well and septic inspections KW Selling Team recommends Mike Johnson of Johnson Inspections 517-543-5413.

KW Selling Team: Spring Sale

2.50 Acres in Aurelius Township, fantastic home site. Parcel is located in between Mason and Eaton Rapids on a quiet paved road. School of Choice is a possibility! Land is mostly wooded (1.5 acres) and is a great area for bow hunting. Home site is already cleared, perked for an engineered system, and the driveway is in. Call Brock Fletcher for more information 517-303-3262.

Greater Lansing Area Experts: Victorian Days 2012

If you live in the Greater Lansing area you should have marked your calendar by now for May 5 as Grand Ledge's favorite festival Victorian Days.
KW Selling Team will be attending Victorian Days and want you to do so as well!

Victorian Days is going to include a ton of activities for you to attend:

• Civil War Firing Demonstration at Island Park - 10AM
• Parade - 11AM
• Dressing for the Day at Bridge Street Wedding Chapel- Noon
• High Tea at the Opera House - 1PM
• Annual Mustache Contest - 3PM
• Gilbert & Sullivan Sing-A-Long at the Trinity Episcopal Church- 4PM

All day activities: 10AM-5PM

• Blacksmithing
• Rope-making
• Goat Milk Soap
• Glass garden art
• Quilt show
• Street music, drama, and food 
• and many more!

 Victorian Days is the highlight of the summer and you don't want to miss out!
For more information and history visit the Victorian Days website
To stay up to date on everything Grand Ledge visit Grand Ledge Life.com 

Downtown Grand Ledge

Home Buying Guide: Who are the Best Home Inspectors?

Congratulations, your offer to purchase a home was accepted!  The next step is to do the home inspection.

First the home must be prepared for the desired inspections.  This is the responsibility of the seller, unless otherwise specified in the purchase agreement.  The home needs to be de-winterized and all utilities turned on.  It is always your choice in doing a home and/or pest inspection, radon test and well & septic inspection (unless in a point of sale county).  However, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional to do your inspections.

Home Inspectors: home inspections are about $275/ inspection.  It is the buyer's responsibility to pay at the time of the inspection.  Most inspectors schedule appointments for 9 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm.  Some do have alternate times available.  This is a very important inspection to have as a trained eye will pick up on things that might have been missed when viewing the home.  An inspector will be able to spot current repairs, future problems, evaluate the life of the roof and all mechanics.  Great home inspectors will note any possible lender required repairs as well.   

• Accurate Inspections 517-669-2196
• Jason Murtan
• Les VanAlstine
• First Priority 517-332-8880
• Jeff Prior
• Goff Home Inspections 517-699-7787
• Kevin Goff

Pest Inspectors: inspections costs $65-75 per inspection and are paid for by the buyer at the time of the inspection.  If treatment is needed for a pest, a request can be made for the seller to pay.

• Lonnie Collins of Accurate Inspections 517-669-2196
• Ed Jones of No Risk Examinations 989-227-0050

Radon: a radon test costs about $100 and your home inspector usually has the tools to test for radon, but be sure to mention you want a radon test in advance as the canister needs to set for at least 3 days to get a proper reading.  Homes without a finished or finish-able basement usually don't get tested for radon. 

• Radon R us 1-855-377-2366, Russ Davidoski
• Radon Remover 1-877-723-6662 Eric Roslund 

Well and Septic: many area counties require this inspection before the transfer of a property.  Even if you are purchasing in a non Point of Sale county, a well and septic inspection is still recommend.  Inspectors must be approved and licensed for the county in which the inspection will occur.  Both listed inspectors are approved in all the Mid-Michigan counties.  The approximate cost for inspections in Point of Sale counties is as follows:

Ingham County:

• Well & Septic: $485
• Well Only: $425
• Septic Only: $425

Shiawasee County:

• Well & Septic: $470
• Well Only: $325
• Septic Only: $325

Barry-Eaton County:

• Well & Septic: $490
• Well Only: $330
• Septic Only: $330

The well test will included drawing water samples and sending them to the state lab for testing.  Standard tests included in the inspection are total coliform (bacteria), nitrates and nitrites.  Additional water tests (lead and arsenic) might be needed depending on your loan and the county in which the home is located.  Each additional test will cost about $40.

The following inspectors are licensed in the Mid-Michigan area (Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Clinton, and Shiawasee) 

• Heath Service Expeditors: Nathan Foote 517-663-8813
• Johnson Inspection services: Mike Johnson 517-543-5413

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: Old Hickory

Welcome to Old Hickory Trail in Dewitt, MI

Single Family Home

Beds: 3

Baths: 2.5

Lot Size:(sq. ft.) 12730

Sq.Ft.: 1872

This beautiful ranch style home has new energy efficient windows (2009), newer furnace and water heater. The kitchen has new cabinets, solid 
 surface counters, ceramic tile flooring and new appliances. Including 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, huge finished basement with a large bar and great room area. First floor laundry with new ceramic tile flooring. Master bedroom has attached bathroom and huge walk in closet.

 

For More information visit our listing.

To view more luxury homes in the Dewitt area click here.

Greater Lansing Area Experts: Twisters Ice Cream

Its that time of year to have Ice Cream for dinner! Opening this Friday, April 20, in Okemos is Twisters Soft-Serve Ice Cream.

Twisters is located 2850 E. Grand River Ave. in Okemos.
The Okemos location is eighth in the franchise owned by Joe Spadafore, his brother and his father.

Twisters prides themselves on providing ice cream eaters a unique experience. According to the State News article about Twisters: their famous sundae is the "Trash Can Sundae". It is made up of vanilla ice cream, cookie dough, M&M's, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Oreo cookies all topped with whipped cream and gummy worms. It is even served in a novelty trash can.

Twisters also offers soft-serve yogurt, which will attract many consumers in the area.
Make sure to visit the new ice cream place and let KW Selling Team know what you think!

Understanding Real Estate: What are Reserved Items?

Reserved items in the home selling and buying process are items that are attached to the home or land which will not be included in the sale.

For Sellers:  It is important that you let your KW Selling Team agent know if you are planning on taking anything out of the home or removing anything from the land when you list your house for sale. The items that are not to be included, thus reserved, must be mentioned in your listing contract and disclosed to the buyer.
Common reserved items are: curtains, chandeliers, mounted entertainment equipment and play sets.

The following is a list of items that WILL be included in the sale of your home, unless disclosed to the buyer:

All buildings: gas, oil, and mineral rights owned by you (seller).

All attached fixtures such as: carpeting, linoleum, mirrors, complete lighting and fan fixtures, drapery and curtain hardware, window shades and blinds, screens, storm windows and doors, stationary laundry tubs, TV antenna, complete rotor equipment, satellite dish and controllers, garage door opener and controls, attached work benches, all attached shelving, fireplace doors and screens, and built-in appliances.

Mechanical: heating and air conditioning equipment, water heater, water softener (unless rented), water pump and pressure tank, and sump pump.

Other: stationary outdoor grills, all support equipment for in-ground pools, detached storage buildings, mail box, all plantings, underground sprinkler system, water pump and timers, fences and posts, fuel in tanks, awnings, basketball hoop/ backboard, and outdoor play equipment.

When you are presented with an offer, you and your KW Selling Team agent should go over this list once again.  If there are in fact reserved items that were not previously mentioned when you listed your home they need to be addressed in the counter offer.  If not, they will be included in the sale of the home and property.

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: Windy Hill

Welcome home to Windy Hill Lane in Sunfield, MI! This well cared for 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath two story home shows real pride of ownership. All 3 bedrooms, including a fantastic master suite are all on one level. Newly updated kitchen with center island is to die for. With over 2000 sqft, there is room to move! Home features a spacious living room with wood burning fireplace and dining room with glass slider to the huge 2 tiered deck. Great for family gatherings and cookouts. Cozy 3 Seasons room offers scenic views of the 3 acre of woods and pond. This is country living at it finest! Home can be heated with the master heavy duty external wood stove; a real cost savings. Home also has a Wolverine water treatment system. Home warranty included.

For more information and photos visit here

 Video Courtesy of Brock Fletcher. For more videos on Homes for Sale Visit KW Selling Team Youtube Channel

Home Buying Guide: Mortgages

The time has come!  You've decided to buy a home.  The excitement is bubbling up inside you and you already have your list of property must haves.

You know you need so many bedrooms, and this many baths, and the home must have a minimum square footage.  


Oh!  


And you want a garage and a finished basement and a nice yard....the list goes on.  

Before you contact a Realtor (Brock Fletcher or Jeff Burke) you should contact a local lender.  A loan officer will be able to help you plan financially for this purchase.  Each buyer has unique circumstances and a loan officer will be able to help you choose the best loan program for you and go over the lender fees associated with purchasing real estate.  For a list of typical loans and their general requirements click on the link below.

2011 Mortgage Loan Update

KW Selling Team: Spring Sale

Gorgeous two story home with 2.5 car attached garage you must see!  Approximately 2500 square feet of living space this spacious home features an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, 3 generously sized bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a full basement.  Upon entering notice the large windows and skylights, allowing lots of natural light.  All 3 bedrooms are located on the second level.   Large master suite features a separate vanity, his and hers sinks and Jacuzzi whirlpool bathtub.  Bathrooms have been undated with new tile flooring, new sinks, faucets and shower heads.  Downstairs, the full basement has been partially finished and makes for a great family room.  Back on the main level, the kitchen complete with center island, has been updated with: new hardwood floors, new marble counter tops and new lighting.  All appliances stay!  Living room features vaulted ceilings, new carpet, and gas burning fireplace.  Glass sliders give access to the awesome deck and have great views of the freshly landscaped backyard.  On .34 acres, there is plenty of room to host the next family gathering or social function.  Home is heavily insulated and has a new roof.  Painted in neutral colors, this home is move in ready!  

Click for More Photos

Home Buying Guide: How to Define Search Criteria

One of the first steps in the Home Buying Process is to Define Your Search Criteria.  An example of what your  KW Selling Team agent will ask is:

THE BASICS

1. What part of town/area do you want to live in? (Grand Ledge/ Waverly, DeWitt, St. Johns, Mason, Holt/ Dimondale, Okemos, Haslett, East Lansing, Lansing, ect.)
2. What price range do you feel comfortable purchasing in?
• How are you purchasing: cash or financing?
3. Are schools a factor?
4. Do you want an older home or newer home?
5. Do you have any physical needs that must be met, such as wheelchair access?
6. Do you have any animals that will require special facilities?

TYPE OF HOMES

1. What kind of houses would you like to see?
• One Story (Ranch)
• 2 Story
• Bi-Level
• Tri-Level
• Townhouse or Condo
• Manufactured or Modular
2. How much renovation would you be willing to do?
• Moderate to A Lot
• None
3. Are you looking for foreclosures, short sales, "just a good deal" or new builds?

THE LOT

• Large Yard: 1-2 Acre
• Small Yard: < 1/2 Acre
• Land: 2-5 Acres or 5+
• Fenced
• Garage
• Patio/Deck
• Pool
• Out Buildings
• River, Lake, Pond Frontage
• Wooded

THE INTERIOR

1. How many bedrooms MUST you have?
2. How many full bathrooms MUST you have?
3. How big would you like your house to be (square feet)?
4. What features do you want to have in your house?
• Air Conditioning
• Formal Dining Room
• Basement (full/ partial or day/ walk out and finished/ partially finished)
• First Floor Laundry
• Fireplace

KW Selling Team: Spring Sale

Must Sell This Month

Click to View

Updated ranch style home with full basement in the Grand Ledge School system is a must see.  Home has many updates and is in a great location, close to everything.  Spring Sale going on now.  Don't miss out.

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: Foster

This one owner home is situated on 2.5 acres of an amazing private, wooded lot.  This great home features a spacious floor plan with cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, wood burning stove and more on the main level.  A walkout basement with a second bedroom full bath combo, family room, and greenhouse are also featured in the home.  

For more information and photos click here