Budget Booster Tip: Get your property taxes reviewed and see if you are paying too much!

With the drop in property values in the past few years you may qualify to save some money on your property taxes. A homes taxable value is supposed to be approximately 50% of the fair market value in the State of Michigan. Depending on when you purchased, the yearly savings could be significant. The hard part is assessing what the fair market value is for your property. First question everyone has is, do foreclosures count as comparable that can be used in evaluating my house? Here are the guidelines directly out of a memo from the State to assessors for use this year in determining taxable value.

In my interpetation I would take this that Foreclosed properties are going to be allowed this year. Looking through the criteria most reo transactions contains most or all the 5 points listed. The only caviaut I would give is based on the condition of the property. If you are going to use foreclosed properties, be ready to give points and adjustments on the difference in condition of the subject home (yours) and the foreclosed property being used as the comparable. I will be posting more information on property tax assessments as we get closer to the property tax reviews in the second week in March. I will also be providing a service this year of handling property tax reviews for a fee. If you are interested in seeing if you have a case, email me at brent@taforsberg.com or call 517.349.9330 x206. I would be happy to schedule a complimentary sit down meeting at my office.

International Builders Show Full of Engery

I am out here in Las Vegas at the end of the first day of the International Builders Show. I will be speaking tomorrow on how to get rid of existing homes and Thursday about foreclosures. Despite the building industry still in a slump nation wide. The economic forecast is showing signs that the proverbial spring has begun and markets are stabilized in a lot of states and there may be some growth this year. Energy seems good at the conference so hopefully there are good things in store for the new home industry this year!

Foreclosure Information A must read

This is a must read for anyone going through the foreclosure or short sale process. Click on the title of this article and go to the link.

Interview with a Realtor

Builder radio called me last week and requested an interview based on material I had published on the Sales and Marketing Council page through the National Association of Home Builders. Scott Stroud conducted the interview and it was a blast. He did a great job of keeping me moving forward and getting the material I wanted to present expressed in a timely and orderly fashion. I am excited for it to be published and will update the blog when it is. Take a look at the link on the side of my page to builder to look at all of the interviews currently posted and see Jerry and Scott's latest web series for some great sales training material.
On another note, July was the strongest month in real estate I have had in the last year. How great is it to have to manage appointments so carefully because of how busy it is. Let's hope the market continues to grow stronger.

RiverWalk Video Complete

This is the second video on the series MC Squared and I am building for the communities I work in. It has been a lot of fun working on the production of these.

Thoughts about marketing and selling new homes: A WAKE-UP CALL FOR HOMEBUILDERS – The American consumer does not see us as wearing white hats.

Thoughts about marketing and selling new homes: A WAKE-UP CALL FOR HOMEBUILDERS – The American consumer does not see us as wearing white hats.

New Listing Just in Time for the Fourth

If you or someone you know is looking for the perfect family home in Okemos, I just listed it.

Ever thought of living in a neighborhood where the kids can play for hours around a pond or in the large park down the street? Of having a beautiful river in your back yard with a peaceful wooded setting? Walking into your home everyday and being welcomed by beautiful hardwood floors throughout a flowing home designed for family and entertainment? This rare opportunity has arrived in prestigious Tacoma Hills. Located on the farthest street back in the community, this home is in a low traffic area, as you stand outside you can hear how peaceful this setting is. Yet it is minutes from the mall and shopping. Your opportunity has arrived, make sure you take it.