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New Craigslist Scam!!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
by Mark Brace

WARNING: Scammers may try to steal your account by sending an official-looking email with a link to a fake craigslist login page, hoping you'll type in your username and password.

Look carefully at the web address near the top of your browser to make sure you are on the real craigslist login page, https://accounts.craigslist.org. If the URL is different from this one in anyway DO NOT Login.

The safest way to login is go to the craigslist homepage directly by typing in the web address, and then clicking on the 'my account' link.

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Craigslist Scam for Renters in GR

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
by Mark Brace

It appears that someone is pulling the addresses, property descriptions, and listing comments from listed properties and adding erroneous “homes for rent” advertisements to Craigslist.  The person posting the ads is offering an email address for inquiries and then sends the following response to those inquiries:  Our family has relocated to South Africa and are willing to rent our home in Grand Rapids.  Please complete the attached application and we will have someone meet you at the property for a showing.   This is apparently an attempt to gain consumers’ personal identification and information, and is also causing headaches and confusion for the true listing agents and property owners, since they too are starting to get calls from interested renters.  If this happens to you, please report the incident to the FTC at 877-382-4357 or fill out an online complaint form.  

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Worlds Largest Sound Stage opens in Grand Rapids

Saturday, February 13, 2010
by Mark Brace

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From WZZM13.com

The world’s largest sound stage is now open, right here in West Michigan. Hanger42 Studios is ready for business in Walker, Michigan in the former Lear plant. Walker is northern suburb of Grand Rapids, Michigan

You can find out about future job possibilities at Hanger42 Studio’s website. Operators of Hangar42 Studios announced Thursday that they will be opening a 500,000 square-foot, full-service film production studio in the old structure. 

The film tax incentives have brought hundreds of millions of dollars in productions to Michigan. Hanger42 Studios is an example of a permanent structure, to draw more movies to West Michigan.

They made airplanes in the building during World War II. They will make movies here in the 21st century.

The former manufacturing plant on Alpine Avenue is now known as Hanger42 Studios. Hanger because of the airplane origins and 42 because it was built in 1942.

The building has already been used to film movies such as “The Gun” starring Val Kilmer and 50 Cent.

Rick Hert of the West Michigan Film Office says Hanger42 is open and ready for business. He says, “Because of the size of this space we have the opportunity to have 3, 4, 5, 6
projects going in here at a time.”

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Learn How to Reduce Property Taxes

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
by Mark Brace

There is one last opportunity on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., to take the RPOA-REI detailed class on fighting inaccurate tax assessments.  The class will:

  • Provide a detailed look at the property tax assessment process.
  • Explain the assessment appeal process.
  • Explain and provide examples of the paperwork necessary to file an appeal.
  • Explain the methodology of determining a correct assessed value and proving it.
  • Offer information on resources to help appeal your property tax assessments.

Also, Feb 12,2010 is the last day to file your property tax assesment appeal!! Don't throw away your money!! Take action now!!

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10 Home Features Buyers Want

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
by Mark Brace

Home designers and builders speaking at the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas say that buyers are seeking cost-effective features and rejecting things that don’t have lasting value.

“It's all about family togetherness – casual living, entertaining and flexible spaces," says Carol Lavender, president of the Lavender Design Group in San Antonio.

Paul Cardis, CEO of Avid Ratings, which conducts an annual survey of buyer preferences, identified these must-haves in new homes:

  1. Large kitchens with islands
  2. Energy efficiency, including energy-efficient appliances, super insulation, and high-efficiency windows.
  3. Home offices
  4. Main-floor master suite
  5. Outdoor living space
  6. Ceiling fans
  7. Soaking tub in the master suite and/or an oversize shower with a seating area
  8. Stone and brick exteriors rather than stucco or vinyl
  9. Community walking paths and playgrounds
  10. Two-car garages, but three-car garages are even more desirable

Source: Realtor Magazine

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Displaying blog entries 1-5 of 5

Contact Information

Mark Brace, Realtor, ABR, GRI, CRS, SRES, e-PRO, A
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate
3000 East Beltline NE
Grand Rapids MI 49525
Direct: (616) 447-7025
Cell: (616) 540-7705
Send an Email

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Michigan Real Estate is a full service, locally operated real estate brokerage company backed by the strength of a solid national and global brand. Our full service businesses include Residential, Commercial, Relocation, Mortgage, Insurance, Home Services and New Homes & Land. Our core values, service philosophy, cutting edge technology, and most importantly our people are what make us the leading real estate company in Michigan. We are committed to providing the highest quality real estate services possible and making each customer's experience one that surpasses their expectations.