Dearborn Michigan Area Real Estate Blog

Below you will find a brief summary of the current Dearborn and Dearborn Heights Michigan area real estate market as of February 1, 2012.

If you would like a more in-depth and detailed report on the local Dearborn area real estate market please contact me by using the “Contact” Steve Hatfield link below or visit my web site at: DearbornHomes.com

Dearborn Real Estate Market Update

Active Real Estate Listings – Currently on the market and listed for sale

• 238 - Single Family Homes
• 25 – Condominiums / Town Homes
• 24 – Multi-Family Homes

Pending Real Estate Sales – Sold but not yet closed

• 268 - Single Family Homes
• 9 - Condominiums / Town Homes
• 16 - Multi-Family Homes

Read more…

Everyone who sells a Dearborn area home wants the highest possible price. Sometimes, the only way to get the highest price is to reduce your present asking price. Most Dearborn area homeowners who have placed their homes on the market are hesitant to reduce the asking price prior to receiving an offer. This is understandable. There are, however, certain circumstances that dictate a price reduction may be necessary to get the house sold. Let’s look at some of the important considerations:

THE ORIGINAL PRICE: Was the original asking price for your home correct? Who set the original asking price? If you, the owner, set the price, were you realistic in your expectations? If the Realtor® set the price, was it based on a careful study of comparable properties? It has been my experience that the homeowner usually plays a major role in setting the price. Once the asking price is set,

Is it time to reduce your asking price?

the owner may become very rigid when asked to consider a price reduction in order to make the home more competitive with surrounding homes. In order to sell your home at the highest possible price, it may be necessary for you to reevaluate your asking price from time to time.

SHOWINGS: If there are not many showings on your home, pricing may be the problem. When buyers are considering which homes to see, they may feel that your home does not offer enough features when compared with other homes in your price range. If there are many showings but no offers, price may be the problem. Your home may include the features and location that attract showings, but, upon closer inspection, buyers may feel the price is not justified.

MARKETPLACE: Perhaps the local Dearborn Michigan market has changed since your home was first put on the market. Although the original asking price may have been correct at the time of listing, it may no longer be adequate to attract buyers away from competing homes that have been priced to reflect the currant market. Real estate values do fluctuate. They respond to changes in the economy, interest rates, local taxing and zoning decisions etc.

ADVICE: Consider your Realtor’s advice regarding a possible price reduction.

If you are in the market to Buy a home or if you are in the market to Sell a home or real estate in Dearborn Michigan, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, Westland, Redford, Livonia, Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Novi, Farmington, Allen Park, Taylor or any one of the other Detroit Michigan west side suburbs, Contact Steve Hatfield today.

For complete and in-depth information about Buying or Selling a home or real estate in the Dearborn Michigan area or any one of the other Detroit Michigan west side suburbs, visit my web site at: www.DearbornHomes.com

(ARA) - Did you ever watch a home improvement show team transform a drab room into something spectacular using a shoestring budget and less time than it takes you to clean out your closet? Ever wonder how they did it? Here’s the secret: they cheat. And you can too.

You would probably never consider taking shortcuts in other aspects of your life, from car maintenance to paying your taxes. But when it comes to do-it-yourself home improvement and decorating projects, there’s no shame in “cheating” – and a lot to be gained by doing it. Decorator touches like crown moulding that requires no mitering and no-sew window treatments can give your home an instant visual upgrade for a fraction of the cost of having those jobs done professionally.

Here are four DIY “cheats” that will save you time and money – and yield professional results that look like you spent a bundle:

Beautiful Dearborn Home

1. Crown moulding

Few design touches do more to dress up a room than adding crown moulding. But traditionally, crown moulding has been a job best left to professionals or DIYers with a lot more time and ambition than most. Adding crown molding the old-fashioned way requires expertise – like knowing how to properly cut and finish each piece – and tools that most homeowners simply don’t have.

Fortunately, there’s an easy alternative: Moulding Mates is a crown moulding installation system that requires no specialized tools or skills. You don’t even need to miter cut corners. Simply pre-finish the polyurethane moulding (which is available in a wide range of styles), attach the patented Quick Clips to the wall where you want to place the moulding, and pop the moulding lengths into place on the clips. Corner pieces and connector blocks cover ends and seams, eliminating the need to miter ends and patch or touch up the long pieces. You can easily install the entire system using a screw drill and a saw. You can learn more and browse products at www.focalpointproducts.com.

2. Carpet tiles

New carpeting is a much-desired upgrade. As anyone who’s ever bought carpet can tell you, the cost of installation can be prohibitive,

yet properly installing wall-to-wall carpet requires specialized skills and tools that most DIYers don’t have. Carpet tiles can be a great alternative.

Installing carpet tiles is well within the abilities of most homeowners. Because they’re a smaller, more manageable size, carpet tiles are easier to install than a large piece of carpet. They require fewer cuts and no stretching. They also deliver enhanced design capabilities; it’s easy to create a unique pattern using different colored tiles. Read more…

(ARA) - Say goodbye to the McMansion. According to a leading real estate website, Trulia.com, 2010 was officially the year that homes over 3,200 square feet ended their dominance and appeal. But don’t think that downsizing means downgrading. In fact, homeowners are looking to upsize their amenities to help them enjoy every inch of their homes.

And, while many different generations are following this trend, Boomers are a unique group, looking to enjoy their smaller nest now that the kids have flown the coop – yet ensure that their homes are filled with the many amenities they’ll require for their golden years.

Anything but basic baths
While they may purchase a smaller floor plan, mature adults are looking for ways to turn ordinary rooms into extraordinarily indulgent experiences. In the bath, that means the ultimate spa experience – from elaborate showers to heated floors and towel warmers. But when it comes to the bathroom, it’s just as important to keep it safe. Luckily, safe can also equate to stylish. Try installing comfortable seating for the shower with a beautiful fold-down shower seat made of teak and aluminum; or updating common bath accessories such as a paper holder, towel bar or shelf with a new integrated version that combines each accessory with a grab bar  for added safety.

“Our goal is to make every bath a safe bath. And, for savvy homeowners looking to incorporate safety at any age, it’s essential we provide products to meet their safety and style requirements,” says Laurie Birko, Moen Home Care brand manager. “Our newest products, such as our Fold-Down Shower Seat and Grab Bars with Accessories look like decorative pieces rather than safety devices, so homeowners no longer have to choose between safety or style … they can have both.” Read more…

Below you will find a brief year end summary of the current real estate market as of December 31. 2011 for Dearborn and Dearborn Heights Michigan.

If you would like a more in-depth and detailed report on the local Dearborn area real estate market please contact me by using the “Contact” Steve Hatfield link below or visit my web site at: DearbornHomes.com

Dearborn Real Estate Market Update

 Active Real Estate Listings – Currently on the market and for sale

• 315 – Single Family Homes
• 27 – Condominiums / Town Homes
• 25 – Multi-Family Homes

Pending Real Estate Sales – Sold in 2011 but not yet closed

• 274 – Single Family Homes
• 11 – Condominiums / Town Homes
• 18 – Multi-Family Homes

Read more…

(ARA) - As each year comes to a close, people begin to make resolutions – typically, vowing to start something new in the year ahead, such as lose weight, get a new job, start volunteering and so on. Making resolutions is easy; the hard part is keeping them. However, there are a few things you can do at home that might actually help you achieve some of your New Year’s goals. Start 2012 on the right foot with this list of easy home updates and tips to help conquer your New Year’s resolutions.

Develop better eating habits
* Research shows that people tend to eat less when surrounded by the color blue. Repaint your kitchen or dining room in a blue hue to help naturally suppress your appetite. And, painting is a

Family time in Dearborn, MI

greatway to tone your arms if you also resolve to get in shape. Once the paint dries, clean out your pantry and replace any high-calorie or fatty foods with healthier options.

Help the environment
* Growing concern for the environment prompts many people to resolve to be more green. Your refrigerator runs all day, every day, which accounts for a large percentage of your home’s energy usage. Keeping your refrigerator’s thermostat set between 38 and 42 degrees will help save energy and keep your food from spoiling.

Give to others or volunteer
* Clean out your closets and collect any gently used items you and your family no longer use or need. Read more…