Foreclosures Declining in Michigan

“I definitely think in Michigan…we’re passed the worst of this foreclosure problem… we’re on the downward slope," says Bloomquist, "But there’s just a few bumps I the road going forward before we completely… are out of the woods in terms of foreclosure in Michigan.”

Michigan Sees increase in home prices

Michigan sees home prices increase

Of course, it's all about the location. Some places are still seeing values decrease, but overall this is good news as the average price in Michigan is increasing. The Ann Arbor area has seen stable prices for a few years now with values slowly increasing.

"Despite the decline of its vital auto industry, Detroit aims to become a more diversified, sustainable economy for the 21st century."

5 Reasons to Start a Business in Detroit

Great article from inc.com- Keeping the existing talent pool and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship are keys to rebuilding. Ann Arbor SPARK and Wayne State's TechTown are cited as examples in helping launch start-ups.

Ann Arbor No. 5 on happiest cities in the nation list

Ann Arbor keeps rolling along making another 'best of' list!

Economic Outlook: 'Washtenaw County is a bright spot' in the midst of a recovery, industry experts say

Economic Outlook: 'Washtenaw County is a bright spot' in the midst of a recovery, industry experts say

He added: “Washtenaw County is a bright spot and the market has already picked up considerably.”

One factor that’s helping the Washtenaw County market rebound - particularly in Ann Arbor - is that the real estate market was never overbuilt, McCausland (of Plante Moran) said.

An increasing number of banks are opting for short sale solutions instead of foreclosure

http://michiganradio.org/post/more-michigan-mortgage-lenders-turning-short-sales-avoid-home-foreclosures

Winter Alert: Get Outdoor Spaces in Shape

It is the perfect time of year to start thinking about your yard! Outdoor spaces and living areas are all too important and go hand-in-hand with the presentation of your house.

• Winter is the perfect time of year to prune bushes and trim trees as plants/trees are dormant (and bugs/pests too).
• Doing a yard assessment now can help save time and allow you to get your yard in shipshape before summer.
• Don't discount your yard, it is the first thing people see and often sets the expectation for the house.
• People put more value into a well cared for yard!

I like to get garden/yard tips from Better Homes and Gardens.