Metro Detroit Real Estate Voice

Al Block elected: Director: Metropolitan Consolidated Association of Realtors -Troy, MI

Al Block, a 20 year veteran of the Metro Detroit real estate industry will serve on the Board of Directors of the largest local Association of Realtors in the State of Michigan.  He served a term as Director of the Macomb County Board of Realtors from 1997-2001 and then served later as Vice-President of a newly merged organizition comprised of 6,700 members (Metropolitan Consolidated Association of Realtors) until 2004.  Al Block has served in various capacities as Chairman of the Public Relations Committee and Chairman of the Grievance Committee.  He has also served the Association in other voluntary capacities since the early 1990's. 

 Al Block is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX First, Inc. in Clinton Township, Michigan and serves Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties.  He is a high profile, high volume Realtor and also a Limited Appraiser. 

 

Congratulations to newly-elected leaders

Congratulations to (in alphabetical order) Al Block, Bill B., Susie M. and Pat R.. They received the most votes among the seven Board of Director candidates and will begin their terms in January of 2009.

Thanks to all candidates and to the MCAR REALTOR® members who voted online.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Oakland County Real Estate Market Statistics--4th Quarter 2007

Here is the latest information comparing the difference between 4th quarter 2006 and 4th quarter 2007,

Stats show amount of listings, sales, sales volume, and differences in the average sale prices.  This is

very reliable datea.  Click here to open .pdf file.

 

Oakland County | Fourth Quarter 2007

City

2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff

Addison Township 41 40 2.50% 13 6 116.67% $4,118,590 $2,733,000 50.70% $278,432 $512,750 -45.70%

Auburn Hills 153 145 5.52% 22 37 -40.54% $3,092,700 $7,284,450 -57.54% $125,167 $177,233 -29.38%

Berkley 216 184 17.39% 44 69 -36.23% $6,267,980 $12,675,065 -50.55% $147,883 $177,967 -16.90%

Beverly Hills 117 126 -7.14% 16 24 -33.33% $4,205,400 $6,049,232 -30.48% $273,083 $239,583 13.98%

Bingham Farms Village 7 22 -68.18% 1 4 -75.00% $320,000 $116,479,781 -99.73% $320,000 $470,750 -32.02%

Birmingham 508 459 10.68% 72 78 -7.69% $19,547,810 $24,813,660 -21.22% $228,833 $330,833 -30.83%

Bloomfield Hills 98 78 25.64% 14 8 75.00% $1,894,600 $1,053,000 79.92% $244,600 $350,250 -30.16%

Bloomfield Twp. 625 554 12.82% 92 99 -7.07% $29,555,646 $39,438,900 -25.06% $270,333 $400,333 -32.47%

Brandon Twp. 105 110 -4.55% 36 21 71.43% $7,934,579 $4,262,000 86.17% $192,167 $197,000 -2.45%

Clarkston 10 16 -37.50% 0 6 -100.00% $0 $1,870,500 -100.00% $0 $332,917 -100.00%

Clawson 124 109 13.76% 30 49 -38.78% $4,029,897 $7,750,170 -48.00% $142,150 $154,083 -7.74%

Commerce Twp. 441 435 1.38% 60 94 -36.17% $15,429,883 $26,217,730 -41.15% $203,000 $246,500 -17.65%

Davisburg/Springfield

Township 106 104 1.92% 22 30 -26.67% $5,966,300 $8,414,313 -29.09% $239,967 $274,352 -12.53%

Farmington 112 137 -18.25% 17 31 -45.16% $2,190,600 $5,572,597 -60.69% $144,250 $180,317 -20.00%

Farmington Hills 868 974 -10.88% 146 164 -10.98% $30,373,755 $39,253,595 -22.62% $200,575 $230,000 -12.79%

Fenton 0 0 -- 0 0 -- $0 $0 -- $0 $0 --

Ferndale 351 334 5.09% 84 80 5.00% $8,832,675 $10,204,738 -13.45% $95,533 $116,979 -18.33%

Franklin Village 43 44 -2.27% 6 10 -40.00% $2,535,900 $4,395,400 -42.31% $331,967 $411,250 -19.28%

Groveland Twp. 48 37 29.73% 11 4 175.00% $2,324,900 $1,179,500 97.11% $224,000 $294,875 -24.04%

Hazel Park 257 259 -0.77% 53 51 3.92% $2,952,433 $3,835,324 -23.02% $52,525 $78,300 -32.92%

Highland Twp. 186 177 5.08% 33 33 0.00% $5,613,281 $7,124,739 -21.21% $162,350 $191,500 -15.22%

Holly Twp. 82 61 34.43% 19 11 72.73% $2,508,910 $2,070,781 21.16% $129,150 $204,860 -36.96%

Holly Village 60 60 0.00% 17 16 6.25% $2,074,637 $2,098,500 -1.14% $131,146 $121,257 8.16%

Huntington Woods 81 52 55.77% 6 11 -45.45% $2,133,200 $2,981,500 -28.45% $337,175 $266,900 26.33%

Independence Twp. 314 357 -12.04% 84 94 -10.64% $19,000,860 $28,864,271 -34.17% $208,698 $274,759 -24.04%

Keego Harbor 63 64 -1.56% 8 4 100.00% $1,175,500 $504,001 133.23% $155,000 $75,001 106.67%

Lake Angelus 8 3 166.67% 1 0 -- $1,000,000 $0 -- $1,000,000 $0 --

Lake Orion Village 46 56 -17.86% 5 14 -64.29% $1,701,650 $3,417,390 -50.21% $291,138 $227,147 28.17%

Lathrup Village 42 54 -22.22% 18 15 20.00% $2,518,170 $2,714,300 -7.23% $140,983 $188,367 -25.15%

Leonard Village 3 1 200.00% 1 0 -- $89,500 $0 -- $89,500 $0 --

Lyon Twp. 109 146 -25.34% 23 12 91.67% $5,636,700 $3,453,419 63.22% $231,167 $298,733 -22.62%

Madison Heights 275 268 2.61% 82 84 -2.38% $7,623,200 $9,874,633 -22.80% $95,167 $117,017 -18.67%

Milford Twp. 90 103 -12.62% 23 17 35.29% $7,515,900 $6,750,800 11.33% $303,500 $329,500 -7.89%

Milford Village 72 87 -17.24% 22 23 -4.35% $4,856,840 $4,383,200 10.81% $180,000 $173,483 3.76%

Northville 56 49 14.29% 6 11 -45.45% $1,564,895 $3,525,800 -55.62% $279,149 $313,000 -10.82%

Novi 585 796 -26.51% 101 100 1.00% $28,394,212 $30,022,499 -5.42% $246,700 $242,967 1.54%

Novi Twp. 7 2 250.00% 4 1 300.00% $1,226,500 $185,000 562.97% $317,000 $185,000 71.35%

Oak Park 330 302 9.27% 71 64 10.94% $6,088,740 $7,486,850 -18.67% $82,233 $120,308 -31.65%

Oakland Twp. 210 205 2.44% 51 41 24.39% $16,597,764 $15,185,978 9.30% $315,125 $366,667 -14.06%

Orchard Lake Village 32 23 39.13% 2 6 -66.67% $0 $2,028,900 -100.00% $0 $503,150 -100.00%

Listings Sales Sales Volume Median Sale Price

The housing market information on this page is not guaranteed, but is from data we believe reliable. Check MCARonline.com for updates and corrections. Oakland County statistics courtesy

of Realcomp II Ltd.

MCAR offers this information as a service to members and has tried to ensure that it is accurate. MCAR makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of this

content; assessing accuracy and reliability of information is the responsibility of the user. MCAR is not liable for errors contained herein or for any damages in connection with the use of the

information.

City

2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff 2007 2006 Diff

Listings Sales Sales Volume Median Sale Price

Oakland County | Fourth Quarter 2007

Rose Twp. 40 42 -4.76% 8 5 60.00% $1,421,100 $1,037,900 36.92% $164,275 $216,125 -23.99%

Royal Oak 834 770 8.31% 171 211 -18.96% $29,578,968 $39,900,237 -25.87% $163,333 $173,000 -5.59%

Royal Oak Twp. 16 11 45.45% 3 6 -50.00% $136,900 $349,802 -60.86% $37,725 $70,833 -46.74%

South Lyon 149 134 11.19% 32 36 -11.11% $4,464,110 $7,093,960 -37.07% $140,000 $193,167 -27.52%

Southfield 918 808 13.61% 155 181 -14.36% $18,024,710 $29,289,930 -38.46% $117,500 $149,000 -21.14%

Southfield Twp. 1 1 0.00% 0 0 -- $0 $0 -- $0 $0 --

Sylvan Lake 33 27 22.22% 6 3 100.00% $848,600 $1,270,000 -33.18% $172,750 $367,500 -52.99%

Troy 582 629 -7.47% 151 161 -6.21% $33,526,812 $40,148,387 -16.49% $208,133 $233,333 -10.80%

Walled Lake 106 119 -10.92% 19 21 -9.52% $2,288,850 $3,282,500 -30.27% $115,283 $142,383 -19.03%

Waterford Twp. 792 770 2.86% 156 178 -12.36% $22,527,830 $29,842,489 -24.51% $132,917 $151,833 -12.46%

West Bloomfield Twp. 813 908 -10.46% 144 162 -11.11% $36,970,092 $44,861,306 -17.59% $230,583 $230,500 0.04%

White Lake Twp. 288 314 -8.28% 62 66 -6.06% $12,836,200 $15,090,000 -14.94% $202,167 $218,667 -7.55%

Wixom 87 92 -5.43% 25 21 19.05% $5,154,146 $4,594,748 12.17% $215,000 $219,167 -1.90%

Wolverine Lake Village 45 44 2.27% 16 10 60.00% $3,643,600 $1,399,000 160.44% $164,567 $160,167 2.75%

Totals 13,458 13,631 -1.27% 2,714 2,958 -8.25% $515,181,681 $773,804,296 -33.42% NA

Orion Twp. 295 298 -1.01% 58 92 -36.96% $11,395,250 $18,875,734 -39.63% $172,033 $196,917 -12.64%

Ortonville Village 18 16 12.50% 3 3 0.00% $306,900 $747,000 -58.92% $116,900 $243,750 -52.04%

Oxford Twp. 155 181 -14.36% 35 36 -2.78% $9,180,880 $9,204,090 -0.25% $233,080 $228,250 2.12%

Oxford Village 21 41 -48.78% 10 9 11.11% $1,407,250 $1,312,000 7.26% $104,950 $229,100 -54.19%

Pleasant Ridge 25 46 -45.65% 9 15 -40.00% $2,296,300 $3,922,300 -41.46% $340,717 $229,100 48.72%

Pontiac 694 629 10.33% 156 135 15.56% $6,612,577 $9,734,162 -32.07% $25,992 $64,750 -59.86%

Rochester 141 176 -19.89% 27 32 -15.63% $6,896,924 $10,365,168 -33.46% $244,567 $402,083 -39.18%

Rochester Hills 524 542 -3.32% 152 153 -0.65% $36,769,575 $45,328,067 -18.88% $220,100 $247,622 -11.11%

The housing market information on this page is not guaranteed, but is from data we believe reliable. Check MCARonline.com for updates and corrections. Oakland County statistics courtesy

of Realcomp II Ltd.

MCAR offers this information as a service to members and has tried to ensure that it is accurate. MCAR makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of this

content; assessing accuracy and reliability of information is the responsibility of the user. MCAR is not liable for errors contained herein or for any damages in connection with the use of the

information.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Macomb County Real Estate Statistics, September 2007 vs. September 2006 (list of all cities)

Statistical data compiled by Macomb County statistics courtesy of MiRealSource MLS.

http://www.mcaronline.com/images/reports/101907/MC_stats_MR_Sept07.pdf

Please contact me if you are in need of any information more specific to your situation.  I have the ability to compare dates fiscally, percentage losses based on style of home, type of real estate, etc..  Feel free to email me.  Information is also available for other counties.

 

MCAR offers this information as a service to members and has tried to ensure that it is accurate. MCAR makes no warranty or guarantee concerning the accuracy or reliability of this

content; assessing accuracy and reliability of information is the responsibility of the user. MCAR is not liable for errors contained herein or for any damages in connection with the use of the

information.

Listings Sales Sales Volume Average Sale Price

by Al Block | 0 Comments

New Listing--Colonial For Sale in Sunflower Village-Canton Township, MI close to pool, school, clubhouse, walking path, commons

Sunflower Village "blossom" of a deal.

• 1,900 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm colonial - MLS® #27165407   $229,900 - Very affordable colonial.

Sunflower, Canton

Property information

by Al Block | 0 Comments

New listing--Colonial For Sale in Montego Bay Subdivision, Sterling Heights, MI--needs a little TLC

• 1,857 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm colonial - MLS® #30550347   $199,899 - Lets make a deal.

Montego Bay Subdivision, Sterling Heights

Property information

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Price Reduced on 21426 Florence in Edinburgh Estates

Edinburgh Estates, Macomb Township  -  Unreal price on a real of a deal house!!!!   Announcing a price reduction on 21426 Florence, a 2,600 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Master suite w./potential for mother-in-law suite.". Now MLS® #30529295   $264,700 - Magically priced!.

Property information

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Standard & Poor's 20 city report of real estate year-over-year prices. Metro Detroit price decline of almost 10% in 2006.

Click on this link for the full report.  The news is not good, but in my opinion, better than expected.  Contact me

to know the facts about your specific area.    Click here for the report.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

New listing: Go to Church, and live like you're in heaven!

Details

Photo Gallery

View Rooms

48444-Imlay Township (Imlay City)

FOR SALE $249,800Add it up ... good deal.

	RE/MAX First, Inc.
	RE/MAX First, Inc. Email Al Type of contact:number " repeating for each--> Work: 586-792-8000 Toll-Free: 180-0SO-LD67 Cell: 586-489-8109 Fax: 586-792-4990
More Photos(36)
sattelite with line drawing

	Quick Links
	Virtual Tour		Request More Info	Email Listing	More Photos(36)

	Details
	DetailType: Detail  " next detail-->Address: 8080 Church Road Type: Residential Style: Ranch Bedrooms: 3 Suite: No Living Area: 1,508 square feet Year Built: 1994 More Details

	Description
	24 HOUR INFORMATION HOTLINE: 1-800-290-9994 CODE: 232665 This property by far has more to offer than most homes I have sold before and acreage to boot. This is like getting the features of a Cadillac at the price of a Ford. That's why this property comes "fully loaded". There is so much to list that it is a must see to see it all. At the end of the driveway, which is most likely almost 300 feet long, sits a 32'x40' pole barn. It is insulated, has its own furnace, 220V and circuit panel, overhead lighting, 2 roll up doors (high) and 1 extra high sliding door off the back. The driveway is gravel until you are in front of the pole barn or the extra large 2 and 1/2 car attached garage. The cement approach in front of the pole barn may park 6 to 8 cars and in front of the garage around 4 to 6. The house boasts 3 bedrooms with a large 4th bedroom in the recently finished basement. The basement is just "drop-dead gorgeous" with large recreation room, newer Berber carpet, gas fireplace with vented forced heat to bedroom, two large storage areas(see virtual tour), 95% efficient furnace, central air, and high efficiency hot water heater. The home's floor plan is well planned with a "bedroom split design". Two bedrooms on one side of the home and a master suite on the other end with walk-in closet, vanity area, and master bathroom. Kitchen is to die for with 2 lazy susans, appliance garage, solid oak Merillat cabinetry, oak hardwood flooring, breakfast bar, loads of cabinets, a pantry, and porcelain sink all with a view of your two decks, above ground swimming pool, 3/4 acre pond, and the rest of your acreage. High quality wood casement windows, Andersen doorwall, extra large bow window, more than sufficient front porch, and much, much more. Tasteful decor, newer carpet througout. 7.62 pristine acres. More Description

Brokered and Advertised by RE/MAX First, Inc. LID 1008556

Information is deemed to be correct but not guaranteed. Square footage may be rounded for ease of use. If you are currently under the obligations of a buyer agency or seller agency contract, the content of this website is not intended to solicit your business.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Real Estate & Porn . . . Love, Sex, Fetishes, & Voyeurism. Rated: R

Is it dirty or is it just dirt?  Is it a fascination or just simple pleasure? Can it be tasteful or do you prefer the raunchy kind?  It almost seems like people just can't get enough of it.  I'm talking about the real estate porn industry and we may be the purveyors of this new type of dirt.

     It seems like there is more interest in www.openhouses.com than www.open blouses.com.  I'm talking about the information available to consumers about real estate in all forms of media.  It has gone from the the hidden, back door alley ways of the past, where only professionals had the goods, to a multi-billion dollar industry.  The public is insatiable, it seems, with entire TV networks dedicated to 24/7 real estate, books, magazines, websites, podcasts, videocasts, blogs, and audio casts.  There is nothing covered up and you can get anything you want.  You can be the neighborhood peeping tom . . . from the comfort of your home.  30 years ago if you wanted to know your neighbors secrets, you had to work for it.  Now, click a few buttons and you'll see their IRS liens, HELOCs, and filthy financial activities.  This is not sensationalism, this is real stuff.  There is even books on this topic, Sex and Real Estate: Why We Love Houses by Marjorie Garber.

      Will this liberal desire for more and more real estate information be the burning flame that burns my industry in the end?  What sparked this blog was a phone call from a client who asked me for some advice to appeal his tax assessment.  I thought he really needed me or was going to hire me as an appraiser, to represent him in front of the assessor.  In fact, he asked if he could email me the info he had and see if it is applicable.  Well, I could not believe my eyes--there it was, an Excel centerfold of 3 full-figured comps which he received from Zillow (not pillow) with other items linked to video and virtual tours to show the tax appeal board of review.  With his laptop and portable video projector in tow, this guy may be a real estate pornographer or what?

       So am I the cause or the affect?  Is the public dangerous with so much frisky freedom of information?  All I know is I may be guilty as charged . . . www.thepropertypimp.com   Click here to see a naked house.

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Comerica Moseys on Down to Dallas. Leaves Detroit in the Dust. The Past, the Present, & the Future.

I told my wife a while back that if General Motors ever leaves Detroit or if Toyota buys GM, that is the day we pack our bags and move.  I sure hope this is not a sign because for almost 20 years I have built up a real estate and appraisal business.  The "powers that be" better figure it out quick before its too late.

What do you think?  Look into your crystal ball and tell me what you think the economic outlook will be for the greater Detroit area in one year, two years, and beyond.  Click here for more on the Comerica relocation.

BTW, I an an Equal Opportunity automobile owner. I own a Chrysler, a Ford, and a GM.  Does your car kill Detroit?

 

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Macomb and Oakland County: Real Estate Performance Statistics 2006 vs. 2005; Breakdown by Community Details

Okay, before you download and read the stats, you may want to get a box of tissues. [:'(] 

Seriously, these statistics are very broad and do not necessarily reflect what may be the case for an individual property.  If you are concerned about your property value, I am also a licensed appraiser, Block Appraisal Services.  www.blockappraisalservices.com  

**Scroll down to open the attachment**

Cities cited in the report:

MACOMB COUNTY: Armada Township, Armada, Bruce Township, Center Line, Chesterfield Township, Clinton Charter Township, Eastpointe, Fraser, Harrison Charter Township, Lenox Township, Macomb Township, Memphis, Mount Clemens, New Baltimore, New Haven, Ray Township, Richmond Township, Richmond, Romeo, Roseville, Shelby Township, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Utica, Warren, Washington Township

OAKLAND COUNTY: Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington Hills, Farmington, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Lathrup Village, Madison Heights, Northville, Novi, Oak Park, Orchard Lake, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac, Rochester Hills, Rochester, Royal Oak, South Lyon, Southfield, Sylvan Lake, Troy, Walled Lake, Wixom, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Franklin, Clarkston, Holly, Lake Orion, Leonard, Milford, Ortonville, Oxford, Wolverine Lake, Addison Township, Avon Township, Bloomfield Township, Brandon Township, Commerce Township, Farmington Township, Groveland Township, Highland Township, Holly Township, Independence Township,
Lyon Township, Milford Township, Novi Township, Oakland Township, Orion Township, Oxford Township, Springfield Township, Waterford Township, West Bloomfield Township, White Lake Township

     

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Attachment(s): 2006 vs 2005 MLS stats.doc

Do Seniors Care About the Real Estate Market? Who Cares For Them?

            Some may say that senior citizens, historically, are not the movers and shakers in the real estate market.    If that was to be said about today’s seniors, it would be a big mistake.  The age group of 55 years and older represent a unique segment of real estate ownership.  The major difference is that real estate owned by this age group tends to have massive amounts of equity.  These people actually own their homes in the truest form—they are paid for!

            It would be safe to say that seniors care more about their real estate than any other age group because they are so much more vested.   Yet they carry an obscure voice because they don’t represent the majority of transactions.   Honestly, a 25 year old person who still owes the bank 99% of a homes value has so much less to lose than a 63 year old who has most of their savings tied to real estate.  Any shift in the market may affect both assets equally, but the older person has a lot of cash tied up that can be lost.

This is the key question—what is a mature adult to do when the real estate values have declined?  When lots of their wealth is in their homes, condos, vacation homes, or land?  Who can properly advise this age group about their real estate?  Who cares enough to be giving the right advice to family members who are helping an aged relative transition from independent home ownership to a more maintenance free lifestyle?  What type of real estate professional puts the needs of the senior citizen paramount before their own financial gain?  The answer:  a Senior Real Estate Specialist®. 

Seniors Real Estate Specialists® are REALTORS® qualified to meet the special needs and concerns of maturing          Americans. A national program since 1998, The Senior Advantage Real Estate Council® (SAREC®) offers a specific designation, SRES®, to identify those members who have successfully completed its education program along with other prerequisites.  This age segment of our population is so important to the real estate market that the National Association of Realtors® just recently merged the SRES® into its family of real estate training and certification options.  Now more than ever, REALTORS® will have more awareness and access to the special training.  In the short run, REALTORS® with this training are in an obscure minority. 

            By earning the SRES® designation, a REALTOR® has demonstrated necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel senior clients through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, selling the family home, compatible communities, choosing condominiums that are “Senior friendly”, and making smart choices with a large amount of equity this age group typically has acquired.   This type of  REALTOR® has received special training, gets regular updates, and is prepared to offer the options and information needed in making life changing decisions easier for an older real estate buyer and/or seller.

To find out more about finding a Seniors Real Estate Specialists® and other local real estate data, go to www.seniors.alblock.com or call Al Block, SRES® at the phone number below.

Al Block, of RE/MAX First, Inc.  is a designated Senior Real Estate Specialist. 

He is a licensed  Realtor^® and limited Appraiser actively practicing in Southeast Michigan

by Al Block | 1 Comments

Attachment(s): Newsletter_2-15-07[1].doc

Local authorities on manhunt for those responsible in slaying of automotive industry giant.

Are you responsible for the death of these two men?  Their names are John and Horace Dodge.  They are brothers.  They have been deceased for quite some time, however, their spirit, an American institution lives on or does it?  Last week their baby, Chrysler, announced it may be going on the auction block to slice and dice, what just a few years ago was a strong company.  Are you responsible for this?  Will you be responsible for the death of Detroit, Michigan?

This topic goes very deep but besides our homes, our automobiles are usually the second largest asset we purchase.  So much of the GDP is tied to it that when you buy a foreign car, the trickle down is not really there.  The wealth accumulation goes elsewhere.  What would happen if China, India, or Mexico decided, hmmm, LETS START A REAL ESTATE COMPANY & BUILDING COMPANY.  Imagine if 50% of the houses in your area were sold by a foreign real estate company.  Imagine 30% of the homes in your area went into foreclosure because local people lost there jobs because others were buying foreign made houses sold buy foreign real estate companies.  Makes you think now, doesn't it?  This is what is happening in Detroit because people are purchasing foreign cars.

So what kind of car do you drive?  Do you feel even a little responsible for the homicide.  Will you pull the trigger or unload the gun? 

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Vacant land at 24637 Harrison in Harrison Township . . . SOLD in 3 days.

Harrison Township, Macomb County  -  Announcing Al Block's extraordinary marketing sytem is influential in selling a regular vacant lot in the Shook/Jefferson area.  The property was build ready with permits, topographic and regular surveys, bond, plans, etc.  List price of $49,900 and sale price very, very close to list.  If you want this type of action on your real estate, contact Al Block today.    www.alblock.com

Property information

by Al Block | 0 Comments

Are you on this list? See if you are next to be hit by the 2% tax on "services".

 

JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM GOVERNOR

STATE OF MICHIGAN sdfdsfsfDEPARTMENT OF TREASURY LANSING

ROBERT J. KLEINE STATE TREASURER

 

3961 (Rev. 4-06)

Taxation of Services under the Two - Penny Plan

Governor Granholm has proposed a two percent tax on certain services as part of her comprehensive budget and economic plan for the 2007 and 2008 fiscal years. Under this proposal certain services would be taxed and others would not.

Included here is a description of those services that would be taxable and the number of other states that tax them; a description of those services that that would be exempt under the proposal; and a description of those purchasers that would be exempt regardless of the service.

The final list describes transactions sometimes considered services that are currently and would continue to be taxed under the 6 percent use tax, and would not be subject to the 2 percent tax.

It is important to note that other states that tax these services usually tax them at their sales tax rates, which typically range between 5 and 7%.

Services that are Taxed

Service	Number of States that Tax
Transportation
Intrastate transportation of persons( non governmental)	12
Taxi operations	9
Intrastate courier	7
Limousine service	15
Storage
Household, mini storage and cold storage	14
Automotive storage	20
Food storage	10
Fur storage	17
Marina service (docking , storage, cleaning and repair)	19
Packing and crating	11
Finance , Insurance and Real Estate
Insurance services (excluding premiums)	7
Investment counseling	7
Real estate or personal property sales fees	6
Real estate management fees	6
Real estate title and abstract services	6

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48922 www.michigan.gov/treasury • (517) 373-3200 Page 2

Service	Number of States that Tax
Personal Services
Barber shops and beauty parlors	8
Pet grooming	19
Carpet and upholstery cleaning	19
Dating services	9
Debt counseling	8
Diaper service	24
Income from funeral services	15
Garment services (altering & repairing)	20
Gift and package wrapping service	22
Health clubs, tanning parlors, reducing salons	22
Laundry and dry cleaning services, coin-op	7
Laundry and dry cleaning services, non-coin op	24
Landscape services	21
Massage services	11
900 number services	29
Shoe repair	21
Swimming pool cleaning & maintenance	18
Tax return preparation	7
Business Services
Advertising agency fees, excluding the medium	11
Armored car services	16
Bail bond fees	5
Debt collection	9
Credit information, credit bureaus	13
Employment agencies	11
Interior design and decorating	10
Maintenance and janitorial services	20
Lobbying and consulting	8
Marketing	7
Packing and crating	10
Exterminating	21
Private Investigation	15
Process server fees	7
Public relations, management consulting	8
Secretarial and court reporting services	9
Security services	17
Telemarketing services on contract	7
Telephone answering service	20
Temporary help agencies (fee net of wages paid by client)	12
Test laboratories (excluding medical)	9
Tire recapping and repairing	29
Travel agent fees	4
Window cleaning	19

Page 3

Service	Number of States that Tax
Automotive
Automotive washing and waxing.	22
Automotive road service and towing services	19
Auto service. except repairs, incl. painting & lube	25
Parking lots & garages	21
Automotive rust proofing & undercoating.	27
Amusements
Pari-mutuel racing events.	29
Amusement park admission & rides	38
Billiard parlors	28
Bowling alleys	28
Cable TV services	26
Direct satellite TV	23
Circuses and fairs -- admission and games	35
Coin operated video games	19
Membership fees in private clubs.	24
Admission to cultural events or films where theater rental of the film is not taxed	34
Pinball and other mechanical amusements	20
Admission to professional sports events	38
Professional Services
Accounting and bookkeeping	6
Architecture	6
Legal services	6
Engineering (other than research engineering)	6
Land surveying	8
Veterinary services	6
Construction
General construction services	13
Carpentry, painting, plumbing and similar service	14
Grading and excavating	12
Water well drilling	11
Repair and Fabrication
Custom fabrication labor	39
Repair labor, generally	25
Labor charges on repair of aircraft	20
Labor charges - repairs to interstate vessels	13
Labor charges - repairs to intrastate vessels	20
Labor - repairs to commercial fishing vessels	16
Labor charges on repairs to railroad rolling stock	12
Labor charges on repairs to motor vehicles	23
Labor on radio/TV repairs; other electronic equip.	25
Labor charges - repairs other tangible property	25
Labor - repairs or remodeling of real property	15
Labor charges on repairs delivered under warranty	8

Page 4

Service	Number of States that Tax
Optional service contracts sold at the time of sale	30
Installation charges by persons selling property	24
Installation charges - other than seller of goods	19
Custom processing (on customer's property)	27
Custom meat slaughtering, cutting and wrapping	13
Welding labor (fabrication and repair)	32

Services that are Exempt

Health Care

1. • Services of physicians

 

2. • Services of dentists

 

3. • Services of other health practitioners including chiropractors; optometrists; mental health practitioners; physical, occupational and speech therapists and audiologists; and podiatrists

 

4. • Outpatient care centers including family planning centers

 

5. • Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers

 

6. • Other outpatient centers including HMO medical centers, kidney dialysis centers, and surgical and emergency centers

 

7. • Medical and diagnostic laboratories

 

8. • Home health care services

 

9. • Ambulance services

 

10. • Other ambulatory health care including blood and organ banks

 

11. • Hospitals including medical and surgical hospitals; psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals; and specialty hospitals

 

12. • Nursing care facilities

 

13. • Residential mental retardation, mental health, and substance abuse facilities

 

14. • Community care facilities for the elderly including homes for the elderly and other residential care facilities

 

Social Assistance

1. • Individual and family services including child and youth services, and services for the elderly and persons with disabilities

 

2. • Community food services

 

3. • Community housing services including temporary shelters, transitional housing to low-income individuals and families, volunteer construction or repair of low-cost housing, and repair of homes for the elderly or disabled

 

4. • Emergency and other relief services

 

5. • Vocational rehabilitation services including job counseling, job training, and training and employment to persons with disabilities

 

6. • Child day care services

 

Other Exempt Services

1. • Educational services, including personal lessons

 

2. • Services performed or provided by a nonprofit school or nonprofit educational institution to students grade 12 or below

 

3. • Services performed or provided by a church, hospital, parent cooperative preschool, or nonprofit organization (exempt under sections 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code), up to a total amount of $5,000 in a calendar year

 

Page 5

1. • Wired telecommunications services

 

2. • Wireless telecommunications services

 

3. • Accommodations and rental housing

 

4. • Water and sewer systems

 

5. • Air transportation

 

6. • Water transportation of freight and passengers, except scenic transportation

 

7. • Pipeline transportation

 

8. • Publishing and broadcasting, except cable television and satellite television subscriptions, an exemption that would include the purchase of advertising media such as television or radio time, print or billboards.

 

9. • Motion pictures, except for admissions to motion picture or video exhibitions

 

10. • Sound recording

 

11. • Internet service providers, Web search portals, data processing services, and other information services – Includes access to the Internet; Internet search facilities; transforming, preparing, or placing data for dissemination on the Internet for others. Also includes the use of shared computer resources, news syndicates, libraries, and archives.

 

12. • Services provided as part of a live entertainment event such as the services provided by promoters; agents and managers; and independent artists, writers, and performers

 

13. • Admissions to museums, historical sites, parks, and zoos

 

14. • Gambling industry services

 

15. • Leasing real property, including residential buildings and dwellings, non-residential buildings, and other real property

 

16. • Rail and truck transport

 

17. • Religious, grant making, and civic services, including religious organizations; grant making foundations and charitable trusts; social advocacy organizations; civic and social organizations; and business, professional, labor, and political organizations

 

18. • Computer systems design includes writing, modifying, testing, and supporting software to meet the needs of a particular customer; planning and designing computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies; and on-site management and operation of clients' computer systems and/or data processing facilities

 

19. • Scientific research and development including conducting original investigation undertaken on a systematic basis to gain new knowledge (research) and/or the application of research findings or other scientific knowledge for the creation of new or significantly improved products or processes (experimental development). This includes research in the physical, engineering, life, and social sciences and the humanities.

 

20. • Finance and insurance services including most activities of banks and credit unions; most activities of nonbank credit institutions (mortgage lenders and credit card companies); securities and commodity brokerage and management; and activities of pension funds, health and welfare funds, insurance funds, and investment pools. The following finance and insurance services are not exempt and would be subject to tax: i) insurance agency and brokerage services; ii) claims adjusting services; iii) third-party insurance administration services; and iv) investment advice.

 

Purchasers for whom the Provision of a Service is NOT Taxed

1. • Farmers as part of the farming operation

 

2. • Manufacturers for direct use in manufacturing

 

3. • Governmental entities including the American Red Cross

 

Page 6

1. • Intermediaries who purchase a service for a third party and the third party is the ultimate consumer of the service (resale of the same service)

 

2. • Regularly organized church or house of worship, excluding a service consumed as part of a commercial enterprise

 

3. • Extractors for direct use in an extractive operation

 

4. • Nonprofit school, nonprofit hospital, nonprofit home for children or aged persons operated by a governmental entity, religious, or fraternal organization, veterans’ organization, or corporation, if the operation benefits the public at large

 

5. • Nonprofit organizations exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, to the extent the service allows the organization to carry out its purpose

 

Transactions Currently Taxed under the 6% Use Tax and not Subject to the 2 Percent Tax

1. • Typesetting; plate making

 

2. • Intrastate telephone and telegraph (business and residential)

 

3. • Interstate telephone and telegraph, based on origin and billing address (business and residential)

 

4. • Cellular phone (business and individual)

 

5. • Natural gas for business use

 

6. • Other fuel (including heating oil) for business use

 

7. • Electricity

 

8. • Natural gas for residential use (4 % rate )

 

9. • Other fuel, including heating oil for residential use (4% rate)

 

10. • Tuxedo rental

 

11. • Water softening

 

12. • Commercial art and graphic design

 

13. • Commercial linen supply

 

14. • Photocopying

 

15. • Photo finishing

 

16. • Printing

 

17. • Sign construction and installation

 

18. • Software- packaged or canned program

 

19. • Material for custom software programs

 

20. • Video rental

 

21. • Short term property rental (such as carpet cleaners or lawn equipment)

 

22. • Rental of bulldozers and other heavy equipment

 

23. • Short term auto rental

 

24. • Long term auto leasing

 

25. • Aircraft rental to individual pilots both short and long term.

 

26. • Hotel and motel for less than 30 consecutive days

 

27. • Repair material

 

28. • Taxidermy

 

by Al Block | 0 Comments

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