Home Loan Home Loan

Mortgage Research Center : Loan and Mortgage Info Contact | Mortgage Rates | Mortgage Calculators Mortgages Refinancing Debt Consolidation Mortgage Resources Loans FHA Loan VA Loan What Type Of Loan Are You Looking For? Please Select.... VA Home Loan Home Loan VA Home Refinance Home Refinance FHA Home Loan What Is The Approximate Value Of Your Property? Welcome To The Mortgage Research Center! This site is designed to help educate you about mortgages, refinancing, debt consolidation, and various type of loans. You will be provided with comprehensive information on every aspect of the mortgage process. We will give you tips on when to refinance, what costs should be included in the closing fees when completing your mortgage, and calculators to help you determine how much you can spend and save! This is your first step in helping you achieve your financial security, so good luck! Register for the Home Buying Seminar Mortgage Refinance Find out how much you can save, when you should refinance, what type of refinancing is best for you, and other information. More Information Home Mortgage Are you buying a home? We provide you with resources to help you get all of the information you need when applying for a mortgage. More Information Debt Consolidation Determine how you can get out of debt by saving hundred's of dollars per month by combining your various payments (for credit cards, etc.). More Information Loans Looking to purchase a home with a special government loan? You may qualify for a FHA loan or VA loan. More Information Mortgage Sources We provide you with a list of reputable mortgage companies, mortgage brokers, and lenders to find one that best suits your financial needs. More Information Current Mortgage Rates Get current information on today's mortgage rates and get tips on when to lock in to a great interest rate. More Information Mortgage Calculators A variety of calculators will help you figure payments, total costs of loans, and display amortization tables and other options. More Information If you have questions or would like help with your mortgage, you can call us at 800-930-9201 . "Nathan, I wanted you to know that everything went very well at our closing. It was quite pleasant. Thank you for everything." -Vicki Ficklen Mcdonough, GA More Testimonials Equal Opportunity Lender License Information We can help you find the lender (mortgage bank) that can get you the best deal for your financial situation (including setting you up with the best financing rates and loan term). MRC does not originate loans in MA, NJ, NY, ND, PA, VT, NV, WV, or DC. If you are getting a mortgage in one of these states, we will help you by directing your information to a lender in your state. Get additional information about a VA Loan , Home Loan , or 1031 Exchange : Privacy Policy .

Rental Property If you

Tax Deductions for Rental Property Home | About Us | Office Locator | Tax Resource Center | Investor Relations | FAQ | Contact Us | Site Map Tax Resource Center Tax Forms Tax Changes Tax Tips Deductions@Work Tax Calculators Tax Links What to Bring Checklist Top 50 Overlooked Deductions Top Overlooked Credits Tax Topics Disasters and Casualties Tax Education Tax Glossary Tax Trivia for Tax Year 2005 Home : Tax Resource Center : Tax Topics Rental Property If you own rental real estate, you should know how it impacts your personal tax return. Rental income must be reported on your tax return, and generally, associated expenses can be deducted from your rental income. Reviewing answers to the following common questions regarding rental property may help you understand the tax implications of rental property ownership: What is considered rental income? What deductions can I take as an owner of rental property? What are some things I should know about rental property? Contact your local Jackson Hewitt office for more information or assistance. Use the Office Locator feature available on this Web site or call 1-800-234-1040 to find the Jackson Hewitt location most convenient to you. What is considered rental income? Rental income is any income you receive for the use or occupancy of property you own. Some examples are: Rent Payment to cancel a lease Advance rent Expenses paid by the tenant Any security deposit kept because a tenant did not fulfill their part of the rental agreement Do not include: A security deposit you are holding with the intent of returning it to the tenant at the end of the lease Income received from renting your home for fewer than 15 days per year Back to Top What deductions can I take as an owner of rental property? Deductible expenses for rental property are the ordinary and necessary expenses to manage, conserve, and maintain your property. Deductible expenses include: Advertising in the newspaper for tenants and cost of signs Cleaning supplies Real estate taxes Mortgage and other interest paid for the rental property Cost of insurance-hazard, flood, fire, or liability Payments for service such as lawn care, pest control, and trash collection Payments for maintenance of the property Professional fees for tax advice and tax return preparation fees for the part of the tax return dealing with rental property Cost of new locks and keys Commissions paid for finding tenants Cost of necessary transportation to and from the rental property for the purpose of maintenance, management, rent collection, picking up supplies, or checking the property (if you use your personal vehicle, either keep track of actual expenses and miles traveled or just the miles traveled) Cost of repairs and maintenance (not improvements) to keep your property in good condition (this includes items such as repainting and fixing floors and windows) Cost of renting equipment used for the rental property Depreciation of the property (not including the land) Depreciation of appliances, furnishings, and improvements Any long distance calls associated with your rental property The court costs for evicting a tenant Legal fees pertaining to the rental property or tenants Utilities Expenses incurred when the property is not rented as long as you are actively trying to rent the property (even if you are renting it for the first time) You cannot deduct: Rental income lost due to vacancy The cost of improvements which increase the value and/or extend the life of the property or modify it for a new use (includes such things as a room addition, new carpet, new appliances, fencing, or a new roof - these items can generally be depreciated) Back to Top What Are Some Things I Should Know About Rental Property? If you rent only part of your property, certain expenses must be divided between the part used as rental property and the part used for personal purposes. If you do not rent your property for profit, you can deduct your rental expenses only up to the amount of your rental income. When rental property is sold, the resulting gain or loss is treated as ordinary or capital, depending on the circumstances. The rental of personal property such as equipment or vehicles is reported as business income. You are in the business of renting personal property if the primary purpose for renting the property is income or profit and you are involved in the activity on a continuous and regular basis. If your rental of personal property is not a business, other rules for reporting will apply. Losses from residential rental properties are subject to certain limitations. If you are considered a real estate professional, special rules apply for the reporting of income and losses. For more information, contact your local Jackson Hewitt Tax Service office. Back to Top Back to Tax Topics Tax Tips JOB-RELATED EXPENSES Some of your job-related expenses that may be deducted include union dues, job-related magazines and books, and other related business expenses. Generally, you must depreciate the cost of tools used in your work. If your employer requires you to wear work clothes or uniforms that are not suitable for everyday wear, you may deduct the cost and upkeep. home | about us | tax news | tackle your taxes | learn & earn | own a franchise | work with us | privacy/terms of use © 2004 Jackson Hewitt Inc. All rights reserved.

land loan? Typically, it

How We Work: Frequently Asked Questions Overview Agros Development Process Organizational Foundations Where We Work Our Impact People and Progress Sustainability FAQs Overview Organizational Profile Vision and Mission History and Future News Room Board of Directors Careers Contact Us Overview Give Online How to Get Involved Volunteer Overview Service Team Experiences Donor Stories Noemí Fund Central America in Transition Recommended Reading Frequently Asked Questions Background Information Why is land ownership important to the rural poor? Land is a precious asset around the world. It is a primary source of income, security and stability. Families who have the opportunity to own their own parcel of land can farm it to ensure a stable income for their families and preserve it for their children. They will invest in their land, improving the soil while conserving the environment. Through land ownership, rural poor families acquire a viable way of supporting themselves and overcoming their poverty while simultaneously creating a sustainable community. However, for most rural poor families owning land is an unattainable dream. They don't have access to the cash or credit they need to buy land. Their inability to purchase land guarantees many poor people in third-world countries a life of desperate poverty, working for low wages as farmhands or migrant laborers. Rural poor families become trapped in a cycle of poverty. They are left unable to purchase their own land, paying exorbitant rents for basic survival on poor quality land, and working for desperately low wages as farmhands and migrant laborers. Agros helps families in Central America purchase their own land. In doing so, we help rural poor families create viable, healthy, and sustainable communities today, and for generations to come. How Agros Helps Does Agros give families free land, or do they work to purchase their own land? Agros offers rural poor families a hand-up, not a handout. We help families purchase land through low-interest loans. Loan payments fund the purchase of land for new Agros communities. Agros owns the land and provides each family in the new community with a promissory note. The land title is held by Agros until each family repays the cost of their parcel of land. How long does it typically take families to pay off their land loan? Typically, it takes a family seven to 10 years to pay for their land. Once the loan is repaid, the land title is written in the name of both husband and wife, or the name of the one parent in a single parent family. There is a two-year grace period is allowed. The title is then passed on to the family in a land title transfer ceremony. This is an important and joyous event in the community. Is the land legally available? Establishing a legally secure title to the land is an important element of Agros' work. Before land is even considered for purchase, it must be legally available and clear of competing claims. This contributes to the long-range security of the families. What happens if a family can't pay? Occasionally, a family is unable or unwilling to repay the cost of the land. In such cases, the community leadership committee will work within existing community bi-laws to resolve the issue. The Agros Approach How is the Agros approach unique? Agros' approach of working with the rural poor in long-term asset building makes its work unique. With the exception of some government efforts at land distribution, there are few organizations that have been willing to provide long-term land loans to the poor. Agros is also unique in its approach of avoiding dependency and paternalism in its relationship with participants. By working with each community to develop local leadership, governing bodies, and decision-making processes, individuals gain self-esteem and confidence in their own ability to make sound decisions about their future. This is "breaking free from the cycle of poverty" in the most profound way. Agros has discovered that lending to the poor can be a viable credit risk. A small loan can provide a poor family with just enough capital to help them break free from poverty. Families who understand that they will become self-sufficient owners of their own land at the end of their repayment period have great incentive to fulfill their loan obligations. In addition, by focusing its projects on specific geographical areas, Agros is able to maximize the efficiency of its work in rural areas and generate more possibilities for further economic development and impact. What is an Agros Village? An Agros village is a community comprised of a group of selected families (between 25 and 75) in need who are striving together to make a better future for themselves and their children. Each family is lent a parcel of land, materials to build a house and access to an integrated irrigation system. Through additional small business loans, education and accountability, economic sustainability is the goal to enable them to effectively repay the cost of their loans. Each village has community governance with elected positions that decide the goals and priorities based on input from other villagers. Villages have co-ops, community banks and other economically based programs all based on sustainability. How do new projects get started? First, a group of families interested in becoming an Agros village approaches Agros staff in Central America to nominate a village. Agros must then determine the village's degree of need and prioritize accordingly. We have a fixed number of communities that we can start each year according to funding. The Agros offices in each country work with the Seattle office to determine this number. Since the need for land is always greater than the financial resources available to start new communities, tough decisions have to be made. If resources are available to start a new community, Agros field staff will begin to work with potential villagers. Agros field staff work with the community leaders to learn about parcels available for sale, discuss sale price, and to develop negotiating strategies. Field staff survey the land, assess its quality, and determine land titles and water availability. If everything meets our standards and funds are available for land purchase, field staff give community leaders the go-ahead to begin negotiations. Land purchases are typically timed around the agricultural calendar. A parcel will be purchased in time to prepare the land for the first harvest. Simultaneously, Agros field staff get to know the members of the community, while community members learn about Agros' work. Typically, the most important issue for communities to understand is that Agros provides loans and assistance to help farming families build assets, but that we do not provide charity and free handouts. During the initial development phase, Agros provides services such as agricultural credit and training to create a relationship with the group. At this time the community is introduced to Agros and Agros observes the community's ability to cooperate and sees whether it responds well to the challenges of the Agros model. If community members agree to Agros' repayment policy, and if Agros believes there is a good fit, field staff will typically start with a small project, such as providing small 6-month loans for seeds and agricultural supplies. There is always a tremendous need for short-term credit in rural areas. These small projects provide a perfect testing ground for community members to experience the assistance Agros provides, while Agros field staff learn which community members are bona fide farmers who have a willingness to repay their loans and a desire to work hard to overcome their poverty. During this process, entire communities may choose not to continue to work with Agros, or larger groups of participating families may be whittled down to smaller groups. Typically this is due to Agros' repayment policy, which families may not take seriously until their small loan comes due. At this stage, Agros field staff may choose to go through another 6-month loan cycle with a community. This phase may also include agricultural training to help farming families learn appropriate techniques that will increase crop yields, or other training related to health and nutrition, depending on the needs of the community. Building Long-Term Change How does Agros's approach address long-term poverty issues such as rural-urban migration, education, and health? In our experience, land ownership brings tremendous change in the lives of the rural poor. This change cannot help but positively affect large, long-term poverty issues in the following ways: Improved land quality With the prospect of land ownership, families invest in the quality of their soil and new agricultural techniques which boost crop production, stimulate rural economies and bring greater prosperity to rural areas. Through Agros's agricultural training and support for income-generating activities, families can build lasting economic security for themselves and their children. Improved quality of life As income security is established, the quality of life increases and the potential for social unrest and civil conflict is reduced. Agros supports the unfolding of this "virtuous circle" through the elements of its model. By helping poor families purchase land, the development cycle begins. A stronger community Agros's training in leadership and community organization helps develop local leaders who can work together to resolve community problems and plan for an improved future using foresight gained through prior experiences. Improved health A diversified diet leads to better nutrition and better health. As a result, infant death and malnutrition are reduced, providing an incentive to have smaller families. Better educational opportunities Greater economic stability allows parents to part with child labor and enroll their children in school. Agros also helps communities in projects such as school building. Reduced rural-urban migration As economic prospects and quality of life improve, rural families have no reason to migrate. This leads to greater stability and prosperity as urban areas are not flooded with rural migrants looking for a better life. How does Agros's model affect the problem of illegal immigration into the United States? There are many reasons why immigrants leave the rural countryside and come to the United States. Among them are the conditions of extreme poverty in which people live and the lack of opportunities that enable families to overcome their poverty. Many of the people coming to the U.S. illegally are "economic migrants" - people who come in search of work. Poverty conditions and lack of work opportunities at home mean that these economic migrants are willing to leave their families, risk their lives, and find work in some of the least desirable conditions - often as menial laborers and minimum wage workers. Steady work is better than no work, and minimum wage in the U.S. is often more than they can earn in an entire day in their native country. Throughout Central America, political and economic conditions are such that no matter how hard people work, 60 percent are earning less than $1 per day and 40 percent are living below the poverty line. Unemployment and underemployment are rampant in the rural areas. There are simply not enough jobs to go around and no hope that circumstances will change any time soon. By helping rural families purchase land and build thriving communities, Agros provides an alternative for people who believe their only option is to migrate into the city or into another country, such as the U.S. Agros enables families to stay together and to generate income within their own countries and communities. Agros helps families create a livelihood for themselves that can be passed on to their children. As conditions improve, the motivation for becoming an economic migrant disappears. Families stay together, communities are strengthened, and lives are transformed. How do Agros projects help women? Women in developing countries and across Central America face grave challenges. As the primary caretakers of families and children, they are on the front lines of hunger, malnutrition and death in their families. Agros' programs cannot be successful or have a lasting impact if the health of women is in jeopardy. Many women in rural Central America: Lack access to prenatal care and are isolated from modern health facilities Get married as adolescents, start families at a young age, and don't know how to plan the size of their families Have a difficult time keeping their children healthy and well-nourished because they don't know how, or don't have the resources to prepare a well-balanced meal and lack knowledge of basic sanitation Are of poor health themselves because they sacrifice food and other resources for their children and are continuously breast feeding due to multiple consecutive births Agros' programs address the needs of women and children by creating a positive cycle of change. We help women achieve: Education : For young girls who would otherwise marry young and start families when they are little older than children themselves, Agros provides opportunities for them to go to school. Educated girls tend to marry later and their children tend to be healthier. Literacy training : Agros offers literacy training to adults, giving both men and women who were not able to go to school the opportunity to learn how to read and write. Financial independence : Agros trains women to manage a savings account and family finances because women tend to invest in their families. Business expertise : Through microenterprise development, Agros teaches women skills they can use to start their own businesses. Agros also teaches women (and their children) how to raise small animals close to home to generate income. Family planning and health care : Many women have had more than 5 children and have never received a gynecological exam or had access to prenatal care. Through the women's health initiative: Women learn about their bodies in a way that promotes self-esteem. Women with greater self-esteem become active in community organization. They get involved in village decision-making and develop leadership skills. Women receive regular physical exams, many for the first time in their lives. Agros works within the local culture to provide education about birth spacing and birth control so that women and their husbands can make informed decisions about family planning. People talk a lot about the importance of "sustainable development." How are Agros' methods sustainable? Sustainable development is an important element of Agros' work. Agros works to create sustainability in three primary areas: in the environment, in family economics, and in community organizations. Environmental sustainability begins by providing families with land. People take better care of and are more concerned about a resource over which they have ownership. Agros then provides training and technical assistance regarding the use and stewardship of this land. This includes the construction of composting latrines, improved wood burning stoves, and education on soil conservation, organic composting, and agro-forestry techniques. Economic sustainability begins with improved production of basic grains. When a family produces more food on less land, they become more confident in their ability to feed themselves. With food security established, they begin to try things they've never done before, for instance, growing foods that they can sell in the market and use to generate income. Once families begin to generate a stable income, they can begin to pay back their land loans. And once their loans have been repaid (typically within 10 years), they become self-sustaining owners of their own land. From this land, they are able to generate an on-going, stable income and provide an environment in which their children can thrive. Community sustainability is attained in two ways. First, we help give rural families the training to create a local community government that looks to the entire community for participation and decision-making. This becomes the backbone for civic responsibility and participation. It also becomes the primary way communities continue to thrive long after Agros has departed. The second way is through the Noemí Fund. What is the Noemí Fund? The Noemí Fund is a loan fund that provides the capital needed to buy land and develop village infrastructure, including the resources needed to administer and manage this fund. When a new community is started, the loan fund is used to match every dollar raised for the development costs of a new community, including field support and training. As communities begin to repay their loans, the payments are returned to the loan fund. As the loan fund is replenished, new communities can be started. What happens if Agros is not there? If Agros is not there to provide access to land ownership, opportunity and hope for a sustainable life is slowly choked out. Families will continue to face malnutrition. Lack of education will persist. Migration to urban centers will increase as the rural poor seek a viable life. As a result, dysfunctional structures will remain intact without being held accountable. Cities will become overcrowded and the families moving into them unable to find work or hope in their new location. Communities will become even more broken than before, and despair will overwhelm souls. Planning for the Future What are Agros's goals and plans for the future? Through 2006, our primary focus is to consolidate and strengthen existing projects in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Chiapas, Mexico. At the same time, Agros is ramping up organizational and financial capacity to ensure on-going growth past 2006. At the same time, the need for Agros's work is considerable in countries throughout the developing world. There are many opportunities beyond our current geographic focus that will be considered as part of a long-term expansion plan. We have received requests for assistance from communities in Brazil, India, Kenya, the Middle East, Romania and South Africa. Post-2006 expansion will be determined through a process of (1) documenting need amongst the rural poor; (2) engaging in prayer and discernment, (3) identifying local interest and leadership, (4) receiving an invitation to participate, and (5) raising the requisite funds. When these criteria are met, expansion into new geographies will be considered. Our Christian Commitment Is Agros a Christian organization? Agros is comprised of Christians who desire to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ by serving the rural poor regardless of their faith. We agree that spiritual transformation is key to holistic transformation. It is God who ultimately transforms the individual. Agros plays a role in encouraging the spiritual transformation of individuals in Agros communities. Faith plays a crucial role in the holistic development of the Agros communities. International development organizations worldwide recognize the overall importance of faith in development. The church is the community institution that will survive. It also provides the moral compass for the development of the community and its values for the present and future generations. How does religious faith impact the work you do in the field? We try to model and communicate biblical principles to assist in the transformation of lives. Our role in spiritual transformation is expressed by: Sharing and teaching biblical principles underlying our social and physical services: Land purchase and use Land ownership and repayment Work ethic and responsibility Community organization Leadership development Infrastructure development and maintenance Agriculture & enterprise training Health and education Agros personnel being prepared to respond to and answer the "Why" questions. Why is Agros doing this? Why are you doing this personally? Whom does Agros serve? Agros works with landless, rural families of all faiths who have demonstrated their agricultural vocation and a willingness to cooperate with Agros program goals and expectations. In most cases, Agros assists groups that have already been organized and who demonstrate a need and the values of community and concern for each other. We look for a history of working together and an understanding of the importance of hard work. We work with groups of people who have: Initiated a relationship with local Agros staff Committed to abide by the Agros program and principles Demonstrated active leadership that holds values consistent with those of Agros Shown characteristics that lead Agros staff to believe the group has a strong chance of succeeding as a community. In determining the potential for success of a community, one of the factors necessary is a group of believers in the local area (i.e. a church). We may work with groups that have no professing Christians. Our Funding How is Agros Funded? The funding for Agros comes from three primary resources: Individuals, churches and foundations. Individuals and churches support Agros in the following ways: General Giving Walk with a Family Special Projects and Appeals Journey with a Village Country offices also seek out resources from local and international organizations. There are in-kind donations such as trees, seeds and other supplies. Heifer Project International contributes support for training and small animal husbandry. Most recently the Noemí Fund was developed to provide capital needed to jumpstart development and match donations from other sources. This fund was started to make available rotating credit that is repaid, and to supply future capital. How You Can Help How can churches, community organizations, and businesses get involved with Agros? Agros welcomes opportunities to partner with churches, organizations and businesses through its "Journey with a Village" program. This program partners individuals, families, churches, foundations, businesses or community groups with rural landless families in developing countries where Agros works. The purpose of the partnership is to enable these families to purchase their own agricultural land, build a livelihood, restore self-dignity, and overcome poverty. As a JWAV partner, you have the opportunity to help change these families' lives forever by coming alongside them in a financial and relational commitment of up to 5 years. Our typical process is: Meet : Get to know you, introduce you to the work of Agros and explain the JWAV program. Match : Determine if your goals and the community's goals would benefit through partnership. Champion : Help you select a Village Champion to organize a committee and if desired, delegate responsibilities and provide prayer support. Visit : Put together a trip so that you and other potential supporters can meet the families involved in your new potential partnership. Partner : Formalize the partnership through a signed agreement and celebration with the community. How can I make a donation to Agros? Simply on click on Give Now to make and individual donation, or call us at 206-528-1066. Home | Give Now | How We Work | Inside Agros | Get Involved | Learn More | Contact © 2005 Agros International. 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Real Estate Investing Wealth

Michigan Real Estate Investment Information - Free CD - Foreclosures Investing Blog Michigan Real Estate Investment Blog My Michigan real estate investment blog on how to find, fix and flip bank foreclosures in Michigan. -- Michigan Real Estate Investment Blog My pursuit of life, liberty, happiness and Killer Foreclosure Deals in Michigan real estate! Bio Unemployable since 2000, Mark Ijlal buys and sells bank foreclosures in the tri-county area in Southeastern Michigan without using any of his own money or credit. He hosts a weekly radio show on real estate investment strategies and coaches other Michigan folks who want to buy and sell Michigan bank foreclosures. He is launching the first ever television show on Michigan real estate investment in 2006 although he has never handled a camcorder in his life. He lives in Oakland County with his business partner and wife Nora with whom he has been stealing apples for 7 years now and their 2 completely out of control toddlers – Hailey and Saige! Mark Ijlal Rules! Mark Ijlal Rules for Making Money, Running Your Business, Investing in Real Estate and Pursuit of Happiness and Faith! My weekly Podcast of my Radio Show (AM1310 Saturdays, 8am-9am) for Michigan real estate investors! Posted every Monday. You can listen to it in iTunes or download the MP3's right here. Launch Date January 10, 2006 Recent Entries Smart Realtor Sends a letter - from Austin, TX Starting your own vs. Franchising Real Estate Tycoon Rising! December 24 Real Estate Warrior Show My Top 10 Predictions for Michigan Foreclosure and Real Estate Market Radio Show Update - Warrior and What is Coming Next in 2006 Snapshot of major Michigan cities Money Magazine Article on Young Guy Made Good Real Estate Search Engines Saying Goodbye to The Michigan Real Estate Warrior Show Search Search this blog: December 29, 2005 Smart Realtor Sends a letter - from Austin, TX I just got a letter in the mail from Rick Ellis – the very smart manager at Prudential Texas Realty in Austin Texas. He sent this letter to My Michigan Coach address as we are listed in couple of real estate directories under the heading of Investment Clubs. In this envelope is his business cards and a newspaper article from a local Austin newspaper. Here is the headline – “Busyers Snapping up Austin Houses”- and then the newspaper article goes on talking about the HOT market in Austin compared to other Dallas cities. On the left hand side margin is a hand written jot – “Let me know if I can be of future help.” Why am I so impressed? Well this is the first time a Realtor has mailed me something like this let alone from outside Michigan. I never understood why most Realtors never bother trying to market themselves to the very profitable, easily reachable and repeat business niche of real estate investors. After all if you were marketing anything like this to the real estate investment community – we are all on the Inernet, there are directories available that identify us, real estate investment clubs and groups, forums that are dedicated to the topic and of course blogs like this. Technorati Tags: Foreclosures Michigan Investing Money Cashflow Real Estate Investment Real Estate Michigan Foreclosure Michigan Foreclosures Foreclosure Michigan Real Estate Real Estate Investing Wealth Posted by Mark at 01:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) December 27, 2005 Starting your own vs. Franchising A common comment made at social events when I mention what I do is this – “Wow! That sounds great but I rather buy a franchise. You cannot go wrong with that.” Really!!!! Says Who??? Well off course the franchisers who are making billions selling them. And the magazines (Entrepreneur, Small Business Opportunity, Work At Home etc) that are raking in millions in ad dollars by promoting the same franchisers. For me leaving your job to get a franchise is just getting a different boss – only this time the hours are mucho longer. For the first time in my memory a mainstream publication has the guts to do a “real” story on true story behind franchising – FSB or Fortune Small Business has a terrific story about Risk in Franchising and who mid level executives are being sold into a dream of franchising being “risk free” while shelling out big dollars for buying dozens of territories at a time. Well worth the read if you or your loved ones are contemplating the purchase of a franchise in the near future. I am not saying that all franchises are a losing proposition – they are not! But at the same time walk with your eyes open and don’t believe the hype that buying a franchise is 100% success and starting your own business is a recipe for disaster. Here are some excerpts from the FSB story: “According to the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers, companies that sell franchises go under at a rate of about 15% a year. That means, notes AAFD chairman Robert Purvin, that "in any given five-year period, 75% of franchisors disappear." In the early '90s Timothy Bates, a professor at Wayne State University, studied Census Bureau data on 20,000 new enterprises and found that 38% of franchise units failed over a four-year period, vs. 32% of independent startups. In some industries the gap was much greater. In retailing, for instance, 45% of franchised units lasted less than four years, while just 23% of independent retail stores flopped.” You can read the whole story here in Fortune Small Business . Technorati Tags: Foreclosures Michigan Investing Money Cashflow Real Estate Investment Real Estate Michigan Foreclosure Michigan Foreclosures Foreclosure Michigan Real Estate Real Estate Investing Wealth Posted by Mark at 05:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) December 26, 2005 Real Estate Tycoon Rising! Money Magazine article about real estate investment in the "real word" , found here . I find it interesting that children of self employes busyiness people often follow their parents - sometime after trying out the corporate life - into starting their own business. More on that later...... Tycoon in the making By Les Christie, CNN/Money staff writer NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - When Ted Theodoropoulos was about 10 years old, he learned a valuable lesson. "My father bought a corner house in Chapel Hill for $60,000," says Ted. "He intended to knock it down and build another. But before he had a chance to do that, they announced that a mall was going in directly across the street." His father wound up selling the property six months later for a cool $200,000 profit. "It was mostly luck," says Ted. "But it made a big impression on me." Perhaps it has helped focus Ted's entrepreneurial attitude. The 32-year-old North Carolinian has invested in three properties during the last two years and is looking for more. Ambition and Ted are well acquainted. His mom and his dad have both been business owners, in addition to dabbling in real estate. Ted himself started a company, a collection agency, when he was still in college. It was his mother who made the suggestion that launched his company. She was a restaurant owner who had taken some bad checks and she didn't have the time to pursue them herself. She told Ted she would give him a fee for any accounts he was able to make good. Ted was so successful that he dropped out of school and started a collection agency. It began with restaurant clients, then branched out to corporations, such as Lucor and Time Warner Cable, for which he collected equipment when customers moved away or fell behind in bills. At the peak, Ted employed 15 to 20 people. He ran it full time for a year as he attended night classes. It proved lucrative enough that his mother and a brother joined the business. After college, where he studied information technology, Microsoft offered him a good job, "50 percent more than I was making at the collection agency," he says. So he turned the collection business over to his brother and mother, and went to work at Microsoft's Charlotte office. He stayed there for a year or so and then went to work crunching data for a major bank, where he is a vice president today. First foray In 2001, Ted made his first real estate purchase, a one-bedroom condo in downtown Charlotte. He he paid $145,000 and it's now worth about $235,000. Watching the value soar "got my wheels turning." At the time, a bank colleague was supplementing her income flipping properties regularly. "She was not hitting the ball out of the park," he says, "But she was doing well." Through her, he met a broker who asked about Ted's means and goals: How much did he have to invest? Did he want to manage the property? What return was he looking for, and in what time frame? "He gave me a realistic picture of the business," says Ted. "A lot of it -- like cleaning up after tenants and chasing them for rent -- is undesirable." But Ted was used to working with credit reports and "skip traces," which enable collectors to track down people. So in early 2002, he bought a three-bedroom, one-bath, brick ranch near a gentrifying part of town. He paid only $72,000 plus a little more fixing the cosmetics and installing new air and floors. "I rented it out for a year," he said. "Then my mother and brother moved down to Charlotte and started living in the place." The two had put up some of the money for the house, as they have with subsequent ventures. The home's value has risen to the low $90s. Shopping for foreclosures The next step was to plunge into the foreclosure market. This is always a gamble because home inspections can be difficult to arrange making it tough to analyze how much more cash will have to be invested. On the other hand, foreclosures can be great bargains. Ted, for example paid less than $40,000 for two condos near downtown Charlotte. The first, a one-bedroom, was just $17,000. He rents it for $500 a month and values the property at $35,000 today. The second is a two-bedroom, one-bath, 900-square-foot he closed on last December. One of the reasons it interested him is that the condo board was spending to improve the property. "There's an undesirable neighborhood next to the condos and it's keeping the property values down," says Ted. "But the board was talking of a special assessment to pay for a fence to block it off from the bad area." He felt that with such steps the apartment would be worth much more than the $22,000 he paid. Ted wants to sell this apartment and has put it on the market for $44,500, which would mean a profit of $20,000. Although he has proceeded cautiously, Ted envisions expanding more rapidly. Right now, he wants to do more low-risk deals until he learns the real estate business inside and out. Ultimately, he would like to involve his two other brothers in it as well. "When you're working with your brother, you know you're going to get a straight deal," he says. Technorati Tags: Foreclosures Michigan Investing Money Cashflow Real Estate Investment Real Estate Michigan Foreclosure Michigan Foreclosures Foreclosure Michigan Real Estate Real Estate Investing Wealth Posted by Mark at 01:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) December 25, 2005 December 24 Real Estate Warrior Show Wrap up of the year 2005 in the lastest show, emails answered and preview of what is coming next. This is the last Real Estate Warrior Show - of the year and its kind. January 8th, 2006 I will be back with a new radio show on AM1310 (for those who care to listen LIVE) and a new Podcast. All the subsequent shows will be available for download only on Mark Ijlal dot com. Just dont have time to manage mulitple sites. MP3 File Posted by Mark at 01:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) December 24, 2005 My Top 10 Predictions for Michigan Foreclosure and Real Estate Market A little Christmas gift for my blog readers and radio show listeners. Download a brand new closed door presentation that I recently did in front of my coacing group members. Never released before - My Top 10 Trends Predictions for Michigan Real Estate and Foreclosure Market in 2006. Available for your download till Midnight, December 31, 2005. You can check it out at our new site for Michigan Foreclosure Investors Technorati Tags: Foreclosures Michigan Investing Money Cashflow Real Estate Investment Real Estate Michigan Foreclosure Michigan Foreclosures Foreclosure Michigan Real Estate Real Estate Investing Wealth Posted by Mark at 08:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) December 23, 2005 Radio Show Update - Warrior and What is Coming Next in 2006 Thank you to hundreds of you who wrote last night to me about the radio station. I can tell you that you changed my mind. Sometime I forget that how many people make use of this information that I humbly put out. But this is what you told me: 1. Everybody loves the idea of downloading the show. That will continue. However the Real Estate Warrior Show site is going away. The links for downloads will be at my blog, starting from New Year. It is just too hard to maintain all these sites especially I am not a techie. I am consolidating everything under just three sites – this blog, My Michigan Coach site which is my Michigan personal coaching site and Foreclosure Tour which is our Spring / Summer Michigan Foreclosure Tour thing that Darrick and Nora do. 2. Podcasting – everybody and I mean everybody complained because I don’t update on a regular basis. My fault completely and truthfully I never knew so many people were Podcasting it. But that will change immediately. When the show is put on the site – it will be Podcasted so you can get it in iTunes etc. 3. Bigger station – I am switching to AM 1310 Detroit Progressive Talk Station – they have a much bigger coverage than AM 1400 which hopefully means that better coverage in the tri-county area. 4. LIVE – still doing LIVE radio so you can call and talk and ask questions. 5. Saturday – everybody hated Sunday’s idea – so we left it at Saturday – 8am to 9am. One hour early but still Saturday. That was one of the biggest demands from everybody. 6. Some people asked me that the reason I am thinking about doing Internet radio so I can stop talking about Michigan real estate and talk about generic real estate. That will NEVER – EVER happen. I am no desire, surprising as it may sound to talk generic stuff. Michigan is what it is today and Michigan is what is going to be talked about tomorrow. If this stuff works someplace else – as many of your politely point out to me all the time :- ) – that is fine with me but I just have no desire or ambition to change the Michigan feel of my show. So thank you once again to all of you who send in your input regarding the Radio Show. Mucho Appreciated! Posted by Mark at 01:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) Snapshot of major Michigan cities This is a good link on CNN / Money site about Michigan - it has good data about the major Michigan cities. Good stuff to know if you are investing in these cities or to include in your Private Lender Kits. Posted by Mark at 01:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) December 20, 2005 Money Magazine Article on Young Guy Made Good Finally an article on real estate investment in a mainstream magazine which is not titled, Is The Party Over? (Yawn!) You can read the orignial article at Money Magazine site here or down below: Tycoon in the making Minnesotan Joshua Carlson turned a $5,000 investment into a million-dollar real estate portfolio By Sarah Max BEND, Ore. (CNN/Money) – Joshua Carlson was just an undergraduate business major at the University of Minnesota when he set his sights on his first real estate investment: a duplex he and a friend were renting near campus in Minneapolis. "It was the perfect set up," said Carlson, 31. "I knew I wasn't going anywhere for a while, and I knew my neighbors didn't want to go anywhere for a long time, either." Though the building wasn't for sale, Carlson started talking to his landlord about the possibility of buying it. Eventually, they struck a deal. With a $5,000 down payment and financing through his landlord, Carlson bought the building for $105,000 shortly after finishing his undergraduate degree. Carlson paid his landlord 8.5 percent interest on a 30-year loan he could pay off any time, which he did when he refinanced two years later. "That guy really helped me out," said Carlson of his former landlord. Now, the duplex is worth three times what he paid for it, according to a recent appraisal. No vacancy By day, Carlson works as a technology consultant earning between $80,000 and $100,000 a year. By night, he is in his second year at William Mitchell School of Law, where he is focusing on real estate law. In November, Carlson will close on his fifth property, bringing his real estate portfolio to about $1.75 million. He estimates his equity portion is about $600,000. Buying real estate was a natural progression for Carlson. He started mowing lawns in grade school and paid his way through college working at a public golf course in the summer and at an ice rink – as a Zamboni driver – in the winter. "My brother used to call me Alex P. Keaton," he said, referring to Michael J. Fox's financially astute character on "Family Ties." In 1998, Carlson bought a second duplex on the same block as his first unit. This building was also not for sale, but Carlson searched the county's property information and tracked down the owners. "I sent them a letter and they responded favorably," said Carlson, who negotiated another contract for deed for $110,000 until he could refinance at a lower rate. In 2000 Carlson, tapped his savings to buy a third duplex, and in 2002 he bought a fourth one, which is where he lives now. "The common theme to all of the properties is they're in nice neighborhoods and they're within two blocks of water," said Carlson, who also contributes twice monthly to an investment account worth about $70,000. He favors older Minneapolis neighborhoods over the suburbs because he knows those areas well, and he thinks rental demand is strong in them. "The only vacancy I've had in all of this time is about two to three months," said Carlson, whose tenants are primarily graduate students at the university. He rarely advertises for his apartments. Instead, he depends on recommendations from his existing renters. Living rent free Carlson's total cost for the four properties is about $7,600 a month, including mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance and routine maintenance. Meanwhile, he collects $7,800 a month in rent and lives "rent" free. "I don't really care about year-to-year fluctuations (in the real estate market) as long as the rents pay the mortgage," said Carlson. His goal is to accumulate as much property as possible, pay it off within the next 25 years and live off of the rent. "Even if the property doesn't appreciate, you still have income." In November, Carlson will close on a new condominium in downtown Minneapolis, which he and a friend agreed to buy for $166,000 three years ago when the project was speculative. The price of condos in the building has gone up about 10 percent a year, according to Carlson. When he graduates from law school in late 2005, Carlson hopes to trade his consulting job for one that focuses almost exclusively on real estate. Meanwhile, he wants to buy a larger apartment building using a 1031 exchange, which is a tax maneuver that would allow him to trade his duplex for another building but avoid paying capital gains taxes. "I'm trying to find a mentor who can help me take the next step," said Carlson. "I don't need someone to hold my hand but it would be nice to work with someone who's already done what I'm trying to do." Technorati Tags: Foreclosures Michigan Investing Money Cashflow Real Estate Investment Real Estate Michigan Foreclosure Michigan Foreclosures Foreclosure Michigan Real Estate Real Estate Investing Wealth Posted by Mark at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) December 19, 2005 Real Estate Search Engines Wall Street Journal today has an interest article about going above and beyond Google for Search. They showcased these 2 websites for finding a home for sale or rent. A quick way of checking what the houses are going for in your home turf in Michigan. Homepages collects online listings from different websites and conveniently displays them in one location. They do pretty decent in big cities although smaller cities seemed to be limited according to WSJ. Oodle is another story altogether - it searches classified ads - for real estate as well as other listings - and allow users to filter results by location, price, number of bedrooms and other cirteria. You can also have new listings email to as they are posted. Technorati Tags: Foreclosures Michigan Investing Money Cashflow Real Estate Investment Real Estate Michigan Foreclosure Michigan Foreclosures Foreclosure Michigan Real Estate Real Estate Investing Wealth Posted by Mark at 06:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) December 18, 2005 Saying Goodbye to The Michigan Real Estate Warrior Show Christmas Eve, December 24, 2005 is my last radio show at WDTK 1400AM. I have decided to move the radio show to the Internet as a full fledge downloadable show / Podcast or better still go _____________. Why? Well first I never thought that so many people would download the show from the site and especially from the Podcast. Here I am, driving around between Madison Heights and Bloomfield Hills, going by my way and hundreds and hundreds of downloads every day. Very humbling. And a great deal of responsibility to deliver. Then one hour is not really enough to get into the really meat of things. I want to have a show where we can analyze the different ways there is money to be made in Michigan real estate, but radio has its own schedule and all they can give is 57 minutes. Then I have been thinking about doing a television show – either on Comcast cable system or doing streaming video on the Internet. I am a big believer in the power of Internet in transforming the business of buying and selling real estate and I think that a huge change is right on the horizon for people who are agile enough to cash in. I am talking about video on the Internet. It has become cheaper and downright easier to put video on the Internet. All you need is a digital camcorder (DV) and a Firewire cable and you are in business in 20 minutes. There is so much that video can show that radio cannot. You can show a house, see the wonderful people that make up my coaching group, meet real life Michigan real estate investors and also the advanced level plays being made by people in the know. So with that circulating in my mind, I pulled the plug on the Real Estate Warrior Show. I can tell you one thing, with great satisfaction – in 12 weeks I have created the biggest weekend hit that station have ever seen in their history. They wanted me to coach all new radio show hosts to generate this much buzz. Funny when you add the fact that I got turned down by every single radio station in metro Detroit area because of my accent. But the new thing – whether Podcast, downloadable MP3 or video – is starting January 2006 – I am looking at all my options, wishing that I would have hurried up and hired the personal assistant that I need right now to play catch up with all this. It was an interesting experience and helped me learn a whole about radio. We actually have an entire radio campaign running on 107.5 where I wrote the 60-second commercial to sell our properties. I will have the MP3 next week and I will put up here so everybody can listen to it. It is a different twist on selling houses and I think it will work very well in the long run. Technorati Tags: Foreclosures Michigan Investing Money Cashflow Real Estate Investment Real Estate Michigan Foreclosure Michigan Foreclosures Foreclosure Michigan Real Estate Real Estate Investing Wealth Posted by Mark at 09:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) A child to inspire A very cool and inspiring video . Hat tip to Brad Fallon for pulling this up. Posted by Mark at 07:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) The voice of a Michigan Real Estate Investor If you ever had the misfortune of working as a telemarketer in a big room environment then you would probably know already what I am talking about. Your voice has carries much more than you think – smile, happiness, confidence, sadness, despair, anxiety and anger – big telemarketing departments actually have mirrors installed on top of the workstations so people can actually smile when they are taking inbound or outbound calls. Your smile shows in your voice. Notice some people “sound” happy yet other sound miserable. Why is it important for you as a Michigan real estate investor? 1. If you are running an advertising campaign to attract motivated sellers – their first personal contact with you is almost always on a phone call. They will hear your voice before they meet you. 2. If you are selling a house that you have just renovated to sell – your buyers will talk to you first before actually going to the house or meeting your face to face. 3. If you are talking to a private lender – most likely some conversation will happen on the phone before a personal meeting. Our business is a “phone business” – meaning there is a more time that you will talk to people, for the first time ever and all they have is your voice to go on. Here is the funny part – the way you sound on the phone is completely different from the way you “think” you sound on the phone. If you are coaching group member and you talked to me last week on the one on one call – go to the Members Only area and download your session and listen to it. I bet you that you will be surprised on how you sound. I talk a lot – on the phone and most of the time I will tape my own calls and listen to them later. A good way to find out how you sound when talking to prospective buyers, motivated sellers, private lenders etc – is to invest in the cheapest digital voice recorder you can find - $50 will buy you a pretty decent one and start taping yourself. And then actually listen to your conversation later and see if you like you what you hear. The ability to talk well on the phone – sound confident, happy and on top of your game – is a great skill to develop. Nobody is born with it – after all we all came to this world without any voice. We all learn it as we go along. So it is a skill that could be learned and you can become better at it. I know that I have improved tremendously in the last two years over the phone. I still have some of my old recordings and I sound horrible. But that was one thing that I always thought would be a good skill to have and I worked on it. By the way, if you are having a bad day – don’t take calls from anybody in your real estate business – misery has a way of multiplying. Turn the phone off and take it easy for the day. If you take a second and think about it – the last time you called your doctor to get an appointment, made a business call to set an appointment, got a call from one your advertisement running to get homeowners in preforeclosure to call you – what impressions you formed in the first 30 seconds you started talking? I had two very smart people in my Gold/VIP coaching group in 2005 which just concluded – Susan Berkley a voice coach who was actually on Apprentice Season 4 coaching the contestants who to speak better and Chris Mullins who has training business teach sales people and everybody else how to talk better on the phone. The astonishing part about all this – how bad most people sound on the phone whose entire job description consists of taking phone calls. If you have somebody else taking phone calls – business partner, significant other, employee, answering service – mystery shop them, tape it and listen to it. You will be surprised. The key to getting better at this is one to know how you sound like right now (tape it), and notice what people actually make you want to talk to them over the phone. Technorati Tags: Foreclosures Michigan Investing Money Cashflow Real Estate Investment Real Estate Michigan Foreclosure Michigan Foreclosures Foreclosure Michigan Real Estate Real Estate Investing Wealth Posted by Mark at 06:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) December 06, 2005 Oakland County Real Estate Update Here are the houses sold and closed last week in Oakland County for the week of 12/4 according to Detroit Free Press: Oakland County December 4, 2005 Auburn Hills 186 Amys Walk, $170,000 3047 Carly Ct., $116,000 2260 Commonwealth Ave., $175,000 3720 Eaton Gate Ln., $315,000 3568 Grove Ln., $214,000 2666 Hatton Rd., $50,000 2305 Oaknoll St., $58,000 1208 Taylor Rd., $170,000 Berkley 711 Columbia Rd., $185,000 1628 Columbia Rd., $183,000 1921 Columbia Rd., $148,000 2869 Cummings Ave., $188,000 3734 Greenfield Rd., $171,000 3682 Robina Ave., $153,000 2045 Sunnyknoll Ave., $110,000 Beverly Hills 21520 Corsaut Ln., $550,000 15948 Dunblaine Ave., $337,000 18674 W 13 Mile Rd., $225,000 16161 Wetherby St., $305,000 Birmingham 529 Bloomfield Ct., $224,000 1592 E Lincoln St., $228,000 1373 E Melton Rd., $288,000 740 Humphrey Ave., $647,000 347 N Eton St., $135,000 361 N Eton St., $117,000 1522 Penistone St., $160,000 1264 S Eton St., $255,000 1841 Stanley Blvd., $290,000 575 Vinewood Ave., $495,000 535 W Merrill St., $500,000 2112 Yorkshire Rd., $325,000 Bloomfield Hills/Township 3641 Berkshire Dr., $585,000 5980 Blandford Rd., $615,000 5132 Forest Way, $425,000 5312 Forest Way, $450,000 5390 Hollow Dr., $399,000 1928 Klingensmith Rd., $145,000 2252 Lancaster Rd., $180,000 6712 Mark Ct., $284,000 2561 Middlebury Ln., $356,000 5568 N Adams Way, $290,000 500 Overhill Rd., $790,000 4000 Overlea Ct., $835,000 4960 Ranch Ln., $360,000 5699 Raven Rd., $473,000 1655 S Hill Blvd., $150,000 1806 S Hill Blvd., $189,000 827 S Pemberton Rd., $450,000 1201 Trowbridge Rd., $2,750,000 6743 Vachon Dr., $455,000 Clarkston 6807 Almond Ln., $184,000 5940 Baypointe Blvd., $285,000 5063 Cecelia Ann Ave., $120,000 5754 Chestnut Hill Dr., $250,000 5037 Clintonville Pines Dr., $195,000 7190 Elderwood Cir., $295,000 4425 Elmdale Ave., $170,000 225 Maplewood Dr., $290,000 4886 Menominee Ln., $387,000 8635 N Eston Rd., $170,000 3250 Oakhill Pl., $235,000 6372 Peach Dr., $162,000 6827 Snow Apple Dr., $199,000 5015 Timber Lake Trl., $750,000 6351 Waldon Center Dr., $194,000 9591 Westwood Cir., $120,000 Clawson 245 E Baker Ave., $105,000 576 E Baker Ave., $170,000 1269 Kenilworth Pl., $202,000 694 Lincoln Ave., $159,000 Farmington 21310 Birchwood St., $215,000 23114 Farmington Rd., $145,000 Farmington Hills 21634 Albion Ave., $100,000 29136 Aranel St., $219,000 27319 Arden Park Cir., $206,000 30044 Astor St., $177,000 22247 Atlantic Pointe, $123,000 27920 Berrywood Ln., $99,000 28337 Brandywine Rd., $275,000 25581 Briarwyke Dr., $264,000 34335 Colfax Dr., $161,000 27987 Copper Creek Ln., $515,000 27459 Cranbrook Dr., $364,000 36972 Dartmoor Dr., $175,000 36964 Fox Run, $428,000 29111 Glenarden St., $248,000 29230 Greening St., $230,000 29615 Greening St., $217,000 26304 Greythorne Trl., $275,000 29889 Harrow Dr., $500,000 28790 Kendallwood Dr., $245,000 39100 Lancaster Dr., $293,000 28862 Lincolnview Dr., $250,000 24080 Lori Ct., $270,000 31702 N Marklawn St., $225,000 29406 Pendleton Club Dr., $131,000 33625 Rhonswood St., $195,000 24677 Springbrook Dr., $210,000 22061 Tredwell Ave., $178,000 23159 Tuck Rd., $169,000 23150 Tulane Ave., $190,000 31274 Westwood Rd., $449,000 27247 Winterset Cir., $450,000 29750 Woodbrook St., $239,000 Ferndale 21052 Bethlawn Blvd., $156,000 713 E Chesterfield St., $132,000 505 E Marshall St., $104,000 445 E Saratoga St., $129,000 2202 Garfield St., $142,000 410 Leroy St., $126,000 1101 Rosewood St., $104,000 647 Saint Louis St., $100,000 656 Spencer St., $108,000 572 W Breckenridge St., $211,000 474 W Hazelhurst St., $139,000 706 W Hazelhurst St., $210,000 366 W Webster St., $188,000 666 Withington St., $187,000 432 Wordsworth St., $125,000 Franklin 30715 N Greenbriar Rd., $375,000 24620 S Cromwell Dr., $410,000 Holly 3211 Belford Rd., $320,000 6840 Big Trail Rd., $182,000 9568 Bloomhill Dr., $200,000 322 Crescent Ave., $123,000 3845 Demode Rd., $192,000 11379 Dixie Hwy., $168,000 124 E Rattalee Lake Rd., $217,000 7995 Hickory Ridge Rd., $255,000 7050 Milford Rd., $160,000 8011 Milford Rd., $265,000 Huntington Woods 26401 Dundee Rd., $325,000 Lake Orion 1932 Amsbury Ln., $204,000 3196 Beechtree Ct., $88,000 2428 Cedar Key Dr., $299,000 3063 Cedar Key Dr., $231,000 117 Evergreen Trl., $172,000 2757 Fox Hollow Ct., $92,000 3804 High Grove Way, $437,000 3977 High Grove Way, $438,000 801 N Conklin Rd., $163,000 2671 Regency Dr., $220,000 1814 S Lapeer Rd., $157,000 701 Victoria Is., $230,000 Madison Heights 26619 Alden St., $152,000 30232 Alger St., $112,000 30824 Blairmoor Dr., $191,000 27722 Brettonwoods St., $119,000 26131 Brush St., $136,000 27323 Brush St., $145,000 1535 Connie Ave., $155,000 28360 Couzens Ave., $153,000 28361 Delton St., $161,000 85 E Kalama Ave., $129,000 1108 E Rowland Ave., $153,000 28606 Freda Ct., $155,000 26576 Hampden St., $80,000 31283 Maple Ridge Ln., $265,000 1350 Maureen Ave., $149,000 29348 Shackett Ave., $133,000 25833 Truman St., $105,000 Milford 536 Canal St., $245,000 3123 Canyon Oaks Trl., $770,000 3164 Canyon Oaks Trl., $1,180,000 735 Mill St., $284,000 617 Telya Rdg., $308,000 163 Turnberry Ct., $265,000 2150 W Dawson Rd., $318,000 2080 Wildflower Ln., $463,000 Northville 795 Carpenter St., $123,000 21195 Lujon Dr., $372,000 46805 S Chigwidden Dr., $251,000 50965 Sunday Dr., $735,000 20807 W Glen Haven Cir., $148,000 Novi 44750 Bayview Dr., $153,000 41887 Cantebury Dr., $193,000 23764 E Le Bost, $156,000 24585 Edgewood Dr., $268,000 23625 Londonderry, $195,000 22557 Moorgate St., $384,000 31151 Rolling Grove Dr., $245,000 25928 Sierra Dr., $215,000 25050 Sullivan Ln., $292,000 41668 Tera Ln., $311,000 40740 Village Oaks, $246,000 Oak Park 24330 Berkley St., $168,000 13681 Borgman St., $146,000 10211 Burton Ave., $200,000 23701 Church St., $148,000 21601 Gardner St., $135,000 13640 Lincoln St., $140,000 21821 Marlow St., $145,000 25990 Marlowe Pl., $197,000 21710 Parklawn St., $110,000 10731 Saratoga St., $80,000 26101 Stratford Pl., $240,000 15221 W 9 Mile Rd., $67,000 Pontiac 671 2nd Ave., $137,000 308 Arnold Ave., $232,000 209 Edison St., $79,000 486 Elm St., $117,000 224 Going St., $117,000 507 Harper St., $81,000 649 Lebaron Ave., $110,000 639 Lewa Downs Dr., $134,000 674 Lydia Dr., $134,000 613 Markle Ave., $125,000 407 N Cass Ave., $75,000 68 Putnam Ave., $64,000 655 Rosewood Pl., $70,000 253 Samburu St., $210,000 230 Stonegate E, $176,000 32 W Longfellow Ave., $175,000 27 W Princeton Ave., $90,000 Rochester 512 Renshaw St., $208,000 365 South St., $195,000 Rochester Hills 798 Apple Hill Ln., $585,000 245 Avalanche Dr., $321,000 337 Essex Dr., $328,000 735 Hamilton Ct., $180,000 2421 Harrison Ave., $130,000 1510 Hidden Valley Ln., $164,000 1793 Kilburn Rd.N, $355,000 833 Langdon Ct., $163,000 6225 N Rochester Rd., $610,000 2695 Oak View Ct., $320,000 1072 Paint Creek Ln., $173,000 503 Plymouth Ct., $199,000 859 Rambling Dr., $355,000 1339 Royal Crescent St., $285,000 2237 Siboney Ct., $170,000 1586 Streamwood Ct., $145,000 521 Utah Rd., $237,000 2105 Warrington Rd., $235,000 3642 Warwick Dr., $518,000 361 Willow Grove Ln., $165,000 South Lyon 56270 9 Mile Rd., $445,000 61145 Brookway Dr., $335,000 226 Easton Dr., $360,000 1134 Gentry Dr., $90,000 726 Kestrel Ct., $250,000 22210 Quail Run Ct., $180,000 61860 Richfield St., $204,000 53212 Shinnecock Dr., $95,000 379 Stanford Ave., $192,000 Southfield 27369 Aberdeen St., $210,000 28784 Aberdeen St., $98,000 25980 Acacia St., $227,000 17121 Anna St., $220,000 28709 Brentwood St., $136,000 19262 Dorset St., $158,000 28515 E Kalong Cir., $420,000 24746 Edgemont Dr., $210,000 23470 Edinburgh St., $180,000 29137 Evergreen Rd., $132,000 17652 Gateway Cir., $177,000 23209 Grayson Dr., $168,000 23297 Grayson Dr., $158,000 21751 Hidden Rivers Dr.N, $125,000 20840 McClung Ave., $188,000 21226 Midway Ave., $145,000 23596 Norcrest Dr., $164,000 27725 Pierce St., $197,000 30585 Pierce St., $304,000 29335 Pinetree Dr., $250,000 19688 Raleigh Cir. S, $123,000 29303 Rambling Rd., $162,000 28651 Regent Ct.N, $100,000 20330 Rodeo Ct., $180,000 19439 Silvercrest St., $255,000 15626 Stone Crossing Dr., $178,000 19930 Villa Dr.S, $163,000 19950 Villa Dr.S, $170,000 24585 W 10 Mile Rd., $121,000 19810 W 12 Mile Rd., $81,000 25810 W 12 Mile Rd., $180,000 Troy 5270 Allison Dr., $330,000 2827 Amberly Ln., $440,000 5798 Andover Rd., $523,000 3214 Camden Dr., $259,000 3226 Camden Dr., $281,000 3291 Camden Dr., $295,000 1543 Charlevois Dr., $342,000 1974 Deloy Dr., $170,000 1076 Fountain Dr., $362,000 2033 Hartshorn Ave., $302,000 3976 Meadowbrook Dr., $307,000 5798 Northfield Pkwy., $160,000 5818 Northfield Pkwy., $215,000 6869 Northpoint Ct., $317,000 1439 Peachtree Dr., $248,000 4911 Pickford Dr., $352,000 6740 Redford Cir., $350,000 163 Tacoma Dr., $163,000 2089 Topaz Dr., $265,000 4110 Washington Crescent Dr., $265,000 3786 Wayfarer Dr., $363,000 6780 Woodcrest Dr., $430,000 5821 Wright Dr., $225,000 Walled Lake 1986 Carsons Cv., $833,000 27105 Chantel Dr., $210,000 370 Cherry Grove Ln., $325,000 17201 Chesapeake Cir., $164,000 17209 Chesapeake Cir., $177,000 103 Chestnut Rdg., $280,000 1556 Dover Hl. S, $139,000 569 E Walled Lake Dr., $203,000 1412 Hidden Meadows Dr.E, $159,000 246 Neptune Dr., $130,000 1870 Plumridge Ct., $331,000 627 S Pontiac Trl., $220,000 West Bloomfield 4987 Arbor Ct., $396,000 3631 Bayou Dr., $360,000 2480 Beachview Ln., $419,000 7339 Brookridge Dr., $295,000 5320 Cedar Grove Ct., $335,000 4284 Claire Ct., $290,000 7342 Crackling Creek Cir., $400,000 2071 Daintree Ave., $423,000 5393 Deerfield Village Dr., $370,000 4115 E Newland Dr., $485,000 7331 Edinborough, $251,000 6605 Heron Pt, $318,000 4009 Iverness Ln., $254,000 4932 Lake Bluff Ct., $382,000 2951 Long Ridge Ct., $620,000 6078 Orchard Woods Dr., $506,000 2369 Pine Lake Rd., $995,000 5573 Silver Pond, $608,000 5275 Simpson Lake Rd., $310,000 2830 Treyburn Ln., $430,000 2857 Water Oaks Dr., $365,000 7009 Wildridge Ln., $261,000 6354 Wood Pond Rd., $355,000 White Lake 7008 Biscayne Ave., $310,000 71 Blackberry Dr., $339,000 9068 Julia St., $108,000 5999 S Bryan, $310,000 3295 Silver Ridge, $224,000 8028 Springdale Dr., $250,000 890 Sunnybeach Blvd., $275,000 2632 W Meadow Dr., $177,000 Technorati Tags: Foreclosures Michigan Investing Money Cashflow Real Estate Investing Real Estate Investment Real Estate Posted by Mark at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Wayne County Real Estate Update These are the houses sold and closed during the week of December 4, 2005 in Wayne County, Michigan. Wayne County December 4, 2005 Allen Park 17213 Allen Park $132,000 10132 Allen Rd.$155,000 14902 Jonas Ave. $148,000 6384 Kolb Ave. $175,000 15566 Meyer Ave. $125,000 17272 O'Connor Ave. $164,000 8402 Quandt Ave. $168,000 17415 Russell Ave. $95,000 Belleville 27 Bedell St.$184,000 308 Edison Ave. $241,000 49425 Judd Rd.$176,000 48880 Wear Rd.$359,000 Brownstown Township 24500 Bailey Rd.$193,000 28374 Brookfield Ct.$94,000 24440 Christian Dr.$230,000 17815 Clover St.$80,000 27121 Debiasi Dr.$75,000 20030 Hidden Oaks Dr.$130,000 20031 Hidden Oaks Dr.$120,000 21306 Hildebrandt Dr.$258,000 31786 Honey Suckle Dr.$60,000 35604 Leland St.$96,000 21596 Majestic Dr.$155,000 21597 Majestic Dr.$152,000 3190 Marigold Drive $207,000 17421 Michigan $213,000 27512 Mill Creek Dr.$243,000 27160 Newberry Blvd. $317,000 23508 Stacey Dr.$224,000 20086 Twin Pond Dr.$320,000 27769 Warbler Ct.$116,000 27785 Warbler Ct.$90,000 27786 Warbler Ct.$114,000 20530 Woodruff Rd.$194,000 Canton 2494 Amber Dr.$290,000 1944 Bellingham St.$220,000 47951 Cardiff Ave. $168,000 1872 Cedar Valley Dr.$175,000 140 Cherry Grove Rd.$253,000 40645 Deer Creek Ct.$330,000 1276 E Franciscan Ct.$252,000 6532 Edgewood Rd.$234,000 8158 Endicott Ln. $176,000 1011 Foothill Rd.$287,000 1164 High Ridge Dr.$252,000 4480 Hunters Cir. $158,000 4249 Hunters Cir. E $157,000 48492 Inveraray Rd.$538,000 6676 Kings Mill Dr.$430,000 2287 Knollwood Dr.$162,000 2238 Lone Wolf Ln. $198,000 39951 Lynn St.$179,000 1311 Mistwood Ct.$303,000 8383 New Haven Way $442,000 7195 Oakleaf Ct.$279,000 40556 Ramblewood Ct.$243,000 42902 Saxony Rd.$248,000 46610 Spinning Wheel Dr.$275,000 4255 Strathmore Ln. $221,000 1891 Vine Way Dr.$136,000 1419 Witland Dr.$200,000 7045 Woonsocket St.$233,000 555 Worthington Rd.$170,000 Ecorse 3845 11th St.$65,000 4571 7th St.$84,000 4236 9th St.$78,000 4067 High St.$78,000 18 Knox St.$79,000 Flat Rock 24541 Fairlawn Dr.$134,000 29380 Olmstead Rd.$204,000 27801 Warlber Court $87,000 Garden City 32324 Alvin St.$129,000 33521 Alvin St.$125,000 30099 Balmoral St.$144,000 33551 Florence St.$144,000 7070 Harrison St.$138,000 31920 John Hauk St.$144,000 28952 Marquette St.$149,000 31732 Pierce St.$161,000 29203 Rush St.$140,000 32240 Sheridan St.$165,000 Gibraltar 28989 EW Hedke Ct.$218,000 1406 Humbug Island Ct.$211,000 Grosse Ile 22026 Balmoral Dr.$370,000 9614 Parkway Dr.$225,000 Grosse Pointe 551 Fisher Rd.$410,000 419 Lincoln Rd.$535,000 524 Notre Dame St.$205,000 794 Notre Dame St.$300,000 800 Washington Rd.$517,000 Grosse Pointe Farms 33 Beaupre Ave. $287,000 252 Fisher Rd.$300,000 410 Hillcrest Ave. $196,000 207 McMillan Rd.$360,000 134 Meadow Ln. $390,000 316 Merriweather Rd.$435,000 351 Moselle Pl.$255,000 282 Stephens Rd.$230,000 140 Tonnacour Pl.$482,000 Grosse Pointe Park 15001 Kercheval St.$285,000 1348 Maryland St.$65,000 949 Nottingham Rd.$173,000 1375 Yorkshire Rd.$513,000 Grosse Pointe Shores 75 Roslyn Rd.$835,000 Grosse Pointe Woods 20060 Baltree Ct.$240,000 2127 Beaufait Dr.$253,000 21659 Centerbrook Ct.$288,000 1331 Hampton Rd.$200,000 1339 Hampton Rd.$228,000 19283 Linville St.$232,000 1838 Manchester Blvd. $148,000 947 Moorland Dr.$312,000 961 Moorland Dr.$373,000 619 Peachtree Ln. $240,000 975 S Brys Dr.$320,000 1181 S Oxford Rd.$483,000 20741 Virginia Ln. $275,000 Hamtramck 3330 Comstock St.$120,000 5057 Edwin St.$75,000 3210 Holbrook St.$110,000 12031 Sobieski St.$80,000 2603 Trowbridge St.$53,000 Harper Woods 20870 Beaufait St.$133,000 20002 Fleetwood Dr.$190,000 20228 Hunt Club Dr.$148,000 18785 Kenosha St.$101,000 20303 Roscommon St.$120,000 19893 Rose Ct.$142,000 20468 Washtenaw St.$116,000 21170 Woodmont St.$153,000 20045 Woodside St.$180,000 Highland Park 60 Florence St.$61,000 185 Hill St.$60,000 218 Pasadena St.$70,000 Inkster 301 Arlington St.$111,000 29137 Beechnut St.$116,000 28254 Deplanche Ln. $107,000 29141 Gertrude Ct.$89,000 26451 Hopkins St.$75,000 29177 Rosewood St.$87,000 29684 Spring Arbor Dr.$111,000 532 Sunningdale Dr.$120,000 1308 W River Park Dr.$95,000 27025 Yale St.$78,000 Lincoln Park 1308 Austin Ave. $70,000 1423 Austin Ave. $140,000 2059 Buckingham Ave. $98,000 2226 Calvin Ave. $134,000 2014 Champaign Rd.$134,000 1665 Chandler Ave. $105,000 1331 Ferris Ave. $82,000 1269 Fort Park Blvd. $89,000 1756 Fort Park Blvd. $105,000 4116 High St.$139,000 1756 Kings Hwy. $140,000 1363 Lejeune Ave. $165,000 1516 Marion Ave. $77,000 2075 Moran Ave. $50,000 1824 Myron Ave. $137,000 1420 Pagel Ave. $147,000 1387 Philomene Blvd. $102,000 2458 Pingree Ave. $110,000 1704 Progress Ave. $110,000 1853 Russell Ave. $130,000 Livonia 36039 6 Mile Rd.$249,000 33919 8 Mile Rd.$120,000 16020 Alpine Dr.$305,000 35020 Andrea Ct.$155,000 19410 Antago St.$127,000 14741 Arcola St.$175,000 9832 Arden St.$235,000 20330 Beatrice St.$165,000 19154 Beaverland $223,000 11425 Blackburn St.$262,000 37745 Bloomfield Dr.$279,000 19305 Brentwood St.$193,000 32935 Brookside Cir. $264,000 32982 Brookside Ct.$384,000 28594 Clarita St.$195,000 17251 Fairfield St.$381,000 16227 Fairlane Dr.$231,000 18255 Foch St.$150,000 14456 Gary Ln. $214,000 11012 Haller St.$151,000 11865 Haller St.$163,000 8949 Harrison St.$179,000 29031 Hathaway St.$170,000 14764 Hix St.$192,000 32975 Indiana St.$195,000 29331 Jacquelyn Dr.$209,000 36141 Jamison St.$212,000 30448 Jeannie $222,000 33306 Kentucky St.$168,000 36547 Ladywood St.$289,000 9036 Louise St.$160,000 17371 Manor $340,000 18924 Mayfield St.$245,000 9114 Melrose St.$182,000 14202 Merriman Rd.$195,000 29435 Munger St.$220,000 18768 Myron St.$185,000 32812 Oakley St.$176,000 14193 Park St.$187,000 14596 Park St.$194,000 27719 Perth St.$192,000 29149 Perth St.$184,000 16232 Riverside St.$230,000 33122 Scone St.$218,000 28544 Sunnydale St.$229,000 31111 Wentworth St.$285,000 Melvindale 2388 Bloomfield St.$70,000 2310 Corbin St.$85,000 19512 Stanley St.$115,000 17450 Wall St.$118,000 19041 Wall St.$65,000 New Boston 23595 Crescent Ridge Dr.$248,000 37820 Mahagony Dr.$125,000 22727 Merriman Rd.$225,000 28623 Mineral Springs Rd.$171,000 23351 W Creek Dr.$257,000 Plymouth 50436 Beechwood Ct.$221,000 11001 Brooks Ln. $606,000 300 E Ann Arbor Trl.$159,000 40535 Micol Dr.$215,000 651 N Evergreen St.$235,000 40576 Orangelawn Ave. $186,000 44624 Oregon Trl.$214,000 10699 Pinehurst Rd.$360,000 343 Red Ryder Dr.$230,000 11087 Terry St.$172,000 12415 Woodgate Dr.$197,000 45232 Woodleigh Ct.$405,000 River Rouge 10237 W Jefferson Ave. $200,000 Riverview 17139 Brinson St.$138,000 17156 Brinson St.$134,000 17796 Clark St.$72,000 17667 Mulberry St.$95,000 Romulus 15331 Colbert St.$112,000 32376 Gateway Dr.$158,000 32384 Gateway Dr.$161,000 16505 S Huron River Dr.$158,000 6088 Swan Lake Dr.$210,000 6123 Swan Lake Dr.$212,000 35251 Wick Rd.$155,000 Southgate 14063 Allen Rd.$125,000 14615 Balsam St.$110,000 15254 Brest St.$190,000 13626 Callender St.$125,000 13625 Karl St.$68,000 15405 Oakleigh $253,000 12822 Plum St.$112,000 13076 Poplar St.$158,000 12764 Pullman St.$139,000 16435 Silverado Dr.$269,000 13368 Ward St.$149,000 15730 Windemere St.$158,000 Taylor 6677 Bailey St.$154,000 6752 Beech Daly Rd.$94,000 6466 Burr St.$66,000 25039 Chestnut St.$163,000 14048 Fellrath St.$65,000 22718 Goddard Rd.$2,012,000 22742 Goddard Rd.$187,000 22340 Haig St.$146,000 11290 Lincoln St.$138,000 9867 McKinley St.$151,000 7178 Pardee Rd.$110,000 25074 Riema St.$178,000 25076 Riema St.$169,000 22909 Van Born Rd.$185,000 22770 W Keyes St.$159,000 Trenton 1599 Boxford St.$240,000 5562 Elmhurst Dr.$177,000 2160 Fort St.$71,000 1575 Harbor Blvd. $108,000 3298 John R St.$140,000 4745 Leisure Ln. $94,000 1815 Pinetree Dr.$171,000 5869 Rolling Ridge Dr.$281,000 2846 Saint Paul St.$142,000 2615 W Jefferson Ave. $175,000 Van Buren Township 9503 Andover Dr.$210,000 43800 Arborview Ln. $295,000 13412 Barnwell Dr.$50,000 11038 Buchanan St.$134,000 13263 Lake Point Blvd. $141,000 41973 Milton Dr.$50,000 41166 N Woodbury Green Dr.$91,000 49238 Sonrisa St.$365,000 Wayne 34605 Elm St.$157,000 3988 Winifred St.$130,000 Westland 7540 August Ave. $175,000 613 Bedford Dr.$218,000 30936 Beechnut St.$150,000 1677 Berkshire St.$160,000 32440 Bertram Dr.$157,000 34111 Blackfoot St.$145,000 8285 Bristol St.$108,000 7358 Central St.$70,000 33007 Chapman Pl.$183,000 36531 Deerhurst $158,000 8185 Donna St.$165,000 759 Easley Dr.$141,000 850 Fairlane St.$156,000 7075 Fox Chase Ln. $280,000 32145 Genessee St.$89,000 34521 Hazelwood St.$142,000 32465 Hiveley St.$153,000 30187 Joy Rd.$113,000 33201 Joy Rd.$140,000 4936 Julius Blvd. $116,000 8315 Liberty Blvd. $181,000 32660 Lone Pine Dr.$165,000 30721 Mackenzie Dr.$132,000 2263 Minerva St.$179,000 1777 N Berry St.$228,000 5820 N Carlson St.$122,000 6180 N Newburgh Rd.$186,000 2155 N Norma St.$190,000 5818 N Walton St.$139,000 32512 Newaygo St.$60,000 1505 Portland St.$148,000 28943 Powers St.$77,000 7759 Princeton Ct.$147,000 35840 Rolf St.$129,000 33948 Sandwood Dr.$238,000 35507 Schley St.$106,000 1903 Treadwell St.$179,000 27544 Van Born Rd.$131,000 7515 Woodview St.$80,000 Woodhaven 26701 Ashton Dr.$116,000 26709 Ashton Dr.$136,000 26715 Ashton Dr.$132,000 26723 Ashton Dr.$136,000 24810 Cabot Dr.$221,000 26741 Coachlight St.$265,000 24417 Colonial Dr.$190,000 23020 Fairlane Blvd. $120,000 26654 Kirkway Dr.$133,000 26688 Kirkway Dr.$138,000 21715 Poplar St.$185,000 26595 Reaume St.$185,000 16328 Truwood St.$203,000 Wyandotte 3922 15th St.$137,000 1482 16th St.$119,000 615 9th St.$107,000 1757 Dee St.$150,000 1227 Electric St.$127,000 1811 Electric St.$130,000 680 Highland St.$98,000 1743 McKinley St.$190,000 Technorati Tags: Foreclosures Michigan Investing Money Cashflow Real Estate Investing Real Estate Investment Real Estate Posted by Mark at 09:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) Macomb County Real Estate Update! Here are the houses sold and closed last week in Macomb County for the week of 12/4 according to Detroit Free Press: Macomb County December 4, 2005 Center Line 8073 Central $59,000 8433 Dale $90,000 7552 Henry $135,000 7546 Sterling $120,000 Chesterfield Township 50355 Baytown $195,000 33684 Bayview Dr.$118,000 51310 Caroline Dr.$308,000 28076 Cotton Creek Cir. $178,000 28088 Cotton Creek Cir. $178,000 28164 Cotton Rd.$270,000 54721 Darby St.$182,000 29892 Donna Ln. $114,000 53302 Elysia Dr.$285,000 47541 Forton St.$155,000 36108 Front St.$70,000 51666 Hale Ln. $145,000 32044 Hiddenbrook Dr.$198,000 49065 Jefferson Ave. $190,000 34113 Jerome St.$120,000 26043 Mariners Pt $179,000 33796 Michigamme Dr.$205,000 33801 Michigamme Dr.$188,000 49638 Octavia St.$200,000 26636 Pattyn Dr.$70,000 28183 Raleigh Crescent Dr.$130,000 51489 S Adele Cir. $187,000 29938 Sugar Creek Ct.$244,000 29930 Sugar Creek Dr.$205,000 53753 Traditional Dr.$130,000 34505 W Wilma Ct.$125,000 Clinton Township 38491 Albert Blvd. $60,000 42216 Aspen Ct.$151,000 40259 Aynesley St.$225,000 37095 Brynford Dr.$104,000 39066 Charbeneau St.$109,000 37345 Charter Oaks Blvd. $114,000 36766 Chatham Ct.$194,000 38576 Cheldon St.$225,000 15443 Cornell Dr.$155,000 20836 Danbury St.$139,000 17580 Daniel Ct.$599,000 20310 Drummond Bay $270,000 38200 Fairway Ct.$91,000 38250 Fairway Ct.$77,000 38272 Fairway Ct.$65,000 35239 Garret Dr.$198,000 16543 Karen Dr.$189,000 42527 Kingsley Dr.$195,000 16225 La Dolce Vita $185,000 15496 Leighton Dr.$211,000 24407 Meadowbridge Dr.$113,000 41189 Oak Hill Dr.$171,000 21081 Oak Ridge Dr.$60,000 24401 Quad Park Ln. $82,000 15795 Revere Dr.$150,000 38433 Santa Barbara St.$258,000 42336 Toddmark Ln. $116,000 19892 Towner Dr.$187,000 17268 Tremlett Dr.$220,000 Eastpointe 21740 Brittany Ave. $103,000 23134 Brittany Ave. $88,000 17120 Collinson Ave. $134,000 24658 Cushing Ave. $74,000 23118 Firwood Ave. $115,000 24224 Greenbrier Ave. $145,000 24825 Greenbrier Ave. $135,000 25031 Grove $113,000 22126 Hayes Ave. $122,000 22465 Lambrecht Ave. $65,000 24658 Lexington Ave. $129,000 16457 Manchester Ave. $152,000 21834 Nevada Ave. $74,000 23793 Rein Ave. $114,000 22416 Saxony Ave. $100,000 21739 Schroeder Ave. $118,000 15648 Sprenger Ave. $134,000 17254 Stephens Dr.$104,000 15601 Stricker Ave. $155,000 24881 Teppert Ave. $180,000 22808 Tuscany Ave. $79,000 15653 Veronica Ave. $125,000 Fraser 18332 Dogwood $170,000 33221 Duncan $169,000 31565 Fraser Dr.$60,000 33349 Janet $170,000 15403 Lincolnshire Ln. $217,000 16312 Orchard Ln. $150,000 33439 Otto Ave. $150,000 17851 Winsome $153,000 Harrison Township 39434 Chart St.$225,000 39220 E Archer Dr.$260,000 41265 Gloca Mora St.$360,000 29320 Grandview St.$333,000 38351 Hazel St.$195,000 34646 Jefferson Ave. $600,000 24628 Meadow Crk. $111,000 29579 Riverside Bay Ct.$465,000 29508 S River Rd.$155,000 29031 Thistle Ln. $140,000 36544 Union Lake Rd.$59,000 Macomb Township 22671 Amber River Dr.$231,000 47310 American Way $264,000 22161 Beech Knoll Dr.$333,000 56110 Birkdale Dr.$290,000 18892 Brighton Dr.$85,000 18910 Brighton Dr.$121,000 45976 Brookside N $198,000 18464 Cider Mill St.$214,000 18250 Country Club Dr.$72,000 18362 Country Club Dr.$250,000 18596 Country Club Dr.$252,000 46009 Donahue Ave. $198,000 51762 Eva Dr.$259,000 53355 Fairchild Rd.$664,000 53375 Fairchild Rd.$153,000 21309 Fairfield Dr.$247,000 48353 Farah Dr.$254,000 51745 Flyer Dr.$320,000 19606 Gallahad Dr.$256,000 49509 Galway Dr.$125,000 49665 Golden Gate Dr.$125,000 16223 Howard Dr.$340,000 48631 Hunter Dr.$269,000 47057 Hunters Chase Dr.$196,000 17995 Huron Dr.$303,000 56505 Indian Trl.$150,000 49392 Kilkenny Dr.$120,000 50272 Knoll Ct.$188,000 46094 Lookout Dr.$73,000 48571 Lorenzo Dr.$295,000 46787 Peach Grove Ave. $193,000 18805 Pine Ln. $290,000 21535 Raintree Dr.$125,000 22067 Saskatoon Ct.$426,000 20910 Sleepy Hollow Dr.$195,000 46467 Swirling Leaves Ln. $269,000 17174 Tower Dr.$282,000 52586 Wildwood Dr.$274,000 21879 Wilshire Cir. $231,000 20672 Windham Dr.$324,000 47234 Woodberry Estates Dr.$385,000 Mount Clemens 107 Avery St.$104,000 58 Gallup St.$150,000 147 Gallup St.$85,000 1689 Hampton Rd.$135,000 96 Hubbard St.$155,000 225 N Walnut St.$112,000 151 Robertson St.$174,000 New Baltimore 53420 Andrew Cir. $226,000 51580 Ashley St.$146,000 51530 Base St.$154,000 53527 Bradford Ct.$244,000 52104 Elizabeth Ln. $166,000 52118 Fox Pointe Dr.$50,000 28307 Gold Rd.$241,000 52261 Rivard Rd.$214,000 New Haven 57163 Decora Park Ct.$214,000 32789 Dominion St.$234,000 32173 E Cranston St.$168,000 57406 River Oaks Dr.$257,000 57646 River Oaks Dr.$208,000 57487 Wingham St.$187,000 Ray Township 24441 31 Mile Rd.$294,000 Richmond 36370 Gierk St.$168,000 77212 Omo Rd.$240,000 34923 Partridge Xing. $170,000 36400 Pound Rd.$245,000 Roseville 26772 Collingwood St.$123,000 17851 Eastland St.$95,000 20489 Fenton St.$130,000 28301 Floral St.$160,000 25270 Ford St.$125,000 30555 Hidden Pines Ln. $114,000 30772 J Carls St.$134,000 17283 Lowell St.$105,000 18730 Meier St.$57,000 30709 Normal St.$115,000 26828 Oakland St.$140,000 17926 Phyllis St.$82,000 26796 Waldorf St.$97,000 Saint Clair Shores 19900 Alger St.$140,000 21929 Alger St.$115,000 21725 Bayside St.$100,000 28706 Beste St.$149,000 1029 Country Club Dr.$119,000 3318 Country Club Dr.$108,000 202 Doremus Ln. $161,000 19729 E 8 Mile Rd.$71,000 27907 Elba St.$88,000 22636 Euclid St.$165,000 22990 Gary Ln. $112,000 20205 Gaukler St.$149,000 22231 Gordon Rd.$120,000 27801 Grant St.$150,000 25530 Harmon St.$140,000 32560 Harper Ave. $74,000 33310 Harper Ave. $53,000 22967 Lee Ct.$114,000 26221 Little Mack Ave. $196,000 21721 Mauer St.$145,000 22524 Milner St.$158,000 21714 O'Connor St.$180,000 23106 Recreation St.$160,000 22517 Rosedale St.$160,000 28300 Ruehle St.$185,000 21704 Stephens St.$145,000 21631 Sunnydale St.$64,000 21924 Trombly St.$115,000 22116 Trombly St.$110,000 28609 Ursuline St.$142,000 21313 Yale St.$139,000 Shelby Township 11685 21 Mile Rd.$127,000 7727 Ambassador Dr.$185,000 7735 Ambassador Dr.$206,000 7787 Ambassador Dr.$211,000 14040 Berryknoll Dr.$355,000 54272 Cambridge Dr.$305,000 56194 Chesapeake Trl.$155,000 53214 Dryden St.$193,000 55436 Hearthside Dr.$55,000 49380 Heyward $294,000 11885 Hiawatha Dr.$415,000 49012 Hickory Ct.$134,000 13601 Jack Pine Ln. $314,000 48412 Lance Creek Ct.$187,000 53822 Lynnham Ln. $191,000 55628 Monroe Dr.$355,000 6890 N Central Park $278,000 2233 Nickelby Dr.$558,000 13436 Partridge Run $750,000 53792 Pine Creek Ct.$358,000 7575 Powers Ct.$158,000 12837 Red Pine Ln. $365,000 2633 Ridgecrest Dr.$50,000 4668 Royal Cove Dr.$184,000 51863 Schoenherr Rd.$553,000 56445 Shorebrook Ct.$438,000 13739 Silver Birch Cir. $179,000 54230 Sunderland Dr.$273,000 8707 Timberline Dr.$177,000 12317 Watkins Dr.$314,000 53269 Williams Way $345,000 54549 Woodcreek Blvd. $148,000 Sterling Heights 34499 Amsterdam Dr.$165,000 39422 Augusta Ave. $345,000 1940 Avalon Dr.$254,000 12876 Beechnut Dr.$299,000 3000 Belcher Dr.$206,000 39358 Bella Vista Dr.$221,000 14088 Bery Dr.$139,000 36410 Briarcliff Rd.$185,000 36167 Carriage Dr.$214,000 35262 Cavant Dr.$216,000 34119 Chatsworth Dr.$187,000 4829 Corriander Dr.$290,000 12328 De Grove Dr.$185,000 12730 Denoter Dr.$161,000 36102 Dominion Cir. $185,000 11614 Fairview Dr.$170,000 39048 Faith Dr.$190,000 39552 Forbes Dr.$231,000 42937 Fortner Dr.$163,000 3336 Galaxy Blvd. $342,000 3432 Galaxy Blvd. $265,000 3323 Gemini Dr.$275,000 3339 Gemini Dr.$313,000 3355 Gemini Dr.$311,000 34501 Giannetti Dr.$395,000 3077 Gloucester Dr.$228,000 38717 Harrison Dr.$204,000 38124 Jamestown Dr.$118,000 14348 Kerner Dr.$235,000 39644 Kingsbury Dr.$167,000 2258 Kipling Dr.$198,000 4167 Lindow Dr.$163,000 44625 Marigold Dr.$152,000 37310 Marion Dr.$210,000 41392 Marksway Ct.$450,000 35533 Maureen Dr.$192,000 35500 Moravian Dr.$236,000 14238 Moravian Manor Cir. $150,000 35565 Nona Ct.$193,000 5722 Ortman Dr.$249,000 5216 Peekskill Dr.$206,000 5228 Peekskill Dr.$118,000 38838 Pinebrook Dr.$195,000 38232 Plumhollow Dr.$240,000 11865 Quaker Ct.$200,000 8763 Radner Dr.$173,000 35326 Remington Dr.$195,000 36431 Samoa Dr.$186,000 38107 Schoenherr Rd.$154,000 8920 Shawn Dr.$110,000 44514 Sterritt St.$145,000 3061 Sylvan Dr.$220,000 35215 Taffy Dr.$100,000 41026 Tarragon Dr.$287,000 42040 Tessmer Dr.$262,000 3517 Tracy Dr.$196,000 41579 Vancouver Dr.$340,000 39071 Vassar Ave. $350,000 13547 Viola Dr.$194,000 Utica 45538 Hidden View Ct.$161,000 45544 Hidden View Ct.$176,000 Warren 2630 Antonia Ln. $152,000 3466 Arden Dr.$175,000 22323 Audrey Ave. $120,000 25868 Audrey Ave. $118,000 30148 Autumn Ln. $179,000 11920 Avondale Ave. $126,000 14712 Bade Dr.$199,000 31542 Beechwood Dr.$169,000 13715 Beth Dr.$149,000 3423 Bicsak Dr.$164,000 24738 Chalk Farm Rd.W $99,000 3520 Chase Dr.$164,000 29888 City Center Dr.$88,000 13695 Couwlier Ave. $92,000 3280 Dallas Ave. $163,000 11139 Edgemont Ave. $113,000 29531 Fairfield Dr.$173,000 7071 Fisher Ave. $69,000 4250 Garbor Dr.$178,000 21083 Gentner St.$133,000 12768 Georgiana Ave. $90,000 27723 Gilbert Dr.$134,000 31343 Gilbert Dr.$157,000 4056 Heatherwood Ct.$123,000 13958 Hobart Ave. $82,000 29590 Hoover Rd.$85,000 11300 Hudson Ave. $73,000 14250 Ivanhoe Dr.$185,000 8641 Jewett Ave. $90,000 22016 Mac Arthur Blvd. $77,000 11413 Maxwell Ave. $82,000 2709 Mcalpine Dr.$177,000 13738 McKinley Ave. $155,000 22852 Nagel St.$117,000 32835 Oakview Dr.$163,000 2351 Princess Ct.$103,000 8062 Racine Rd.$170,000 25255 Rayburn Dr.$152,000 29780 Red Oak Dr.$149,000 8420 Republic Ave. $77,000 27782 Roan Dr.$135,000 30132 Rosenbusch Dr.$190,000 20905 Sunset Ave. $97,000 21209 Sunset Ave. $108,000 30961 Sutherland Ave. $153,000 30139 Tecla Dr.$159,000 27855 Thomas Ave. $170,000 27189 Townsend Ave. $105,000 30017 Warner Ave. $175,000 8128 Westminster Ave. $86,000 3334 Winterfield Dr.$177,000 24569 Woodbridge Rd.$86,000 Washington Township 60191 Cottage Mill Dr.$420,000 63500 Georgetowne S $532,000 59744 Glacier Club Dr.$100,000 61500 Jewell Rd.$285,000 58291 Pleasant View Ct.$310,000 67588 Rachael Ln. $129,000 57584 Stonebriar Dr.$125,000 63188 W Charleston Dr.$242,000 Technorati Tags: Foreclosures Michigan Investing Money Cashflow Real Estate Investing Real Estate Investment Real Estate Posted by Mark at 04:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) December 04, 2005 Can I say Merry Christmas without upsetting you? Scott Sikorski forwarded me this - and I agree wholeheartedly. As an immigrant myself who taught himself English in his teens by reading English books (belive me it was hard!) and watching American Black and White movies late at night and worked very hard to adapt to this great country when I finally came here - I dont know why so many other immigrants have decided to keep their minds still in their native countries. Hey, if it was so good back there then why you are here? Will we still be the Country of choice and still be America if we continue to make the changes forced on us by the people from other countries that came to live in America because it is the Country of Choice?????? Think about it! All we have to say is, when will they do something about MY RIGHTS? I celebrate Christmas...........but because it isn't celebrated by everyone..............we can no longer say Merry Christmas. Now it has to be Season's Greetings. It's not Christmas vacation, it's Winter Break. Isn't it amazing how this winter break ALWAYS occurs over the Christmas holiday? We've gone so far the other way, bent over backwards to not offend anyone, that I am now being offended. But it seems that no one has a problem with that. This says it all! This is an editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he? Read on, please! IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since! the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However...... the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct! " crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely made up of descendants of immigrants! . However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans....... we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak ENGLISH , not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language! "In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan.. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women.......on Christian principles............. founded this nation..... and this is clearly documented. It ! is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home.........because God is part of our culture. If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so! But once you are done complaining....... whining...... and griping....... about our flag....... our pledge...... our national motto..... ...or our way of life....I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other Great American Freedom....... THE RIGHT TO LEAVE. Posted by Mark at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) Free Audio CD Why some Michigan Real Estate Investors always seem to get Killer Foreclosure Deals? The answer may surprise you..... Get Your Free CD on Michigan Foreclousres How To Invest In Michigan Real Estate The smart beginners course to step by step build your Michigan real estate investment business. More about Michigan Real Estate Investing here... Michigan QuickStart 2006 Bootcamp The Insider Secrets To Find, Fix and Flip Michigan Bank Foreclosures, In Troy, Michigan, January 21/22, 2006 - More details on what previous students have called "The Best Bootcamp For Michigan Foreclosure Investors".... My Michigan Coaching Program One-On-One coaching program for Michigan real estate investors Download Coaching Application Subscribe to My blog's feed RSS Atom RSS 2.0 RSS 1.0 [ What is this? ] This weblog is licensed under a Creative Commons License . Powered by Movable Type 3.2

Real Estate Brokers and

Real estate brokers and sales agents Skip Navigation Links Latest Numbers U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov Search the Handbook BLS Home | OOH Home | Frequently Asked Questions | A-Z Index | Contact Us Printer-friendly version ( HTML ) -- PDF ) -- Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents Nature of the Work Working Conditions Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Employment Job Outlook Earnings Related Occupations Sources of Additional Information Significant Points Real estate brokers and sales agents often work evenings and weekends and usually are on call to suit the needs of clients. A license is required in every State and the District of Columbia. Although gaining a job may be relatively easy, beginning workers may face competition fromwell-established, more experienced agents and brokers in obtaining listings and in closing an adequate number of sales. Employment is sensitive to swings in the economy, especially interest rates; during periodsof declining economic activity and increasing interest rates, the volume of sales and the resultingdemand for sales workers fall. Nature of the Work [ About this section ] Back to Top One of the most complex and significant financial events in peoples lives is the purchase or sale of a home or investment property. Because of this complexity and significance, people typically seek the help of real estate brokers and sales agents when buying or selling real estate. Real estate brokers and sales agents have a thorough knowledge of the real estate market in their communities. They know which neighborhoods will best fit clients needs and budgets. They are familiar with local zoning and tax laws and know where to obtain financing. Agents and brokers also act as intermediaries in price negotiations between buyers and sellers. Real estate agents usually are independent sales workers who provide their services to a licensed real estate broker on a contract basis. In return, the broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agents sale of the property. Brokers are independent businesspeople who sell real estate owned by others; they also may rent or manage properties for a fee. When selling real estate, brokers arrange for title searches and for meetings between buyers and sellers during which the details of the transactions are agreed upon and the new owners take possession of the property. A broker may help to arrange favorable financing from a lender for the prospective buyer; often, this makes the difference between success and failure in closing a sale. In some cases, brokers and agents assume primary responsibility for closing sales; in others, lawyers or lenders do. Brokers supervise agents who may have many of the same job duties. Brokers also supervise their own offices, advertise properties, and handle other business matters. Some combine other types of work, such as selling insurance or practicing law, with their real estate business. Besides making sales, agents and brokers must have properties to sell. Consequently, they spend a significant amount of time obtaining listings—agreements by owners to place properties for sale with the firm. When listing a property for sale, agents and brokers compare the listed property with similar properties that recently sold, in order to determine a competitive market price for the property. Once the property is sold, both the agent who sold it and the agent who obtained the listing receive a portion of the commission. Thus, agents who sell a property that they themselves have listed can increase their commission. Most real estate brokers and sales agents sell residential property. A small number—usually employed in large or specialized firms—sell commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other types of real estate. Every specialty requires knowledge of that particular type of property and clientele. Selling or leasing business property requires an understanding of leasing practices, business trends, and the location of the property. Agents who sell or lease industrial properties must know about the regions transportation, utilities, and labor supply. Whatever the type of property, the agent or broker must know how to meet the clients particular requirements. Before showing residential properties to potential buyers, agents meet with them to get a feeling for the type of home the buyers would like. In this prequalifying phase, the agent determines how much the buyers can afford to spend. In addition, the agent and the buyer usually sign a loyalty contract which states that the agent will be the only one to show houses to buyers. An agent or broker then generates lists of properties for sale, their location and description, and available sources of financing. In some cases, agents and brokers use computers to give buyers a virtual tour of properties in which they are interested. With a computer, buyers can view interior and exterior images or floor plans without leaving the real estate office. Agents may meet several times with prospective buyers to discuss and visit available properties. Agents identify and emphasize the most pertinent selling points. To a young family looking for a house, they may emphasize the convenient floor plan, the areas low crime rate, and the proximity to schools and shopping centers. To a potential investor, they may point out the tax advantages of owning a rental property and the ease of finding a renter. If bargaining over price becomes necessary, agents must follow their clients instructions carefully and may have to present counteroffers in order to get the best possible price. Once both parties have signed the contract, the real estate broker or agent must make sure that all special terms of the contract are met before the closing date. For example, the agent must make sure that the mandated and agreed-upon inspections, including that of the home and termite and radon inspections, take place. Also, if the seller agrees to any repairs, the broker or agent must see that they are made. Increasingly, brokers and agents are handling environmental problems as well, by making sure that the properties they sell meet environmental regulations. For example, they may be responsible for dealing with lead paint on the walls. While loan officers, attorneys, or other persons handle many details, the agent must ensure that they are carried out. Working Conditions [ About this section ] Back to Top Advances in telecommunications and the ability to retrieve data about properties over the Internet allow many real estate brokers and sales agents to work out of their homes instead of real estate offices. Even with this convenience, much of the time of these workers is spent away from their desks—showing properties to customers, analyzing properties for sale, meeting with prospective clients, or researching the state of the market. Agents and brokers often work more than a standard 40-hour week. They usually work evenings and weekends and are always on call to suit the needs of clients. Although the hours are long and frequently irregular, most agents and brokers have the freedom to determine their own schedule. Consequently, they can arrange their work so that they can have time off when they want it. Business usually is slower during the winter season. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement [ About this section ] Back to Top In every State and the District of Columbia, real estate brokers and sales agents must be licensed. Prospective agents must be high school graduates, be at least 18 years old, and pass a written test. The examination—more comprehensive for brokers than for agents—includes questions on basic real estate transactions and laws affecting the sale of property. Most States require candidates for the general sales license to complete between 30 and 90 hours of classroom instruction. Those seeking a brokers license need between 60 and 90 hours of formal training and a specific amount of experience selling real estate, usually 1 to 3 years. Some States waive the experience requirements for the brokers license for applicants who have a bachelors degree in real estate. State licenses typically must be renewed every 1 or 2 years; usually, no examination needs to be taken. However, many States require continuing education for license renewals. Prospective agents and brokers should contact the real estate licensing commission of the State in which they wish to work in order to verify the exact licensing requirements. As real estate transactions have become more legally complex, many firms have turned to college graduates to fill positions. A large number of agents and brokers have some college training. College courses in real estate, finance, business administration, statistics, economics, law, and English are helpful. For those who intend to start their own company, business courses such as marketing and accounting are as significant as courses in real estate or finance. Personality traits are equally as important as ones academic background. Brokers look for applicants who possess a pleasant personality, are honest, and present a neat appearance. Maturity, good judgment, trustworthiness, and enthusiasm for the job are required in order to encourage prospective customers in this highly competitive field. Agents should be well organized, be detail oriented, and have a good memory for names, faces, and business particulars. Those interested in jobs as real estate agents often begin in their own communities. Their knowledge of local neighborhoods is a clear advantage. Under the direction of an experienced agent, beginners learn the practical aspects of the job, including the use of computers to locate or list available properties and identify sources of financing. Many firms offer formal training programs for both beginners and experienced agents. Larger firms usually offer more extensive programs than smaller firms. More than a thousand universities, colleges, and junior colleges offer courses in real estate. At some, a student can earn an associates or bachelors degree with a major in real estate; several offer advanced degrees. Many local real estate associations that are members of the National Association of Realtors sponsor courses covering the fundamentals and legal aspects of the field. Advanced courses in mortgage financing, property development and management, and other subjects also are available. Advancement opportunities for agents may take the form of higher rates of commission. As agents gain knowledge and expertise, they become more efficient in closing a greater number of transactions and increase their earnings. In many large firms, experienced agents can advance to sales manager or general manager. Persons who have received their brokers license may open their own offices. Others with experience and training in estimating property value may become real estate appraisers, and people familiar with operating and maintaining rental properties may become property managers. (See the Handbook statements on property, real estate, and community association managers ; and appraisers and assessors of real estate . ) Experienced agents and brokers with a thorough knowledge of business conditions and property values in their localities may enter mortgage financing or real estate investment counseling. Employment [ About this section ] Back to Top In 2004, real estate brokers and sales agents held about 460,000 jobs; real estate sales agents held approximately 24 percent of these jobs. Many worked part time, combining their real estate activities with other careers. About 6 out of 10 real estate agents and brokers were self-employed. Real estate is sold in all areas, but employment is concentrated in large urban areas and in rapidly growing communities. Most real estate firms are relatively small; indeed, some are one-person businesses. By contrast, some large real estate firms have several hundred agents operating out of numerous branch offices. Many brokers have franchise agreements with national or regional real estate organizations. Under this type of arrangement, the broker pays a fee in exchange for the privilege of using the more widely known name of the parent organization. Although franchised brokers often receive help in training sales staff and running their offices, they bear the ultimate responsibility for the success or failure of their firms. Real estate brokers and sales agents are older, on average, than most other workers. Historically, many homemakers and retired persons were attracted to real estate sales by the flexible and part-time work schedules characteristic of the field. These individuals could enter, leave, and later return to the occupation, depending on the strength of the real estate market, their family responsibilities, or other personal circumstances. Recently, however, the attractiveness of part-time real estate work has declined, as increasingly complex legal and technological requirements are raising startup costs associated with becoming an agent. Job Outlook [ About this section ] Back to Top Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014, because of the increasing housing needs of a growing population, as well as the perception that real estate is a good investment. Relatively low interest rates should continue to stimulate sales of real estate, resulting in the need for more agents and brokers. In addition, a large number of job openings will arise each year from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. However, job growth will be somewhat limited by the increasing use of technology, which is improving the productivity of agents and brokers. For example, prospective customers often can perform their own searches for properties that meet their criteria by accessing real estate information on the Internet. The increasing use of technology is likely to be more detrimental to part-time or temporary real estate agents than to full-time agents, because part-time agents generally are not able to compete with full-time agents who have invested in new technology. Changing legal requirements, such as disclosure laws, also may dissuade some who are not serious about practicing full time from continuing to work part time. This occupation is relatively easy to enter and is attractive because of its flexible working conditions; the high interest in, and familiarity with, local real estate markets that entrants often have; and the potential for high earnings. Therefore, although gaining a job as a real estate agent or broker may be relatively easy, beginning agents and brokers may face competition from their well-established, more experienced counterparts in obtaining listings and in closing an adequate number of sales. Well-trained, ambitious people who enjoy selling—particularly those with extensive social and business connections in their communities—should have the best chance for success. Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents often is sensitive to swings in the economy, especially interest rates. During periods of declining economic activity and increasing interest rates, the volume of sales and the resulting demand for sales workers falls. As a result, the earnings of agents and brokers decline, and many work fewer hours or leave the occupation altogether. Earnings [ About this section ] Back to Top The median annual earnings of salaried real estate sales agents, including commissions, were $35,670 in May 2004.The middle 50 percent earned between $23,500 and $58,110 a year.The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,770.Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest number of real estate sales agents in May 2004 were as follows: Residential building construction $54,770 Offices of real estate agents and brokers 37,970 Activities related to real estate 32,460 Lessors of real estate 25,840 Median annual earnings of salaried real estate brokers, including commission, were $58,720in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,480 and $99,820 a year.Median annual earning of real estate brokers were $61,550 in offices of real estateagents and brokers and $44,920 in activities related to real estate. Commissions on sales are the main source of earnings of real estate agents and brokers.The rate of commission varies according to whatever the agent and broker agree on, the typeof property, and its value. The percentage paid on the sale of farm and commercialproperties or unimproved land is typically higher than the percentage paid for selling a home. Commissions may be divided among several agents and brokers. When the property issold, the broker or agent who obtained the listing usually shares the commission with thebroker or agent who made the sale and with the firm that employs each of them. Although anagents share varies greatly from one firm to another, often it is about half of the totalamount received by the firm. Agents who both list and sell a property maximize their commission. Income usually increases as an agent gains experience, but individual motivation,economic conditions, and the type and location of the property also affect earnings.Sales workers who are active in community organizations and in local real estate associationscan broaden their contacts and increase their earnings. A beginners earnings often areirregular, because a few weeks or even months may go by without a sale. Although some brokersallow an agent to draw against future earnings from a special account, the practice is notcommon with new employees. The beginner, therefore, should have enough money to live forabout 6 months or until commissions increase. Related Occupations [ About this section ] Back to Top Selling expensive items such as homes requires maturity, tact, and a sense of responsibility.Other sales workers who find these character traits important in their workinclude insurance sales agents ; retail salespersons ; sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing ; and securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents .Although not involving sales, the work of property, real estate, and community association managers ,as well as appraisers and assessors of real estate, requires an understanding of real estate. Sources of Additional Information [ About this section ] Back to Top Disclaimer: Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement. Information on licensing requirements for real estate brokers and sales agents is available from most local real estate organizations or from the State real estate commission or board. More information about opportunities in real estate is available on the Internet site of the following organization: National Association of Realtors. Internet: http://www.realtor.org OOH ONET Codes [ About this section ] Back to Top 41-9021.00, 41-9022.00 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook , 2006-07 Edition , Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents , on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ ocos120.htm (visited December 29, 2005 ). 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