Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Winter Preparations

6 quick and easy tips to utilize and keep

your garage organized all winter long!

Prepare appropriately for the daily use of winter equipment and gear by getting your garage in tip-top shape now. An organized garage that acts as a functional storage space will keep everything you need at hand, allowing you to move through chores and errands with efficiency and ease. Optimize your garage space by following the below tips :

1. Plan accordingly. Before you make any move, assess your space carefully. Even if you want to do the dirty work yourself, you may want to call in a professional simply to help you create a working vision.

2. Avoid general floor storage. First rule of thumb: Keep the garage floor as clear as possible. Snow melting off your car will make anything left out wet and muddy.

3. Work your walls. Use all the wall space available; this not only keeps things off the floor, but also leaves optimal space for your car. Tip: For heavy, bulky items such as winter sports equipment, install deep garage shelving with metal stiffeners.

4. Look up for general storage. Running out of available wall space? Use the ceiling. Bike racks and overhead storage will help you utilize the optimal space your garage has to offer!

5. Keep sand and salt at hand. Use sliding wire baskets or install a tilt-out hamper for easy access to sand, salt and even (well-wrapped) birdseed. This also helps keep them protected!

6. Install motion-sensor-activated and battery-powered LED lights. You never know when a winter storm might challenge your power, so it’s best to be prepared.

Call us with all of your Real Estate Needs! Northouse Realty Group (616) 206-9667 Jeff Northouse - REALTOR Christine Lassa - Marketing Director www.grhomelink.com Brokered by Five Star Real Estate (616) 257-1500

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Homebuyer Grant UPDATE!

Homebuyer Assistance

Grant Program

The first time homebuyer purchasing a single family/one-unit primary residence will have the ability to put the Homebuyer Assistance Grant Program into action, even before the first of the year!

A grant program will be available for the purchase of a single-family, owner occupied, primary residence. But keep in mind that if the borrower has had ownership interest in a primary residence in the last three years from the date of purchase, they are not eligible for the program.

This program supports non-military homebuyers with a grant of $3,000.00. It supports military homebuyers with a grant of $5,000.00 (Military includes Veteran, Active Duty, Reservists). Buyers can use the grant in conjunction with their own first mortgage including the MSHDA’s existing Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program using a waterfall review, i.e. a first lien with MSHDA, next apply the grant, then if needed apply the MSHDA DPA.

These funds may be used with any loan type!!!

The Grant Purpose: The purchase of a single family/ one-unit, owner occupied primary residence.

The Grant Terms/ Requirements: There is no lien and no repayment is required!

Limit: There is no limit just a minimum loan amount of $30,000!

Income Limits: None…this is one thing where income is NOT an issue!

Expected Availability Date: December 3rd, 2012

(For loans closing December 10th or after)

Monday, November 5, 2012

Election Eve

Presidential Election 2012

Here are some factors voters should take into account when casting a vote in the 2012 election.

Think about whether this candidate is a good person, someone you would trust to watch your wallet or purse if you had to rush off somewhere.

Consider how the candidate would spend your tax dollars. Get an idea what the candidate's priorities are, and see how that meshes with your ideas.

Lying by the candidate or his or her supporters should also be considered, although there has been so much prevarication in this election on all sides, it's hard to conclude who has lied more. Unfortunately, this is something to take into account.

If this person has held office before, look at what he or she has accomplished as a legislator, for example. Did the candidate sponsor any legislation or get any passed? If someone who simply occupies a seat in Washington, D.C., in Helena or preforming a job for county government.

Consider whether the candidate is beholden to special interests that might affect his or her votes or actions while in office. Also, if the job being sought is full-time, find out if your local candidate intends to do any moonlighting.

Running for office is no picnic, so we salute those willing to put their egos and their platforms on the line during this general election.

Please Vote Tuesday, November 6

Remember every vote matters!!!