I don't know about you but I am afraid to open my retirement account statements.  I had a client tell me today that his accounts were down 35%.  He was a General Motors employee.   I guess we will alll be working until we are 80 to make up for the latest losses. 

As a self-employed person I actually did put away money for retirement.  I did the right thing.  Do you think I qualify for a governement bailout?  I could stand to get back on track for retirement.  Should I call George Bush to push the bill through?  How are you doing with your retirement?  

I can see me now with my walker saying isn't this a great house!  Or I am going to be fighting 12 other guys to say hi to people at Wal Mart.  I can see it now.  All of us old guys will be lined up  12 across.  "Hey its my turn you old fart.  If you don't let me say hi to the next person I am going to take my teeth out and we'll be fighting."

How are you doing with your retirement accounts?  Are you nervous or is it just me?

When you go to look at Wayne County foreclosures you need to be prepared that many of them are in disrepair.  Think of it this way.  The homeowners couldn't pay their mortgage bill how could they think of spending money to maintain their Wayne county Home.

Most Wayne County foreclosures are a mess.  Many of them are dirty and not a place you want your kids crawling around on the carpeting.  So if you have a child under five I would recommend leaving them with grandma or getting a sitter.  You definitely don't want to have them fingering the walls or sitting on the carpet.

When going to look at Wayne County foreclosures bring a flashlight.  Banks have the electricity shut off and shut the water off.  So the toilet will be shut down, you can't use them.  But once in a great while you will find a move in ready home.  A Wayne County foreclosure that has updates, is in good shape, and is a good price.  My advice to you on this Michigan foreclosure.  Put your bid in on it, don't be a cheap skate because somebody will pay full price or abode.  If the foreclosure is way below market and is in good shape it will be snapped up within a week. 

Don't miss the boat and lose the home.

To search thousands of Michigan homes for sale go to my website Livonia Real estate.  Search Southeastern Michigan homes for sale at your convenience

photo courtesy of  http://www.freephotos.com/

So many real estate agents take punctuality for granted.  I have seen them come to closings late.   I have heard stories of other agents showing up for listing appointments late and showing appointments late.

I have this thing about being on time and even being a few minutes early.  If I arrive too early I sit in the car.  I make phone calls.  I usually keep some sort of reading material in the car.  I just feel if it a listing appointment your first impression is important.  If you come late you might as well come in shorts and a tee shirt.

Be on time is the way to show respect for the other persons time.  If you don't show up on time I feel you don't respect the other person.

I know there are reasons to be late.  Sometimes it is unavoidable.  But if you are late more times than not look at your habits and start out earlier to all your appointments and meetings.  Your friends, and clients will appreciate it!

Have a great day   Russ Ravary

What are the homes like in this Livonia subdivision?  How many homes are in the sub?  What are the home styles like.  See the latest Livonia homes for sale, and the recent sold Livonia homes in the subdivision.

Here are some Livonia subdivisions.  If you have a Michigan relocation in your future and Livonia Michigan is on your short list this information may help you.

 Click on the Livinia subdivision below:
Blue Grass Farms Subdivision
Burton Hollow Estates Subdivision
Burton Hollow Woods Subdivision
Caliburn Estates Subdivision
Caliburn Manor Subdivision
Castle GardensSubdivision 
Compton Village Subdivision
Country Homes Estates Subdivision
Coventry Gardens Subdivision
Deer Creek Subdivision
Denmar Estates Subdivision
Fairway Farms Subdivision
Francavilla Subdivision
Golf View Meadows Subdivision
Green Brier Subdivision
Greenwood Farms Subdivision
Idyle Hills Subdivision
Kimberly Oaks Subdivision
Kingsbury Heights Subdivision
Laurel Park South Subdivision
Nottingham Subdivision
Nottingham Woods Subdivision
Quakertown Subdivision
Renwick Park Subdivision
Rennolds Ravines Subdivision
Willow Woods Subdivision
Wildwood Forest Subdivision
Windridge Subdivision
Woodbury Park Subdivision
Woodcreek Farms Subdivision

Farmington and Farmington Hills MI is a great place to live.  Here is one of Farmingtons upcoming events.

Colonial Liberty Tea Oct. 14 at Historic Longacre House

 With the days getting shorter and the nights getting cooler, what better way to warm the spirit than with a cup of tea?  Welcome the season in the manner of Colonial America, experiencing cuisine from authentic recipes at the Colonial Liberty Tea on Tuesday, October 14 from 1 - 3 p.m. at the Longacre House, located at 24705 Farmington Road, just south of Eleven Mile in Farmington Hills.

 Marlene and Mac Lipon, authorities on the Colonial Era, will dress in period costume and delight you with tales of life in 18th century America.  Learn fascinating facts about taverns, coffeehouses, and how tea got to Colonial America.  Tea will be served by tea specialist Linda Pudlik in the main dining room of the charming Longacre House.

 Teas occur monthly at the Longacre House and each one features a special theme.  The cost is $20 per guest for residents of Farmington Hills/ Farmington and $25 per non-resident guest.  Reservations are required.  Call 248-473-1870 to charge by phone or pay in person at the Costick Center, located at 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road in Farmington Hills.

 Don't miss out, teas sell out very quickly!

And I wanted to share it with you.  I asked a question from a fellow Active Rainer and he gave me some great information.  I asked how did he was able to tell how many incoming links were going to my website.  Mike Bates (Hawaii Homes) a relative newcomer has gotten into the full swing of Active Rain and shared info.  That is what makes Active Rain Great.

Here is how you find out how many pages you have on your site and how many incoming links.  Go to Yahoo   then type in site:www.RussRavary.com  so type in site:(and your website address)  

Then click on links.

This is what we all strive for incoming links to our websites.  So go and check out how many incoming links you still need to get.

If you want to get into buying Metro Detroit foreclosed homesfor investment purposes then one of the first places you want to start is by joining Metro Detroit's premier real estate investment association.  REIA of Oakland County is a great place to learn and meet fellow real estate investors.

They have monthly meetings and this month's meeting is going to be chaulk full of information on buying Wayne County foreclosures and Oakland County foreclosures. 

Here is the time, date, and general information

COMING October 9th, 2008 Foreclosure Realtors Panel

Some of the areas top real estate agents specializing in listing foreclosures will be answering your questions regarding how to buy Metro Detroit foreclosed homesfrom banks and mortgage companies.  They are the experts at listing and selling "as is" properties.  They list distressed properties investors and landlords love to purchase.   

Our panelists will be sharing their strategies:

1. How to work with an REO (Real Estate Owned) agent

 2. How to negotiate with the lender and how to get your offer accepted

3. "Insiders" tips   Be sure to bring your questions to this informative meeting.  

MEETING SCHEDULE AND LOCATION
MSU-MEC  811 W. Square Lake Rd, Troy, Mi. 48098
5:30-7:15   Vendor Session and Networking
7:15-7:30   General Membership Meeting
7:30-9:30   Main Speaker  

Please visit www.reiaofoakland.comfor more information   See you there! REIA of Oakland

To search Metro Detroit foreclosures go to my website Livonia real estate and Michigan homes for sale  There are over 60,000 Michigan homes for sale.  Or email me at Info@RussRavary for a personalized list of homes for sale.  Send me you wants, your price range, and cities you like and I will email you a list today.

 NORTHVILLE CLASSES AND EVENTS

Lifeguarding Class - 10/3/08 - 11/1/08

Registration has begun.  Early registration will hold your spot.  This class will fill to capacity!  American Red Cross Lifeguarding Class Meets on:

Activity #: 266206.01
Class Fees: FREE
Material fee of $35 for the Lifeguarding Manual. Payable by check on the 1st day of class. Please make checks payable to Staywell. 

Northville Parks & Recreation
www.northvilleparksandrec.com  248-349-0203

 FARMINGTON HILLS CLASSES AND EVENTS 

ART, MUSIC AND DANCE CLASSES FOR ALL AGES  

As we settle into fall, consider registering for one of the high-quality, affordable classes in art, music and dance being offered by the City of Farmington Hills. These classes are taught by professionals at various locations and are open to both residents and non-residents. Go to www.fhgov.com for registration forms and to view the Special Services program brochure or call the Cultural Arts Division at 248-473-1859.

 ART CLASSES FOR TEENS AND ADULTS:

 Drawing Faces, ages 13+, taught by professional artist, Kari Buzewski.  Learn portrait drawing skills including face proportions, features, eyes and hair. For artists at all levels. Oct. 11, 1 - 5 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

 Fabric of Life: Textile Collage, ages 18+, with Judith Sheldon, whose fabric collages are on exhibit in the City Gallery (Costick Center) Sept. 8 - Oct. 31.  Use fabric to create expressive portraits and images in this new workshop. Inspiration from family photographs, stories, scraps of fabric, worn out clothing, new cloth and linens will be incorporated. Mondays, Oct. 20 - Nov. 10, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

The Floral Image, ages 18+, instructor Donna Vogelheim.  This one-day workshop will explore the many ways to render floral images. Innovative and traditional flower design will be discussed and illustrated. Thursday, Oct. 23, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

Sculpting with Clay, ages 18+ with artist Bernadette Zachara-Marcos.

Translate your creative ideas into sculptural reliefs or figures various techniques. Thursdays, Oct. 30 - Dec. 11, 12:30 - 3 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

Painting with Watercolor, Ages 17+, instructor Donna Vogelheim.  For beginners and experienced painters. Includes individual instruction in watercolor techniques taught to your level of experience. Tuesdays, Nov. 4 - Dec. 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

ART CLASSES FOR YOUTH:

Step By Step Drawing, Ages 5 - 7, 8 - 12, with Mary Schmidt Learn the basics of shape using lines, curves and circles. Build skills in 3-D technique. All materials included. Thursdays, Oct. 30 - Dec. 11, ages 5 - 7, 4:10 - 5:10 p.m., ages 8 - 12, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

Pottery For Kids, Ages 5 - 7, 8 - 12, with Meredith Duckworth.  Basic hand-building techniques such as pinch, coil and slab will be used to create wonderful pottery pieces. Tuesdays, Nov. 4 - Dec. 9, ages 5 - 7, 5 - 6 p.m., ages 8 - 12, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

Exploring Ceramics, Ages 12+, with Meredith Duckworth.  Hand-building techniques of sculpture such as pinch, coil and slab, are taught. Beginning and continuing students are welcome. Tuesdays, Nov. 4 - Dec. 9, 7:45 - 8:45 p.m., Stables Studio, Heritage Park.

MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE CLASSES:  The Drum; Learning Ensembles & Drum Circle Celebration, Ages 6 - 8, 9 - 12, Family (10 - adult), instructor Baba Issa Abramaleem.  Universal rhythms and hand-drum techniques are facilitated in an informal small group structure. All levels of experience are welcome. Drums provided, or bring your own. Saturdays, Oct. 18 - Nov. 15, Costick Center - call for times.

 The Next Stage, Bruce Pooley and Staff.  A unique program for singers of all levels to learn vocal and stage performance skills such as tone, breath control, range, music styles and performance techniques. Thursdays, Oct. 30 - Dec. 11, Ages 10 -13, 6 - 7 p.m.; Ages 14+, 7 - 8 p.m., Costick Center.

 Acoustic Guitar, Group Lessons, Beginning & Intermediate, Al Rosenthal.  Beginners will learn basic chords and strum patterns.  Intermediate students will build on chords and play "up the neck of the guitar."  Saturdays, Nov. 1 - Dec. 6, Beginning 10 - 10:50 a.m.; Intermediate 11 - 11:50 a.m., Costick Center.

 Individual music lessons are also available for children and adults in piano, acoustic, electric and bass guitar.  Call 248-473-1859 to schedule.

DANCE CLASSES FOR TEENS AND ADULTS: 

Motown Ballroom Dance, Ages 19+, with Dr. Karyne Brantley-Johnson.  A great dance style adapted to Motown music!  Lots of fun for all. Fridays, Oct. 24 - Dec. 5, Ballroom 1, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.; Ballroom 2, Oct. 24 - Nov. 21, Grant Center.

 PSYCHIC READINGS OFFERED AT LONGACRE HOUSE 

Is there something or someone on your mind? Do you have questions about your children, your parents, your career, your future? Psychic reader Kathy Tertzag will help you find the answers in her series of readings conducted at the historic Longacre House. Tertzag is a fourth-generation psychic who is known for helping many people find assurance, acceptance and release through her insightful readings.

 The 20-minute psychic readings will take place in the second floor Bride's Room at the Longacre House, a setting that Tertzag says is perfect for readings, as the room has its own spiritual history.  It also provides a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere where guests have total privacy. The Longacre House is located at 24705 Farmington Road, just south of Eleven Mile in Farmington Hills.

 A well-respected psychic, Tertzag teaches classes in metaphysics and psychic phenomena at Henry Ford Community College. Tertzag works through a method of "sense impressions," and says she successfully uses the presence of spirit guides to assist in her readings.  She has also experienced spirits, sometimes family members of her reading guests, who have something to tell a person or answers to questions or concerns. Tertzag is very personable and readings are totally confidential. 

Pre-registration is required. Appointments for readings are between 6 - 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. Cost is $45 for residents and $50 for non-residents. Call Cultural Arts at 248-473-1857/59 to book your appointment.

To Search Metro Detroit homes for sale feel free to check out my websites Metro Detroit Michigan real estate or Livonia real estate

The weather was gorgeous.  A slight breeze, lots of sun, and not too warm.  U of M pulled a huge comeback yesterday and Michigan State won big against their opponent.  Plus the Lion's fired Matt Millen this week.  This was the first full week of Detroit's new mayor and the old one is just a piece of history. 

So it is a great week in Metro Detroit! 

Even on the real estate side it has been good.  I received a good short sale listing from Active Rain, got one purchase offer accepted, and another short sale offer in.  And smoothed over some ruffled feathers on a home inspection and closing.  It seems I am working with a lot of short sales.  I think a lot of short sales are a waste of time but sometimes the banks do cooperate and make it all worthwhile.  Sometimes that small percentage of completions make all the work worthwhile.

Well tomorrow's Monday and I hope the weekend was just a sampling of what is yet to come.

May the week bring an unexpected welcome surprise.

Russ Ravary

"your local neighborhood information source"

Metro Detroit Real Estate

Livonia, Canton, Northville, Plymouth, Novi Real Estate  

 They are doing the Susan G Komen 3 day cancer walk in Metro Detroit yesterday, today and ending tomorrow.

The Campsite is at Rotary Park in Livonia MI.

Thousands of Metro Detroit women and men come together, each raising money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Then they take their commitment to end breast cancer one step further and walk 60 miles over the course of three days.

My wife has had three bouts with cancer over the last 18 years.  She is always happy to see this walk go on.  She can barely walk a mile let alone the 60 miles. 

In order to participate each walker has to raise $2200 in order to walk.  A tremendous committment for each walker both phsically and financially.  Three cheers for these women.

Eighty-five percent of the net proceeds of this event go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Every advancement in breast cancer research, treatment, education and prevention in the last 25 years has been touched by a Komen for the Cure grant.

The remaining fifteen percent of net funds goes to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund to provide a permanent endowment for ongoing support of breast cancer initiatives.

Even the trash cans are pink.    

Thousand of women and some men dressed in pink are walking the streets of Livonia Mi today and tomorrow.  So cheer them on and watch out for them when turning when you are in Livonia.

For more Livonia events, Livonia real estate, or City of Livonia Data check out my websites.