line
 
  Green thumb gardening advice
for greenhorns
Now that warmer weather has finally set in, it’s time to start getting dirty — in the garden, that is — and checking out the plant stock at local garden centers, nurseries and greenhouses, where perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs and evergreens sit in pots awaiting new homes in yards across metro Detroit.
 

Fix cracks before home sale crumbles
Those looking to sell their home should start checking at the curb to make sure they stand out from the crowd. “I think in the type of market that we’re in right now, the biggest issue is that there is so much competition, so you really want to stand out as being in the top five (of comparable homes in the area),” said Realtor Eva Morrow, with Max Broock Realtors in Birmingham.

Potential buyers need to assess saving,
spending habits before going after dream home
The “For Sale” signs beckon from metro Detroit’s lawns. But for the home shopper who doesn’t want to become a foreclosure statistic, figuring out how to wisely save for and pay for a home can be daunting.

Even if you can’t save your home,
you can save your credit
Facing foreclosure is a difficult and emotional ordeal. Not only does the homeowner have to face the fact that the biggest investment of their life is seemingly being taken away, but they also have to face the messy aftereffect foreclosure leaves on their credit.

Oakland, Macomb cities look to draw homebuyers to open house events
Organizers are planning to stage one of the largest communitywide events in several years with a joint open house of schools, city services and homes in Madison Heights and Hazel Park.

Local builder receives honors
Lombardo Homes recently received the distinction of being Michigan’s largest, privately held builder, with more than 20,000 developments since its inception in 1961 and more to come. This comes on the heels of being named the Michigan Building Industry Association’s 2007 Developer of the Year and being ranked in the top three of the J.D. Power Award for Customer Service in 2005, among other accomplishments.

Simple home improvements now can pay off later
It’s no question that, with the poor state of Michigan’s economy and the glut of homes on the market, it’s taking longer for even the nicest of homes to sell.

Should you rent-to-own?
For renters looking to invest their money in property of their own, renting-to-own offers the opportunity to start making a purchase — even with poor credit. A rent-to-own arrangement, or a lease-option, can be a “win-win situation” for both the seller and the buyer, according to Billy Currier, an associate broker with Cranbrook Associates in Birmingham.
line