Howell Spring Clean-Up Slated for This Weekend

This Saturday, May 3rd, is the City of Howell's Residential Spring Clean-Up.

Residents living in the central business district need to contact the Dept. of Public Works at 546-7510 to make arrangements for pickup on Friday, May 2nd. All other residents should place items at the curbside no later than 6am on Saturday.

One type of appliance per household, no hazardous waste will be accepted. For details, call the above number for more information.

New Listing: 1933 Peavy Road

1933 Peavy Road

Howell, MI 48843

Three bedrooms, two and a half baths

1800 square feet

Beautiful two-story on nearly 3 1/2 acres. Situated just 1/2 mile from paved D-19. This home has many updates: two new baths, appliances, roof, entry doors, central air, furnace, gutters, and kitchen sink and counters. You'll love the peaceful location- sit on the front porch or the back deck and enjoy your morning coffee. Other features include fireplace and partially finished basement.

For more photos, check out the virtual tour.

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

Cardboard City to Bring Awareness to Homelessness

Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh grade Howell students will be spending the night April 25th in cardboard boxes on the front lawn of the Howell High School Freshman Campus to bring awareness to the needs of homeless individuals in Livingston County.

They will also be collecting food and donations for those in need.

For more information, call Howell High School teacher Cindy Perlman at 517-548-6267.

New Listing: 1143 Lake Valley Drive

1143 Lake Valley Drive

Fenton, MI 48430

Four bedrooms, three and a half baths

2324 square feet with an additional 1324

in the finished basement

Large ranch across the street from Crooked Lake. Over 3000 square feet of living space with a finished lower level. Large bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floor and Corian in kitchen, Jenn Air stove top in island, fireplace in open great room, spacious master suite, beautiful landscaping in this custom built home.

For more photos, check out the virtual tour.

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

Conditional Rescission of a Principal Residence Exemption

Governor Granholm signed a legislation enabling sellers to retain two principal residences exemptions under certain circumstances. The Conditional Rescission of a Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) allows sellers to receive a PRE on their current property as well a property they are selling for up to three years. The property has to be for sale, not leased, not used for any business or commercial purposes and not occupied.

Because of a difficult economy and employment hardships, some sellers have had to relocate out of necessity and put their house on the market. If a seller has been trying to sell his/her home for over a year, the property is no longer treated as a principal residence. This causes the tax rate to increase causing additional burden for the seller. This legislation is a huge step in aiding these sellers transition without additional tax burdens. It also helps them market their home because buyers want to pay a homestead rate in the first year of ownership instead of taking over the non-homestead rate until the property converts back to homestead.

If you think you qualify, contact The Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team. We will email or fax the one page form with instructions for filing. The deadline is April 30th this year.

Celebrate Earth Day in Howell

The Howell High School Environmental Club presents an Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration.

The event will be held at the Livingston County Courthouse in downtown Howell on Saturday, April 19th beginning at noon on the courthouse lawn.

The free family event will include a variety of local non-profit groups that will have informational booths and activities. endors will be selling earth friendly products and the U of M Solar Car Team will be showing off their amazing car that finished 7th in the world in Australia!

Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music at the amphitheater.

Livingston Land Conservancy Needs Volunteers

Local volunteers are needed next weekend to help remove Garlic mustard, one of the most invasive plants in Michigan.

Garlic mustard overwhelmes natural habitats and threatens wildflowers and the forest ecosystem. In just a few years time, it can take over an area.

The Livingston Land Conservancy will be removing the plant from the Northumberland Nature Preserve on Sharpe Road in Fowlerville, across from the high school. The work day will be held Saturday, April 26th at 10am.

Garlic Mustard is an easy plant to remove and they provide an on-site training for volunteers and how to physically remove it and properly dispose of it. Volunteers are asked to wear long sleeves and pants and bring water as well as work gloves. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact the Livingston Land Conservancy at (810) 229-3290.

New Listing: 2126 Norton Road

2126 Norton Road

Howell, MI 48843

Three bedrooms, three baths

1750 square feet with an additional

525 in the finished basement

Chalet style beauty on private 3.36 acres. This is not your typical home- you'll love the uniqueness: spiral staircase, A-Frame design, spectacular yard with high end fencing and private pond stocked with fish. You'll also notice skylights, newer hot tub, newer upper deck, new appliances, finished walk-out, second deck overlooking pond. Newer furnace, water heater, Andersen windows, and more.

For more photos, check out the virtual tour.

If you are interested in this 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: 8257 Mist Field Court

8257 Mist Field Court
Hartland, MI 48843

Four bedrooms, three baths
2903 square feet with an additional 200
in the partially finished basement

Cul-de-Sac setting backing to horse farm in desireable San Marino. Fabulous setting for this 1 1/2 story contemporary home. Master Suite includes four season room with hot tub for relaxing evenings or mornings overlooking private yard. Huge 900 square foot FOUR car garage with 220 and hot and cold water. Professional landscaping, low E windows, low maintenance. Not to be passed by!

For more photos, check out the virtual tour.

If you are interested in this 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: 7851 Pamalane Court

Back on the Market, with an exceptional new price!

7851 Pamalane Court
Brighton, MI 48116

Three bedrooms, three and a half baths
2200 square feet with an additional
400 in the partially finished basement

Beautiful 1 1/2 story with large great room at the rear of the home. This 25 x 20 focal point boasts cathedral ceilings, fireplace and a second fireplace with stone surround. Other features include heated garage, partially finished lower level with third full bath, zoned heating for energy efficiency and a large open lot. A great neighborhood and three minutes to freeways. Offer subject to owner and bank approval.

For more photos, check out the virtual tour.










If you are interested in this 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: 1417 Steeplechase Court

1417 Steeplechase Court
Howell, MI 48843

Two bedrooms, two and a half baths
1300 square feet with an additional
150 in the partially finished basement

One of few condos in Fox Ridge with two car garage and screened in porch overlooking quiet landscaped area. Roof assessment paid off! New roof in 2007. End unit, first floor laundry and handicap accessible. Be close to everything! Grocery stores, expressway, outlet mall. No outside maintenance, even the deck is maintained by the association.

For more photos, check out the virtual tour.

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

Join the Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team!

The Buckley Jolley Real Estate Team is looking to fill three part-time administrative/ receptionist positions. This is a fast paced, fun environment. Some weekends required. 20-24 hours/week with pay $8-9/hr. Candidates must have excellent phone skills, the ability to learn computer programs, and be a problem solver. Call 810.494.7157 and leave your name, phone number, and email address

Client Testimonials

After completing a transaction with our clients, we always request they complete a "Client Satisfaction Survey" so that we can learn a little bit about how they feel about the service we provided. We value the insights from our past customers, and are glad to share a few we have received in the last month with you here.

"Kimberly K. made sure I was taken care of completely... Even though I mostly worked with Kimberly everyone that talked to me on the phones were always professional & wonderful... I like the way the system is set up & trust the teams" - Jenny W.

"Timing could not have been better... A consistent flow and unity among the entire team" - John L.

New Listing: 2740 Black Eagle Ridge

2741 Black Eagle Ridge

Howell, MI 48843

Three Bedrooms

Three and a half baths

2468 square feet with an

additional 1500 on the finished lower level

Stunning ranch with custom details from builder owner. Features comparable to homes in much higher ranges: radiant heat in master bath floors, gorgeous marble tile, 3/4" oak flooring, 200 square feet screened in porch and 600 square foot walled paver patio backing to private wooded lot. Spacious kitchen, nook and desk combo. Walk out is huge with kitchenette, family room, office and exercise. Flex room on first floor is 10 x 15.

For more photos, check out the virtual tour.

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

City of Brighton Yard Waste Collection Begins This Week

Curbside yard waste collection begins this week in the City of Brighton, and will run very other week through the end of September. Yard waste removal service is provided as part of customers' property taxes and is available to any customer that currently receives curbside waste removal services. Pick-up coincides with your regularly scheduled waste removal day.

In the city of Brighton:

-Yard waste includes leaves, twigs and branches, grass clippings and other organic materials such as flowers, weeds and garden plants.
-Yard waste must be packed in brown paper bags, or bundled together. There is a limit of 10 brown paper bags and/or four-foot bundles of brush, not to exceed 60 pounds per bundle.
-Please place yard waste by the curb by 6:00 AM.

The program in the City of Brighton is one of only 120 in our state. Yard Waste is collected and shipped to Tuthill Farms Composting (located between Brighton and Whitmore Lake) to be composted.

When composted, it:
-Provides nutrients to the soil,
-Increases beneficial soil organisms (e.g., worms and centipedes),
-Suppresses plant diseases reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides,
-Protects soil from erosion,
-Assists pollution remediation.
-Yard waste is collected and shipped to Tuthill Farms Composting (located between Brighton and Whitmore Lake).

Source: City of Brighton website

Livingston County Will Continue to Grow

SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, has announced that according to current population estimates, Livingston County is expected to increase over 17% between 2005 and 2035. This would project the growth in this county as the largest in the seven-county region that SEMCOG covers.

Livingston County’s land resources and the proximity to job centers were cited as the main factors for the expected increase. The county’s population was more than 181,000 in 2005. By 2035 it’s estimated to be in excess of 213,000.

Livingston County Foreclosures Hit an All Time High

The number of foreclosures continues to rise in Livingston County:

-55 of the 131 sales in March ’08 sales were bank owned homes (foreclosures) - 39% of the sales
-2% of the 131 were short sales
-6% were corporate owned homes
-Combining foreclosures, short sales, and Relo owned homes, 47% of the March ’08 sales were non-traditional

A majority of the homes that sell under $150,000 are foreclosures.

If you are a buyer and interested in receiving lists of foreclosures and short sale properties, please call, email, or complete a quick questionnaire at http://www.buckleyjolley.com/dream_home.html

Kensington Metropark Golf Course Opens Today!

Today is opening day of the 2008 season at the golf course at Kensington Metropark.

This 18-hole course covers 6345 yards with a par of 71.

For rates or more information, visit http://www.metroparksgolf.com/ or call 800-477-3178.

A vehicle entry permit is required to enter all Metroparks. The pass is $20 annually, or $12 annually for seniors or $4 for a day pass.

Fannie Mae Creates Stricter Loan Requirements

Fannie Mae, the largest U.S. home funding company, announced on Monday that it will require a minimum credit score for loans it buys individually.

Fannie Mae uses credit scores as an indicator of how likely a customer will pay on timely basis. Fannie Mae is now requiring a minimum of a 580 credit score for most loans, and a few loans under special circumstances for under that score.

They are also lengthening the period needed for borrowers to reestablish their credit history after a foreclosure to five years from four years. If borrowers have "documented extenuating circumstances" which caused the foreclosure, that time might be shortened.

Fannie Mae is the largest provider of money for U.S. home loans.

For more information click here

For tips on raising your credit score, see our previous blog post:
Raise Your Credit Score Before You Apply For A Loan

45th Annual Livingston County Home Show

The 45th annual Livingston County Home Show will be held this Friday-Sunday, April 4 - 6, 2008. This year it is at a new location- the Howell High School at Parker Campus Fieldhouse.

More than 200 exhibitors will be in attendance, offering the latest in home improvement and decor. This year is promising lots to see and do for those who are looking to sign a contract or for those just wanting to dream for the future.

Returning this year will also be The Taste of Livingston County with samples from some of the finest restaurants, caterers, and delis in the area.

Check out the Home Show's website at http://lchs.michiganbizsearch.com/

Family Fun Festival at Hartland High School

There will be a Family Fun Festival on April 3rd at Hartland High School from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm.

100% of the proceeds will benefit Challenge Day programs which run every year at Ore Creek Middle School.

The festival will feature the use of the aquatic Center, gym, computer games, face painting, moon walk and bake sale.

The cost is $5 per person or $20 per family. For more information, contact Denise Pentescu at 517-546-1668.

Green Oak Township Master Plan

Green Oak Township residents are encouraged to express their opinions regarding Green Oak Township's Master Plan this Thursday, April 3rd at 7 pm during a public hearing of the Planning Commission.

The Master Plan is a profile of the community’s goals for the future and outlines policies regarding existing or anticipated developments in the township.

Due to the increased growth in the township, the township is looking to update the plan to reflect current conditions.

The current plan is available for review at http://www.greenoaktwp.com/