Michigan Real Estate Blog

DATE: January 27,2012

(Plymouth, MI)-The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) was created as a means to help families who were struggling to pay their basic utility bills and could not find relief from any other service. Marketplace Homes is a company that provides solutions for families across the country struggling to find a way to move, whether they are looking for the new construction home of their dreams or searching for the perfect rental home. Working together to help families in a way no one else can, made perfect sense, explains Marketplace Homes Managing Partner Mike Kalis.

Today, at the Dearborn Henry Ford during THAW’s 9^th annual WWJ Winter Survival Radiothon, Marketplace Homes Solution Managers, Matt Marsoupian and Matt Derocher presented THAW with a check for $1,000 on behalf of Marketplace Homes that will go to providing Michigan families with emergency energy assistance as temperatures drop.

“THAW is a great example of a Michigan organization creating solutions for families with no other options, and Marketplace Homes strives to do the same,”says Kalis.

To find out how Marketplace Homes can help you, visit us at www.marketplacehomes.com

Marketplace Homes’ Managing Partner, Mike Kalis was just featured on FOX Business’ Young Guns series.  You can check out the video below!  Be sure to read the article under the video.  The Six Shooter Q&A with Mike Kalis is my favorite!

http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/entrepreneurs/2012/01/31/detroit-entrepreneur-sees-new-home-buying-model-forged-from-crisis/

Total housing starts three-month moving average has increased for eight months and that trend is expected to continue into 2012 for an annual rate of increase around 17%. The absolute levels of housing construction remain below half of normal and a true return to the underlying demographically driven demand for additional housing of about 1.7 million homes is still several years away.

Single-Family Housing starts increased 4.4% in December to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 470,000, the best monthly number since May 2010…if you remember, that was a time when builders were increasing their construction due to a government tax credit for first time home buyers.

A few key players in the industry had this to say about the current housing market:

Paul Diggle, economist, Capital Economics: “With demand set to improve this year, we think that homebuilding is past the low-water mark and will rise modestly in 2012. We expect housing starts to rise to about 750,000 this year in response to stronger demand, which will be supported by an extremely favorable valuation and affordability environment and a slight loosening in credit conditions. That said, with household formation still low and new builds competing with a steady influx of foreclosed properties, it may not be until 2015 at the earliest that starts reach healthy levels of around one million a year.”

Michael Gapen, economist Barclays Capital: “We view the softness in the headline number as mainly reflecting month-to-month volatility in the multifamily starts component and see underlying trends in both single- and multi-family starts, along with building permits, as suggesting the recent modest momentum in home building remains in place. We continue to see residential investment as making a small positive contribution to (fourth-quarter economic) growth and believe housing will not pose a drag on the recovery as it has in the past. “

Michelle Meyer, economist, Bank of America-Merrill Lynch: “The drop in multifamily starts reversed the gain in November, which reflects the noisy nature of the data. In 2011, multifamily starts are up 55% while single-family are down 9%. Looking ahead to this year, we expect a similar size gain in multifamily starts this year and little change in single family starts, leaving total housing starts to average about 710,000, up from 607,000 in 2011. While this is a decent percentage gain, it is only a modest pickup in the number of homes constructed, therefore only providing a small boost to the economy.”

Kevin Logan, chief U.S. economist, HSBC: “Month-to-month changes in housing starts are erratic, not least of all because of variations in the weather across the country. Not much should be made of one month’s decline. For the year, housing starts rose 3.7% compared to 2010. Starts of multifamily residences provided all of the strength… This pattern is likely to persist in 2012, with strong gains in multifamily starts outpacing the single-family sector.”

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose to 25 in January, the highest reading since June 2007. This marks the fourth consecutive monthly increase for a total change of 11 points and the largest four month increase since 2003. All three components increased and all four regions showed positive change. Except for the Northeast, regional levels were last this high in 2007 and current sales and traffic are back to levels last seen in 2007. Expectations for future sales were the highest since mid-2009.

Existing home sales continued to grow on a month-to-month basis in December, rising for a third consecutive month. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported sales of existing homes comprised of completed transactions of single-family, townhouses, condominiums and co-ops rose 5.0 percent in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.61 million. This is an increase from the downwardly revised level of 4.39 million in November.  December home sales were 3.6 percent above the December level of 4.45 million a year ago.  Only the West reported a slight decrease of 0.9 percent.

When you think of the perfect house, what comes to mind?

For me, I start thinking about things like closet space, storage, where the laundry room is, whether a basement is finished or not, etc.  Like most people, I want to make sure I am looking at houses that fit my lifestyle and what is important to me.

What if I told you that I found a house that has it all?!?

Look at that gorgeous rock on the garage!

Besides a gorgeous exterior, this house that Marketplace Homes has for rent at 1025 Otter Ave in Waterford, Michigan has it all!  This large waterfront home has amazing views of the lake from every room in the house!  With a finished basement, perfect for entertaining, you can walk right out to the dock.  Imagine the awesome summer barbeques you can throw here!

The perfect place for entertaining!

For the boating enthusiast, this house is for you!  With 500 square feet of storage under the garage, it’s perfect for lake tows with a double door entry!  Out back features a newer seawall on the 6 foot canal.  While in the house has new windows throughout, new paint, and new fixtures!

You really can’t let this house pass you by!  Call Marketplace Homes today and ask to speak with Chris!  We’d love to help you move into your dream home!

Think of all the fun you would have on this lake!

Marketplace Homes is pleased to announce today that it has partnered with some of South Carolina’s top builders to offer our 6 Year Guarantee Lease program in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and their surrounding communities.

It’s a great time to buy, but a tough time to sell. Apply online or call 1-877-9000-HOME (4663) today to find out Marketplace Homes can help you build the home of your dreams!

While he can’t leap tall buildings in a single bound or run from here to London in a split second, one thing Marketplace Homes’ Solutions Manager Joel Parrott a.k.a Superman can do is sell new construction homes.  144 in 2011, to be exact!

Now if that sounds like a lot of homes to you…that’s because it is!  Joel sold more than any other new construction home salesperson in the ENTIRE COUNTRY!  Joel’s masters in real estate development and management helps, but if you ask him he will tell you that the Marketplace Homes program is a huge part in his success as the top new construction home salesperson in the country!

If you aren’t familiar with Marketplace Homes, their leasing program helps people who feel stuck in their home.  Whether they are living in a home that they bought as a starter home or they are looking to downsize, Marketplace Homes offers them a solution…that solution being their Guaranteed Lease Program.

With new home sales up 8.9% since last year, Joel and the other Solutions Mangers at Marketplace Homes offer home owners a rent payment on their home, regardless if their is a renter in their home or not, for the next SIX YEARS!

Featured in Builder magazine, Joel is a regular Superman around here at Marketplace Homes.  With helping Denver and Chicago builders sell 144 homes in 2011, he helped Marketplace Homes sell 543 homes in that same year!

If you feel stuck in your home and would like to find an option, check out Marketplace Homes out on the web at www.marketplacehomes.com and give us a call today!

Are you dreaming about the day that you can have a home that NO ONE has ever lived in before you…a new construction home?  Freshly painted walls; brand new carpeting; and most importantly, bathroom tiles that have never seen soap scum before. Doesn’t that sound nice?

What if I told you that dream could become a reality…immediately?!?

Lombardo Homes, here in Michigan (and one of Marketplace Homes’ partner builders), have two immediate occupancy models available.  One in their Woods of Forest Ridge community that is over 2700 square feet with a finished room in the basement for just $247K!  The second home is in their Stone Ridge community.  It’s 1900 square feet and is going for $228K!!

Now if those prices don’t knock your socks off, I bet this piece of information will.  We will guarantee a lease payment, regardless if there is a renter in your property or not, for the next SIX YEARS!

I’ll let you digest that for a moment.  It’s OK.  Jump up and down…this is just as exciting as when Oprah gave cars away to her audience!  “A home for you and you and you and you…”.  You can move into a new construction home without having to worry about your old home!

Check out Marketplace Homes online at www.marketplacehomes.com for more details about the Guaranteed Lease Program and give us a call today!  These magnificent homes won’t be around for long!

Picture this…it’s 75 degrees outside, you have the day off and all you want to do is kick off your shoes and enjoy the latest novel by your favorite author on your gorgeous deck overlooking the lake.

Isn’t that view just gorgeous?!?

After a relaxing day on the deck, it’s time too cook dinner.  You can do this in your absolutely gorgeous, gourmet kitchen that includes raised panel custom cabinets, beautiful granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances!  Just look at that island!

Can’t you see yourself cooking a feast for your family and friends in this beautiful kitchen?  This kitchen is made for entertaining!

This gorgeous, lakefront home will not be around for long!  Give Marketplace Homes a call today at 877-9000-HOME to see how you can rent this 2800 square foot, 5 bedroom and 3 bathroom beauty…with a finished basement!  You really couldn’t ask for a more perfect home!

434 Holiday Drive in Somonauk, IL could be yours!  Give us a call today to find out more about our rental program or our rent-to-own option for this house!

Wouldn’t you love to relax after a long day in a bubbling hot tub?  I know I would!

From our family here at Marketplace Homes, we wish you a very happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!

Let 2012 be YOUR year!

Check out our website at www.marketplacehomes.com or give us a call today at 877-9000-HOME.

We would LOVE to help you move out of your old home and into the new construction home of your dreams!

If you were given a magic lamp and told that if you rub that lamp, you’ll be granted three wishes…what would you wish for?  I know some of you would say “oh that’s easy, I’d wish for more wishes”…but that’s kind of cheating.  So let’s make one rule…you can’t wish for more wishes; you only get those three wishes.  So think about it a moment, what would YOU wish for?

Me, I’d wish for the following:

1. World Peace.  I really would.  I would wish that EVERY human on planet Earth (and any extraterrestrial beings) would get along.  We’re talking, holding hands and singing Kumbaya, getting along.
2. More Money.  Not millions and kajillions of dollars…just enough to live comfortably and pay for all the college my two kids need.  Oh and enough to get me that little two-seater sports car I’ve been eyeing!
3. A new house.  One someone hasn’t lived in before…a new construction home.  One that I can pick out everything for from countertops to floor tiles.

Now obviously if I had a magic lamp, getting a new construction house would be easy peasy, but we all know that there are no such things as magic lamps that when you rub them, a little man floats out of it.  But what if I told you that a new construction home IS possible?  Even in this market…I know I know you’d rather believe in the magic lamp and floating man.  But hear me out!

Marketplace Homes, located in Plymouth, Michigan has been granting wishes for years.  So how do we do it?  By simply making it possible for you to step away from your current home and into the home of your dreams!  Marketplace Homes will guarantee up to 6 years of lease for your home provided you purchase a new construction home from one of our partner builders!

That’s 6 years of lease regardless if there is a tenant in your home or not!  No other rental property management company can promise that!  But I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet…if Marketplace Homes decides to buy or sell your home during the lease you get 100% of your asking price.  It’s a total win-win situation!

So why let your starter home hold you back from the home of your dreams, give us a call today or check us out on the web.  We would love to be your magic lamp!

Do you long to be in an amazing new home, but dread the idea of actually physically moving?  You’re not alone!  In a recent survey that involved 5 people that work in our office and our really nice Fed-Ex guy, we statistically surmised that 100% of all people in the world don’t want to physically go through the process of moving.

So here is the question, do you need a Realtor or a Moving Company?  We thought about this at Marketplace Homes and decided that you need a Simplified Moving Company.  What if there was a company to handle every part of the moving process in a simple manor?  Would that make moving fun?

Again, of our survey in the office, all voted for the really, really fun moving company.  So just like that… we shifted, spoke to our trusty marketing team and came up with the following:

Marketplace Homes – Moving the World!

We are pleased to have changed our new Logo to include the phrase “Moving the World” to reflect our shift from just a real estate company to a company that helps the world move.  This also reflects our entrance into 36 new markets this year.  If we are not in your community, wait a second.  Hang on… now we are there!  Phew… that was close!

What’s the difference between Old and Outdated Real Estate Agents and a New and Shiny Marketplace Homes’ Solutions Manager?

An Old School Realtor (generally known for offering average service and extraordinary commissions)-Sends you some litigious agreements that slant hard in their favor and usually suggest walking away as a “smart business move”.  They then forget to call you back for a couple months.  Most of the time, they stop here, but can often be found hanging out at free lunch-ins wondering why they can’t make any money.   We recommend staying clear.

A Solutions Manager at Marketplace Homes – Completes appointments in your living room over the phone any place in the US, on time 99.2% of the time!  What a time savor!  You never have to visit our office if you don’t want to!  So while you’re hanging out eating some nachos and sipping a Diet Coke, our team is diligently coming up with answers for your home.  We even offer a 5 DAY SOLUTION!!!  Meaning that within 5 days of contacting our office, we will have solved all your housing woes!

These answers include things that no Realtor would suggest such as our Trade Mark “6 year Guaranteed Lease Program”.  What a stress free way to move!  In addition, our agreement is just 11 bullet points and only 1 page long.  You can read it without the legalese.  What a concept!  No attorneys needed! Talk about a fun saver!  You can often find our solutions specialist in somewhat unique places around town complaining that they are selling too many homes, more than 1 a day!

So do you see the difference?

Realtor = NOT fun

Marketplace Homes Solutions Manager = VERY FUN

Let’s make moving fun!  Are you ready for us to move your world?

Regards,

Mike Kalis

Marketplace Homes Managing Partner

P.S. What about having an amazing home warming party when you move in?  We are here to eat your potato salad!  Please send extras and use Fed Ex, we really like our FedEx guy and he mentioned that he loves potato salad.

Marketplace Homes was honored at an awards ceremony during the seventh annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event, April 28 in Lansing, Mich.

At Marketplace Homes we like to think of ourselves as “Unsticking the Stuck”, because that is exactly what we do. We help those who are looking to buy a new home actually be able to. In today’s economy, many people are finding it difficult to sell the home they are currently in for a number of reasons. Many of these same individuals are growing families who desperately need more space but can’t sell the starter home they currently own. Others may need to relocate for employment and can’t seem to make the move work without selling their house. These people are STUCK in their home, but they don’t have to be. Marketplace Homes wants to help! With our one of kind program, we will agree to a guarantee lease of your current home for up to 6 years when you buy through one of our many national partnered builders.

“It’s a great time to buy, but a tough time to sell,” says Managing Partner Mike Kalis. “We are so glad to be honored by Michigan Celebrates Small Business and look forward to many more years of continued success.”

Companies making it to the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” list are a remarkable group of second-stage companies. Defined as having 6 to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants, these companies form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Representing all regions of the state and a diverse range of industries, companies like Marketplace Homes are known for their exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, creation of innovation or use of innovation in creative ways, and their sustainable competitive advantage.

Winners were selected by Michigan-based judges from the banking, economic development, entrepreneurship development and venture capital communities.

The Standard & Poor’s Case–Shiller Home Price Indices are constant-quality house price indices for the United States. In the just released report for February 2011, there was only one market in the United States where home prices actually jumped, Detroit!

You’re probably wondering how a market such as Detroit, once the 4^th most distressed real estate market in the entire country, managed to be the only major metropolitan area in the country where home prices are actually on the rise. One writer at The Wall Street Journal suggested it was due in part to the Eminem/Chrysler ad in the Superbowl. The president of a Michigan brokerage firm proposed the rising number could be attributed to a decline in foreclosure sales. However, we at Marketplace Homes know the real reason! IT’S US!

In 2010 alone, Marketplace Homes helped attribute to 12% of all new construction sales in the Detroit Metro area. At a time where many builders were pulling out of the Detroit market, Lombardo Homes stayed. Their partnership with Marketplace Homes helped them become the nation’s fastest growing builder of the year.

Many of these deals could not have happened without Marketplace Homes’ one of a kind Guaranteed Lease program!

Numbers don’t lie. The proof is in the pudding. You can word it however you’d like. The truth is Marketplace Homes works!

With our proven success in Detroit, we are spreading our wings into other markets in the country that need us. These markets anxiously await the arrival of Marketplace Homes to turn around their market as well.

We are an innovative; solutions based company that is taking over the world, one housing market at a time.

We believe that parents should be able to provide a home in a school system and area that makes sense for their family.

We believe that a hard worker who needs to relocate for a better opportunity shouldn’t have to worry about a home to sell.

We believe that a retiring couple that has saved their entire life shouldn’t have to wait even longer to enjoy the lifestyle they deserve just because the market turned at the wrong moment.

We believe that too many people are being held back by a tough market.

We believe that we are going to unchain people from an old home and change the way the world moves!

“ That’s nice but…. what the heck is “Cloud Real Estate” anyways?”

Cloud Real Estate is the idea that you can find out everything that you need to know to purchase a home though the internet and over the phone with Marketplace Homes. We know that time is at a premium and meeting face to face with Ethel the Realtor is soooo 2002. Information is easy to access and finding a new home at a great price is no longer the challenge. The challenge is how to put together a solution for your existing home that makes sense for you. Marketplace Homes addresses your current home first, all you have to do is apply online!

The second you log into Marketplacehomes.com our team immediately starts analyzing your home. We have hundreds and hundreds of years of combined experience and have some of the biggest Real Estate nerds you can imagine working on your home. Being a nerdy real estate guy myself, I’ve found that Real Estate Nerdiness may not get the ladies… but real estate nerds will get you out of your home!

We look at what homes are selling for, what homes are available, what homes are renting for and get a really good idea of your situation. We then put together a solution that utilizes our company’s national reach and it can include a sale, a tenant, or even in some cases a tenant buyer that will rent and purchase later! We are solutions specialist so the bigger the challenge, the more fun it is to put it together.

Once we have a plan in place we set up a 30 minute solutions meeting over the phone with you. Yep, you can hang out in the living room in your pajamas and eat some nachos while you learn about the market. Maybe even while you enjoy a fizzy Diet Coke. Our solutions specialists then end each call with something no other company offers… a guarantee! You’ll receive a guaranteed lease amount by email at the end of the call. It should come in just about the time you finish last chunk of cheese from that amazing nacho plate. 30 minutes and a plate of nachos can solve all of the housing woes for your family? Yep!

Did we mention how simple our lease is? It’s the world’s first and only 12 bullet point, 1 page lease. An easy to understand real estate document? Sounds too good to be true. It’s just one small way that we are helping to make your move a little simpler.

So this is cloud real estate! You’ve finished some nachos, and you have a couple sips left of your Diet Coke, now what?

We recommend driving out to one of our builder’s models on the weekend and checking out how awesome your family’s new life in a new neighborhood is going to be! No old home means a new home is within reach! Imagine how your spouse will feel! Imagine what this means for your kids! Oh quick… finish off the rest of the Diet Coke.

Easy, yes!

Fluffy, sure!

Fizzy, why not!

Welcome to Cloud Real Estate!

Welcome to Marketplace Homes!!!

Preconstruction Sale Underway at the Preserves

http://www.prlog.org/11070799-lennar-announces-strategic-alliance-with-marketplace-homes-in-denver-colorado.html

Second of two parts

The housing slump has put some unique homes on the market for lease when they don’t sell, including mansions that rent for more than $10,000 a month.

And although many people have damaged credit because of a foreclosure or short sale, they still have good-paying jobs that qualify them to lease a nice home until they can buy again, said Renee Acho, a Realtor with SKBK Sotheby’s in Birmingham.

“It could take two to five years to repair that credit. In that time, they have to rent,” she said.

Related content

• “Reluctant landlords in metro Detroit rent to pay mortgages”

The choices range from a two-bedroom, one-bathroom house in Warren with a fenced yard and patio for $550 a month to a six-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom colonial in Bloomfield Township with 6,800 square feet on a resort-style lot with a pool for $14,500 a month.

The good ones go quickly, said Linda Hiller Novak, an associate broker with Max Broock Realtors in Birmingham. She had eight offers on the first day she put a three-bedroom home up for lease in Ferndale for $1,200.

“It ended up leasing for more than the asking price,” Hiller Novak said. “I had that house on the market for sale for six months and didn’t have one offer.”

From no-frills to gated luxury

The leasing market for single-family homes is particularly strong in metro Detroit now as more people, not able to sell, are willing to rent their homes to cover the mortgage while they go on to a larger home or even a job out of state.

Depending on what you can afford, there are interesting options in the rental market — everything from a no-frills, three-bedroom starter home to a four-bedroom lakefront home with its own pool and hot tub for eight.

Less than $1,000

For this price, you typically will find fairly basic housing: a three-bedroom, one-bath home with 1,000 square feet in communities such as Southfield, Detroit, Eastpointe, Grosse Pointe, Clinton Township, Ferndale, Warren and Allen Park.

Melissa Maynard, 39, who works in the insurance industry, bought a 1,160-square-foot house in Rochester Hills with three bedrooms and one bathroom in 2001, and then couldn’t sell it for what her family needed as it grew. Maynard; her husband, Randy, 36, and three children were living in cramped quarters.

“We never imagined we would be raising our family there for 10 years. We got upside down and were stuck there,” she said.

They found a larger home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms in Oakland Township, and decided to rent the Rochester Hills home. They just rented it to two Oakland University students. Her Realtor, James Silver of Keller Williams, handled the leasing for her in exchange for one month’s rent of $975.

Another find at this price range: a two-story home in Detroit with 2,809 square feet, four bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. The monthly rent is $850. The home features a library, hardwood floors, a fireplace and bay window.

$1,000 to $2,000

In this range, you generally will find three or more bedrooms, 1.5 or more bathrooms and about 1,200 to 2,650 square feet of living space. The communities include Mt. Clemens, Birmingham, Detroit, Ferndale, Grosse Pointe Woods, Livonia, Warren, Beverly Hills and Garden City.

Bill Wen, 35, who owns a four-bedroom home in Shelby Township, hopes to lease it for $1,850 a month when he moves next month to Texas for a new job. He’s an automotive engineer. Although he wouldn’t lose money by selling it, he wouldn’t make money, either. He said he hopes that by waiting the market out for a few years, he will be able to recoup some of his investment.

The home features 2,651 square feet, 2.5 bathrooms, a two-car attached garage, cathedral ceilings and a view of a pond. “This is our first house. Both of our daughters were born here and we have lots of close friends, so it is emotional. It is right now our preference not to sell,” he said.

Another find at this price range: a three-bedroom, two-bathroom brick ranch in Ferndale for $1,300 a month. It has 1,091 square feet, hardwood floors, a two-car attached garage and is close to downtown.

More than $2,000

This price range grants renters access to some of the most remarkable homes in metro Detroit, including ones in Detroit’s historic neighborhoods such as Sherwood Forest and Indian Village; Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Bloomfield Township and Grosse Pointe Farms.

Square footage is likely more than 2,000 and up to 5,500 in some cases. There’s an excellent chance you’ll get four bedrooms or more and at least 2.5 bathrooms.

Paul and Lisa Toenjes decided to rent their Grosse Pointe Woods home for $2,200 a month after buying a larger home in Grosse Pointe Farms this summer. The four-bedroom, 2.5-bath brick colonial features 2,790 square feet. The couple made numerous upgrades during the 18 years they have lived in the house, including a new kitchen and turning a porch into a first-floor library. There’s a three-car garage, hardwood floors and a large family room. The home already has been leased.

The home had been for sale at $279,000 since January. They decided to rent it after finding their new home, said Paul Toenjes, 50, who works for Compuware.

If money is no object …

Then there are the luxury homes, such as a five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom house in a gated community in Bloomfield Township up for lease at $7,900 a month. Steve Cole, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel in Birmingham, suggested to the owner that he lease it instead of letting it languish on the sales market, where it had been listed for $1.3 million, $2 million less than the cost to build it in 2006.

The 5,400-square-foot home sits on more than an acre and features a gourmet kitchen with a copper prep sink on the granite island, hardwood floors, first-floor master bedroom suite, his and hers closets and dressing areas, dual staircases, three fireplaces, theater room, exercise room and a three-car garage.

The owner works in finance in New York and was transferred before he could even move into the home.

“It’s been for sale for a couple of years, but no serious offers,” Cole said.

Cole said there has been a substantial amount of interest in the home, adding that it has had 80 showings in the last six months, half of which were from those interested in leasing.

“Leasing is a great option, but you have to be very selective,” Cole added.

Contact GRETA GUEST: 313-223-4192 or gguest@freepress.com

PLYMOUTH, Mich., May 17 /PRNewswire/ — Marketplace Homes was named a Finalist today in the Most Innovative Company of the Year category in The 2010 American Business Awards.

The American Business Awards are the nation’s premier business awards program.  All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit entries – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. 

“We are so excited to be a Finalist at the national level for Most Innovative Company of the Year,” said Mike Kalis, Owner and Managing Partner.  ”We offer something no one else does – and it benefits both consumers and the new construction industry.  We’re experiencing tremendous growth because of this.”    

Marketplace Homes offers a unique 6 year guaranteed lease program to consumers providing them the opportunity to build a new home with preferred builder partners.  Marketplace Homes will lease your first home for up to 6 years – with payments, utilities, and maintenance guaranteed – even tenant damage up to $5,000 is guaranteed.  

Mr. Kalis is a recognized and active entrepreneur in the metro-Detroit community and one of this year’s Michigan Economic Bright Spot award winners.  In 2009 Marketplace Homes contributed to the sale of 12% of all new construction homes in Metro-Detroit and will be in 12 national markets by the end of 2010.  Currently, Marketplace Homes helps to market over 40 communities in the Metro-Detroit market through partnerships with local and national builders.

This year’s Stevie Award winners will be announced during the annual gala on Monday, June 21 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.  More than six-hundred executives from across the U.S.A. are expected to attend.  The event will benefit Oceana (oceana.org), the largest international organization focused on ocean conservation. The ceremonies will be broadcast on radio nationwide by the Business TalkRadio Network.  

More than 2,700 entries from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories, including Most Innovative Company of the Year, Management Team of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program of the Year

Members of the Awards’ Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and specialized final judging committees will select Stevie Award winners from among Finalists in final judging that will continue through May 28.  Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April and May.

About Marketplace Homes

Marketplace Homes based in Plymouth, Mich., is a privately held company with operations in Metro-Detroit.  All available homes, success stories and builder partners can be found at www.marketplacehomes.com.  Please visit for more information.

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

Media Contacts:

Patty Cox

586-817-5745

Mike Kalis

mike.kalis@marketplacehomes.com

734.862.4750

Read more: Marketplace Homes Named as Finalist in 2010 American Business Awards(SM) 

Thinking about selling that extra piece of residential real property? Think again. There may be more value to holding onto the property and renting it out than you realize. It’s worth evaluating such potential benefits as rental income, tax deductions, property appreciation, and being your own boss — before you put out the “For Sale” sign.

Rental Income Cash Flow

Ideally, you want a rental to produce a positive annual cash flow. Here’s how to determine the likelihood of achieving that.

Determine the likely rent you’ll receive. To figure out whether this is possible, start by determining how much your property would rent for. Check local listings for properties of a similar size and quality to yours, ideally within the same neighborhood. You may need to call some landlords or visit rentals for details.

Factor in “vacancy” time. Don’t count on receiving rental income for 12 months of every the year. Even if your property is in high demand, transition time between tenants can take a month or two.

Nationwide, the vacancy rate runs around 10%, but this varies widely between urban and rural rentals, different regions of the country, and even by neighborhood or type of house. Ask your local reference librarian or real estate broker about your area’s vacancy rates.

Subtract property expenses. Your rental income will not be pure profit. Factor in your projected property taxes, mortgage payments (if any), insurance, utilities, repair and maintenance costs, and if you don’t wish to spend your own time dealing with tenants, property management fees (approximately 8% to 10% of the rental income).

Maintenance costs can be particularly high if your house is old or you’ve put off major repairs such as replacing the roof or furnace. As a landlord, you’ll be responsible for keeping the property in habitable condition.

Calculate your projected profit. To get your projected profit, subtract expected vacancies and likely expenses from the annual projected rent.

If it looks like you’ll come out $1,200 to $2,400 ahead each year ($100 to $200 each month), you’re doing well by industry standards. If you’ll only be breaking even, or will lose money by renting, it may still be worth it if you’re likely to earn high profits by waiting to sell.

Tax Deductions

The tax code is full of deductions for landlords. Here are some of the more significant tax deductions available to small residential landlords.

• Interest. Often a landlord’s biggest deduction, this includes mortgage interest payments on loans to buy or improve rental property. It also includes interest on credit cards for goods or services related to the rental activity.
• Depreciation. You can deduct the value of your rental house (but not the land) over a number of years (27.5 years for residential rentals).
• Repairs. The cost of repairs to rental property (repainting, fixing leaks, plastering, fixing broken windows) is fully deductible in the year in which you pay for them.
• Local and long distance travel. Landlords can deduct travel expenses related to their rental activity. The IRS scrutinizes these deductions, however, so learn the rules and keep good records.
• Home office. Landlords can deduct their home office expenses, provided they meet certain requirements.

For many more deductions you’ll be able to take as landlord, see Every Landlord’s Tax Deduction Guide, by Stephen Fishman (Nolo).

“Net loss.” Some landlords can claim so many deductions that it more than offsets all their rental income, resulting in what’s known as a “net loss.” This is especially common among landlords who don’t own many properties — particularly in their first year or two, when they tend to charge lower rents. Ending up with a net loss from your rental activities isn’t a bad thing, though. Subject to certain restrictions known as the passive loss and at-risk rules, you may be able to deduct this loss from any nonrental income you have, such as a salary.

Property Appreciation

Property values have been on an upward trend for the last several decades. Although the gains have recently slowed, and nothing is guaranteed, U.S. population pressures suggest that the long-term trend will continue upward. To get a rough idea of how much your property has appreciated since you bought it, check out free websites such as www.domania.com and www.homegain.com. The longer you wait, the more the property is likely to be worth.

Will the property rise in value at a greater rate than you could earn by selling it and investing the proceeds (minus capital gains tax) in the stock market? That’s a tough prediction to make, and given how high U.S. real estate has already appreciated of late, the answer may well be no. However, many real estate investors feel that the safety of their investment compensates for these potentially lower returns.

Being Your Own Boss

Some people make their living by buying, renting out, and ultimately selling real estate. If you only own one property other than your primary residence, you’re not yet one of these big-time real estate investors — but will get a taste of that lifestyle. Some people love the independence, and the chance to put in a little sweat and creativity in search of higher returns.

If, on the other hand, you’ve got your hands full with other projects, don’t have the time or inclination to learn the landlord/tenant laws, and aren’t ready for regular dealings with tenants, contractors, and local officials, being a landlord may not be for you.

To learn what it takes to be a landlord, see Every Landlord’s Legal Guide, by Marcia Stewart, Ralph Warner and Janet Portman (Nolo).

Via: Nolo

Marketplace Homes is more than just a Real Estate company, it’s a solution. Ever since it’s inception in 2002, Marketplace Homes has been a company that has focused 100% of its efforts on providing a solution for families.

Traditionally, this has come in two ways; the first being our traditional Guaranteed Lease program. Through this program, our company has helped hundreds of families move from small homes or condos into the home of their dreams without risking losing thousands of dollars in the sale of their current home. This gave families a bigger yard, better schools, room to grow, and space to play; all while not having to worry about their previous house until the market turns around!

Not only does Marketplace Homes make a difference in New Construction, but also on the back-end of our company, the rental properties. You see, once we gain a home from our Guaranteed Lease Program, we also have to rent that home to another tenant. A home rental can be just that, a home rental. But what we’ve found in the last eight years of business is that it can be much more than that, it can be a life change. Whether it is getting a family into a home that they otherwise wouldn’t have through Section 8 or providing a beautiful nearly-new rental property to a family that doesn’t quite qualify for a mortgage, we see our fair share of opportunities to assist our community in these tough times. It was never so evident to Marketplace Homes as it was this past week as our Property Manager ventured out to a recent rental home in Eastpointe, MI.

Regina and Rachel Peterson are a mother and daughter duo, wife and daughter of Billy Peterson. Both women were diagnosed with Breast Cancer on the same day back in 2009. Another daughter of Regina’s was also found to contain the same gene that causes the cancer. The medical bills continue to pile up and making rent can be tough, let alone having suitable furniture to fill a house with. Marketplace Homes heard of this story after we had shown the home to the Peterson family.

Marketplace Homes saw a chance to spring into action. Not only did we find a home that this family could afford and could enjoy a great standard of living in, but together with Cort Furniture of Novi, Michigan we were able to provide and present the Peterson family with a furnished home as well.

Whether you’re buying a new home through our Guaranteed Lease Program or becoming a tenant, when you work with Marketplace Homes you become a part of our family. This is just another example of how we will go above and beyond to make sure you have the most enjoyable stay in our homes as you possibly can. At Marketplace Homes we work day in and day out to make sure we put GOOD people into GOOD homes!

Name: Sahil Arora

Position: Business Accounts

Duties: Handle all Payroll and Billing solutions within our new construction and rental home sector.

Schooling: Bachelors of Finance from Wayne State University

Background: I previously worked for Arlene’s Wholesale Distribution as the Accounts and Inventory Manager.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing any and all sports, drawing, Disc Jockeying, Portfolio Investing, and creating blogs about the Economy and Market today.

Family: Single

What keeps you excited to come back to work everyday: It is very exciting to work for a company that allows me to use my skills and knowledge to make an impact in the Real Estate market all while teaching me new skills to make a difference in the company and in our region.

One unique thing about you: I have been known to host College-related events that raise funds and supplies for charities such as the American Red Cross and C.A.R.M.A.

Name: Shawn Dawson

Position: Property Management Coordinator

Duties: Handle day-to-day operations of renting and showing properties, schedule home inspections, and handle tenant and owner property concerns.

Schooling: Wayne State University and the Center of Real Estate Studies in New Jersey.

Background: I have worked in various positions within the Real Estate field including; Regional Property Manager, Property Administrator, and Marketing Director.

Hobbies: I enjoy performing music at my church in Canton, Michigan. I play Saxophone, Bass guitar, and Percussion.

Family: I am married to my wonderful wife Shirley, and have been for around one year. We have two girls; Jocelyn who is age five, and Jolie who is age fourteen.

What keeps you excited to come back to work everyday: I enjoy returning to work everyday just because of the way we complete tasks around here. We have a very creative team that bounces tons of ideas off of each other and finds innovative ways to change lives and increase our revenue, all at the same time.

One unique thing about you: I am definitely a problem-solver. I work hard to be the one that either has an answer, or will find an answer quickly no matter what the task.

Name: George Shaheen

Position: National Business Director

Duties: Help our company grow by adding New-Construction Home Builders in many new markets on a national level.

Schooling: SouthLake High School, School of Hard Knocks (working with the public every single day), Achieved a State of Michigan Real Estate License.

Background: Eighteen years of Retail Sales and Sales Management followed by twelve years of Real Estate Sales and Sales Management in New Home Construction.

Hobbies: Golf, Tennis, Exercise, I love reading inspirational and motivational articles and books, also watching my son play baseball and hockey.

Family: Married for 25 years to my beautiful wife and our three boys.

What keeps you excited to come back to work everyday: We change people’s lives everyday by helping them out of a difficult situation and into a much better one. Also, being part of a dynamic team and helping the company grow to an incredible level.

One unique thing about you: I am always trying to make life better for others through hard work and dedication.

Name: Mike Kalis

Position: Managing Partner

Duties: Helping our team get into 12 metro areas in 2010 while growing sales to 120 new-construction homes in 2010.

Schooling: Marketing at Michigan State University and Native-Owned Business Marketing at University of Hawaii.

Background: Marketing and Sales at Pulte Homes.

Hobbies: Wake-boarding, Boating, Anything involving water, Reading every autobiography I can get my hands on, Volleyball, Guitar, Micro-finance, Learning more about business.

Family: Single

What keeps you excited to come back to work everyday: Knowing that we are positively impacting people’s lives by providing great jobs, solving big problems in housing, and altering the world so that it’s better than when we got here.

One unique thing about you: I am a Chronic Entrepreneur. Craziest idea – “dirt-less” beer pong ball (I still think it has hope!)

Name: Mark Laforet

Position: Solutions Specialist

Duties: Providing Solutions to all Marketplace Homes clients and prospective clients as well as continually aiding the expansion of our business.

Schooling: Psychology at the University of Windsor.

Background: Worked in New Construction sales for 17 years and was the V.P. of Sales and Marketing for the nations largest builder.

Hobbies: Faith, Family, Finances, Golf, Hockey, Reading, Writing.

Family: I have a son, Steven who is age 17and a daughter, Carolyn who is age 13.

What keeps you excited to come back to work everyday: People! Whether it’s clients, or the ones I work with, it all makes me happy to return to my office each and every day!

One unique thing about you: I love the truth!

Name: Jamie Blanchard

Position: Executive Assistant to Mike Kalis

Duties: Assist in all day-to-day operations, coordinate paperwork for Marketplace Homes solutions.

Schooling: Business Administration at Schoolcraft College

Background: Verizon Wireless Senior Representative and background in Retail Property Management

Hobbies: Attending concerts and local shows, watching old movies, attending community events

Family: I have a son, Jimmy who is age 22 and a daughter, Jessica who is age 14.

What keeps you excited to come back to work everyday: The fact that I work in a growing company with people I enjoy working with and a company whose purpose I believe in.

One unique thing about you: I love doing community work. I work with the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations to try and better the community in which I live and work.

Believe it or not, Marketplace Homes is actually run by real people day in and day out! As a client, you may not actually know the face behind the name you are speaking to over the phone or internet.

Over the next few days we will be taking a deeper look inside the four walls of Marketplace Home in Plymouth, Michigan. You’ll get a chance to learn just a little bit more about our team and some of the ins and outs of just what makes us all love our job!

Be on the lookout for these team member highlights over the next few days. In order to be sure you won’t miss any breaking news regarding Marketplace Homes or the Real Estate world at-large, be sure to join our e-List and tell your friends to do the same! Join our e-List HERE!

Take a second to check out this months issue of DBusiness featuring Marketplace Homes and our “Rent to Sell” Program.

See an online version of the article by clicking Here. This is just another way that Marketplace Homes is working in the tough Metro-Detroit area and helping growing families get into the homes they deserve!

Michiganders had it all, and now, so does North Carolina!  We are announcing the expansion of the Guaranteed Lease Program into North Carolina and welcome a partnership with MI Homes.

Founded in 1976, M/I Homes is one of the nations leading home builders, with 10 communities in the Charlotte area serving a broad segment of the housing market including first time buyers, move-up and luxury home buyers.

We look forward to all the exciting opportunities with MI Homes and the surrounding communities seeking the creative solutions Marketplace Homes has to offer.

Welcome aboard MI Homes!

Uncle Sam has extended and expanded the tax credits for buyers who purchase a new home, but what if you can’t sell the home you’re in for what it’s worth?
No worries, The Lease Experts at Marketplace Homes have a solution. Marketplace Homes will guarantee rent payments for your existing home for UP TO 6 YEARS!!! Plenty of time for you to buy low and sell high.
Now is the time to make your move into your new home and Marketplace Homes offers beautifully appointed home in several of the best communities in Metro-Detroit, Grand Rapids and North Carolina.
To see if your home qualifies and for how much appply today!

Let our family, help your family live the dream!

The government recently passed a bill that will provide $6,500 tax credit to Marketplace Homes’ clients that own a home and want to purchase a new home!

What this means is that you will receive cash back in your pocket, even if you are not a first time buyer.

What you have to do to qualify for $6,500:

1) Sign prior to April of 2010
2) Close prior to June 2010
3) Must have lived in your current home for 5 or more of the last 8 years
4) Must make less than $125K for individual and less than $225K for couples

At Marketplace Homes, our clients are people that have growing families and are looking to find a great home that fits them for the next 10 plus years. If that is your situation, here are just a few reasons as to why now is a great time to buy:

1) Low interest rates – Low 5% rates and under are available
2) $6,500 tax credit – Like getting cash back for buying a home
3) FHA 3.5% down financing
4) Guaranteed Lease on your old home – you don’t have to sell low
5) Unbelievable pricing on new construction homes

18 years go by fast! All the financials can make sense, but deciding to move is about your family and kids. Don’t they deserve to have all the opportunities that a great school system, great neighborhood and home can provide?

If your baby needs space, Marketplace Homes can make it happen. To see if you qualify for the new government tax credit, contact Marketplace Homes at 877-9000-Home and set up an appointment with a representative today.

Marketplace Homes is in the news today! Check out this edited version of a great story by Lila Lazarus from this afternoon.

Just one more great example of how Marketplace Homes is helping families move from small condos and starter homes and into a place that truly can be called home. Is it time for you to make the move like Adam and Judy? Visit www.marketplacehomes.com to find out!

What happens to Real Estate at 29% Unemployment?

Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth statistics show Detroit’s unemployment rate of 29-percent is the highest since 1970. Unemployment in all of Wayne County is 19-percent.

Property values have fallen 80% to 90% in the city. However, net population loss in the city may be providing the surrounding areas stabilization in real estate values as the population continues to shift.Macomb County has experienced close to 6% growth over the past 9 years. Population from the city is helping to fill the net loss of people from the tri-county area. Support to real estate prices in the suburbs are coming from an interesting source, the cities inability to manage itself.

Marketplace Homes is uniquely positioned to see a population shift first hand through our tenants and move up buyers through out Metro-Detroit. People are moving to areas that have lower tax rates, better schools, and lower crime in heavy volumes due to depressed pricing. This is happening in two waves. Renters are finding great values outside of Detroit in areas such as Redford, Westland, Eastpointe and Livonia. Those that own these homes are covering mortgage payments with rent and moving to areas that have even lower taxes, better schools and extremely low crime. Areas of high growth include; Macomb County, Novi, South Lyon, Canton andNorthville.

This flood of movement based on the new lower prices are leaving a hole at the start of the chain, that is in the city of Detroit.

Why is the city at 29% unemployment?
1) Highest Taxes in the State
2) Poorest Schools in the Nation
3) Highest Crime Rate in the Country

Highest Taxes in the State:
Property taxes have long been higher than any other city in Michigan. A rate of 65.79 mills for owners and 83.3 mills for those that attempt to invest in the city. Naturally, most homes are not properly valued so the net tax rate ends up being astronomical.

Example: A home that used to sell for $100,000 in Detroit is probably still valued around that amount by the city. However, the property may sell for $10,000 in today’s market. This means the home’s annual tax bill will be $4,265/yr or over 40% of the home’s value in annual taxes.
In Green Oaks Township just outside of South Lyon you would be able to own a home worth $370,000 for the same tax as a home valued at $10,000 in Detroit. In addition, a city income tax acts as a further disincentive to living in the city. A rate of 2.5 percent hits residents on the south side of 8 mile, but not north. As a worker in the city you pay a 1.25% tax that those working in the suburbs do not. If you are a corporation you pay an additional 1% in tax on income.
Since the average income in the city of Detroit is $28,000 per household. An average family that owns a $10,000 home would pay close to 17% of gross income to the city in tax (property tax rate on $100,000 home plus 2.5% income tax on $28,000 would equal about $4,965/yr). This does not include state tax and federal tax. Would you move a couple miles to get a 17% raise in income?
Poorest Schools in the Nation

Below is a chart that compares the state average MEAP scores in grade 11 verse Detroit Public Schools. Although some numbers are rising (reading went from 32% to 36% proficient), the numbers are low. Only 14% of the students are proficient in Math.

Scale: % at or above proficient Grade 11
Reading
36% (2008)
32% (2007)
The state average for Reading was 62% in 2008.

Social Studies
56% (2008)
63% (2007)
The state average for Social Studies was 80% in 2008.

Science
23% (2008)
22% (2007)
The state average for Science was 57% in 2008.

Writing
17% (2008)
17% (2007)
The state average for Writing was 41% in 2008.

Math
14% (2008)
14% (2007)
The state average for Math was 46% in 2008.

Highest Crime
Violent crime in the city of Detroit is at 2,418 per 100,000 while the national average is 553 per 100,000. This means citizens in the city of Detroit are about 500% more likely to experience a violent crime then others throughout the country.

How did city government get so out of control?
With almost 1/3 of the people unemployed and an additional 15% over the age of 65, almost half the voting population of the city do not pay the taxes they impose on the other half that do. Common Detroit politics have included pandering to the non taxpaying citizens with programs that redistribute the taxes from those that have to those that don’t. Political promises regarding more programs and larger government tend to appeal to the ones that don’t pay. With little focus on lowering taxes and little oversight from a largely un-invested population, city government grew out of control and eventually forced many of the productive members to move.
ROCK BOTTOM:
Cities, just like individuals in tough situations, tend to hit a certain point when they realize that they need to try a different approach. A time that you realize that you are at “Rock Bottom”. Many point to the Kilpatrickadministration as the absolute rock bottom politically corrupt time for Detroit. Robert Bobb is making news by rooting out corruption in the schools. Mayor Bing is considering making huge government cuts to bring down costs. Only time will reveal if 29% unemployment is the moment when the city hit rock bottom, or if it can get worse. What some fear is that since almost half the citizens are no longer paying for the programs the politicians put into place, votes for lower taxes may be a thing of the past. This leaves only one choice for producers who grow weary of poor services and high taxes; consider a new home in an area that is run by those that actually pay for what they vote for.

The Opportunity

There are opportunities in every market, and in this case, because of the Detroit market. Call Marketplace Homes and see how we can help you take advantage of the increased amount of affordable housing in the metropolitan area. Due to low prices, you may be amazed at what you can now afford!

An expanding Real Estate company in Detroit? It’s true, Marketplace Homes has posted sales numbers for the first 6 months of 2009 that are almost equal to all 12 months of 2008 combined. As a result of the continued growth of the “Guaranteed Lease Program”, Marketplace Homeshas added additional phone and marketing capacity through a partnership with Marketing Associates (http://www.marketingassociates.com/).

Marketing Associates currently provides support for companies such as:DuPont, Ford, Chrysler, Continental, GE, and a host of other corporate clients. Marketplace Homes provides Marketing Associates with a real “rags to riches” story line of a start up that is on the rise.

What this partnership means to Marketplace Homes’ clients:

1) Better response time on finding out if your home qualifies
2) Improved phone support for questions new number 877-9000-Home (4663)
3) Streamlined processes that help Marketplace Homes’ clients move now, not later

The operation will be run out of Marketing Associates’ office on the 4thfloor of One Kennedy Square overlooking Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit. The building is directly across the street from theCompuware building.

Marketplace Homes interviewed many different out of state companies and out of country companies for the job. In the ended the decision to go with a local company was made. This move reflects Marketplace Homes’commitment to Metro-Detroit and Michigan.

If you haven’t already, please visit the newhttp://www.marketplacehomes.com/ website and forward to any friends or family members that need a new home, but can’t sell the old. Today, more then ever, Marketplace Homes is here to help!

FHA is able to offer financing for site condos in Michigan! As of this past week, most new construction sites will qualify for these government backed mortgages. This means that you can buy a new construction home with only 3.5% down and a 620 credit score while leasing the old home as long as your income supports the new home. Sound like sub prime financing? Banks learned a lesson writing those, the government continues on.

If you live in a newer construction home in Michigan that was built in the last 10 years, you probably own a site condo. Naturally, your first thought is “who cares”? From the street, no one will know the difference between a site condo and a traditional “platted” home. The issue was that the mortgage companies treated them very differently. The rules had been written in an outdated fashion that made it very difficult, if not impossible, for many builders to offer FHA financing in new communities. FHA financing was not needed when all clients qualified for 115% financing as long as they had a pulse. Now that lending standards are stricter, builders really need to get communities FHA approved and fast. Now they have this tool.

What do you need to qualify for a new home in Novi, a new constrution home in Macomb or maybe that new constrution home in Howell?

1) 3.5% to put down
2) 620 credit score or better
3) A Marketplace homes Guaranteed Lease for your old home or condo

If you can obtain all three, you may be able to get your growing family into a brand new home.

A Marketplace Homes partner builder, Lombardo Homes, has recently added 7 new communities in the Metro-Detroit area this past week. This deal could be the largest land purchase in Michigan this year. Lombardo’saction shows confidence from a leading developer that it is a great time to buy. Lombardo is positioning itself to overtake Pulte as the number one builder in Michigan and with this recent acquisition they have moved closer to that goal.

We have summarized 3 reasons why we think sales have continued to grow:

• Creativity – Lombardo has embraced the idea that it is not enough to just build a great home, you have to solve problems. Most people have a big problem today. They have a home to sell that isn’t worth what is owed. Lombardo is aggressive in marketing the Marketplace Homesguaranteed 6 year lease program as a great option and also the “Trade in Trade up” program for those who have a trailer that won’t sell.
• Value –Who doesn’t want the most home for the dollar? Can you believe that a 3200 sq ft home can sell for under $200K? That’s better than foreclosure pricing, except it’s brand new!
• Production Builder Advantage – It is possible that Lombardo will build and sell over 300 homes this year, or almost a home a day! When you can offer that type of volume then you can get the best trades at the best prices. This value is translated to the homeowner with a great home at a great price.

Lombardo has been in business for over 50 years and they see a great buying opportunity in land right now. Could it also be the right time for your family to start living the lifestyle they deserve? It is possible… all it takes is a call!

Marketplace Homes was among 20 other companies honored at Crain’s 20 in their 20’s celebration last evening in Detroit.

For the complete story visit Crain’s Detroit:

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090419/TWENTIES09/904179984

MICHAEL KALIS, 27 Why he lives in metro Detroit: “I didn’t choose Detroit, Detroit chose me. With a thriving company, I simply couldn’t leave for another city.”
Claim to fame: Helped start a new real estate business that’s making money in the down market. Next step: Help 100 homeowners move from upside-down situations into communities in 2009.

Selling new homes usually hinges on buyers being able to sell their homes. Not an easy task in the current market. Michael Kalis found a way around that. Kalis owns Marketplace Homes L.L.C., a business that helps people find their way into new homes by taking their old ones. Through one portion of the business, Marketplace works with people who owe more money than their homes are worth and are unable to sell. The firm will rent a home from an owner through a six-year contract and, in return, broker a deal for the person to buy a new home.
Marketplace also has a rent-to-own program for people with poor credit who can’t buy a home. With a supply of interested renters and a stable of empty homes, Kalis put the elements together to hit $1 million in revenue in 2008. Half of that was from commissions, paid by builders, through arranging new-home sales. He brokered $8 million in real estate sales in 2008 and $10 million in 2007. Kalis personally selects the homes to be involved in the program and then outsources the management services. At any given time, he’ll have between 30 and 50 homes involved in the operation. He sees the upside for people on both sides. “If we’re leasing a home from someone, they can be upside down and get out of it,” he said. “And there is also a market for the people with families who just need their problems solved and find a new house.” Kalis started his career selling homes at Bloomfield Hills-based Pulte Homes Inc., and he credits the bad economy with getting his business started. “If things were great, I’d have stayed at my previous job,” he said…— Daniel Duggan

Does the big stimulus bill that will be signed into law tomorrow put housing first? The large $15,000 tax credit has been debated and has been removed leaving only limited government help for housing.

SO WHAT DO I GET?

You get a few scraps that are left for the housing industry. FHA limits will be increased to almost $300,000 for low money down loans. If you are a first time buyer and make limited income you come out a big winner with an $8,000 tax credit. But you already are a winner. You managed to not loose equity by not buying a home over the past 5 years. Way to not do anything!

WHY REWARD FIRST TIME BUYERS?

Rewarding first time homebuyers for their crystal ball non action is similar to rewarding cash hoarders that never invested in the stock market. Why not provide all first time stock investors with an $8,000 credit to buy into wall street? What a smack across the face to all the investors that stayed in the market and stuck it out. Similarly, the 70% of Americans that are current homeowners have a strange feeling of resentment. (My loving girlfriend closed on a new home December 20th 2008 and just missed the January 1st cut off to qualify for the $8,000 credit by 10 days!)

SO THIS BILL IS BAD?

No it’s not bad, but it just doesn’t do much for housing. But here is the thing; America never needed a $15,000 tax credit for housing before and some how Real Estate has always come back. Real Estate will come back and in the mean time some great opportunities exist. Below are 3 wonderful examples of how private business can get things moving without government help.

WHAT BIG BUILDERS ARE DOING –


LOMBARDO – Lombardo didn’t wait for government bail out. They have cut land costs to be able to deliver new construction at lower then foreclosure pricing. Would you believe that you can get a new construction 2000 sq ft home for $170k? Wow, that’s around $1,000/mo on a mortgage and that is not even a forclosure! BETTER THEN A BAILOUT!

HUNTER PASTEUR – Hunter Pasteurdidn’t wait for a government bail out. In Novi, Knightsbridge Gate continues to sell. By renegotiating land and pricing you can be in Novi new construction starting at $250K! 4 years ago Novi for under $400K could not be found. Saving $150,000 is BETTER THEN A BAILOUT!

Those are just 3 examples of Michigan builders moving forward. So what are you doing different to take advantage of what is happening in the world? If you are a first time home buyer, good for you! For the other 70% of Americans that are current homeowners and missed the stimulus, maybe it’s time to think a little outside the box.

Would a huge hand out be nice, you bet! But, at Marketplace Homes, we believe that government can’t fix housing first, the consumer and innovative business leaders fix housing first.

Government can pass bills, but they can never out innovate American minds and business. Just because you didn’t get a hand out from the government doesn’t mean that your piece of the pie is gone.

How to take advantage of the Market when you have a home to sell?

Did you recently get married? Have you watched your family grow from just 1 to a family or 4 including 2 children and a dog? Did a 2 bedroom condo seem to shrink as your life has expanded?

From 1997 to 2006 over 100,000 homes where constructed in Michigan! From 2001 to 2005 the state averaged over 20,000 permits per year. Many of those permits had been issued to build condos that catered to the 20 somethings. The single young professional that could take advantage of a rising real estate market and buy instead of rent. These condos wheremeant to be a short term 3 to 5 year flip for most buyers. Buy a place and then when it’s time for a family sell for a profit.

Now these 20 somethings are turning 30 somethings and 100,000 new construction buyers are now in a position that in years past would warrantthe for sale sign. The problem is that as the family grew, the equity shrank. How can you raise a growing family in a shrinking condo? How can you sell a home that is only worth 50% of what you paid for it?

It’s a great time to buy, but a tough time to sell! Why sell?

Many families are coming to grips with the idea that in order to raise a family in a home with a yard, the condo has to become a rental property. If you are too upside down to sell and don’t want your credit to take a beating, renting the old condo and buying the new home is a great option.

The idea of buying while rates are great and prices ridiculously low makessense to most people. The thought of managing a rental property seems a bit daunting.

Marketplace Homes will agree to a guaranteed corporate lease on your existing property if you buy from a partner builder! This takes the headache of property management away from you and allows your family to get into the home you truly deserve now.

This is just one more creative way to solve a common problem for many growing families in today’s market.