Why Should I Work With a Full Time Realtor?

It never seems to surprise us at Edward Surovell Realtors just how often we hear from frustrated home buyers who are working with Part Time Realtors from other Real Estate companies. We have heard everything from “Well, my Realtor works a full time job and can only show me houses on the weekend, but I really want to see this one tonight…” to the more blunt home buyers “My agent hasn’t called me back in over a month, but he’s a family friend so I don’t want to break my Buyer Agency Contract with him. Can you have an agent meet me 123 Main St. tonight?”

STOP! A home purchase is one of the biggest investments that you will ever make. Why would you want to trust this investment with a Realtor who offers such a low level of service? If you were getting ready to have major surgery, would you allow a Part Time surgeon to perform it? Of course you wouldn’t, you would choose a surgeon with the highest level of expertise in their profession.

What are the advantages to working with a Full Time Realtor?

1) Full Time Realtors have a better understanding of local Market Trends within the area that you are most interested in.

2) Full Time Realtors have more time to walk you through the complexities of buying a home. If they don’t have time to show you a house, are they really going to have time to service you throughout the transaction?

3) Full Time Realtors have a higher level of expertise. They walk and talk and LIVE Real Estate.

4) Full Time Realtors are updated on local programs for home buyers and tend to be better connected within the community.

5) Full Time Realtors offer FULL TIME SERVICE!

You are looking for your dream home and odds are this will be one of the most significant purchases that you will ever make. You need and deserve the highest level of service that is offered by a Real Estate Professional. At Edward Surovell Realtors, all of our agents are full service, FULL TIME professionals!


If you have specific questions or need additional information, please contact one of our Real Estate Professionals or call us at 1-877-833-3600. Edward Surovell Realtors offer a high level of service throughout Southeast Michigan, including Jackson, Adrian, Tecumseh, Monroe, Manchester, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Canton, Wayne County and Livingston County.

Mortgage Rate Update

30yr fxd – 4.250% APR – 4.282%
20yr fxd – 3.8750% APR - 3.90%
15yr fxd – 3.500% APR – 3.601%
10yr fxd – 3.250% APR – 3..315%
30 yr fxd FHA – 4.125% APR – 4.310%



Rates are based on a mortgage of $200,000, 80% LTV, no points and a credit score of 740 or higher.



Charles E. Chapell
Vice President Mortgage
United Bank and Trust
2723 South State Street, Suite 210
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Office: 734-214-2728
Email: cchapell@ubat.com

Begin Your Open House Tour Today!

Looking for open houses in the Greater Ann Arbor area this weekend? Here you will find all open houses posted in the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors MLS. Open houses presented by Edward Surovell Realtors are indicated by our company logo. A Surovell agent can assist you with information and expert advice on any property on this site, whether or not it is listed with our company. Call or email us today!

BEGIN YOUR SEARCH NOW

Mortgage Rate Update

30yr fxd – 4.125% APR – 4.172%
20yr fxd – 3.750% APR - 3.89%
15yr fxd – 3.375% APR – 3.457%
10yr fxd – 3.250% APR – 3.315%
30 yr fxd FHA – 4.125% APR – 4.310%



Rates are based on a mortgage of $200,000, 80% LTV, no points and a credit score of 740 or higher.


Charles E. Chapell
Vice President Mortgage
United Bank and Trust
2723 South State Street, Suite 210
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Office: 734-214-2728
Email: cchapell@ubat.com

Tips for Sellers + Virtual Market Analysis

If you're thinking of selling, you can find out what comparable homes are listing for in your neighborhood. Get a real-time snapshot of buyer activity within your zip code.

CLICK HERE for your instant Market Analysis




Tips for Sellers: Preparing Your Home for Sale



EXTERIOR

Front Entrance: The first impression starts at your front door. Clean or paint, fix broken glass or clean glass, make sure the locks work easily and the exterior is well lighted. Put a new welcome mat at the front door. Consider some seasonal potted plants for the front porch.

Lawn: Remove clutter, edge walks, trim hedges and weed gardens. Make sure lawn is mowed. If you have vacated the home, make arrangements to have the lawn maintained. In the winter, it is essential that the sidewalk, driveway, and porch are free of ice and snow.

Gutters & Spouts: The majority of basement problems are caused by the inadequate extension of downspouts and poor grading. Make sure downspouts are extended and gutters are clean.
Windows: Wash your windows! They make your home sparkle. Replace any missing storms or screens.

Garage: Garage doors should work without effort. Remove debris and organize.

INTERIOR

Foyer: The entryway should be welcoming. A floor mat helps keep your home clean and makes the prospect feel that you are concerned about your home. Don't expect the buyers to imagine how the house would look "if only" Do it!

Clean and Spacious: The general cleanliness of your home reflects its overall maintenance. This is important! Remove clutter. Clean, vacuum and dust. Clean carpets. Place fresh throw rugs over worn carpet near thresholds. Ask your agent if your furniture arrangement is optimum for showing. The feeling of spaciousness is crucial. Remove unneeded items to make the room look bigger. You may even need to put some items in storage off premises.

Personal Property: Store any items that you intend to remove (or if they're essential to your daily living, clearly mark as "not included in sale"). Remember, a Purchaser will not include any items in a sales agreement that he or she hasn't seen. However, please consider the fact that items you exclude (curtains, appliances, etc.) may not be appropriate or necessary in your new home. The offer price may reflect the omission of these items.

Firearms: For safety and to create a friendly atmosphere, lock and store all firearms out of sight.
Closets: Over-crowded or poorly arranged closets imply a lack of adequate storage space. This applies to front hall closets and bedroom closets.

Halls and Stairways: Clear away clutter for an open appearance.

Kitchen: Remove all clutter from workspaces, including unnecessary appliances and decoration. Stove should be cleaned, as well as sink, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Empty garbage. Remove clutter. Clear items such as artwork and lists off front of refrigerator. Kitchen cabinets should be organized to emphasize adequate storage. Consider replacing outdated kitchen faucets.

Baths: Your bathroom should be spotless. Clean tub and tile. Re-grout or caulk if necessary. Remove rust stains. Clean sinks and toilets. Repair leaking faucets and toilets.

Hardware: Repair loose doorknobs, sticking drawers, warped cabinet doors. Oil hinges.

Lighting: Replace light bulbs and faulty switches. Remove unnecessary extension cords.

Shower/Tub: Replacing old shower curtains with new ones is an inexpensive way to give the bath a "new home" smell.

Basement: Clean exterior of furnace unit. Remove cobwebs, replace light bulbs, and organize storage. Make furnace, water heater, and electric box accessible. Use a dehumidifier to remove musty odors.

Odors: Purchasers are especially sensitive to odors. You may not even be aware of them. Pet odors are the most common and problematic. Make sure litter boxes are clean, carpets are clean, and the home is well ventilated. It may be necessary to replace carpeting if odors persist. Other odors that are sometimes objectionable are smoking odors, cooking odors (highly seasoned food), and must or mildew. Please discuss these problems with your agent.

Your agent will have other suggestions specific to your home. Be sure to take full advantage of the knowledge and experience your Edward Surovell Realtor offers to present your home in the best possible light.

Mortgage Rate Update

30yr fxd – 4.125% APR – 4.172%
20yr fxd – 3.750% APR - 3.89%
15yr fxd – 3.375% APR – 3.457%
10yr fxd – 3.250% APR – 3.315%
30 yr fxd FHA – 4.125% APR – 4.310%



Rates are based on a mortgage of $200,000, 80% LTV, no points and a credit score of 740 or higher.


Charles E. Chapell
Vice President Mortgage
United Bank and Trust
2723 South State Street, Suite 210
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Office: 734-214-2728
Email: cchapell@ubat.com

Edward Surovell Realtors Welcomes Liz Houts as Property Manager

Liz Houts has been named property manager of Edward Surovell Realtors, the company has announced. Ms. Houts began her real estate career at Surovell in 2006 as a marketing specialist. In April 2010 she received her real estate license and became a successful buyer’s agent.

An Ann Arbor resident for six years, Ms. Houts sings with local choirs and has volunteered at the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Edward Surovell Realtors is a leader in property management, providing rental and management services for a variety of income properties, from condos to multi-unit buildings.

Edward Surovell Realtors Announces New Office in Northville

Edward Surovell Realtors is proud to announce that we have expanded our office presence to Northville, MI.



In making the announcement, company President Edward Surovell said, “Our goal in adding this office is to strengthen our brand in western Wayne and Oakland counties, where we already have a growing presence.” The addition of the Northville location brings the number of the company’s offices to ten throughout southeast Michigan.

The Northville office will be managed by Nick Lacy, in addition to his responsibilities as a sales manager at the Surovell office in Ann Arbor. The address of Surovell’s new Northville office is 339 N. Center, Suite 1, Northville. The office phone number is 248-348-4455.

About the Company
Founded in 1982, with headquarters in Ann Arbor, Edward Surovell Realtors is one of Michigan’s largest independent real estate companies. In 2010, the company exceeded $378 million in real estate sales, selling 3,076 properties throughout southeastern Michigan. The company is among the top 50 independent Realtors in the nation. Edward Surovell Realtors has ten offices in Washtenaw, Lenawee, Jackson, Monroe and Wayne counties and serves adjacent portions of Livingston, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Oakland, Branch and Ingham counties.

Edward Surovell Realtors is a member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the highly respected network of 700 leading independent real estate companies in the United States and abroad. In addition Edward Surovell provides relocations to many of Michigan’s leading employers.

Mortgage Rate Update

30yr fxd – 4.375% APR – 4.423%
20yr fxd – 4.000% APR - 4.079%
15yr fxd – 3.500% APR – 3.583%
10yr fxd – 3.250% APR – 3..315%
30 yr fxd FHA – 4.25% APR – 4.410%



Rates are based on a mortgage of $200,000, 80% LTV, no points and a credit score of 740 or higher.


Charles E. Chapell
Vice President Mortgage
United Bank and Trust
2723 South State Street, Suite 210
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Office: 734-214-2728
Email: cchapell@ubat.com