Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood Blog

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  1. Hoops & Home: a slam dunk!

    The latest Coldwell Banker advertising campaign, called "Hoops", tells the story of a young boy whose family is moving. The family stands in the driveway of a listing while the boy shows a clear disinterest in moving. When the Coldwell Banker agent sees the boy is wearing a basketball jersey, he recommends putting up a basketball hoop and suggests that friends are easy to find in the ...

  2. Buying a Vacation Home: Financial Considerations
    Buying a Vacation Home: Financial Considerations

    The first step in buying a vacation home is knowing exactly where you want to spend your time and purchase your second home. Considerations when Looking to Buy a Vacation Home: Location, Location, Location can help you figure out where that might be. It's more than just a place you love. So you have decide where you want to buy, the next step is understanding the financial implications ...

  3. Considerations when Looking to Buy a Vacation Home: Location, Location, Location
    Considerations when Looking to Buy a Vacation Home: Location, Location, Location

    The second home/vacation home market has more ebbs and flows than the primary home market. Sales are iffy in a bad economy except, perhaps, on the high-end. That said, there is a growing trend toward the purchase of vacation homes. They are being bought for investment purposes, enjoyment, as well as retirement. In the latter instance, some people are buying with the idea of turning a vacation ...

  4. Tips for Negotiating a Home Purchase
    Tips for Negotiating a Home Purchase

    Remember that the listing, or asking, price is what the seller would like to receive for the home-but is not necessarily what the seller will settle for. Therefore, it is important to also know value. Before you make an offer, check recent sales and listing prices of comparable neighborhood homes and compare them to the seller's asking price. Other tips for negotiating include: Be ...

  5. Is a Fixer-Upper Right for You?
    Is a Fixer-Upper Right for You?

    Finding a fixer-upper can be quite easy and they can be found everywhere, even in wealthy enclaves. What sets a fixer-upper apart is the price. They have lower market value than other houses in the immediate area because they have either been poorly maintained or have been abandoned. Determining if a property that interests you is a wise investment will require a substantial effort. You will ...

  6. 2017 4th Quarter Residential Market Report
    2017 4th Quarter Residential Market Report

    The 4th Quarter Residential Market Report, still shows low inventory as we headed into 2018. Along with low inventory, the average sold price has increased from 2016, so if you're thinking of selling, now may be the time.  This one-page report covers the whole Greater Lansing area with a 4th Quarter summary. Here are links to the the full 2017 3rd Quarter Residential ...

  7. When to Add On and When to Move On
    When to Add On and When to Move On

    Deciding whether to add on to an existing home or to purchase a new one can be a complex decision. There are a few factors to consider, including cost, individual needs, and what will add value down the road. It is also important to consider your emotional attachment to the existing home. As designer and builder Philip S. Wenz, the author of Adding to a House: Planning, Design & Construction, ...

  8. Thinking of Buying a New Home? Here are some considerations.
    Thinking of Buying a New Home? Here are some considerations.

    The Advantages of Home Ownership Among the most appealing advantages of home ownership is that you own it, which gives you, instead of a landlord, control of your living space. Other benefits stem from potential tax savings and the build up of equity as your property likely appreciates in price over time. Equity can be used to help put children through college, purchase a second home, or make ...

  9. Excellent Agents—Excellent Service
    Excellent Agents—Excellent Service

    Congratulations to the November USAA, Navy Federal & Cartus Agents of Excellence! 

  10. Around Town—Holiday Fun for All!
    Around Town—Holiday Fun for All!

    Whether you're looking for some holiday cheer to have with the whole family, or if you're wanting to find a special holiday gift, there are lots of things going on around the Greater Lansing area. Remember to check your local community for other fun events. Click the event title link for more information and registration details.  Night Lights Christmas Parade and Festivities December ...

  11. Around Town—November Fun
    Around Town—November Fun

    Looking for some fun things to do this month around the Greater Lansing area? Here are some great ideas to get you and the family out to enjoy the festivities. Click the event title link for more information and registration details.  Michigan Steam Train North Pole Express November 17 - December 17 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) | Owosso, MI The North Pole Express is a four-hour ...

  12. Preparing for a Home Appraisal
    Preparing for a Home Appraisal

    Last week we went over the basics of home appraisals in our series on determining a home's worth. This week we want to talk about how to prepare for one. Every appraisal will have an inspection, market comparables and the final report. The first part will involve the inspector physically coming to your home. Here's what you need to do to be ready: Make the appraisers visit a pleasant ...

  13. Home Appraisal Guide
    Home Appraisal Guide

    What is it? A real estate appraisal is when an authorized appraiser valuates your home to give buyers and sellers an idea of what the home is worth. All mortgage lenders require home appraisals before they will give out loans, and it can be very beneficial to know the value of your property. What’s it based on? Appraisers look at many factors before arriving at a monetary value ...

  14. Determining a Home's Worth
    Determining a Home's Worth

    Ultimately, a home is worth what is paid for it. Everything else is really an estimate of value. For instance, in a hot seller's market, when demand for housing is high but the inventory of available homes for sale is low, homes can sell above and beyond the asking price as buyers bid up the price. The fair market value, or worth, is established when "a meeting of the minds" takes ...

  15. 2017 3rd Quarter Residential Market Report
    2017 3rd Quarter Residential Market Report

    The 3rd Quarter Residential Market Report, still shows low inventory as we head into the 4th Quarter. Along with low inventory, the average sold price has increased, so if you're thinking of selling, now may be the time. Also, with the Feds talking about raising rates next year, it's still a good time to buy. This one-page report covers the whole Greater Lansing area with a 3rd ...

  16. Around Town—Halloween Fun For Adults
    Around Town—Halloween Fun For Adults

    This Halloween season there is an amazing amount of fun going on around the Greater Lansing area for both adults and children of all ages. This post highlights events FOR ADULTS. Click the event title link for more information and registration details.  Looking for... Halloween events for All Ages: Around Town—Halloween Fun For All Ages  Additional ...

  17. Around Town—Halloween Fun For All Ages!
    Around Town—Halloween Fun For All Ages!

    This Halloween season there is an amazing amount of fun going on around the Greater Lansing area for both adults and children of all ages. This post highlights events FOR ALL AGES. Click the event title link for more information and registration details.  Looking for... Halloween events for Adults: Around Town—Halloween Fun For Adults  Additional October festivals ...

  18. October Fun Around Town
    October Fun Around Town

    Looking for some Fall fun to do around the Greater Lansing area? Here are some things you won't want to miss! Click the links for more information and registration details. Color Cruise and Island Festival October 13 - 15 | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Island Park, Grand Ledge Enjoy the beautiful fall colors at this three-day fall pioneer festival at Island Park. Riverboat rides, horse-drawn ...

  19. Getting Your Home Ready this Fall
    Getting Your Home Ready this Fall

    You can ignore it all you want, but as we enjoy the last few weeks of warmer weather, it's time to put away the flip flops and prepare our homes for the fall season. Depending on your location, the weather could change rapidly. Don't get caught unprepared this year! Interior  1. Check your furnace The last thing you want is a broken HVAC system when the temps ...

  20. Budget-Friendly Fall Decor
    Budget-Friendly Fall Decor

    Mason Jars / Vases Repurpose different-sized glasses and fill them up with leaves, pinecones or fake fruit. You can also make mason jars into a source of light with small candles from your local dollar store. Check out more mason jar ideas here. Once finished, place the jars on kitchen tables, in the entry way of your home or on nightstands. You guests are sure to be impressed!  ...

  21. Excellence Amongst Us!
    Excellence Amongst Us!

    Congratulations to the August and September USAA Agents of Excellence! 

  22. Essential Fall Tours and Timing in Michigan
    Essential Fall Tours and Timing in Michigan

    If you're planning on traveling for a fall color tour, you may want to head up sooner than you think! The Detroit Free Press reports that by October 8th the entire state of Michigan will be past its peak foliage. You can view their interactive map here. Also, be sure to check out the local parks, rivers and trails in the Greater Lansing area. Upper Peninsula  Houghton ...

  23. Signs you're ready to move
    Signs you're ready to move

    Moving is never easy, but sometimes it's necessary. Think it's time for you to move? Here are the telltale signs its time to call a Realtor! 1. Growing Family Having a baby, getting some new pets or moving in an extended family member? All of these will take up more space in your home. If you're sharing one bathroom between 6 people, your house will get cramped real quick. Upgrading ...

  24. Comparing Townhouses and Condominiums
    Comparing Townhouses and Condominiums

    Comparing Townhouses and Condominiums When comparing townhouses to condos the main point of difference is the general floor layout. While most condominiums resemble apartments with the living space on one floor, a townhouse is attached to one or more houses and are architecturally similar to row houses in that owners typically share one or more walls. Townhomes usually have multiple floors and ...

  25. Considering a donation for Hurricane Harvey relief?
    Considering a donation for Hurricane Harvey relief?

    We have all witnessed the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey to homes, and businesses in the greater Houston region. The loss to those living in the region is tremendous, and the work to rebuild what has been lost will be lengthy, and very costly. In an effort to help provide much needed support both NAR and Realogy have set up donation sites that will provide relief to those in need.  ...

  26. America's Best Real Estate Agents are in the House!

    REAL Trends America's Best Real Estate Agents ranks over 12,600 residential real estate professionals solely based on their excellence in real estate sales during calendar year 2016. All production numbers are independently verified by a third-party in order to ensure accuracy and report integrity. It is with great pleasure that we announce the following list of Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood ...

  27. Tips for Selecting the Best Condo
    Tips for Selecting the Best Condo

    When searching for the ideal condo, seek ownership in a well-maintained building, and pay special attention to the financial health of the condo association. Lax maintenance may be a sign of financial trouble, which could result in higher maintenance fees and problems trying to resell the property later. Some things to consider include: Obtain a copy of the latest financial statement ...

  28. Condos: a popular alternative to owning a single-family home
    Condos: a popular alternative to owning a single-family home

    Benefits of Condominium Ownership Purchasing a condominium is an appealing way to enter the housing market if the cost of a single-family home is out of your reach. Condos are especially popular among single homebuyers, empty nesters, and first-time buyers in high-priced housing markets. Unlike a house, a condo can offer a lifestyle that is free of yard work, exterior maintenance, and repairs. ...

  29. Dorm Room Essentials
    Dorm Room Essentials

    Sending your kid off to college soon? Whether it's their first year or their last, moving to college is a big adjustment. Remember to pack these essentials to make their place feel just like home.  Bedding Pillows, comforters, sheets and blankets are all an essential need! Often times, the dorm bed will will be extra long, meaning you will need special sheets. Contact your ...

  30. CBHB and Lansing Lugnuts honor service members at Military Appreciation Night
    CBHB and Lansing Lugnuts honor service members at Military Appreciation Night

    The Lansing Lugnuts dedicated Friday, July 14th as their Salute to Service night where they honored active and former military members. Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood and USAA Real Estate Rewards Network was excited to invite our valued members to the game that night for our own Military Appreciation Night. There were a total of 39 USAA families and the following CB-HB agents ...

  31. Red Noses On in Okemos for a Good Cause!
    Red Noses On in Okemos for a Good Cause!

    Agents and staff in the Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood, Okemos office had fun Thursday, May 25th on Red Nose Day thanks to Denise Mauer, Relocation Director, who got the office involved in this year's Red Nose Day.  What is Red Nose Day? Red Nose Day was started in 1985 by writer/director Richard Curtis (Love Actually) with the aim to end child poverty by raising money and awareness. ...

  32. Excitement over the East Lansing Art Festival—Be a Part of It!
    Excitement over the East Lansing Art Festival—Be a Part of It!

    Tomorrow begins the 54th East Lansing Art Festival in downtown East Lansing and is mid-Michigan's first major art show of the summer season. It is ranked 9th in the nation in Sunshine Artist Magazine's top 100 Fine and Contemporary Art Festivals list. This year there will be over 175 exhibiting artists from 24 states and Canada and brings over 70,000 visitors (who travel an average of 42 miles!) ...

  33. Make Your Backyard the Place to Be
    Make Your Backyard the Place to Be

    Create a fun and inviting space in your backyard this summer for both friends and family to enjoy! With a few new additions, you can appreciate the privacy of your own home while still breathing in fresh air and enjoying the nature surrounding you. You’ll be the envy of all your neighbors when you throw the best evening get-togethers in your breathtaking backyard. Set up an outdoor bar. ...

    • May 4, 2017
    • Kristen Alberti
  34. CBHB’s Operation Care Package
    CBHB’s Operation Care Package

    March was Military Appreciation Month, and we wanted to spend that time giving back to those who risk their lives for our country every day. Because of our passion for the military, we decided to join in with Operation Care Package. Operation Care Package is a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers dedicated to making sure that no deployed hero goes without mail or feels forgotten. The ...

    • May 3, 2017
    • Kristen Alberti
  35. Greater Lansing Area May Things to Do
    Greater Lansing Area May Things to Do

    Take a trip to see the Lansing Lugnuts play some minor league baseball at the Cooley Law School Stadium in May and throughout the entire summer! Check out their full schedule here. Celebrate Michigan Day at the Michigan History Center and Archives of Michigan on May 6. From 10 AM-4 PM, enjoy this free family friendly event that explores and reflects on the real stories of Michigan’s ...

    • May 2, 2017
    • Kristen Alberti
  36. Pet Proofing Your Home
    Pet Proofing Your Home

    As the weather continues to get nicer, you might feel some puppy or kitten fever coming your way. It’s easier to potty train and exercise your animals with the warmer temperatures, which might explain why this seems to be the best time to adopt a new fur baby. April 29th was also free pet adoption day in almost 70 shelters across the state, which is a great reason to give a loving animal ...

    • May 1, 2017
    • Kristen Alberti
  37. Join us for the WCR Kentucky Derby Fundraising Event!
    Join us for the WCR Kentucky Derby Fundraising Event!

    Next Thursday on May 4, 2017, some of our agents will be participating in the Women’s Council of Realtors Kentucky Derby fundraising event at Eagle Eye Banquet Center. Portions of the proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing and also the Women’s Council of Realtors of Lansing. CBHB will be one of the sponsors for the race, and our East Lansing office manager/agent ...

    • April 28, 2017
    • Kristen Alberti
  38. Installing a Pool? The Ultimate Homeowner’s Checklist
    Installing a Pool? The Ultimate Homeowner’s Checklist

    The decision to install an in-ground pool should never be taken lightly. Take the time to review this checklist before calling up the nearest pool installer. SHARON LEEAPR 18, 2017 The decision to install an in-ground pool should never be taken lightly. While this iconic amenity adds a level of beauty and recreation to the property, it also imparts significant real estate considerations. ...

    • April 27, 2017
    • Kristen Alberti
  39. Things to Consider When Moving to a New State
    Things to Consider When Moving to a New State

    Living in a new state can sometimes feel like living in a new world. Be prepared to make a big move by checking all of these questions off your list! Where can I find affordable housing there? Some areas may be pricier than others. Know what you can afford and what areas fit your budget. What is the cost of living in the area I’m looking at? Consider the price of gas, state taxes, ...

    • April 26, 2017
    • Kristen Alberti
  40. End of April Lawn Care
    End of April Lawn Care

    Now that we are getting into spring, it's important to take care of your lawn! The winter months in Michigan likely left your grass in an unhealthy condition. It's time to take control and get the lawn of your dreams! Prevent weeds before they come up using pre-emergent herbicide Refrain from mowing the lawn too short Water in the morning so they sun will help dry the grass Feed ...

    • April 25, 2017
    • Kristen Alberti
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Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood Blog