Metro Detroit Real Estate Voice

How is Macomb County, Michigan real estate? Here is what you need to know for the most current statistics.

In order to properly interpret these figures or to find out the specific value of your property, please contact Al Block of RE/MAX First at 1-800-SOLD-678.

 Click here for First Quarter 2009 Macomb County statistics.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

How is Oakland County, Michigan real estate? Here is what you need to know for the most current statistics.

In order to properly interpret these figures or to find out the specific value of your property, please contact Al Block of RE/MAX First at 1-800-SOLD-678.

 ***Just click on the attached document to see the First Quarter 2009 Oakland County real estate sales statistics for your community.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Attachment(s): 1st quarter 2009 Oakland.pdf

Let’s Talk Taxes ... anyone buying a house this time of year beware ... May 1st approaches. Don't get stuck.

Real Estate …. Are the taxes for real?

 

By

Al Block, abr,gri,sres,qsc

 

            Taxes, like them or not, they are here to stay.   As you begin your home search and browse various property listings, whether online, or as provided by your Realtor, it IS NOT safe to assume what is in print is always what the taxes will be for you when YOU buy it.  Let’s discuss the various reasons.

 

            In the State of Michigan, and many other states, there are HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAXES and NON-HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAXES.  Homes and condominiums that are classified as HOMESTEAD, typically means that the owner resides in the property and has claimed it as their principal residence.  Under this classification, the property taxes are typically at the lowest rate.  In contrast, if an owner does not occupy or claim it as their principal residence, it is referred to as NON-HOMESTEAD.  This last classification is very typical for properties that are currently bank-owned or tenant occupied.  An owner must own, occupy, and claim a property as their principal residence with their local assessing department prior to May 1^st of each year in order to qualify for the lowest rate.  So how does this affect you?  Around this time of year, if you are purchasing a home that is currently NON-HOMESTEAD, the tax you may see on a property listing may lower as much as 35% upon you claiming a HOMESTEAD.  Conversely, if you are not able to own, occupy, and file the essential document to claim your HOMESTEAD prior to May 1^st, it is very likely you will have to pay all or a portion of the NON-HOMESTEAD rate for that year.  The best people to discuss this issue with is your Realtor and/or the Assessor and/or Treasurer that has authority over the property in question.  

 

            Even if you are aware of the above tax classification, the taxes still may change again when you take ownership. Properties are taxed also based upon what the local tax assessor computes the value to be.  To be very clear, this is what the taxing authority values the property at.   The TAXABLE VALUE is a value at which property taxes are computed and billed by.  The STATE EQUALIZED VALUE (S.E.V.) is what the tax assessor believes a property is worth.  These two numbers have a relationship.  The TAXABLE VALUE typically goes up every year by a small amount (cost of living index, etc.).  However, the S.E.V. can go up and down but does not change what you pay in taxes UNTIL an ownership change occurs.  At that time, what is the S.E.V. now becomes the TAXABLE VALUE for the new owner, thus typically raising the tax for the new owner.  To estimate what your taxes will be when you make a purchase, your Realtor can research these numbers and give you some estimation of what the tax change may be for you.  (You can contact the local Assessor or Treasurer and they should be able to provide you these numbers and some estimation as to how the “pop-up” tax may affect you.)

 

            Last, another issue to consider is if the tax printed on a property listing is totally correct.   At first glance, when researching taxes from a municipality’s website, the tax amount showing will reveal a total amount for the year.  However, it is a good idea to verify the itemization of that number.  For example, if a previous owner did not pay delinquent water bills or a ticket for a city ordinance violation, that cost will be placed on to the tax billing.  This is more typical of bank-owned properties and those in the process of foreclosure.  To find out the itemization, many municipalities show their itemized tax billing for each property online or are glad to discuss this topic over the phone or at their offices.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

A real solution to Michigan property tax problems ....

This may be a very "on the surface approach that merely touches the surface, but in principle, I think it would work well.  Below is an opinion editorial I wrote in a Michigan tax online forum:

 Any one who is on the side that Michigan's property tax climate is good or "not bad" does not own a lot of property and is not a real estate professional.  My name is Al Block.  I am a RE/MAX agent in the Metro Detroit area.  With out going into a lot of detail ... YET, "ad valorem" taxes in general are unfair.  Here is the explanation that even the most liberal, tax-loving Michigander will agree with.  Ad Velorem is a latin term that our property taxes are based upon ... based on the "value" of your property.  If you study a tax assessor's field sheet, a majority of the value for your State Equalized Value which eventually trickles to your Taxable Value is the improvements to that land.  Improvements are dwellings, out-buildings, and land improvements (driveways, walkways, decks, etc.).  So, you take 2 property owners.  The first guy/gal has a 1 acre lot with $50,000 of improvements.  Another has a 1 acre lot with $100,000 of improvements.   The 2nd person pays double the taxes.  Please tell me why that would be fair.  They BOTH own the same share of land in the city/township where they are located.  They both breath the same amount of air, take up the same amount of space, it is just that the 2nd has more money.  That is AD VELORUM taxation.  Here is how Michigan, and many other states, can correct this issue.       Property taxation would be based upon a property owner's fair share of the  city/townships budget based upon their share ownership of land.  Now, this proposal, I know would raise my own taxes.  But what is right, is right.  So, based upon my idea, if you own a 1 acre lot (using easy numbers here), you will pay half the tax burden as someone who owns a 2 acre lot, double your size, double your share.  So, for simple math.  If a city/twp. has a $100,000 budget to run all its services/government, and their are 100 land owners, all that has to be done is do the calculation of what their "share or stock" is in that city, and divy up the needed revenue.   This way, there is no argument about taxable values, home values, or a big tax bill because some idiot builds a 5 million dollar mansion on a postage size lot.  That idiot would still have the same taxes as someone who builds a 2 bedroom, 700 s.f. home on the same size lot.  Why?  Because their share of ownership of that town is the same.  Think of it like a public corporation.  If you own 100 share of stock, you have half the ownership value of someone who has 200 share of stock. 

I welcome debate if I am way off on this one.  I have not even touched the surface on how our current property taxation system hurts property values, limits investment, and drives people into financial ruin.  All I speak/write of is from "in the trenches" experience being on the front lines of Michigan real estate.  Until you help people buy and sell properties, you don't really see the impact.

Sincerely,

Al Block
Realtor/Appraiser
RE/MAX First, Inc.
1-800-SOLD-678

by Al Block | 0 Comments

MOVE FOR FREE!!! Suburban Detroit Realtor's answer to slowing economy.

A picture is worth a thousand words and explains it all.  Al Block, a 20 year veteran of the real estate industry, has purchased a 24 foot commercial box truck for free use by his clients that either purchase or sell a property with him.  Quoting Mr. Block... "I purchased this actually a year ago and really have not gotten around to spreading the news publicly, just basically telling my clients it is at their disposal if they wish.  It also provides me a "neighborhood billboard" as it sits in a homeowner's driveway as they load it to move.  It has really gone over quite well, especially the client can move at their leisure instead of renting a truck for one day and having to get it back.  They can keep it as long as they wish, if no other client has schedule it.  There really has been no issues, yet."   CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO SCHEDULE THIS TRUCK FOR YOU.

 

 

by Al Block | 0 Comments

2005-2008 real estate sales statistics for major Metro Detroit region, bank owned vs. private owners

This is by far a very definitive collection of data and graphs collected by MIRealsource, Inc. MLS. 

Click here to download.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Al Block elected: Director: Metropolitan Consolidated Association of Realtors -Troy, MI

Al Block, a 20 year veteran of the Metro Detroit real estate industry will serve on the Board of Directors of the largest local Association of Realtors in the State of Michigan.  He served a term as Director of the Macomb County Board of Realtors from 1997-2001 and then served later as Vice-President of a newly merged organizition comprised of 6,700 members (Metropolitan Consolidated Association of Realtors) until 2004.  Al Block has served in various capacities as Chairman of the Public Relations Committee and Chairman of the Grievance Committee.  He has also served the Association in other voluntary capacities since the early 1990's. 

 Al Block is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX First, Inc. in Clinton Township, Michigan and serves Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties.  He is a high profile, high volume Realtor and also a Limited Appraiser. 

 

Congratulations to newly-elected leaders. Click on Al's face to email him!

Congratulations to (in alphabetical order) Al Block, Bill B., Susie M. and Pat R.. They received the most votes among the seven Board of Director candidates and will begin their terms in January of 2009.

Thanks to all candidates and to the MCAR REALTOR® members who voted online.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Oakland County Real Estate Market Statistics--4th Quarter 2007

Here is the latest information comparing the difference between 4th quarter 2006 and 4th quarter 2007,

Stats show amount of listings, sales, sales volume, and differences in the average sale prices.  This is

very reliable datea.  Click here to open .pdf file.

 

Oakland County | Fourth Quarter 2007

City

2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff

Addison Township 41 40 2.50% 13 6 116.67% $4,118,590 $2,733,000 50.70% $278,432 $512,750 -45.70%

Auburn Hills 153 145 5.52% 22 37 -40.54% $3,092,700 $7,284,450 -57.54% $125,167 $177,233 -29.38%

Berkley 216 184 17.39% 44 69 -36.23% $6,267,980 $12,675,065 -50.55% $147,883 $177,967 -16.90%

Beverly Hills 117 126 -7.14% 16 24 -33.33% $4,205,400 $6,049,232 -30.48% $273,083 $239,583 13.98%

Bingham Farms Village 7 22 -68.18% 1 4 -75.00% $320,000 $116,479,781 -99.73% $320,000 $470,750 -32.02%

Birmingham 508 459 10.68% 72 78 -7.69% $19,547,810 $24,813,660 -21.22% $228,833 $330,833 -30.83%

Bloomfield Hills 98 78 25.64% 14 8 75.00% $1,894,600 $1,053,000 79.92% $244,600 $350,250 -30.16%

Bloomfield Twp. 625 554 12.82% 92 99 -7.07% $29,555,646 $39,438,900 -25.06% $270,333 $400,333 -32.47%

Brandon Twp. 105 110 -4.55% 36 21 71.43% $7,934,579 $4,262,000 86.17% $192,167 $197,000 -2.45%

Clarkston 10 16 -37.50% 0 6 -100.00% $0 $1,870,500 -100.00% $0 $332,917 -100.00%

Clawson 124 109 13.76% 30 49 -38.78% $4,029,897 $7,750,170 -48.00% $142,150 $154,083 -7.74%

Commerce Twp. 441 435 1.38% 60 94 -36.17% $15,429,883 $26,217,730 -41.15% $203,000 $246,500 -17.65%

Davisburg/Springfield

Township 106 104 1.92% 22 30 -26.67% $5,966,300 $8,414,313 -29.09% $239,967 $274,352 -12.53%

Farmington 112 137 -18.25% 17 31 -45.16% $2,190,600 $5,572,597 -60.69% $144,250 $180,317 -20.00%

Farmington Hills 868 974 -10.88% 146 164 -10.98% $30,373,755 $39,253,595 -22.62% $200,575 $230,000 -12.79%

Fenton 0 0 -- 0 0 -- $0 $0 -- $0 $0 --

Ferndale 351 334 5.09% 84 80 5.00% $8,832,675 $10,204,738 -13.45% $95,533 $116,979 -18.33%

Franklin Village 43 44 -2.27% 6 10 -40.00% $2,535,900 $4,395,400 -42.31% $331,967 $411,250 -19.28%

Groveland Twp. 48 37 29.73% 11 4 175.00% $2,324,900 $1,179,500 97.11% $224,000 $294,875 -24.04%

Hazel Park 257 259 -0.77% 53 51 3.92% $2,952,433 $3,835,324 -23.02% $52,525 $78,300 -32.92%

Highland Twp. 186 177 5.08% 33 33 0.00% $5,613,281 $7,124,739 -21.21% $162,350 $191,500 -15.22%

Holly Twp. 82 61 34.43% 19 11 72.73% $2,508,910 $2,070,781 21.16% $129,150 $204,860 -36.96%

Holly Village 60 60 0.00% 17 16 6.25% $2,074,637 $2,098,500 -1.14% $131,146 $121,257 8.16%

Huntington Woods 81 52 55.77% 6 11 -45.45% $2,133,200 $2,981,500 -28.45% $337,175 $266,900 26.33%

Independence Twp. 314 357 -12.04% 84 94 -10.64% $19,000,860 $28,864,271 -34.17% $208,698 $274,759 -24.04%

Keego Harbor 63 64 -1.56% 8 4 100.00% $1,175,500 $504,001 133.23% $155,000 $75,001 106.67%

Lake Angelus 8 3 166.67% 1 0 -- $1,000,000 $0 -- $1,000,000 $0 --

Lake Orion Village 46 56 -17.86% 5 14 -64.29% $1,701,650 $3,417,390 -50.21% $291,138 $227,147 28.17%

Lathrup Village 42 54 -22.22% 18 15 20.00% $2,518,170 $2,714,300 -7.23% $140,983 $188,367 -25.15%

Leonard Village 3 1 200.00% 1 0 -- $89,500 $0 -- $89,500 $0 --

Lyon Twp. 109 146 -25.34% 23 12 91.67% $5,636,700 $3,453,419 63.22% $231,167 $298,733 -22.62%

Madison Heights 275 268 2.61% 82 84 -2.38% $7,623,200 $9,874,633 -22.80% $95,167 $117,017 -18.67%

Milford Twp. 90 103 -12.62% 23 17 35.29% $7,515,900 $6,750,800 11.33% $303,500 $329,500 -7.89%

Milford Village 72 87 -17.24% 22 23 -4.35% $4,856,840 $4,383,200 10.81% $180,000 $173,483 3.76%

Northville 56 49 14.29% 6 11 -45.45% $1,564,895 $3,525,800 -55.62% $279,149 $313,000 -10.82%

Novi 585 796 -26.51% 101 100 1.00% $28,394,212 $30,022,499 -5.42% $246,700 $242,967 1.54%

Novi Twp. 7 2 250.00% 4 1 300.00% $1,226,500 $185,000 562.97% $317,000 $185,000 71.35%

Oak Park 330 302 9.27% 71 64 10.94% $6,088,740 $7,486,850 -18.67% $82,233 $120,308 -31.65%

Oakland Twp. 210 205 2.44% 51 41 24.39% $16,597,764 $15,185,978 9.30% $315,125 $366,667 -14.06%

Orchard Lake Village 32 23 39.13% 2 6 -66.67% $0 $2,028,900 -100.00% $0 $503,150 -100.00%

Listings Sales Sales Volume Median Sale Price

The housing market information on this page is not guaranteed, but is from data we believe reliable. Check MCARonline.com for updates and corrections. Oakland County statistics courtesy

of Realcomp II Ltd.

MCAR offers this information as a service to members and has tried to ensure that it is accurate. MCAR makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of this

content; assessing accuracy and reliability of information is the responsibility of the user. MCAR is not liable for errors contained herein or for any damages in connection with the use of the

information.

City

2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff

Listings Sales Sales Volume Median Sale Price

Oakland County | Fourth Quarter 2007

Rose Twp. 40 42 -4.76% 8 5 60.00% $1,421,100 $1,037,900 36.92% $164,275 $216,125 -23.99%

Royal Oak 834 770 8.31% 171 211 -18.96% $29,578,968 $39,900,237 -25.87% $163,333 $173,000 -5.59%

Royal Oak Twp. 16 11 45.45% 3 6 -50.00% $136,900 $349,802 -60.86% $37,725 $70,833 -46.74%

South Lyon 149 134 11.19% 32 36 -11.11% $4,464,110 $7,093,960 -37.07% $140,000 $193,167 -27.52%

Southfield 918 808 13.61% 155 181 -14.36% $18,024,710 $29,289,930 -38.46% $117,500 $149,000 -21.14%

Southfield Twp. 1 1 0.00% 0 0 -- $0 $0 -- $0 $0 --

Sylvan Lake 33 27 22.22% 6 3 100.00% $848,600 $1,270,000 -33.18% $172,750 $367,500 -52.99%

Troy 582 629 -7.47% 151 161 -6.21% $33,526,812 $40,148,387 -16.49% $208,133 $233,333 -10.80%

Walled Lake 106 119 -10.92% 19 21 -9.52% $2,288,850 $3,282,500 -30.27% $115,283 $142,383 -19.03%

Waterford Twp. 792 770 2.86% 156 178 -12.36% $22,527,830 $29,842,489 -24.51% $132,917 $151,833 -12.46%

West Bloomfield Twp. 813 908 -10.46% 144 162 -11.11% $36,970,092 $44,861,306 -17.59% $230,583 $230,500 0.04%

White Lake Twp. 288 314 -8.28% 62 66 -6.06% $12,836,200 $15,090,000 -14.94% $202,167 $218,667 -7.55%

Wixom 87 92 -5.43% 25 21 19.05% $5,154,146 $4,594,748 12.17% $215,000 $219,167 -1.90%

Wolverine Lake Village 45 44 2.27% 16 10 60.00% $3,643,600 $1,399,000 160.44% $164,567 $160,167 2.75%

Totals 13,458 13,631 -1.27% 2,714 2,958 -8.25% $515,181,681 $773,804,296 -33.42% NA

Orion Twp. 295 298 -1.01% 58 92 -36.96% $11,395,250 $18,875,734 -39.63% $172,033 $196,917 -12.64%

Ortonville Village 18 16 12.50% 3 3 0.00% $306,900 $747,000 -58.92% $116,900 $243,750 -52.04%

Oxford Twp. 155 181 -14.36% 35 36 -2.78% $9,180,880 $9,204,090 -0.25% $233,080 $228,250 2.12%

Oxford Village 21 41 -48.78% 10 9 11.11% $1,407,250 $1,312,000 7.26% $104,950 $229,100 -54.19%

Pleasant Ridge 25 46 -45.65% 9 15 -40.00% $2,296,300 $3,922,300 -41.46% $340,717 $229,100 48.72%

Pontiac 694 629 10.33% 156 135 15.56% $6,612,577 $9,734,162 -32.07% $25,992 $64,750 -59.86%

Rochester 141 176 -19.89% 27 32 -15.63% $6,896,924 $10,365,168 -33.46% $244,567 $402,083 -39.18%

Rochester Hills 524 542 -3.32% 152 153 -0.65% $36,769,575 $45,328,067 -18.88% $220,100 $247,622 -11.11%

The housing market information on this page is not guaranteed, but is from data we believe reliable. Check MCARonline.com for updates and corrections. Oakland County statistics courtesy

of Realcomp II Ltd.

MCAR offers this information as a service to members and has tried to ensure that it is accurate. MCAR makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of this

content; assessing accuracy and reliability of information is the responsibility of the user. MCAR is not liable for errors contained herein or for any damages in connection with the use of the

information.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Macomb County Real Estate Statistics, September 2007 vs. September 2006 (list of all cities)

Statistical data compiled by Macomb County statistics courtesy of MiRealSource MLS.

http://www.mcaronline.com/images/reports/101907/MC_stats_MR_Sept07.pdf

Please contact me if you are in need of any information more specific to your situation.  I have the ability to compare dates fiscally, percentage losses based on style of home, type of real estate, etc..  Feel free to email me.  Information is also available for other counties.

 

MCAR offers this information as a service to members and has tried to ensure that it is accurate. MCAR makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of this

content; assessing accuracy and reliability of information is the responsibility of the user. MCAR is not liable for errors contained herein or for any damages in connection with the use of the

information.

Listings Sales Sales Volume Average Sale Price

by Al Block | 0 Comments

New Listing--Colonial For Sale in Sunflower Village-Canton Township, MI close to pool, school, clubhouse, walking path, commons

Sunflower Village "blossom" of a deal.

• 1,900 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm colonial - MLS® #27165407   $229,900 - Very affordable colonial.

Sunflower, Canton

Property information

by Al Block | 0 Comments

New listing--Colonial For Sale in Montego Bay Subdivision, Sterling Heights, MI--needs a little TLC

• 1,857 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm colonial - MLS® #30550347   $199,899 - Lets make a deal.

Montego Bay Subdivision, Sterling Heights

Property information

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Price Reduced on 21426 Florence in Edinburgh Estates

Edinburgh Estates, Macomb Township  -  Unreal price on a real of a deal house!!!!   Announcing a price reduction on 21426 Florence, a 2,600 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Master suite w./potential for mother-in-law suite.". Now MLS® #30529295   $264,700 - Magically priced!.

Property information

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Standard & Poor's 20 city report of real estate year-over-year prices. Metro Detroit price decline of almost 10% in 2006.

Click on this link for the full report.  The news is not good, but in my opinion, better than expected.  Contact me

to know the facts about your specific area.    Click here for the report.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

New listing: Go to Church, and live like you're in heaven!

Details

Photo Gallery

View Rooms

48444-Imlay Township (Imlay City)

FOR SALE $249,800Add it up ... good deal.

	RE/MAX First, Inc.
	RE/MAX First, Inc. Email Al Type of contact:number " repeating for each--> Work: 586-792-8000 Toll-Free: 180-0SO-LD67 Cell: 586-489-8109 Fax: 586-792-4990
More Photos(36)
sattelite with line drawing

	Quick Links
	Virtual Tour		Request More Info	Email Listing	More Photos(36)

	Details
	DetailType: Detail  " next detail-->Address: 8080 Church Road Type: Residential Style: Ranch Bedrooms: 3 Suite: No Living Area: 1,508 square feet Year Built: 1994 More Details

	Description
	24 HOUR INFORMATION HOTLINE: 1-800-290-9994 CODE: 232665 This property by far has more to offer than most homes I have sold before and acreage to boot. This is like getting the features of a Cadillac at the price of a Ford. That's why this property comes "fully loaded". There is so much to list that it is a must see to see it all. At the end of the driveway, which is most likely almost 300 feet long, sits a 32'x40' pole barn. It is insulated, has its own furnace, 220V and circuit panel, overhead lighting, 2 roll up doors (high) and 1 extra high sliding door off the back. The driveway is gravel until you are in front of the pole barn or the extra large 2 and 1/2 car attached garage. The cement approach in front of the pole barn may park 6 to 8 cars and in front of the garage around 4 to 6. The house boasts 3 bedrooms with a large 4th bedroom in the recently finished basement. The basement is just "drop-dead gorgeous" with large recreation room, newer Berber carpet, gas fireplace with vented forced heat to bedroom, two large storage areas(see virtual tour), 95% efficient furnace, central air, and high efficiency hot water heater. The home's floor plan is well planned with a "bedroom split design". Two bedrooms on one side of the home and a master suite on the other end with walk-in closet, vanity area, and master bathroom. Kitchen is to die for with 2 lazy susans, appliance garage, solid oak Merillat cabinetry, oak hardwood flooring, breakfast bar, loads of cabinets, a pantry, and porcelain sink all with a view of your two decks, above ground swimming pool, 3/4 acre pond, and the rest of your acreage. High quality wood casement windows, Andersen doorwall, extra large bow window, more than sufficient front porch, and much, much more. Tasteful decor, newer carpet througout. 7.62 pristine acres. More Description

Brokered and Advertised by RE/MAX First, Inc. LID 1008556

Information is deemed to be correct but not guaranteed. Square footage may be rounded for ease of use. If you are currently under the obligations of a buyer agency or seller agency contract, the content of this website is not intended to solicit your business.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Real Estate & Porn . . . Love, Sex, Fetishes, & Voyeurism. Rated: R

Is it dirty or is it just dirt?  Is it a fascination or just simple pleasure? Can it be tasteful or do you prefer the raunchy kind?  It almost seems like people just can't get enough of it.  I'm talking about the real estate porn industry and we may be the purveyors of this new type of dirt.

     It seems like there is more interest in www.openhouses.com than www.open blouses.com.  I'm talking about the information available to consumers about real estate in all forms of media.  It has gone from the the hidden, back door alley ways of the past, where only professionals had the goods, to a multi-billion dollar industry.  The public is insatiable, it seems, with entire TV networks dedicated to 24/7 real estate, books, magazines, websites, podcasts, videocasts, blogs, and audio casts.  There is nothing covered up and you can get anything you want.  You can be the neighborhood peeping tom . . . from the comfort of your home.  30 years ago if you wanted to know your neighbors secrets, you had to work for it.  Now, click a few buttons and you'll see their IRS liens, HELOCs, and filthy financial activities.  This is not sensationalism, this is real stuff.  There is even books on this topic, Sex and Real Estate: Why We Love Houses by Marjorie Garber.

      Will this liberal desire for more and more real estate information be the burning flame that burns my industry in the end?  What sparked this blog was a phone call from a client who asked me for some advice to appeal his tax assessment.  I thought he really needed me or was going to hire me as an appraiser, to represent him in front of the assessor.  In fact, he asked if he could email me the info he had and see if it is applicable.  Well, I could not believe my eyes--there it was, an Excel centerfold of 3 full-figured comps which he received from Zillow (not pillow) with other items linked to video and virtual tours to show the tax appeal board of review.  With his laptop and portable video projector in tow, this guy may be a real estate pornographer or what?

       So am I the cause or the affect?  Is the public dangerous with so much frisky freedom of information?  All I know is I may be guilty as charged . . . www.thepropertypimp.com   Click here to see a naked house.

by Al Block | 0 Comments