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Friday, June 29, 2012

Greater Lansing Area Experts: Rock the World Race

June 30 and July 1st are the scheduled dates for the Rock the World Race.
If you have never heard of this fun filled event you have been missing out!

The event will take place at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. 

Rock the World is a 5K course filled with obstacles including mud, hills and plenty of dirt. Not only is this a race, it is an opportunity to hear local bands, attend the beer tent and enjoy all the food you can fit in your stomach!

Obstacle course for Rock the World Race-Lansing

The race is split into age groups so all competitors will be in competition against someone just like them. The first wave of competitors begins at 10AM on both days and goes till 5:30 on Saturday and 7:00PM on Sunday. Waves happen every 45 minutes.

Come out to Grand Ledge and enjoy this event!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

KW Selling Team Homes For Sale: Parker in Grand Ledge

The KW Selling Team recently listed this beautiful home in Grand Ledge, MI.


This home includes 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. A spacious kitchen and a beautiful dining room that can seat 10+ of your family and friends.

The living room features a wood burning fireplace. The master bedroom includes a suite bathroom.
The pole barn features 10 foot ceilings, double insulated, stubbed for propane, stubbed for 1/2 bath, water, electrical, cable, and cat 5 Internet.

 
This great home is going to sell quickly so don't miss out on your opportunity to be the buyer! Visit the The Selling Team's listing here

For more homes for sale in the Grand Ledge area visit our exclusive search.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

KW Selling Team News: Buyer Client Testimonial


 "Brock Fletcher was recommended to us by a friend after we went through two other agents that did not work out. We could not have been happier with our experience. Brock and his assistant, Sarah, were very helpful, friendly and professional. They had no problem finding times that would be convenient to show us houses and get paperwork done; even going out in the aftermath of a snow storm. Brock knew a lot about the areas we were looking at. He did not try to push us into a quick sale. He was very honest about neighborhoods and issues homes may have. Also, he really walked us through the process of offering, negotiation, inspections and closing, which was something we had not received with our previous agents. They were very quick to answer our emails and phone calls. Also, we had a very specific amount we could bring to closing and Brock helped us find a lender that was more accommodating, to find houses that would likely be able to give us the concessions we needed and to put together an offer to get the price and closing costs we could afford. Working with Brock was really wonderful! I have, and will continue, to recommend him for anyone looking to buy a home."

See all our client testimonials at www.kwsellingteam.com

Monday, June 25, 2012

Home Buying Guide: Loan and Lender Fees within Closing Costs


Within the variety of closing costs you may encounter while closing on your newly purchased home, you may see particular loan/lender fees. These will be reflected as mortgage costs.
When you obtain a mortgage there are fees charged by the lender. These particular fees vary from bank to bank, therefore, it is a good idea to shop around when choosing your loan officer. The most common loan/lender fees are listed below.

Photo Courtesy of Chicago Land

Loan Origination:  this fee is the lender's cost of obtaining the financing for your purchase.  Normally, the fee is calculated as a percentage of the loan amount, but some lenders do charge a flat dollar amount.  There are also application and administrative fees.  Your loan officer is obligated to disclose their fees to you directly. 

Credit Report Fee:  mortgage lenders require a credit report to determine whether or not you are eligible for a loan.  The minimum credit score varies from loan type to loan type.  The higher your credit score the less risk you are to lend to.  Your score will also be used in judging how much a lender will loan you and at what interest rate.

Loan Discount:  This fee is commonly known as "points".  A loan discount is a one time fee charged by the lender that can give you a lower interest rate on your loan.  Each point is 1% of the mortgaged amount.  Typically this fee is paid upfront.  

Appraisal Fee:  An appraisal fee covers the costs of getting a written estimate on the current market value and condition of the home you wish to purchase.  An appraisal report is a requirement of your lender in order to obtain approval on your loan.  Appraisers must be licensed and an independent/impartial to the transaction.  Your lender will handle ordering the appraisal at the appropriate time in the transaction (after the home inspection contingency's have been removed).

For more information on closing costs click here

Friday, June 22, 2012

Greater Lansing Area Experts: Event Alert!


Delta Rocks! Family Festival
Saturday, June 23 
12-6 p.m.
Sharp Park,



 


Delta Rocks Family Festival has it all! Everything from: clowns, face paintings, super sling shot, petting zoo, concessions, children’s make-it take-it craft booth, and a business expo to see what your local business are up to. There will also be a non-Profit area so you can visit and learn more about what is happening in your community. And finely don’t miss out on the sports challenges, soccer fest, trackless train, treasure chest, and the Turtle Racers Race.
There will be a free shuttle that will be running continuously from Lansing Mall to Sharp Park from
12 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Admission and parking are free, along with the majority of the fun activities that will be present.

For more information Click here.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

KW Selling Team News: Buyer Client Testimonial

Enjoy what Ms. Wendling had to say about the Selling Team's Brock Fletcher while she was purchasing her new home!


Chimney Rock, Lansing 48917
I was very happy working with Brock.  He was very good at keeping in contact during the buying process.  It was easy to tell that he takes his job very seriously and that he likes to do it well.
Ms. Wendling 
See what others have to say about their experience with The Selling Team on our client testimonial page.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

KW Selling Team Homes for Sale: Jones

This newly listed home in Eagle, MI is the KW Selling Team's featured listing of the week. A full description and pictures of this 3 bedroom 2 bathroom farm house can be found here.


To set up a personal viewing of this beautiful home visit the KW Selling Team here!



Monday, June 18, 2012

Home Buying Guide: Real Estate Fees


In today's economy, it's important to be a smart shopper.  Did you know that all agents don't change the same amount for their services?  You might be inquiring what are the Real Estate fees you will have to pay.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Addison
An agent's paycheck comes from the commission on the sale of a property.  The dollar amount varies from transaction to transaction and depends a what is agreed upon at the time of the listing.  Some agents also include processing fees or admin fees.  How does this affect you as a buyer?  It won't if you buy through The Selling Team.

You, as the buyer, will not pay for our services.  Commission is paid for by the seller (which is typical for our area) and we do not have an admin or processing fee that we charge to our buyer clients.  Not all agents work this way, which is just one of the many reasons why you should hire The Selling Team. 

Friday, June 15, 2012

Home Buying Guide: Closing Process



This video explains the closing process and closing costs.

Closing, or settlement, is about you becoming the legal owner of the home you are wishing to buy. Public records currently agree the house belongs to the owners because the title establishes their legal ownership. Swapping these requires Loan Steps, Legal Steps, and Title Steps.

Loan Steps: banks loan you the offer money and you promise to pay back more over time. They charge you loan fees, and collect insurance, interest and reserves.

Legal Steps: to make the public records show that you are the legal owner of the house; the government has to show the transfer of the title through a deed. They charge recordation taxes, transfer taxes, and taxes and stamps.

Title Steps:  the title company handles the transfer of the title; you pay for their help.  They have to find all the records from the government to make sure the sellers actually can sell the home; this is called a Title Search. The seller might have missing heirs, former spouses, or other claims that show up long after the sale that shows that the property you are purchasing actually belongs to them. To protect this investment you purchase Title Insurance. If you or your agent orders title work Michigan Land Title Association member, you will get a quote on these costs.  

To recap, closing involves Loan costs, Legal fees, and Title charges.  At your closing meeting with the sellers, the title company will have all of these costs summarized on the government HUD- 1 Settlement Statement

Greater Lansing Area Experts: Event Alert

32nd Annual 
Yankee Doodle Days
June 21-24

                                    

Come join us for the Yankee Doodle Days in Grand Ledge, MI for lots of family fun!

The festivities will be starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, and will be having an Entertainment Tent and DJ James to start the Festival off.  This is just the beginning of a fun filled weekend. There will also be a Parade, Boat Rides, Ronald McDonald Magic Show, Duck Race, Fireworks and live Bands. For a detailed schedule of events click here.  

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for some good wholesome fun!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

KW Selling Team HOMES FOR SALE: Gunnell

This impeccable parcel of vacant land is the Selling Team's featured listing for the week of May 13th. 

 Welcome to 3600 N Gunnell Road in Dimondale!

Check out the exclusive video of the property courtesy of Brock Fletcher.


There is 88 Acres total, with approximately 40 acres of tillable farm ground and 44 acres is a combination of woods, rolling hills and ponds. 

The hunting is awesome and there are several great building sites. 


There is a tear down house on the property and the property will be exempt from the point of sale inspection.
For more information on this great land contact the KW Selling Team or visit here.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

KW Selling Team Greater Lansing Area Experts: Your Favorite Ice Cream Shop

Fox 47 News is running a contest where you can vote for your favorite place to buy ice cream in the Greater Lansing area. The winner of the competition will receive a special spot on Fox 47 News.

The following local shops are nominated:
To vote for your favorite and local ice cream shop click here!
You have until June 20th to vote so don't miss out on the opportunity to get your local ice cream shop recognized throughout the Greater Lansing area.

Photo Courtesy of the Daily Scoop Facebook page

Monday, June 11, 2012

Home Buying Guide: What are Closing Costs?


Are you ready to move into your new home? Well before you do so you may encounter what are called Closing costs.

Closing costs are the fees associated with purchasing a home.  There are a variety of types of fees including:

 When you are purchasing a home, you can ask for a seller's assistance in paying a portion of the closing costs if you wish to do so. The amount in which you can ask for varies from loan type to loan type.

The maximum in seller paid closing costs is generally 6% of the sales price.  It is best to ask your loan officer what your agent should ask for in concessions prior to writing an offer. Look for future KW Selling Team Home Buying Guide posts to further your understanding of closing costs.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Home Buying Guide: Who to Call When You are Moving

It's time to move into your new home!..or move out of the home you are selling. Most likely you cannot move all your stuff by yourself and in one trip, so you might need some assistance. When it comes to picking a company to move your belongings KW Selling Team suggests using Two Men and a Truck.

Photo Courtesy of ICS

Two Men and a Truck is located conveniently in Lansing and offers many benefits to you as you move. Not only will the workers that move your belongings be professional and well trained but they will offer you the best customer service you can receive. Discover the specific benefits the company offers to you here.

Moving your belongings can be a difficult task, so save yourself the stress and work with Two Men and a Truck!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

KW Selling Team HOME FOR SALE: State Street

 Welcome to 202 State Rd in Eaton Rapids, Michigan! 

This 2 story turn of the century home is located in Eaton Rapid's most desirable neighborhood. 

The home features a stunning kitchen with a stainless steel fridge, amble amounts of counter space and wood cabinetry allowing for lots of storage. 


The formal dining room is large enough for all family gatherings you may plan on having. The family room features a gas fireplace, which is very cozy! This home also has a separate living room and laundry room on the first floor. 


With over 2000 sqft. of living space there is plenty of room to move around and enjoy your house. 
All 3 bedrooms are on the second level, including a large master bedroom. The master bedroom has a huge closet and new hardwood flooring. 

The home features 2 full baths, one on each level. This stately home has been well care for and features many updates including newer siding, new roof, new water heater, mortan water softer, and a high efficiency furnace. 

There is a 2 car garage which includes loft space with pellet stove. This is currently being used as an office. The yard is fenced in and features mature trees. 

This home is amazing and most importantly it is move in ready!!
To schedule a personal showing of this home in Eaton Rapids contact the KW Selling Team by clicking here.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Greater Lansing Area Experts: Haslett Good Old Days

This weekend Friday June 8th through June 10th is Haslett Good Old Days at Lake Lansing Park.
Picture courtesy of event's Facebook
The festival is designed for families to celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer.

There are plenty of events for you and your family to enjoy at this local festival!

Starting off Saturday's activities is crafts in the park at 10am till 4 and Potter Park Zoo at 1PM
There will be paddle boat and big wheel races throughout the day for you and your children to compete against each other and entertaining performances for you to enjoy while having lunch provided by the multiple concession areas.

On Sunday the Haslett Community Church will hold service at 9:30AM and shortly after at 10AM the car show will start. A community picnic will be held at noon and music entertainment will be provided throughout the day.
A full list of events can be found here.

If you are going to be in the Greater Lansing area this weekend you will not want to miss out on Haslett Good Old Days! For more information on the festival visit the official Haslett Good Old Days website.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Greater Lansing Area Experts: Event Alert

                                                                   18TH ANNUAL

BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN 
SATURDAY JUNE 2nd  
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost $1 for Passport 
CATA Bus Pass $0.50

This fun filled event was started 18 years ago by the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau to increase community enjoyment of the Greater Lansing area.
This event will provide you with the opportunity to see many exciting places all over Lansing, anywhere from: Art by the River, Burgdorf's Winery, Cooley Gardens, Durant Park, Beaumont Tower, MSU Bug House, and MSU Dairy Store, and much much more!!
For only $1 you can purchase a "Be A Tourist Passport" this will give you admission to over 60 area attractions and events throughout  the day. The CATA bus system will be running. You can purchase a pass for the entire day for only 50 cents, this will allow you to ride the bus wherever you want to go in a convenient way. 

Tickets can be purchased at:
Greater Lansing Visitor Center              
          
  





2500 ShowtimeDr., Lansing                

For more information and a full list of events and times, Click Here

Home Buying Guide: Carpet Cleaning Services

You've just received the keys to your beautiful home, but wait you need your carpets cleaned!

In the Greater Lansing area there are many carpet cleaners but the KW Selling Team has two great recommendations.