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        <title>Metropolitan Detroit Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/author/mark-z-home-selling-team/</link>
        <description>Metro Detroit real estate blog with news, statistics, pricing comparables, mortgage rates, and market updates, brought to you by one of the top real estate agents in the entire country MARK Z. Real Estate Team selling over 250 homes a year.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/demand-has-never-been-stronger-for-real-estate-in-michigan.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/demand-has-never-been-stronger-for-real-estate-in-michigan.html</link>
            <author>getstarted@soldbymarkz.com (MARK Z. Home Selling Team)</author>
            <title>Demand Has Never Been Stronger For Real Estate In Michigan</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When selling anything, owners can only hope there is a strong demand for that which they are selling. The great news for today’s home sellers is that the current housing market is experiencing a stronger demand than we have seen in some time.


The  spring housing market of 2013 is projected to be one of the best in years.


Home Sales


The National Association of Realtors(NAR) reports monthly on both pending sales (houses going into contract) andexisting home sales (actual closed sales).


In the first quarter of 2013, pending sales have consistently outperformed the numbers reported in 2012. Contract activity has been above year-ago levels for the past 22 months. Before this year, the last time the index showed a higher reading was in April 2010, shortly before the deadline for the home buyer tax credit.


NAR also revealed that closed home sales have been above year-ago levels for 20 consecutive months and sales are at the highest level since the tax credit period of 2009-2010.


Impact on Sellers


This increase in demand has created bidding wars for properly priced homes across the country. This has resulted in two favorable changes for home sellers:




They are receiving offers closer to (if not greater than) the list price.


The average days it takes to sell a home has dropped by over 20% from last year.




If you are thinking about selling your home, don’t miss out on the strong demand that exists in the current spring market.



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:05:00 -0400</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/top-10-remodeling-projects.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/top-10-remodeling-projects.html</link>
            <author>getstarted@soldbymarkz.com (MARK Z. Home Selling Team)</author>
            <title>Top 10 Remodeling Projects</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[  ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/hottest-properties-in-metro-detroit-sunday-march-17-2013.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/hottest-properties-in-metro-detroit-sunday-march-17-2013.html</link>
            <author>getstarted@soldbymarkz.com (MARK Z. Home Selling Team)</author>
            <title>Hottest Properties In Metro Detroit Sunday March 17, 2013</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As of today Sunday March 17, 2013 below is the 5 most searched properties in Metro Detroit. If the link doesn't work, it's because the house already sold. These are the hottest homes in Metro Detroit. If you want more information on any of these homes below feel free to contact me or email me at markz@soldbymarkz.com


1. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/213020340-42900-ledgeview-dr-novi-mi-48377/


2. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/213020819-48113-andover-dr-novi-mi-48374/


3. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/213023242-50665-billenca-dr-novi-mi-48374/


4. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/213016725-44330-deep-hollow-cir-northville-twp-mi-48168/


5. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/213015111-8888-orrick-st-commerce-twp-mi-48382/

  ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 17 Mar 2013 13:22:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/5-hottest-properties-in-metro-detroit-today-march-5-2013.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/5-hottest-properties-in-metro-detroit-today-march-5-2013.html</link>
            <author>getstarted@soldbymarkz.com (MARK Z. Home Selling Team)</author>
            <title>5 Hottest Properties In Metro Detroit Today March 5, 2013</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As of today Friday February 8th, 2013 below is the 5 most searched properties in Metro Detroit. If the link doesn't work, it's because the house already sold. These are the hottest homes in Metro Detroit. If you want more information on any of these homes below feel free to contact me or email me at markz@soldbymarkz.com


1. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/213015111-8888-orrick-st-commerce-twp-mi-48382/


2. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/212125734-49450-deer-run-northville-mi-48167/


3. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/213002132-3000-quarton-rd-bloomfield-hills-mi-48304/


4. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/213016725-44330-deep-hollow-cir-northville-twp-mi-48168/


5. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/212118737-2185-keylon-dr-west-bloomfield-twp-mi-48324/

  ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:17:00 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/deed-in-lieu-of-foreclosure-new-rules.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/deed-in-lieu-of-foreclosure-new-rules.html</link>
            <author>getstarted@soldbymarkz.com (MARK Z. Home Selling Team)</author>
            <title>Deed-In-Lieu of Foreclosure New Rules</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Effective March 1, 2013, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have rolled out new rules for a Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure.


Here’s what you need to know…


·  The new rules for a Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure will allow qualifying homeowners who are currently underwater to walk away from their property and cancel their debt without any future responsibility for the deficiency. 


 To be eligible, homeowners must meet the following requirements…


 · Need to be current or less than 90 days late on their mortgage payments.


·  Must be making payments of at least 55% of their monthly income.


·  Prove a hardship, job relocation, no longer employed, death or illness, etc…


·  Home must be clean and in good repair.


Plus depending on the homeowner’s financial situation, they may be required to…


·  Surrender as much as 20% of their personal assets, excluding retirement accounts.  Or may be asked to sign a promissory note for future no-interest repayments, term and conditions to be negotiated.


By the way, the new rules only apply to first lien obligations.  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac cannot control what a second lien holder will do. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:18:00 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/5-most-searched-properties-in-metro-detroit.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/5-most-searched-properties-in-metro-detroit.html</link>
            <author>getstarted@soldbymarkz.com (MARK Z. Home Selling Team)</author>
            <title>5 Most Searched Homes In Metro Detroit</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As of today Friday February 8th, 2013 below is the 5 most searched properties in Metro Detroit. If the link doesn't work, it's because the house already sold. These are the hottest homes in Metro Detroit. If you want more information on any of these homes below feel free to contact me or email me at markz@soldbymarkz.com


1. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/212105489-2690-elizabeth-ln-west-bloomfield-twp-mi-48324/


2. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/212125734-49450-deer-run-northville-mi-48167/


3. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/213007344-1884-magnolia-dr-commerce-twp-mi-48390/


4. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/213009244-4925-lockhart-st-west-bloomfield-twp-mi-48323/


5. http://www.markzproperties.com/listing/213002132-3000-quarton-rd-bloomfield-hills-mi-48304/

  ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:37:00 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/3000-first-time-home-buyer-grant-now-available.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/3000-first-time-home-buyer-grant-now-available.html</link>
            <author>getstarted@soldbymarkz.com (MARK Z. Home Selling Team)</author>
            <title>$3,000 First Time Home Buyer Grant Now Available</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
$3,000 Grant Available For First Time Home Buyer Credit



MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority) has just released a 15 million dollar grant program for individuals who have not owned a home in the last 3 years, and are looking to purchase of a single-family, owner occupied, principal residence. This program supports non-military and military homebuyers.  Non-military homebuyers are eligible to receive grants up to $3,000. Active military and veterans are eligible to receive grants up to $5,000. Neither grant can exceed 25% of the sales price. The grants can be allocated towards the purchasers down payment and/or costs. There are no income or asset limitations for this product and the grant is not required to be repaid. 


Additional information can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141--291018--,00.html


General info:




The down payment assistance is limited to a maximum of $3,000 for standard FHA buyers and $5,000 for VA buyers, HOWEVER, neither grant can exceed 25% of the sales price






There are no income or asset limitations, however underwriting has the right to deny the program for borrowers with additional risk layers on their loan.






A buyer cannot receive cash back at closing if any of the assistance is remaining, BUT, they can apply the remaining credit towards buying down the principal balance (After minimum down payment requirements have been met)






These grant funds do NOT have to be repaid








We know the process very well, contact us today and we will make it happen!





  ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:12:00 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/5-most-popular-homes-for-sale-in-metro-detroit-today.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/5-most-popular-homes-for-sale-in-metro-detroit-today.html</link>
            <author>getstarted@soldbymarkz.com (MARK Z. Home Selling Team)</author>
            <title>5 Most Popular Homes For Sale In Metro Detroit Today</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As of today Monday February 4th, 2013 below is the 5 most searched properties in Metro Detroit. If the link doesn't work, it's because the house already sold. These are the hottest homes in Metro Detroit. If you would like me to post this every day, just leave a comment below. If this seems to be something that everyone would like then I'll continue to post them. If you want more information on any of these homes below feel free to contact me or email me at markz@soldbymarkz.com 


1. http://www.markzproperties.com/idx/search.html?search_mls=213002889


2. http://www.markzproperties.com/idx/search.html?search_mls=212105489


3. http://www.markzproperties.com/idx/search.html?search_mls=213007344


4. http://www.markzproperties.com/idx/search.html?search_mls=213002132


5. http://www.markzproperties.com/idx/search.html?search_mls=212125734
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:35:00 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/5-reasons-you-should-buy-a-home-now.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/5-reasons-you-should-buy-a-home-now.html</link>
            <author>getstarted@soldbymarkz.com (MARK Z. Home Selling Team)</author>
            <title>5 Reasons You Should Buy A Home Now! </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
5 Reasons You Should Buy A Home Now!


Many potential buyers are waiting until they can be 100% sure the real estate market has fully recovered before making the move to purchase a home. Here are five reasons why waiting might not make sense any longer:


1.) Prices Are on the Rise


The latest Case Shiller Home Price Index revealed that home prices have appreciated 5.5% over the last year. This is occurring across the nation as increases were reported in 19 of 20 metros. The Home Price Expectation Survey, which polls a distinguished panel of over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts, calls for continued appreciation over the next five years.


2.) Mortgage Interest Rates Are Expected to Increase


The Mortgage Bankers Association has predicted that, after reaching record lows in 2012, mortgage rates will creep up slowly in 2013 to 4.4%. Rates have already increased by 2/10 of a point (3.32 to 3.53) in the last two months.


3.) Rents Are Continuing to Skyrocket


Recently, Zillow  reported that rents in the U.S. increased by 4.2% over the last year. Increases were 5% or more in many major metropolitan areas including Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Detroit, Baltimore, Denver, San Jose and Charlotte.


4.) New Mortgage Regulations Will Be Announced Later This Year


Six regulators, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Securities and Exchange Commission, are currently drafting the new Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) rule. They will decide on two major requirements for buyers looking to qualify for a mortgage: minimum down payment and minimum FICO score. Many experts believe the new rules will be more stringent than current requirements.


 5.) Timelines Will Be Shorter


The dramatic increase in transactions caused many challenges to the process of buying or selling a home in 2012. We waited for inspections, dealt with last minute appraisals and prayed that the bank didn’t ask for ‘just one more piece of paper’ before issuing a commitment on the mortgage. There are fewer transactions this time of year. That means that timetables on each component of the home buying process will be friendlier for those involved in transactions over the next 90 days.


These are five good reasons why you should consider buying a home today instead of waiting.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:05:00 -0500</pubDate>
        </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/real-estate-recovery-demands-more-inventory.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.markzproperties.com/blog/real-estate-recovery-demands-more-inventory.html</link>
            <author>getstarted@soldbymarkz.com (MARK Z. Home Selling Team)</author>
            <title>Real Estate Recovery Demands More Inventory</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

The real estate market has been on a path of recovery for the first time in what may feel like decades. The amount of home sales has not been this high since 2007. One looming issue that must be resolved to continue the market recovery is the lack of inventory.


The National Association of Realtors (NAR) discussed the situation in their latest Existing Home Sales Report:


“Total housing inventory at the end of December fell 8.5 percent to 1.82 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 4.4-month supply at the current sales pace, down from 4.8 months in November, and is the lowest housing supply since May of 2005 when it was 4.3 months, which was near the peak of the housing boom.


Listed inventory is 21.6 percent below a year ago when there was a 6.4-month supply. Raw unsold inventory is at the lowest level since January 2001 when there were 1.78 million homes on the market.”


Although the lack of supply is beneficial for those looking to ask a little more for their home; in terms of the market recovery, an increase of inventory is needed now more than ever. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:56:00 -0500</pubDate>
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