Tomie Raines

How Long Does It Take To Close On a House in Michigan?

You’ve hunted all over Mid-Michigan for the right house, found the one you wanted, negotiated a price and–finally–your offer is accepted. But the home of your dreams isn’t yours yet. Now it’s time to close. So how long do you have to wait?

Tomie Raines

The Hidden Benefits of Buying a Short Sale

Buying a short sale can be a tough negotiation, but when it’s done properly, especially in a seller’s market, buyers stand to benefit significantly. Knowing the benefits of buying a short sale as well as the potential problems will make the process

Tomie Raines

How to Avoid Losing Money on Home Renovations

Home renovations are one of the best ways to build equity in your home, however it is important to plan these renovations out carefully. Whether you are conducting home renovations solely to maximize equity, or you want to get more enjoyment out

Tomie Raines

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Fixer Upper

Some houses need a little TLC to become beautiful homes. These old or damaged homes often have layers of charm underneath the wear-and-tear, and many prospective homeowners have trouble deciding between a newer, more expensive, move-in ready home and buying a fixer

Tomie Raines

The Top 9 DIY Home Projects That Build Equity

When purchasing a home, you'll probably have a list of must-do projects in mind. It's pretty difficult to find a home that fits your style and taste perfectly. When making updates to your home, however it's important to keep the home's long

Tomie Raines

6 Key Tips for Managing a Second Mortgage

Owning a second home is a dream for many homeowners. Especially for Michigan residents, the idea of owning a lake house or house “Up North” is a lot less far fetched than many think. Aside from a permanent second home, there are also

Tomie Raines

3 Appraisal Methods Used to Assess Property Value

Appraisals are a large component of being approved for a loan. There are a variety of appraisal methods used to evaluate property value. These appraisal methods vary based on the type of property you’re purchasing. Whether you’re purchasing a single-family home, a