
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
2701 Pratt Lake Rd, Gladwin MI - SOLD!!!

Monday, February 08, 2010
Real Estate Issues Top 2009 List of Requests for Legal Services

RISMEDIA, February 5, 2010—Real estate-related issues were the leading legal service request among members (customers) of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. during 2009 followed by 2) consumer finance, 3) family law, 4) collections and 5) estate planning. The top five legal service requests for 2009 is based on the total volume of 2.3 million member requests for legal services to the 40 independent provider law firms that assisted Pre-Paid Legal members throughout the U.S. and four provinces of Canada for calendar year 2009.
“The PPD legal service request list offers a unique perspective on the legal issues that Americans and Canadians face on a daily basis,” said Pre-Paid Legal’s Founder and CEO Harland C. Stonecipher. “Because these members have a Pre-Paid Legal plan, they have access to affordable legal service to help them manage issues such as foreclosure, credit issues, collections and other life events,” he said.
(Note: Jim & Ivie Baker have also been sales associates for Pre-Paid Legal Services for over 5 years. It's a fantastic service. Visit http://jamesbakerppl.com for more information)
Friday, January 29, 2010
4848 Queens Circle, Gladwin MI - SOLD!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Why Buy Now?
Written by Ivie K Baker - January 26th, 2010According to many real estate experts, most believe that we have seen the bottom of the market and sales are going to start to up-tick in 2010. Of course, we aren’t going to see those soaring real estate prices for a long time, but we should start seeing some markets appreciate in value across much of the USA.
According to an article in the January 2010 National Association of Realtors Magazine, (Easier Money, Steadier Sales), one expert predicts that we could see existing home sales raise by 13.6 percent in 2010. That’s great, considering that in 2009, we only saw an estimated 2 percent increase over 2008.
So, why should YOU buy now? There are several very valid reasons. If you are a first time home buyer, you may be eligible for the $8,000 tax credit, if you purchase a home before April 30th, 2010 or have a valid purchase agreement signed before April 30st 2010 and the sale closes on or before June 30th, 2010. If you are a current home owner, you may be eligible if you have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight! To find out more about the Home Buyers Tax Credit, visit http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html
There are other key factors that make this a great time to buy! Home and land prices are at a recent all time LOW. In most markets, prices have already hit bottom. Experts say that we should start seeing prices appreciate in the near future. As real estate sales start in increase, prices will stabilize and many markets will start to see a subtle rise in price as consumers decide to take the plunge and take advantage of the market.
Along with the lower housing prices, mortgage interest rates are still holding very low. This is key for enticing buyers into making a purchase in this market. Obtaining a new mortgage is also getting a little easier too. When the mortgage crisis first hit and HVCC (Home Valuation Code of Conduct) was put into place, we saw some very poor and inaccurate appraisals surface. This was due to the insane regulations that were put on the appraisal market. Lenders were forced to use third party referral companies to order their appraisals and in many cases, appraisers were sent into areas where they were unfamiliar with the local market. This resulted in low and inaccurate appraisals.
Since then, other regulations have been put in place to allow only appraisers who are familiar with the local markets, to do appraisals in those areas. This has improved the quality of the appraisals being done throughout the nation, making it a easier for buyers to secure a mortgage.
Currently, there are several programs out there to help lower income families purchase a home. FHA is also lightening up their restrictions and now allowing some manufactured home purchases though their program. In my Michigan market, there are still programs, such a USDA Rural Development and MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority) programs, to help make owning a home affordable for many Michigan families.
Find out more about these programs here:
USDA Rural Development: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/mi/
MSHDA: http://www.michigan.gov/mshda
For second home buyers, there are still advantages to buying in this market. The biggest advantage is, that prices have come down and interest rates are still low; even for second home purchases. In my local market (Clare/Gladwin Counties, MI), even waterfront homes have come down in price between 1/4 to 1/3, compared to two years ago.
Many second home buyers are finally taking advantage of the decreased prices to purchase a vacation home, which may have been out of their price range several years ago.
Also, contrary to popular belief, there are lenders out there, who will mortgages on second homes with just 10% down. I personally recommended one in particular lender, who has closed several deals for my clients in the past 6 month, with just 10% down. This has created additional sales that may have not come together, considering that most lenders are now requiring a minimum of 20% down for this type of purchase.
Vacant land is also easier to buy. With just 15% down with a good credit score, many buyers are purchasing vacant lots and acreage with reasonable down payments and fixed mortgage terms, stretching out as long as 30 years. For vacant land purchases, the closings tend to happen much faster than a home purchase, with an average turn around time of just 2-3 weeks.
So, if you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home or land in the near future, now is the time to do it. Combined with low interest rates, low real estate prices and flexible lending programs, you can’t go wrong in this market!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Debit-Card 'Skimming' Scams
Whether by choice or necessity, American consumers are increasingly relying on debit rather than credit cards. Debit card spending has risen steadily, growing from 47.7 percent of purchases made with plastic in 2003 to 58.9 percent in 2008 and it is expected to surpass 67 percent by 2013, according to the Nilson Report, a newsletter that tracks the consumer payment industry.
When you use a debit card, the money is immediately taken from your checking account. While using debit guarantees that you pay as you go, these cards have downsides, including a growing appeal to thieves.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
2375 Croll Road, Beaverton MI - SOLD!





56+ Acres with the Tobacco River - SOLD!





Saturday, November 07, 2009
Update on the Extended Home Buyer's Tax Credit

New Legislation
New legislation, the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which was signed into law on Nov. 6, 2009, extends and expands the first-time homebuyer credit allowed by previous Acts. The new law:
- Extends deadlines for purchasing and closing on a home.
- Authorizes the credit for long-time homeowners buying a replacement principal residence.
- Raises the income limitations for homeowners claiming the credit.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach
As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
- Expands the credit to grant a $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between the date the bill is signed by President Obama and April 30, 2010.
- Here is more information about how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
3517 Lakeshore Dr, Gladwin MI - SOLD!





5019 Ruby, Gladwin MI - SOLD



Friday, October 09, 2009
4544 Hamilton Way, Lake Lancer - Gladwin MI SOLD

Monday, September 28, 2009
Kiss Concert in Detroit September 25th, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Why Consider Buying a Second Home on a No Wake Lake?
Sunday, August 30, 2009
652 Hughes Point, Harrison - Sold!



Friday, July 10, 2009
5641 Lakeside Drive, McGilvery Lake SOLD


Friday, July 03, 2009
Lot 21 Huntington Circle - SOLD!

Well Built Home at Blue Lake Estates - SOLD!



Thursday, May 21, 2009
2486 Whitney Beach, Beaverton MI - Wixom Lake SOLD!



Thursday, May 14, 2009
HUD Secretary Announces Monetization of Tax Credit at NAR Real Estate Summit
Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow homeowners to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.Read More...
Saturday, April 18, 2009
2297 Heil Road, Gladwin - 20 acres SOLD!




Friday, April 17, 2009
Michigan Homeowners Implementing Green Alternatives to Asbestos
Having the assistance of a professional real estate agent can make the process smoother and less stressful. Many older homes may need additional repairs or remodeling. This is especially the case when these homes still harbor older, corrosive building materials.
Used in many construction applications for the greater part of the 20th century, asbestos is a fibrous mineral that possesses many intrinsic traits. In most situations, asbestos appears in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires. It’s flame resistant and durable qualities made it an ideal choice for many industries. Potential Gladwin, Michigan home buyers or those seeking to remodel an older home should be aware that homes built before 1980 may still contain asbestos materials.
This by no means should make you jump out of your seat because asbestos exposure is easily preventable by taking simple precautions. There are now many green insulation options that replace the need for asbestos.
According to the experts, the general rule of thumb is if the asbestos is in good shape, it's posing no apparent risk. If it's in bad shape, it could be a problem. In many situations, the best action in dealing with asbestos is no action at all. However, if an inspector deems removal necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling asbestos materials.
Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause related lung ailments such as pleural mesothelioma, a form of asbestos lung cancer that accounts for three percent of cancer diagnoses in the country each year. Due to the fact many mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious ailments, mesothelioma diagnosis is one of the more difficult tasks physicians encounter.
With growing education and technology in green sustainable energy and building resources, Michigan has taken actions to ensure safety and health is a top priority in this great state. Non-profit organizations such as Michigan GREEN, consists of energy consultants and companies who have joined forces with schools, government agencies and conscious individuals to promote the cause of renewable and green efficiency throughout the U.S. Its goals include increasing public awareness on energy efficiency, renewable energy and application of new green technologies to increase the youth’s awareness of energy conservation.
Focusing to rid Michigan of asbestos use and other harmful materials, they also focus to protect the water and open spaces. With many health options such as cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose, Environment Michigan is working hard to give the state the healthy environment that the people deserve.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Q & A on First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit
In 2008, Congress enacted a $7500 tax credit designed to be an incentive for first-time homebuyers to purchase a home. The credit was designed as a mechanism to decrease the over-supply of homes for sale.





