Is it me or was this the fastest year in history?

Hard to believe 2009 is practically behind us already. Last week we were able to reflect and express thanks for all the great things in our lives... families, friends, freedom and our good fortune to have been born in the greatest country on the planet.

This month we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It seems sometimes that fact is lost in the hussle and bussle of Black Fridays, Christmas parties, politicos that try to remove him from the holiday that it is. Just imagine showing up to a surprise brthday party for yourself, and although everyone is celebrating, no one there says happy birthday or even acknowledges that it is you... the reason for the get together... Awkward :0)

Just keep the reason for this great holiday in the front of your mind as you wind down the year. If I see you and say Merry Christmas, don't be offended or take it the wrong way... if your faith differs, wish me a Happy Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanza or Festivus. I respect your freedom to celebrate your religion the way you see fit.

The real estate world has been vibrant the last month. I reported great activity for November (5 closings in a 2 week span). That is the best 2 week snap shot of time I've had in my 9 years as a realtor. The good news is the feds extended the first time home buyer credit through April 2010, and added a $ 6,500 credit for current home owner/buyers (again through April 2010).

First time buyer by definition is anyone that hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years. Current home owner/buyers must have lived in the home they are selling for at least 5 of the last 8 years they have owned it. Income limits for these credits are $ 125,000/year single and $ 225,000/year for married couples. Max price of home for eligibility is $ 800,000.

So give me a call... there are tons of homes on the market under $ 800K, I'll find the perfect one for you.

I just mailed out the new calendars for 2010... if you don't receive one this week, it means I probably don't have your current home mailing address. If you'd like one for your fridge, e-mail me with the details, I'll get it out this week.

Fam news...

One of the 5 closings I had this month was for David Lauren & Bella. They found a great home in Troy, not too far from either grandparent. We've spent a significant amount of "bonding time" removing wallpaper, carpet, bathroom fixtures and painting. They moved in completely the day before Thanksgiving. Still a little work to be completed, but don't all homeowners have a never ending list of stuff to do? We were able to off load most of the pantry and fridge, and surprisingly, I have managed to lose 5 lbs. since Thanksgiving. A testiment to their ability to cook for sure. Bella wasn't too sure about why we moved all her belongings out of her room and into her new strange house... it looks like she has warmed up to her new hot pink room with princess castles all over the wall though.

Anthony & Jessy came home over the holiday and were here almost an entire week. They're going to kill me after reading this, because I didn't take one picture to post. Not even a record of our second annual (and potentially final) Fryball Friday. We stoked up the turkey frier at 11:30 and started frying Anthonys Ponzeratis (sp), corn dogs, a huuuuge assortment of dessert pies, chicken wings pickles... enough frying to make the average healthy adult run screaming for a bottle of lipitor.

Last week was a prime example of why I enjoy Thanksgiving above all other holidays. Relaxing with the whole fam...

Kelly & I got the bikes out for the last couple fair weather rides in November... not sure if we are anxious enough to keep our streak alive. I have ridden my motorcycle once a month for 52 months... if we get some nice breaks this winter I'll keep it going, but No way am I doing a repeat performance of last January. It was 28 degrees when we finally found our window of opportunity to ride.

Thanks again for all your real estate referrals. We sincerely appreciate every new client/friend we meet. Have a great Christmas Holiday, and we'll talk again in 2010.

Happy early Thanksgiving...

Any of you that have kept reading the blog each year know how much I love Thanksgiving. It is the one time of year set aside to reflect on all you are thankful for without the added stress of Santa Clause, or the Easter Bunny... if they ever turn the turkey into a Thanksgiving icon... watch out.

I changed up the look of the blog a little this month... hope you like it. Make sure you scroll down past all of the blog entries and check out all of my listings, and for sure check out the business partner section. Lots of great people to do business with there. I've worked with them all at one time or another, they'll treat you like family.

This month is a busy one in real estate. The home buyer credit expires Nov. 30th and as a result I am jammed up with closings. Unless you're a cash buyer, you've missed the window at this point. The feds are contemplating extending the credit, but have postponed voting on it a couple times. Rumor has it they are thinking about an extension through June 2010... time will tell.

I stumbled onto something the other day from my Coldwell Banker office. There is a little known tax credit available to sellers that have sold a home worth less than their SEV. Apparently this has been on the books for several years, but until the last couple years... has not been that important. In a declining market however... you may be entitled to a little tax money back if you've sold a home in the last few years.

A seller does not have to pay the State of Michigan portion ($ 7.50 of the $ 8.60 per thousand) charged at a closing. The property must have been a homestead (not a second or income property), the SEV at the time of sale is equal to or less than it was when you purchased the home, The current sale price does/did not exceed the true cash value (2 times SEV) at the time of sale.

You must file for this exemption within 4 years of the sale of the home in question. I have a form I can e-mail you. All you need to do is complete the form, check with the city your home was in to make sure the SEV to sale price meets the criteria, and if you are due a refund... wait for the process to take place. Let me know if you think you are entitled to a refund. On a $ 200,000 home, the refund could be as much as $ 1,500.00

So for the family...

Last month I was reminded that I failed to put any details about the engagement party for Jessy & Anthony. I mentioned we were going in the September Blog... but must have blacked out prior to writing the October blog. Oops, sorry Belmonte fam. We did attend the party in early September in Chicago. It was a great opportunity to meet new family members, and renew acquaintences with those we've already known for a while. Sort of a pre-cursor to the wedding next year, this is gonna be a fun one. Only thing missing was the shotski... whoever is in charge of that better make sure its at the reception.

Anthony finished his high school football coaching debut season with a 6 -4 winning record... up from last year. They plan on heading home this coming weekend for a couple days to hang out at Club Hendo... where there are no wave offs :0)

Dave & Lauren are past the biggest hurdle on their new home... the appraisal. All is set for closing we think around Nov. 12th ish. They are balking at having Thanksgiving at the new place though... maybe next year. Of course Fri-ball Friday is happening the day after with the turkey frier... anyone have any ideas for interesting things to deep fry, feel free to send them my way. We fried just about everything in the pantry last year...looking for fresh ideas.

If you noticed the pics to the right, Bella was a hoot carving pumpkins last week. She was all about cleaning the guts out of the pumpkin... until she actually saw them, then pretty much turned on G-diddy and his slimey pumpkins. Oh yeah, she's all of a sudden decided to call me grandpa, sounds pretty grown up... stupid pre-school.

Kelly & I went on a color ride on the motorcycles last week. Weather was brisk, but no rain. Probably time to put them away for the seaon, just wish we'd have been able to put a few more miles on them... maybe next season.

Hate to sound like a broken record, but thank you so much for all your referrals. Without your family and friends, Real estate transactions are tough to come by. Everybody knows someone in real estate... hopefully I'm your go to guy.

Happy Thanksgiving... see you in December.

This months recipe... Ginger snap pumpkin cheesecake. I made this last week for a dinner party and it was great. If you don't have a spring form pan, go out and get one. You won't regret it.

INGREDIENTS
• 3/4 cups crushed gingersnap cookies
• ¾ cup graham crackers crushed
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 TBS flour
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed gingersnap cookies, graham crackers pecans, and butter. Press into the bottom, and about 1 inch up the sides of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake crust 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Set aside to cool.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla just until smooth. Mix in eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Blend pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the remaining mixture.
3. Spread the pumpkin flavored batter into the crust.
4. Bake 55 minutes in the preheated oven, or until filling is set. Run a knife around the edge of the pan. Allow to cool before removing pan rim. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

I give up, I've accepted fall...

This month I want to start by saying thanks for all your referrals over the past two months. I have been busier this Summer/Fall than I've been in the same time period over the last three years. Ahh the good old days :0). I'm certain the first time home buyer tax credit (which expires Nov. 30), is largely the reason. There are still about 2 or 3 good weeks left to be able to search for a home and get in on the credit before it expires... call today if you're interested. At this point, no short sales or foreclosures, but I'll find you a great privately owned home that we can act on quickly if you're interested.

Interest rates are teetering about 4.9 % for a 30 year fixed mortgage... and home values (prices) have been dropping at a steady 10 - 15% again this year. Who wouldn't want to buy a house right now?

That said, we have been seeing gains in unit sales since the first of the year, and a decline in new listings... that is a recipe for recovery of the real estate market in most every professionals view right now. Clearing inventory out decreases supply and increases demand. Not sure how far out, but if the trend continues values have got to increase (and so will prices). This is the perfect time to buy.

On to the family... One of my referrals this month was Dave & Lauren. They put an offer in on a home in Troy. If all goes well, we might see them close early November... which means Gramma Kelly is going to have her work cut out for her stripping wallpaper and painting. She's got to make sure everythings done for Thanksgiving at Club Hendo II.

Bella began pre-school this month, and is having a good time. We're not sure how we're going to cope without her here everyday after they move. Good thing their new home is close.

Anthony is full swing into the football season, coaching a local (to Chicago) high school team, and I'm sure dreaming big dreams about Da Bearz going to the super bowl this year... The Lions did step out of their way last week, so they could get one game closer to the prize. Jessy is working full time in a school with autistic children. She is gaining lots of experience these days, and seems like she's enjoying life after college.

Kelly & I are great, we just closed the pool, and are moving Club Hendo back indoors. We haven't had a lot of opportunity to ride the motorcycles this year... we do have a Sunday trip to Lapeer planned to go to the drag strip. Should be a good time, weather permitting.

Again, thanks so much for letting Kelly & I help out with your friends and family and their real estate needs. We truly appreciate the business, and please know that we treat them all like they're our own family. See you after Halloween.

Dave

P.S. no pumpkin seed recipe this year... but how about a little hot spiced cider? Great beverage to settle under a blanket Sunday afternoon while falling asleep to a Lions game :0) Enjoy

•3 quarts apple cider
•12 whole cloves
•1 cinnamon stick
•1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preparation:
In a large saucepan, bring all ingredients to a boil. Strain and serve hot spiced cider hot in mugs. Makes 12 cups of hot spiced cider.

Labor day marks the end of summer for most...

But did it really even get here this year? I'm not sure it was the exceptionally long winter or the unseasonably cold and rainy summer, but I'm just not ready to go to fall so soon.

The only redeeming factor is that despite the lack of heat outside, the real estate market is beginning to really get hot. I have been very busy this last month or so. Some of the increase is due to the fact that once you find a nice home for someone... there's an offer on it already, so it's back to work. This is a great thing for the economy, but buyers are suddenly finding it challenging to get the perfect house. I've even experienced multiple offer bidding on a few homes recently, something we haven't seen in several years consistently.

I have to believe that it's the first time home buyer credit expiration date (Nov. 30, 2009), but this might be just the feeding frenzie we need to propel us into better days.

Speaking of the first time home buyers credit... it's 10% of the home sale price up to
$ 8,000.00 given at tax time next year... get it while it's hot... Call me, I can find you that home, I've even perfected locating homes that are not short sale or foreclosures, because we all know... getting involved in those is a long process, and will definately put you in jeopardy of missing the credit.

You have a window of between today and October 25th (ish) to buy and close to get your 8K.

As for the fam...

All are doing well, we had a great time on our staycation over Labor Day. The pool was warm and the sun was sort of out. Bella started pre-school this week, and I'm sure is doing way better than all the rest of the kids there. Lauren began her new career at Lamphere schools, and quickly discovered she was working with the wife of someone David was in Iraq with... it is truly a small world. David had a little stomach surgery this month and is recouperating like a champ.

Jessy & Anthony are doing well, Jessy started her new job in Chicago a couple weeks ago... we haven't heard much about it yet, but we are heading to Chicago tomorrow for their engagement party and I'll be able to gice you a pretty full report next blog.

Kell & I continue to plug along but we've both been so busy that there's not much free time activities to report on... that's a good thing.

As always, thanks so much for your referrals. I truly appreciate the support you continue to give.

Dave

The Dog Days of Summer are here...

I've probably said that phrase dozens of times in my short lifetime, and never gave it much thought. As I began to type it in the title I wondered what the heck does that mean? So in my never ending quest to assist you in your day to day life through my blog... here's an interesting nugget of information to get you through your day... The term "Dog Days" was used by the Greeks, as well as the ancient Romans after Sirius (the "Dog Star"), the brightest star in the heavens besides the Sun. The dog days of summer are also called canicular days.

The Dog Days originally were the days when Sirius, the Dog Star, rose just before or at the same time as sunrise. The ancients sacrificed a brown dog at the beginning of the Dog Days to appease the rage of Sirius, believing that the star was the cause of the hot, sultry weather. Now you know :0) (source Wikipedia)

Speaking of Sirius... Siriusly Good news in real estate... Pending home sales are up for the fifth consecutive month, the first time in six years for such a streak, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in June, rose 3.6% to 94.6 from an upwardly revised reading of 91.3 in May, and is 6.7% above June 2008 when it was 88.7. The last time there were five consecutive monthly gains was in July 2003. This is good news for our area for sure. There's still a lot of real estate to be sold before we see any significant increase in home values, but we have to start somewhere, and (knock on wood) it appears that we are beginning the slow climb out.

Be sure to check out my listings link above... there are several homes I currently have on the market that need a good owner.

The fam is doing well... Kelly loves her new job, and has spent a lot of time traveling the first month. Not sure if getting a break from me is the major contributing factor to her love of job or not though. We haven't spent a lot of time on the motorcycles these days. The weather has been uncooperative at best, seems like whenever we get a break in the action to ride... Mr. Rain is threatening and we decide to stay home.

Lauren accepted a position with Lamphere Schools this month, and is beginning her new career in the next couple weeks. Jessy is just about finished with her summer off between school and beginning her career in Chicago. Anthony is starting his coaching debut with a local (to Chicago) private schools football team. David continues to accel at his career with TACOM... it's hard to belive it's been almost a year since he returned to us from the Army.

Bella continues to brighten our home, and at 3 she can just about swim end to end in our pool without adult assistance.

We really appreciate your help as we continue to grow the real estate business. Without your referrals, this tough market would have been a lot worse... Thanks so much for your help.

See you next month.

Dave, Kelly & the rest of the occupants at Club Hendo

Happy Independence day (belated)

Hey all, it's a little delinquent I know, but I'm finally getting around to the blog this month. Optimistic news seems to be showing up everywhere for our state. Here's a little ditty I dug up from Foreclosures.com Michigan: As the auto industry has unraveled, foreclosures in the motor state have soared. Yet the Michigan Association of Realtors reports residential home sales as reported by 41 of its local associations are up more than 8.5% YTD as of April over year-ago numbers. The Detroit Board of Realtors reports sales up a whopping more than 23%. Affordability is the name of the game. At least 15 Michigan local Realtor associations report average home prices statewide off more than 30% over year ago numbers in April.

What that means is... prices are down but sales are up. People are finally starting to realize the time to buy is now because of the bargains out here. This is a critical recovery piece for our real estate market... the quicker we can get some of this inventory out of the system (even at all time low prices), the quicker we will see the shift toward a sellers market and some stability. We need that perfect fulcrum balance between a buyers and a sellers market to stabilize.

As I prematurely announced last month, the stimulus package Gurus were supposed to be defining a way to use the $ 8,000 first time home buyers tax credit as cash down at closing... after beating our heads against the wall for a month, there is still no sign that this will happen. Still, $ 8,000 from the feds April 15th is better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick... so hop on board the stimulus train, call me and lets find that home.

Now for the Henderson news:

June and the July holiday season has been fast paced. Jessy relocated to Chicago, and has been working in a residence caring for Anthonys grandfather for the summer. Her new job begins in August, and shes very excited to get her career off and running. Anthony invited us to Lake Geneva for the 4th of July... it was sort of a pre-sample of how crazy our chicago wedding might be next summer. We had a ball getting to know his family a little bit better. We took the motorcycles out there and other than breaking Kellys handle bars... Anthonys maiden big trip went pretty much without incident.

Bella is getting so big and really likes the pool this summer. Her swim classes have given her tons of confidence, and she's starting to use her skills to really swim short distances. Dave & Lauren are expecting my second grandchild... looks like a March arrival. Not sure how mema and g-diddy are going to be able to spoil a second one as much, but we'll give it the old college try. David is rehabbing a torn mcl in his knee these days... he's not sure how or when the tear happened, but it could be "an old Army injury". Jumping off tanks is tough work... i did it once, They're really tall.

Real estate is hopping for me, it's been a busy spring/summer, and quite a bit of activity still on the horizon. Kelly has settled into her new career at QEK and loves it. The great thing is her office is located about 2 miles from home... she even pops home for lunch frequently.

Thanks again for all of your referrals... I truly appreciate the confidence you place in my service. Next months blog I will try to be a little more prompt with.

Summer is almost here... just wish the weather would show us.

Hey again. It's that time of month. May soared by without too much to report. Softball is in full swing, golf season has begun, and motorcycles have been ridden... just wish the weather would change a bit to make it more comfortable to ride.

Red Wings are hot & heavy in the battle for the cup, with a pretty good head start into the final series. As you can see by the pics below, Dave got a block of tickets for us all to go to the second game of the Wings Hawks series. Anthony & Jessy blasted home for the day and went with us. We told Anthony if he was going to wear the jersey, he needed to take the helmet... just in case there was an incident. Turned out there were plenty of hawk fans there, so although he took a little verbal heat, there were no attempted assaults that night (other than the one in our front yard).

Jessy & Kelly took the week last week in Chicago scoping out the church, hall and other assorted stuff required for a wedding. I stayed behind fully understanding my place in this whole affair... just tell me where, when and what to wear. Bella's already to dance with me, but I think she's going to enforce the no beard rule... I think shes tired of it. Just wish she was old enough to understand Red Wing traditions.

Kelly just received good news on the job front... she should start her new gig this week. She is relieved and very excited. She passed her drug test with flying colors... good thing Jessy warned her away from the poppyseed muffin the other day.

Real estate is kickin'... mostly first time homebuyers, but that market has got to take off in order for the "trickle up theory" to take hold.

Note the blog entries below... June 10 is a seminar for first time home buyers held by Coldwell Banker Schweitzer. I'll be there, and there's limited space available, so please give me a call if you'd like to attend this informative meeting. Learn all about how the stimulus package is shaping up to be a real motivator for first timers.

Also note the cycles for sight flyer below... great charity bike ride for the Shelby Lions on June 7... Kelly & I are participating again, and would love it if you wanted to join our "gang".

See you all next month... hopefully the weather warms up by then.

Thanks again for all your referrals... I sincerely appreciate them.

Dave

Where has the winter gone???

At last a break in the bad weather. The bikes are out, and Kel & I are trying to find time to ride. Softball is well under way, Dave & I found a team to play together on. My goal in life was to keep playing long enough to be able to be on a team together. With the goal met, lets hope I still have a couple good years left.

Golf league just began this week, I apologize in advance if you go to voice mail after 4:00 on Tuesdays. I promise to make it up to you on the weekends.

April was full of Henderson news. Jessy graduated from Western with her masters in Speech Pathology. She found work in Chicago, and plans to move there when her graduation trip to Disney is over. Her & Anthony decided against Mexico due to the risk of swine flu recently. I told her I was sure it was just montezumas revenge, they just now have a name for it.

Anthony, Dave & I hit the links last week for a quick round of golf. I was heading toward a respectable 40 something when Anthony decided that he needed to ask if he could marry Jessy. I told him it would be o.k., but then I hit an 8 on the last hole plunging me into the 50 somethings... He did say he hesitated to ask for fear of wrecking the round, but do you think that stopped him??? He proposed and Jessy accepted the other night (hence the delay in getting the blog out, I told him I would wait so he could make this months edition).

Kelly & I are both very excited to welcome Anthony into Club Hendo... We are now confident that both kids have chosen a path of longevity in marriage through fine spouse selection... just like Kelly did :0)

Speaking of that... Kel & I celebrate 27 great years of marriage May 8. It has been a great 27 years with a prefect soul mate. Full of surprises and twists, but great none the less. May is turning into one of those months that requires weekly parties. Anthony, Bella, David & Jessy all with birthdays, our anniversary, mothers day and of course Cinco De Mayo.

Kelly continues the career search... she has had many interviews with 3 very good possibilities on the horizon. We're confident that she'll land a job soon, and this will be just another blip on the radar of life.

Enough of that... Real estate is cranking up. This is the busiest spring I've enjoyed in the last three years. I am hopeful that the activity reflects an improvement in our economy, and an end to the market slide we've been in for the past five years. We're not seeing increases in prices yet, but if we continue to sell the inventory out there, pricing will have to follow.

My business is built on referrals, and I appreciate each and every one you have provided me. If there is anything I can do to assist your friends and relatives, whether it is simply advice, or transaction assistance, please don't hesitate to pass along my name and number.

Thanks, and see you in June...

April Showers bring May flowers...

I wish I had a better joke to use every April, but I'm just lame enough to use the same old tired one... If April Showers bring May flowers... what do May flowers bring? You guessed it... Pilgrims.

Finally it is starting to feel a little bit like spring around here. My toes are beginning to warm up, and we've actually been on the motorcycle a couple times. We opened up portions of Club Hendo in the back yard yesterday... it looks like we'll phase the other areas in as weather permits.

The photo this month... I thought it was appropriate to commemorate April Fools Day as well as State making it to the final four. I'm not much of a b-ball fan, so consider this pandering to all the rest of the sports junkies out there.

Jessy finished her internship at Beaumont last week, and is relieved that she only has one more paper, and her formal graduation in April... then she officially joins the work force, and adulthood. The day Kelly & I have been waiting for... getting her off the payroll :0). We couldn't be any more proud of her accomplishments. She worked extremely hard to earn her Masters from Western Michigan. To celebrate, her & Anthony are heading to Mexico later this month to relax for a week. I think she's considering a move to Chicago for employment. We'll miss her around here, but at least it's not California.

Bella is doing a great job potty training... this will be a huge step toward her independence... since G-Diddy is a little reluctant to have grandfather grandaughter outings. I'm not real big into the diaper thing :0). Dave & Lauren enrolled her in a swim class at the Troy Community center, and she just passed her class. It is funny to see how comfy she is in the pool compared to last summer when she moved here. Dave & Lauren continue their efforts to fatten me up with good home cooked meals everyday... just can't resist the alfredo.

Kelly & I keep plugging away. March has been very busy with real estate. I've written a few offers, and have a few more buyers I'm working with... much better start to '09 than '08. Kelly is actively seeking a new sales position, and has had several good interviews over the last couple weeks.

As for Real Estate...

This is a market that still strongly favors buyers. A recent client locked in on a 30 year mortgage with a 4.62% interest rate. The stimulus package offers first time home buyers an $ 8,000.00 tax credit, and there are a llllooootttt of homes on the market to chose from. Spring is here, if you are interested in selling a home... right now is the time to list to take advantage of the busiest activity time of the year. If you are a buyer... there are tons of deals to be had, you need to give me a call today so I can help you find one.

Thanks once again for all of your referrals. I truly appreciate the trust you place
in my ability to service your friends and family.

Let me know how I can help, and have a terrific April.

How to effectively appeal your property tax assessment

http://www.gophouse.com/publications.asp?District=41

Hey guys, as promised the above link is an in depth look from our local representative on how to put together an appeal. Cut and paste the address into your browser then click the link in the body of the newsletter on how to appeal and follow the instructions.

Naturally since this newsletter is from my local representative Marty Knollenberg, your community information will be different, and some of the forms may be different as well.

I hesitated sending this information out because of item number 8. Obviously since I am a realtor, I have access to the information required for you to put a tactical assault together for your community. I am happy to do this for you, but after struggling with trying to determine how many of you might reach out and ask me to do the report, and knowing if I have 200 requests for this information how many hours I'll be sitting in front of the computer compiling it for you... I am asking for a nominal fee of $ 25.00 to provide you with an in depth Comparative Market Analysis that will be specific to your individual home and neighborhood. The city of Troy is using 10/01/2007 through 09/30/2008 as their comparison time frame to fight your taxes today... just make sure you provide me with the appropriate dates for your city when asking for this report. I am limited to Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties for the most accurate information.

Let me know if you are interested... I hope the information is helpful

March - Officially the last completely winter month of the year...

Thank goodness there's light at the end of the tunnel. I was telling Kelly the other day, this is the first year ever that I was wishing I was in a sunny climate already. I've always been a big fan of our awesome Michigan season changes, but the continuous string of single digit and low teen temps has made toe-cicles out of my feet. Bring on a little bit of that global warming already :0).

In case you missed all my recent blog and spam interruptions, quite a few changes have taken place in my business lately. I am firmly settled in at Coldwell Banker Schweitzer. All of my business has made the transfer, I have cards and signs now and am 100% full steam ahead, and ready for spring selling season.

My new office is great, the people are warm friendly and professional, and it is conveniently located so I can service clients at a more centrally located facility
(18 & Rochester Rd. in Troy).

Thanks so much for all of your congratulatory remarks and wishes for success with the move... I appreciate your thoughts.

As for the stimulous package... if you know anyone remotely interested in buying their first home... send them my way. The new package allows for a first home buyers tax credit of $ 8,000.00. What a bargain !!! All you have to do is stay in your home for three years and there will be no repayment required. That $ 8,000.00 can go a long way toward remodeling or vacationing... heck on a $ 150,000 home, it could pay 6 or 8 months mortgage... buy a new home, stay there free for 8 months, that's huge.

I don't know about you but I've received several e-mail notices and snail mail postcards from politicians promoting "how-to" seminars to reduce your property taxes. I haven't personally sat in on one yet, but plan to in the very near future. Could be a lot of political hype, but I'm sure we should be able to gain one or two valuable insights in our down turned market.

As for the fam... All is well on the Hendo front. Our semi Irish family is anxiously waiting St. Pattys day. I remember about three years ago going to the St. Pats parade in Detroit on the motorcycle and it was actually warm... that's a mere 16 days away.

Lauren enrolled Bella in swimming lessons at the Troy community center. It is amazing how comfortable she is in the water... just last summer she was a bit afraid to jump in the pool. Can't wait to splash her this summer.

Dave recently joined the Army Reserves and travels to Ann Arbor once a month for his weekend committment.

Jessy completed her resume' and is currently circulating it to try to locate a job in her clinical fellowship program... it looks like she is determined to move to Chicago... Anthony hasn't been around much this month, but I need to mention his name so he doesn't think I forgot about him :0).

Kelly's back is rehabilitated, and she's been playing hockey again with her team. She had a short relapse after hitting the free weights at lifetime last week, but it looks like just a small setback. I guess she's not going to be able to catch up to my guns this year...

Thanks again for your referrals... make sure you mention the $ 8,000 stimulous tax credit for first time home buyers and pass my name along... Your friends and family, are my friends and family.

See you in April

Dave

Nothing is constant but change...

Hey again... Lots of stuff happening this month. I just wanted to point out the new look on the right side of the Blog... I have recently made a move to join forces with Coldwell Banker Schweitzer in Troy. My new office is near 18 mile on Rochester Rd. It's a little more centrally located for me, and makes it much easier maintain contact with the office throughout the course of a busy day.

My 6 years at Century 21 have been productive, working with a great group of people... this new change will be essentially in appearance of my business cards, your fridge magnet, and yard signs. All of the great services you are accustomed to with me as your realtor stay in effect. My contact info is all the same, so feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions you might have .. or referrals you may come across.

As always thanks for your help with my business

Dave

2008 v 2007 Sales Stats

Happy February... Punxsatawney Phil saw his shadow...

Legend has it that means six more weeks of winter is in store. I don't know about you all but I'm not sure I can take another six weeks. You know it's bad when the temp hits 34 degrees and you're o.k. to go outside with a sweater on. Talk about being conditioned for winter.

Between all the women in our house now and the constant battle of the thermostat, I just can't shake the chill.

January was pretty uneventful around here. We are settled in with Jessy and her dog and Dave Lauren & Bella... our routine is pretty much established. Kind of fun at dinner time with three families performing our own version of Iron Chef Hendo. Jessy is somewhat of a stir fry freek, Dave & Lauren seek out the occasional fish dish, I stick with the meat & potato's, and Kelly forages through the fridge for her typical salad or chicken... rotating in an occasional pot roast or pork tenderloin... No wonder I can't shake the last 8 pounds from Christmas.

Jessy is full throttle into her internship at Beaumont... she has her good days and her stressful ones... three more months and she's free of this phase of school. Anthony has popped over from "C" town a couple times this month to make sure Louie stays in line... and to get all of his vehicle maintenance taken care of at Hendos garage.

Dave has settled into his position at TACOM... he entered the superbowl pool this weekend from work and won the 4th quarter for a cool hundo. Lauren & Bella continue to amuse the whole house... Bella has enough energy for all 6 of us... I don't know how Lauren keeps up.

Kelly & I are plugging away at our jobs... no big news to report there. The pic you see this month is of David his cuz Cody and Gramma Nancy. I added it there because Cody is leaving in about 7 days for the Air Force. We had his going away party this past weekend. His brother Keith joined last year, and is currently stationed in Alaska. Just can't keep those McDonald genes out of the service...

Real estate seems to have stalled a bit. It looks like the $ 700 billion bailout hasn't trickled down to us common folk yet. Mortgage rates are still low, but it seems like the banks only want to sell money to perfect credit scores these days.

I'm sure 12 feet of snow on the ground, the new administration, and general economic "good news" daily is having an effect on sales as well.

Spring is just around the corner... lets hope for a quick thaw, and a fast start to a boom 2009 real estate season.

As always, thanks so much for your referrals. My business depends greatly on them. See you March 1st... hopefully we'll have the motorcycles rolling by then.

Happy New Year... Let's start '09 out with a bang.

Hey all,

I know most of us are breathing a big sigh of relief that '08 is a memory. The New Year holiday is a time to reflect on all the great things we lived in the past twelve months though. I won't bore you with all the details... if you're interested, scroll through the past few months of blog entries to see why '08 was full of great changes for Kelly & I.

Although the house is jammed these days with kids and stuff, it is a far cry better than the empty house we've had for the past 5 - 7 years (for now anyway :0)).

Bella was asked to skate at a boys hockey team practice that was short a few players over Christmas break. When she got there Mema Kelly discovered they were skating with Chris Draper. She did very well with a little help from David & Kelly... Grampa as usual was pretty much useless on his skates. Got a few good pics though.

Christmas was very nice... we all pared back on the gifts a bit but it was the best Christmas in a few years having the whole family back for the holiday. We kept the Christmas Day tradition alive having dinner at Kubla Kahn, even though Jessy ditched us heading to Chicago to ski with Anthony that afternoon. Anthony made it up to me by getting me footie pajamas though... all is forgiven :0)

I'm sure I'm not alone in making New Years resolutions... The biggest one I made is the one about not breaking my new years resolutions before January is over. Naturally I'm going to eat better, exercise and lose a little weight, be a better husband, father and grandfather, and focus very hard on making my real estate business excel past the last three years.

Fortunately I can keep the first few without much outside intervention. The last one is going to require the same gracious efforts of all of you as usual, and possibly a little help from above :0).

We're days away from a new president, and economic issues and global unrest loom over our heads. Ronald Reagan understood like no one in recent history that a happy population is a prosperous population. My wish for the new year is for all of us to find the happiness and peace within us, so we can fight 2009 back into prosperity.

Real Estate is starting out well so far... We were able to end 2008 strong, and I'm working with several buyers currently, and some of my listings are seeing pretty fair amounts of traffic (even in January). A good first quarter is a great way to set the stage for the remainder of the year...

Thanks again for your referrals, I promise next month to publish a blog with substance :0)... stay tuned, and have a fantastic 2009.