Greater Lansing Area Experts: Pubbin' 4 Pets

The Capitol Area Humane Society is hosting a pub crawl to put an end to pet over population.
On Saturday June 9th the supporters of spraying and neutering pets will walk around the Lansing area to local restaurants and bars. Drink specials and other fun activities for participants will be taking place.

According to the Capital Area Humane Society website the following bars and restaurants are on the schedule for the evening.

• Nuthouse Sports Grill
• Troppo
• Edmund's Pastime
• The Black Rose
• Tavern on the Square
• Kelly's Downtown
• The Tin Can
• Deck Bar 

There is still time to register, receive your t-shirt and participate in this great event! Click here for more information. 

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: Lewis

Welcome to 9308 Lewis Rd in Portland. 

 
This beautiful Quad level home is situated on 6.26 acres of land. 
Insides this lovely home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. On the main level you'll enjoy the fully remodeled kitchen and dining room combo. 

Off the dining room is a spacious three season room where you'll be able to enjoy all the wild life that this land has to offer while sipping on your coffee in the morning, or while relaxing at night after a long hard day at work. 

On the lower level of this home is a full finished walk-out basement, with a spacious family room, bar area, and a wood burning stone fireplace. 

This beautiful home is idea for entertaining inside or out. While outside have your company relax by the fire pit, share stores, or just star gaze. The sky is the limit with this home.

The property also includes 3+ car pole barn.

Schedule a personal showing of this home today by visiting the KW Selling Team website.

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: Blue Ridge

 Welcome to 1504 Blue Ridge in Lansing.

This impressive 2 story home is in the Grand Ledge school system and is filled with bragging rights. 

With over 2200 square feet of living space every guest you entertain will be able to move about the home freely, from the cozy living room with a wood burning fireplace to the open kitchen with a center island to the full finished basement with wet bar. 


The home has a formal dining room with bay windows for all intimite dinner parties you may plan to have. 

The large deck that overlooks the back yard is great for summer BBQ's and family cook outs. 


All 4 bedrooms are located close together on the second level and each has ceiling fan. Great for those hot Michigan summers. 


Also included are 2 full baths and 2 half baths; one on ever level (including the basement). You will find the laundry room on the first floor. 

Besides all the great things within the home the location is icing on the cake. Located ideally on a quiet cul-de-sac in Delta Township, which is close to GM, shopping and the highway. Plus this home is Move In READY!


To schedule a personal showing of this beautiful home visit the KW Selling Team website. For more luxury homes in the Lansing area visit here.

Greater Lansing Area Experts: Lansing Lugnuts

The Lansing Lugnuts are the Minor League Baseball team of the Greater Lansing area.  If you have never been to a game or heard the interesting history of the Lugnuts it is time to change that! The KW Selling Team roots for the Lugnuts everyday of their season and as a Greater Lansing resident you should too.

The Lugnuts were founded by Tom Dickson who proposed the idea to David Hollister, newly mayor at the time, in 1993.
The Lugnuts name was chosen through a contest that was sponsored by the Lansing State Journal and WILX-TV. With thousands of suggestions submitted, the name Lugnuts was found to be perfect. Shortly after the mascot, a big purple public figure name Big Lug, was introduced.

The Lugnuts play at Cooley Law School Stadium, which is in downtown Lansing. The first pitch within the stadium happened in April 1996. Cooley Law School stadium is the most accessible to the physically challenged ballpark in the country. Also, you never have to go without your Lugnuts gear because the team's retail store "Nuts & Bolts" is open all year long! For more interesting facts about the stadium click here.

Picture courtesy of Lugnuts Facebook page

Currently this season the Lugnuts lead the Midwest League-Eastern with 27 wins and 12 losses. They are 13-6 at Cooley Stadium. Leading the league provides a great reason to go cheer on your Lansing team!

Here is a schedule of the upcoming Lansing Lugnuts home games:

• Friday 25th vs Dayton: 7:05 PM       LAFCU Fireworks & Facebook Friday (Like the Lugnuts on Facebook to win prizes!)
• Saturday 26th vs Lake County: 7:05 PM     LAFCU Fireworks
• Sunday 27th vs Lake County: 2:05 PM     Kids Day (lots of activities for Kids all day!)
• Monday 28th vs Lake County: 7:05 PM
• Tuesday 29th vs Lake County: 7:05 PM    Dollar Deal Day ($1 food and drink specials)
• Wednesday 6th vs Bowling Green: 7:05 PM    Ladies Night ($2 mixed drinks & spa treatments)
• Thursday 7th vs Bowling Green: 7:05 PM     Labatt Blue Light Thirsty Thursday Concert Series
• Friday 8th vs Bowling Green: 7:05 PM    LAFCU Fireworks & Facebook Friday
• Saturday 9th vs Bowling Green: 7:05 PM   Fireworks, Auto Owners Insurance Bobblehead Giveaway & Retiree Night
• Sunday 10th vs Lake County: 2:05 PM   Bark in the Park (bring your dog to the game!) & Kids day

For more scheduled Lugnuts games click here.

Understanding Real Estate: Well Inspections and Coliform

When you have a point of sale inspection, your inspector will draw water for a Coliform / total coliform / bacteria test. This is a standard test required by all point of sale counties and all loan programs.

Coliform is a bacteria that live in soil, on vegetation and on the surface water. A typical form of this bacteria is E.Coli. E.Coli is found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and their feces. Some strains of this bacteria can survive for long periods of time in the soil and water and can be carried into well casings by insects. Bacteria washed into the ground by rainwater or snow melt are usually filtered out as the water seeps through the soil, but it can enter the water supplies through cracks in the well casings, poorly-sealed caps, fractures in the underlying bedrock, and runoff into sinkholes. Coliform bacteria are the most common contaminants found in private water systems.

Most coliform bacteria do not cause illness, but indicate a breach in the water system. However, since E.coli bacteria are found in fecal material, they are often present with bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever and diarrhea. Private wells should be tested at least once a year for bacteria, by a laboratory that performs an E.coli test when coliform are present. Test again if there is change in the taste, color, odor or appearance of your water. It your well tests positive for E.Coli you need to have it chlorinated and flushed. Repairs to the casings or well cap might be required as well.

KW Selling Team HOMES FOR SALE: Iosco

In Webberville there is a fantastic parcel of vacant land on Iosco Rd for sale!

This beautiful 81 acre property includes 35 acres of farm land and 25 acres of woods. 

It is an awesome hunting area. The KW Selling Team might just know that there are big deer, plenty of rabbit, turkey and other game roaming the land.

There is a gate at the entrance to the driveway. The property includes a large barn, perfect for storing equipment, tools, vehicles, etc. The barn does have electricity supplied by Detroit Edison. 

There are 2 travel trailers on the property that could be included. There is one location on the property that has been perk tested and approved for an engineered septic system.

Doesn't all of that sound great? Don't miss out! Schedule a personal viewing of the land by visiting the KW Selling Team Website.

Understanding Real Estate: What is a Title Search?

A title search is an important part of a real estate transaction.  It brings light to any known issues with the home's title.  During this process, a title professional will search public records and review land records many years back for any problems on the home's title.  Common problems are liens, evidence of unresolved prior interest, and disputes about ownership.  Many homes do have minor title issues.  However, they are resolved prior to closing and usually the title professional is able to clear the title without troubling the buyer.

A lien is a right given to another party by the owner of the property to secure a debt.  A lien can also be created by law in favor of a creditor.  Examples of liens are:  If the owner does not pay their local, state, or federal taxes, a lien will be placed on the home.  If the owner has contraction done on the home and fails to pay the contractor, a lien can be placed.  If the owner fails to pay association dues, the home owner's association can place a lien.

Prior interest is when another individual has ownership of the home.  For example if the home you are considering purchasing was originally sold on a land contract, but it was defaulted, the prior land contract owners would have a claim to the home.  A quit claim deed can be filed with the township giving ownership back over to the original seller.

Ownership is not simply someone who lives in the home.  The person residing in the home might not be the legal seller.  If the home is in an estate or trust, the executor, or someone with legal and written permission must be the one to sign for the purchase of the home.  The property might be in a will and in that case, all legal heirs need to be consulted prior to purchasing a home.

After a title search has been ran on the home and all issues have been taken care of by your title professional your home is ready to be purchased! The KW Selling Team recommends a few great title companies. You can refer to them here.

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: Macadam

Welcome to 6298 Macadam Way in Dimondale, MI!

This modern 3 bedroom ranch style home is a must see. Located in the popular Jacaranda sub this home features: 3 ample sized bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a full finished basement. 

The open kitchen features a breakfast bar and a gorgeous eating area. 

A glass slider leads to the fantastic 2 tier deck and brick patio complete with a fire pit. 

  
The basement features a large family room, game room with tray ceilings and a full bath. The home is on .34 acres and is perfect for entertaining. Plus it is move in ready!!

To schedule a personal showing of this beautiful home or to receive more information visit the KW Selling Team website. 

Understanding Real Estate: What Does A Title Company Do?

Title companies play an essential role in the home buying process.  Before you close on your new home, it is important to know:

• The seller actually owns the home and has legal rights to sell it
• The property is free from any title issues

Some of this information is available in the public records but for the most accurate information of a title policy needs to be ordered.  After selecting your title company they will place an order for the commitment and run a title search.  It is okay to shop around when choosing a title company.  Although the fees are very close, there are slight fluctuations from company to company.  Finding the right one for you is as easy as starting with the suggestions given by the  KW Selling Team :

Parks Title
First American Title
Stewart Title

KW Selling Team News: KW Cares day

Today is KW Cares day at the Keller Williams East Lansing office!

KW Cares is a fundraising opportunity with each Keller Williams office to support the hardships someone in the office, and their family, may be facing.

During lunch the Keller Williams office will be holding a fundraiser luncheon. The associates in the office and their families are welcome to come eat the delicious food that will be provided. While eating and enjoying each others company money will be donated and essentially given to the associate who has been designated as in need.

The fundraising does not stop here though! On Sunday, May 20, at 1PM the Keller Williams community and the public are invited to a movie event. At the Sun Theater in Grand Ledge, "Mirror Mirror" will be shown while donations are collected. Feel free to come join this event and provide to this great cause!

Keller Williams offices across the nation participate in this opportunity to show they care about the people in their office. If you would be interested in donating to the Keller Williams East Lansing office KW Cares fundraising, contact the office directly.

The KW Selling Team is proud to be a part of such a great office and community!

Greater Lansing Area Experts: East Lansing Art Festival

This weekend May 19-20 is the 49th Annual East Lansing Art Show.

In downtown East Lansing you can explore more than 200 fine art and fine craft artists from across the nation, for free! Artists of 3D mixed media, functional ceramics, glass, precious jewelery, photography, painting, sculpture and many more will be taking over the town.

Besides viewing all the great art there will be hands on activities and performances throughout the weekend. Hands on activities include music workshops, face painting, and hands on arts for you and children to enjoy. Performers such as Musique Noire and Eight to the Bar will provide you with endless music entertainment throughout the day.
 
The art festival will be happening all day Saturday and Sunday in East Lansing, so don't miss out on this great community event! For more information on the festival visit the East Lansing Art Festival website.

KW Selling Team News: Keller Williams RED Day

On Thursday May 10 the Selling Team volunteered alongside the entire Keller Williams East Lansing office at Ele's Place for Keller Williams RED Day.

Team Leaders Jeff Burke and Brock Fletcher spent the majority of their day painting the fence that surrounds Ele's Place back yard. Starting bright and early in the morning, they worked until the job was done.

Ele's Place is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and support for grieving children and their families. By using peer support, Ele's Place allows families to cope with the loss or illness of someone close to their heart. For more information visit Ele's Place website.

This great organization was the perfect place for RED Day activities. Beautiful flowers were planted, the basement was reorganized, the fence was painted and the dinner for that evening was provided by the associates at Keller Williams.  If you would like to learn more about Keller Williams RED Day visit our post that has all the answers!

Understanding Real Estate: Nitrates and Nitrites and Your Well Inspection

For a Point of Sale Inspection, your inspector will draw water samples to be tested. These samples are then sent to the state lab for examination to see if your well water is in compliance with your local health department standards. Two common tests for mortgaged purchases is nitrates and nitrites.  This is a standard test for all Point of Sale Counties and all loan programs.

The federal standard is less than 10 parts per million for nitrated and less than 1 part per millions for nitrites.  High levels of nitrogen pose a risk to infants and can result in a condition called methemoglobinemia; commonly called "blue baby syndrome".  This is because the skin appears blue-grey or lavender in color.  The change in skin color is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood and an abundance of nitrogen.  Babies suffering from methemoglobinemia need immediate medical care. 
Some studies have shown that pregnant women who drink nitrate-contaminated water are at a higher risk to having babies with birth defects. Nitrate ingested by the mother may also reduce the amount of oxygen available to the fetus.  


The correction for too much nitrogen in the water is a reverse osmosis system.  Boiling water will not create safe drinking water; it will actually increase the nitrogen level due to the evaporation of the water.  Check with your well inspector to make sure your water is safe for drinking; they can help you read the lab results.

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: Lyons

Welcome to 3360 Lyons Road in Portland, MI. 

This home is ideal for someone looking to either go to Portland or Ionia school districts. Bus pickup for Ionia schools is literally across the street from the home. 

This two story home was built in 2001 and is centered nicely in the middle of the one acre lot. This home has a newer built 2 car pole barn and deck off the back for entertaining. 

Living room

This home features a nice open floor plan. Den/office on the main level that can be used as a first floor bedroom if needed. 

Spacious kitchen

The spacious kitchen features hickory cabinets, pantry and high end appliances. The second floor features a master bedroom bath suite and three other bedrooms. One of which is the bonus room over the garage. Walk down to the basement and you'll notice the two egress windows that let in all the natural lighting. 

Call the KW Selling Team today for more information or to schedule an appointment for a personal viewing of this great home.

Home Buying Guide: Local Title Companies

In the excitement of getting word that your loan has a clear to close, you may have forgot to jot down the location of the closing.  Thanks to the KW Selling Team you don't have to stress. Below are a list of title companies in the Greater Lansing area.  Your closing is likely to take place at one of the the following locations: 

Bell Title

2339 Jolly 

Okemos, MI 48864

(517) 381-5353

map

Diversified

500 E Michigan

Lansing, MI 48912

(517) 332-1449

map

First American Title

4293 Five Oaks Drive, Suite C

Lansing, MI 48911

(517) 347-3470

map

Midstate Title/ ATA National Title

East Lansing Office 
(inside the Horizon Bank Building)

1600 Abbot Rd #201
East Lansing MI 48823

map

West Office 

(inside the RE/MAX building)

6607 West St. Joseph Hwy.

Lansing, MI 48917 

(517) 703-8129

Charlotte Office
138 S Cochran
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-9011

map

St. Johns Office
1011 S. US 27
St. Johns MI 48879
(989) 224-1105
map

Liberty Title

2501 Coolidge Rd. Suite #205
East Lansing MI 48823
(517) 977-9509

map

(inside the Keller Williams Building)

3490 Belle Chase Way Ste. 150
Lansing, MI 48911

(517) 853-8211

map

Transnation Title

Okemos Office
2395 Jolly Rd #165
Okemos MI 48864
(517) 336-3020
map

East Office
1675 Watertower Place
East Lansing MI 48823
(517) 321-5175
map

West Office
6452 Millennium Drive #140
Lansing MI 48917
(517) 321-5175 
map

Grand Ledge
410 S Clinton Street
Grand Ledge MI 48837
517-318-3356
map


St. Johns
902 US 127 Business
St. Johns MI 48879
(989) 224-6307
map

TRI Title

(inside the Tomie Raines Building)

1400 Abbot Rd. #395

East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 351-2882

map

Tri-County Title

West Office
(inside the CBHB Building)

1020 S. Creyts Rd

Lansing, MI 48917

(517) 323-4687 

map

Okemos Office
(inside the CBHB Building)
3695 Okemos Rd
Okemos, MI 48864
(517) 349-0401

map

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: Barry

Welcome to Barry Road in Haslett. When it comes to vacant land it is all about Location, location, location. This beautiful piece of property is in as prime a location as you can get!

 74+- acres in Haslett School District, Williamstown Twp. The land is high and dry with a little roll to it and there is a 2 acres pond near the front, the soils are very sandy, it should perk almost anywhere on the property. 

This property can be purchased with 820 Barry Rd. which would add about 2.5 acres, 2 barns, and 2500 sq. foot farm house built in 1889, the house has been updated and has a new drain field and windows. An updated survey will be complete with an accepted offer.
For a personal viewing of this property contact the KW Selling Team.  For luxury homes in the Haslett area click here.

 

Video courtesy of Brock Fletcher

Greater Lansing Area Experts: Take A Breath for PH

This Saturday Dewitt High School will be surrounded by runners of all ages that are taking part in  "Take a Breath for PH and Get Moving for MS."

Starting at 8AM is the Half-Marathon followed by the 10K, Kid's Dash, and 5K.
There is still an opportunity to sign up to race! For more information click here.

All proceeds of this event go to benefit the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Prior to the race there will be a Spaghetti Dinner Friday evening. From 5-7 PM at Relli's Italian Restaurant come join the community and support the two great organizations. Dinner is $10 a person.

You don't want to miss this event! For more information visit the Running Foundation's website.

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: Yarrow

Welcome to 1396 Yarrow Drive in Holt. 

This great home is in the Mason School District. With 1400 sqft this home has an open floor plan that is perfect for entertaining. The kitchen is spacious, complete with a breakfast bar and has been updated with dark granite counter tops and hardwood cabinetry. 

Kitchen

All appliances stay in the home! The home includes hardwood flooring, a laundry room on the first floor, and a dining area that gives access to the deck and over-sized fenced in back yard.

There are 3 bedrooms that are close together on the second level, including the master suite. Master bedroom features a large walk in closet, attached full bath and a Jacuzzi Tub. 

Living Room

The full finished basement with egress windows and stone fireplace would make for a great family or craft room. Lots of space! Home has a high efficiency furnace and water heater. 2 car attached garage. This beautiful home is a must see to appreciate. Don't miss your chance to see this home! To schedule a viewing contact the KW Selling Team. 

 Video courtesy of Brock Fletcher

Greater Lansing Area Experts: Keller Williams Red Day

Tomorrow May 10, is Keller Williams Red Day. The KW Selling Team will be participating in the Greater Lansing Area to show our support for all the local communities we serve on a daily basis.

RED Day stands for RENEW, ENERGIZE, and DONATE. Keller Williams associates across the nation participate to celebrate the Keller Williams year-round commitment to improving local neighborhoods. Projects range from hosting blood drives to refurbishing homes. Each team's projects depends on the needs within the community.

The KW Selling Team will be donating their time in Lansing at Ele's Place. Planting bulbs in the garden, organizing the basement and staining the fence will be the tasks at hand. The Selling Team is looking forward to a busy Keller Williams Red Day! If you are wishing to get involved please join us at Ele's Place.

Home Buying Guide: What is a Mortgage Insurance Policy?

A mortgage title policy is an insurance policy which will compensate the lender in the unlikely event that the loan is defaulted upon.  Typically, a lender's financial stake in the property is greater than yours and therefore an insurance policy is required.  The policy must be ordered prior to closing and the cost will be charged to you on the HUD Settlement Statement.
You have the right to choose which title company will provide your mortgage title policy unless otherwise stated and agreed upon in the purchase agreement.

KW Selling Team recommends the following title companies:

East Lansing (inside the Keller Williams Building)

3100 West Rd

Bldg 1, Suite 210

East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 853-8211

map

Stewart Title 

2395 Jolly Rd 

Okemos, MI 48864

(517) 853-5982

map

 

KW Selling Team HOMES FOR SALE: County Farm

Welcome to 5314 County Farm in St. Johns Michigan

This beautiful 2 story home has a welcoming front porch that is waiting for you!
Built in 1992, this well cared for home has much to offer. 

• Over 2500 square feet of living space
• 3 large bedrooms plus a master suite
• Full finished daylight basement and all in warm neutral colors. 

Spacious kitchen with wood cabinetry, tiling flooring and updated appliances all lead to the formal dining room. 

The cozy family room with a wood burning fireplace has access to the back deck which overlooks the above ground pool and lush yard.

The home sits on just over 2 acres and features a 24x32' pole barn with electricity and concrete floors.

Move in to this beautiful home today!
For more information or to schedule a personal viewing contact the KW Selling Team or click here.

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: Cooper

Welcome to 912 Cooper in Lansing, MI courtesy of the KW Selling Team.

This great 2-story, family home is near colonial village.
Over 1500 sq. feet, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Arched doorways lead to a large family room with charming built-in display shelves and a brick fireplace with a mantle and decorative mirror.

Formal dining room with hardwood floors, French doors off the dining room lead to separate family room which is great for waking up and enjoying a hot cup of coffee, or just to relax after a long day at work.

There is a large kitchen with built-in dishwasher, pantry, and lots of storage. The kitchen window over the sink overlooks the large, fenced backyard. This way you can watch the kids play on the wooden swing set and enjoy the extra room to run around.

Includes a full basement.
Many updates including energy efficient windows.
MOVE IN READY!

For more information or to schedule a personal viewing of this home click here.
To search for more luxury homes in the Lansing area visit the search we have exclusively set up for you.  

KW Selling Team News: Buyer Client Testimonials

Kensington, Lansing 48910

Brock Fletcher and his team were amazing to work with!  Super friendly, helpful, professional and just great.  They really walked us through the process of buying our first home, which we really appreciated.  I would definitely recommend them to everyone and will use them in the future if we ever have any home-buying needs.  We went through a few agents and they were definitely the best!  Our experience with them was A+


Thank you so much,
The Hayes

To view other client testimonials visit the Selling Team's website at www.kwsellingteam.com