Goodbye 2007 - Buckley Jolley Grew in a Challenging 2007 Market

People are surprised to hear that our team has helped 20% more families this year than we did in ‘06. They are also surprised that our team has grown from nine to eleven team members in ’07. Although the overall market has continued to fall this year, we have been blessed to work with many wonderful families.

The other day, when I mentioned these items to one of my neighbors, he asked, “How can it be that you are seeing growth, when absolutely no one else is?” Here’s a quick summary of what I told him:

1. We have increased our marketing.
1. Television ads
2. Launched several new websites - including this blog
3. Google pay-per-click campaign
4. Started posting video to You Tube
5. And more
2. We have received coaching from and consulted with top Realtors throughout the country. We’ve learned which actions work in a challenging market.
3. We have taken a consultative approach vs. a sales approach when talking with prospective clients. We need to understand each person’s situation including all financial information prior to being able to give them sound advice to either sell or not.
4. We study the market everyday and report our findings to our clients.
5. We’ve given our seller clients the facts so they can price and stage their homes correctly. In this declining market, overpricing will ultimately lead to less money in our clients pockets.
6. We are working harder than ever!

Obviously, we have implemented many other systems and marketing ideas that have helped propel our growth. Our continued level of client service is always the foundation of our success. And like we say in our TV commercial, “We’re not bragging, we’re applying for a job.”

Thank you all for a memorable 2007. We look forward to a great 2008.

Todd Buckley

Housing Market Influences State Population Levels

USA Today has recently reported on how the housing and mortgage crisis is impacting population levels across the States.

With the housing market cooling, the shifting that occured when people were able to enter hot markets has tapered off. In many markets, fewer people are moving, creating less change.

In other states, like Michigan, hit by a declining auto industry, population can decrease as less jobs and opportunities become available.

Population makes a significant impact on the number of House seats allocated to each State. Already based on 2007 estimates, seven seats could be reallocated among thirteen states.

Check out the article for more information.
Housing Woes Reshape USA

New Listing: 297 Crystal Court

297 Crystal Court
Howell, MI 48843

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths
1523 Square Feet


Wonderful home on quite cul-de-sac, mature trees yet near shopping and easy access to I-96. Gorgeous cherry floors in master, foyer and hall. Kitchen and two baths have ceramic.


Vaulted ceilings and fireplace in the great room. Open floor plan. All appliances stay. Beautiful paint color will fit any decor. Partially finished daylight basement.



If you are interested in previewing this home or any of our other exceptional listings, call us today at 810.229.7000. We'd be happy to provide you with more information.

New Listing: 4349 Deeside Drive

4349 Deeside Dr
Brighton, MI 48116

2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths
1525 square feet

Better than new at an even better price. Beautiful 2nd floor ranch with cathedral ceilings, balcony, fireplace and master suite with walk in closet. Located just minutes from I-96 and US-23, Deeside is a great home for commuters.


Enjoy walking to downtown Brighton. Care free condo living with no outside maintenance to worry about. Beautiful decor inside.


If you are interested in previewing this home or any of our other exceptional listings, call us today at 810.229.7000. We'd be happy to provide you with more information.

New Listing: 144 Pulford Street

144 Pulford Street

Howell, MI 48843

Three bedrooms, two baths

1480 square feet

Downtown Howell two story with living areas on both floors. Gas fireplace in family room, neutral carpet and paint, blinds, kitchen is open with ceiling, plant shelf and doorwall to deck. Master bath and two master closets. Ready to move in with no painting or changes required!

If you are interested in previewing this home or any of our other exceptional listings, call us today at 810.229.7000. We'd be happy to provide you with more information.

126th Anniversary Party at the Howell Opera House

The Howell Opera House will celebrate its 126th anniversary on Saturday December 29th from 8pm - midnight. This year there is a Roaring 20’s theme and many party-goers are expected to come dressed from that era.

Tickets are $75 per person for Opera House members; $85 for nonmembers. Hors d'oeuvres, valet service, open bar, auction and live entertainment are all included.

Jazz music will be performed by The Royal Garden Trio.

For more information call 517-546-0065.

Livingston County is Leader in Growth for Southeast Michigan

According to SEMCOG (The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments) projections, Livingston County continues as the leader in growth in Southeast Michigan, despite a somber year for homeowners and builders.

Between 2000 and this month, the county's population has increased 24.2%. The entire seven county region considered "Southeast Michigan", grew collectively only 1.1%.

Livingston County offers an exceptional quality of life- great natural resources, shopping and restaurants, cultural events, and amazingly friendly people. Apparantly we aren't the only ones who think so.

New Listing: 12328 Margaret Drive

12328 Margaret Drive

Fenton, MI 48430

Three bedrooms, one and a half baths

1288 square feet

Beautifully remodeled home across the street from Lake Fenton. One story with new carpet, paint, granite in kitchen and bathroom, stainless appliances and light fixtures. Absolutely gorgeous home with deck and fenced in yard and that's not all- six car tandem garage for cars, boats and more. Garage is 60x24! $5,000 Whole House Generator included.

If you are interested in previewing this home or any of our other exceptional listings, call us today at 810.229.7000. We'd be happy to provide you with more information.

New Listing: 2539 Ravineside North

2539 Ravineside North

Howell, MI 48843

Three bedrooms, two and a half baths

1073 square feet with an additional

800 in the finished walk-out

Beautiful ranch with finished walkout. Backing to a natural area this is a private setting. New carpet and flooring make this home perfect. You'll love the vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, deck and many more upgrades and updates. Relax on the two community beaches and swimming areas or explore the walking paths, ponds and streams. This is the best value in the sub period.

If you are interested in previewing this home or any of our other exceptional listings, call us today at 810.229.7000. We'd be happy to provide you with more information.

Thank You Livingston County!

We put out the word, and you really listened!

Our Toys for Tots drop-off box is overflowing with the generosity of Livingston County residents.

Thank you so much for making this year brighter for many, many children.

Howell to Possibly Get New Ice Rink

Planners for the City of Howell and their Downtown Development Authority have been moving ahead in plans to build a new ice rink next to the Livingston County Courthouse.

The plan is still in development but the proposed rink would be 125 by 70 feet. It could possibly include a fabric roof supported by beams modeled after old train stations. The project would also include a building attached to the county Administration Building, which would house skate rentals and public bathrooms.

The rink will cost $750,000 to $1 million to build. Funding for the rink would come from the city, the DDA, state and federal grants as well as donations from private citizens.

The Howell City Council and DDA are seeking public comments on the plans, which can be e-mailed to marnold@downtownhowell.org or sent in writing to 207 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 100, Howell, MI 48843.

Livingston County Freecycle

Have you heard about freecycling?

The Freecycle Network describes it as "a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills".

Livingston County has it's own Freecycle e-mail group that has been active since March of 2004. It currently has 3,700 members. Anyone is welcome to join, offer items, request needed items, or take items being offered.

To join or learn more about this group click here

New Listing: 1669 Welland Street

1669 Welland Street

Howell, MI 48855

Two bedrooms, two baths

1443 square feet

End unit with balcony. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Lots of natural light. Master suite is beautiful with bath and walk-in closet. Second bath for guests. Laundry room and one car garage. Lots of storage. All kitchen appliances included.

If you are interested in previewing this home or any of our other exceptional listings, call us today at 810.229.7000. We'd be happy to provide you with more information.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Livingston County woke up to the first big snowfall of the year today.

The Winter Storm Warning is in effect through 7 pm this evening, and 8 to 12 inches of snow are expected to fall by the end of the day.

Take a few hours today and discover some of the great winter fun Livingston County has to offer.

Here are our favorites:

Mt. Brighton Ski Resort

sledding and tobaggonning at Kensington Metropark

cross country skiing at Huron Meadows Metropark

Helping Avoid Foreclosures with Short Sales

What is a Short Sale? A Short Sale is when a lender agrees to accept less then the full mortgage balance for the sale of your home. In other words, when a seller cannot sell his/her house for what they owe.

A short sale is not a foreclosure, and does not affect a seller's credit in the same way as a foreclosure.

The Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team has a division developing that specializes in Short Sales. Call us at 810-229-7000 for more information on Short Sales and on Short Sale listings in Livingston County.

Why Sign a Buyers Agency Agreement?

Disclosure and Representation are the two most important things a buyer needs to understand before looking at homes with a real estate agent. Who is representing you and what is required to be disclosed is outlined in a Buyer Agency Agreement. A Buyer Agency Agreement denotes that you, the buyer, is agreeing to work exclusively with a particular agent when purchasing your next home. Furthermore, and possibly more importantly, this agent is agreeing to represent you and your best interests throughout the transaction.

When an agent shows another agents listing to a buyer whom is not under Buyer Agency Relationship with them, the agent actually represents the Sellers best interest. Therefore, any information the buyer gives about their position to buy, what they would offer, etc. is reported back to the seller! If that doesn’t entice you to sign an agreement, nothing will. In order to avoid any confusion, we only show other agents listings to buyers who have signed an agreement with us.

If you are only planning to look at one house and are hesitant about being bound to that agent without getting to know them first, it is possible to sign an agreement for a single house or a single day if so desired. If you choose to continue working with that agent, you can extend the agreement at the end of the showing/day. However, don’t be surprised if an agent refuses this option. An agent may feel they need a certain level of commitment from a buyer before devoting a day to them.

Unlike a seller agency agreement, typically, the buyer agency does not commit you to paying a commission. In most markets, the seller pays the full commission. However, there may be a small processing fee associated with the agreement, which is paid by the buyer.

Buyer Agency was derived the help protect the buyers best interest so rest assured, signing with an agent you are comfortable with is the right thing to do. When agents and buyers agree to work together, exclusively, it makes for a much more open and honest real estate transaction.

-Andrea Stanaway, Senior Buyer Specialist, The Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team

Invest in Livingston County By Buying Locally

We recently read a few interesting articles in the Ann Arbor News regarding a movement that is working to promote more buying in independent, locally owned businesses.

One of these articles featured business owners and activists in Ypsilanti who are asking residents to make a pledge to patronize their downtown with a “Shop Ypsi for the Holidays” campaign.

Another mentioned Washtenaw Counties’ Think Local First site, an organization that promoted a “Buy Local First” week in early December, and features a directory to local businesses on their web site.

When you shop locally there are innumerable positive impacts. More money stays in the community, helping to strengthen its economic base. Shopping one-of-a-kind businesses also helps to develop the character of a place, keeping a community unique. It helps to reduce the environmental impact, as it requires less transportation and limits sprawl.

The Staff at The Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team have come up with our favorite locally owned stores, and we hope that you have a few of your own as well.

Todd Buckley, Listing Agent
Impulse, La Bella Vita, Stillwater, Fat Guy Pizza Pie, Gus’s Carryout, Mancino’s, & Taorello’s.

Karen Jolley, Listing Agent
I love La Bella Vita! It has great gifts and they do the best job wrapping. Makes gift giving easy. Sometimes I even call and ask them to find a gift for me before I arrive.

Emily Trenkle, Closing Manager
Howell Art and Frame Shop – locally owned and operated since about 1979. Beautiful detailed work on matting and framing prints, photos, needle work, etc.

Tricia DiBello, Listing Manager
D-19 Dollar Store- south of Coon Lake and just north of Swarthout. They have everything form baby goods to Christmas decorations!

Andrea Stanaway, Senior Buyer Specialist
I love Shine Salon.

Kimberlee K., Buyer's Specialist
I have had very good service from Romans Pool & Spa in Howell. Also, Summit Sports Brighton has been great also.

Joan Darnell, Buyer's Specialist
Yum Yum Tree, Leos Coney Island, La Bella Vita are all favorites.

Christopher Jolley, Finance & Marketing Manager
Rollison's Hardware- they are helpful, with an expansive selection of hard to find items.

Sara Hufnagle, Listing Coordinator
Brighton Bar and Grill, Bagel Street Café, FAO Jewelers, Rollison's Hardware, Yum Yum Tree, TW and Friends, Running Fit.

Jennifer Woollatt, Call Coordinator
I love the store Mixed Elements and our family frequents the Yum Yum Tree and Border Cantina.

Jennifer Trenkle, Call Coordinator
Lucky Duck on Main Street in Brighton, awesome educational toys for kids.

The Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team Welcomes a New Buyer Specialist

Joan Darnell, Buyer Specialist

Joan has been helping families in Livingston County and surrounding areas find their “dream” home since 2001 by providing outstanding quality service. She has been recognized as one of the “Best in the Business” for her quality service and professionalism in real estate.

As a Buyer Specialist, Joan will listen to you, work to understand your needs and assist you and your family to identify and achieve your goals. Joan is in this business because she enjoys helping people through the process of buying and selling their homes.

Joan has lived in Brighton since 1984, has three grown children and four grandchildren. She is also a member of the Woman's Counsel of Realtors. Joan appreciates your trust and your business.

SELCRA Presents "Elf" to Benefit Gleaners

SELCRA will present the movie ELF on their big screen this Friday, December 14th at Scranton Middle School. Families that bring 4 cans of food for Gleaners Community Food Bank will get in free. The movie is from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Call SELCRA at 810-299-4140 for more information.

New Listing: 9051 Buchanan Road

9051 Buchanan Road

Brighton, MI 48116

Five bedrooms, three bathrooms

1900 square feet with an additional

1344 in the partially finished basement

Open floor plan one story with beautiful wood floors, totally remodeled bathroom, three year old roof, heated garage with heated bonus room above, great for home office and a partially finished basement withfull kitchen. Excellent location in Brighton area. Inside has been repainted- move right in! Great value for a large one story home with lots of space for the family to grow.

If you are interested in previewing this home or any of our other exceptional listings, call us today at 810.229.7000. We'd be happy to provide you with more information.

Buckley Jolley is a Toys for Tots Drop-off Site

The Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team office is serving this year as a Toys for Tots drop-off location.

The Livingston County Toys for Tots is organized by the Marine Corps League and distributed by the Salvation Army in Howell. Last year's program served about 2,400 Livingston County children, and this year's effort is expected to serve more than 3,000.

The hope for donations this year is higher, as the need is expected to be larger.

To contribute funds, call Gary Dunn at (810) 923-7926.

Other collection sites include VG's in the Howell and Brighton areas; all county Kroger and Wendy's stores; Best Buy, 8487 W. Grand River Ave.; Brighton; Wal-Mart, 3850 E Grand River Ave., Genoa Township; Pinckney Community Schools; and Brighton High School, 7878 Brighton Road.

New Listing: 2427 Hickory Circle

2427 Hickory Circle

Howell, MI 48855

Three bedrooms, three baths

1400 square feet with an additional

950 in the finished basement

Beautiful ranch with tremendous finished walkout. New to the market. This home is pristine and has a private lot backing to a natural area. You'll love the cathedral ceiling in the Living Room, finished garage with built-ins, and huge newly stained deck with lights. The walkout comes with a newer 65" Toshiba HDTV and surround sound!! Water and sewer assessments paid off! A winner from top to bottom, inside and out!

If you are interested in previewing this home or any of our other exceptional listings, call us today at 810.229.7000. We'd be happy to provide you with more information

LACASA's "Deck the Halls" Holiday Gala

LACASA will be holding its holiday fundraising gala "Deck the Halls" on Tuesday, December 11th from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm.

This year the annual event will be held at the River Birch Lodge, the home of Laura and Greg Palmer on Hibner Road in Hartland. A black-tie evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment is planned.

Tickets are $75.00 per person. Please call 517-548-1350 for details and to purchase tickets.

Market Update For Our Sellers

Karen & Todd send our sellers an update on market conditions every two weeks. Here is an excerpt of that e-mail.

“This market is a PRICE WAR and a BEAUTY CONTEST.” Those were words of wisdom I heard last week from an agent who had been in the business for many years. In her market of Virginia Beach she has seen highs and lows over the years. While the aforementioned quote is true in any market, it is dead on center in today’s market.

She explained to me that her market has seen peaks and valleys over the years. Residents there are used to changing markets. Up until a few years ago our market was stable, with little volatility either way. We weren’t used to a changing market because it had never happened in Michigan. It has taken a while for most homeowners to come to terms with the fact that their home is depreciating at a rate of 10-15% a year for the last 2 years. As a homeowner, it certainly makes me queasy.

My goals in getting your home sold have remained unchanged since we first spoke:
To sell for the most money possible in the shortest amount of time. (The Rolling Stones song does not apply to this real estate market. Time is definitely NOT on our side.)

As you’ve probably heard me say, this market is a moving target. Last month’s price is ancient history. Some of our sellers have taken proactive steps in staying in-front of the market instead of chasing it. It’s no coincidence that those properties are getting activity and offers.

Clearly marketing, exposure, and communication are important factors in getting to the closing table, but PRICE is the determining factor whether your home will be chosen.

Do Your Dog a Favor, Get Him a License

Did you know that all dogs in Livingston County must be licensed?

In order to purchase a license, you must show proof of a rabies vaccination and spaying/neutering (if applicable) every year as required by State Statute.

2008 Fees, payable Dec. 1 , 2007 to Feb 29, 2008

$25.00 Male/Female
$7.00 spayed or neutered (required proof)
$30.00 delinquent dogs after February 29, 2008

For additional information, visit the Livingston County web site at:

http://www.co.livingston.mi.us/treasurer/doglicenses.htm

State Moves to Help Foreclosers

Amidst the Federal Government's plans to help those heading towards foreclosure, Michigan legislators are also moving towards creating a package of bills to help homeowners as well.

Two new refinancing programs are being developed through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Save the Dream campaign.

The Adjustable Rate Mortgage Refinance Plan will assist borrowers who have an ARM mortgage refinance at a lower-interest, fixed-rate loan.

The Rescue Refinance Program will help borrowers who are late on their payments and at risk of losing their homes.

The programs are being funded through taxable bonds and homeowners will eventually be responsible for paying off the full value of their mortgages.

The qualifications for the programs are a household income of less than $72,250 and the purchase price of the home cannot exceed $216,750.

For more information contact the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Save the Dream office at 1-866-946-7432.

LivingstonLive, the Online Services Web Portal for Livingston County!

Livingston County was set up a great on-line database at http://www.LivingstonLive.org

The services that are currently on-line include:

* on-line search for parcel summary information
* assessed values
* aerial maps
* GIS parcel map searches
* detailed tax histories
* delinquent tax status and payoff amounts
* on-line document searches for deeds, mortgages and other recorded land documents
* on-line court hearing schedules
* on-line court records lookups
* on-line circuit court payments
* on-line district court payments
* order birth or death certificates and marriage licenses

Check it out!

Mortgage Bailout Agreement Reached

As we posted yesterday, a deal has indeed been made to freeze rates on some adjustable mortgages.

However, the freeze has some limitations.

Of the perhaps 2 million sub prime adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) that are expected to reset through the end of 2009, perhaps only as many as 240,000 of these qualify.

It excludes anyone more than 30 days late at the time the mortgage would reset or anyone who has been more than 60 days late at any time within the previous 12 months.

It also only covers borrowers with ARMs resetting beginning in 2008 and leaves out any borrowers judged capable of continuing to make mortgage payments at the higher reset rates.

Borrowers who can't afford the loan even at low introductory rates also will be ineligible.

The aid will be available only to those who ask for it. A hot line has been set up for those in need of the assistance: 1-888-995-HOPE

Bush said Thursday, “We should not bail out lenders, real estate speculators or those who made the reckless decision to buy a home they knew they could never afford. But there are some responsible homeowners who could avoid foreclosure with some assistance”.

Buckley Jolley Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

On December 6, 2007, The Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team celebrated the beginning of their fourth year in business. Although we’ve all been in the real estate industry for much longer than that, our team was formed just three years ago. We are grateful for our clients who have helped us grow from an unknown company to the foremost authority in Livingston County real estate. Karen Jolley and I are blessed to work with our team members everyday. Thanks to all of them: Andrea Stanaway, Christopher Jolley, Emily Trenkle, Jennifer Woollatt, Tricia DiBello, Sara Hufnagle, Kimberlee K., Jennifer Trenkle (not pictured), and Joan Darnell.

Buckley Jolley Recognized as Top REALTORS in the Country

Picture: Karen & Mark Jolley and Natalie & Todd Buckley

Last week Karen Jolley and Todd Buckley attended a 3-day conference and seminar in Southern California.

The Star Power Advance is an invitation only, annual event, bringing members of the top 1% of all Realtors together to discuss relevant real estate issues.

Jolley and Buckley, along with their spouses, Mark Jolley and Natalie Buckley, attended sessions related to short sales, technology updates, how to succeed in a challenging market and other breakout sessions. The event was capped off by a discussion with Alan Domb, known as the #1 REALTOR in sales for many years.

Buckley reported, “This was an incredible opportunity to become better at what we do-help families make their move. We need to continue to think outside the box in this changing market and our affiliation with Star Power always pushes us.”

New Listing: 2565 Sandwedge Lane

2565 Sandwedge Lane

Pinckney, MI 48169

Four bedrooms, two and a half baths

2200 Square Feet with an additional

600 in the finished basement.

Beautiful two-story on large subdivision lot. Move right in, you'll love everything! Spacious kitchen with island, oak floors and pantry; comfortable family room with new carpet and fireplace; master suite with updated bath and walk-in closet; and a flexible front room that could be a living room or dining! The lower level is semi-finished with air hockey and pool table negotiable huge three-car garage and great location.

If you are interested in previewing this home or any of our other exceptional listings, call us today at 810.229.7000. We'd be happy to provide you with more information.

New Listing: 1750 River Bend Drive

1750 River Bend Drive

Fowlerville, MI 48836

3 bedrooms, 2 baths

1860 square feet

Split-level plan ranch with large rooms. Honey oak wide plank floors, living room with gas fireplace, Anderson windows, large front porch. 10 acres will accomodate your pole barn(s) and offers country setting for incredible value.

If you are interested in previewing this home or any of our other exceptional listings, call us today at 810.229.7000. We'd be happy to provide you with more information.

Plan in Place to Freeze Subprime Loans