Lola Audu awarded the Performance Management Designation (PMN)

For Immediate Release

Contact:           Women’s Council Education Dept.

800-245-8512

Performance Management Network Designation Awarded to Local REALTOR^®

(Chicago, IL—August 4, 2014) Lola Audu, a Audu Real Estate REALTOR^®, has been awarded the Performance Management Network Designation by the Women’s Council of REALTORS. The Performance Management Network is a next-generation REALTOR^® designation designed from the ground up to deliver the real-world skills, know-how and tools to keep an agent’s business out front and on top of an evolving real estate market.

PMN curriculum is driven by the following topics: negotiating strategies and tactics, networking and referrals, business planning and systems, personal performance management and cultural differences in buying and selling.

About WCR

Women’s Council of REALTORS^® is a nationwide community of more than 10,000 real estate professionals who include many of the best and brightest in the business. Women’s Council is an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS^® and is headquartered in Chicago, IL. For more information on Women’s Council, please visit WCR.org.

Mission

We are a network of successful REALTORS®, advancing women as professionals and leaders in business, the industry and the communities we serve.

2012 West Michigan Home Foreclosure and Housing Activity Analysis

The chart above details the level of foreclosure activity in various states across the country.  Michigan has moved out of the ‘Red Hot’ zone as conditions continue to stabilize and improve in the State.  But, to obtain a true picture of what is happening in West Michigan, you need to drill down into the numbers.

Statistics just released from the Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS today indicate some significant and encouraging trends emerging in the local market.  Housing is on the beginning of a rebound.  Are you ready to take advantage of this?

Here are some key points highlighted in the report from the Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS.

*The Average Home Sale Price jumped up 7.8% from $116,565 in March 2011 to $125,658 (March 2012)

*For an Year to Year comparison, the increase was more impressive – 9% increase from $112,453 in 2011 to $122,543 in 2012

*Distress Sales in West Michigan continue to trend downwards.  From a high of 62% several years ago, the number are now between 40-44%

*Inventory Available (based on Pending Sales) is 3.9 months.  (Refer to my blog post on the Meaning of this number for Home Sellers)

BEFORE YOU THROW THE HOUSE KEYS BACK AT THE BANK…Options to Think About When Faced With a Housing Crisis.

SEARCH WEST MICHIGAN HOMES FOR SALE – Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate Statistics

The world of real estate has always held a fascination for folks like me.  But things have a way of getting really strange when people who don’t spend their waking, working moments around the mayhem and milieu of the brokerage world start telling astounding tales about their recent ‘encounters’ in real estate country.

Over the past month, I’ve had several conversations which would have been considered ‘beyond bizzare’ just a few short years ago.  Folks talking about people they know walking out the door of their homes and just giving the home back to the bank as casually as they might refer to a decision to perhaps purchase a car.

I know you might be thinking at a cursory reading that this reckless attitude is just symptomatic of the chaos that has been the hallmark of so much recent madness, but often during these exchanges, I actually sensed something else.  As I listen intently, the story involves so much more than initially stated. There’s an underlying, increasingly recognizable sad thread.

The bundle of trial includes years of struggle, trying to find jobs, being laid off, piling up debt to survive,ravaging investment accounts, pulling home equity out to last just a little longer, and then the straw that breaks the camel’s back occurs…one more thing that could not be anticipated which tips the scales.

Absolute & total weariness…and with resources strained beyond measure, it seems that the only thing to do is …WALK AWAY.  But before you do…

STOP.

Before your feet set in motion a chain of events which will potentially impact your life for the NEXT DECADE, please consider ALL your options.  TALK to someone.  I’m astounded by the number of people who go through the ENTIRE Foreclosure process without talking to ANYONE about their options.

That’s right…

You do have OPTIONS. Before making a decision to simply stop attending to your obligations, ASK someone for help.  Speak to an Attorney, contact a Real Estate Broker or your Mortgage Lender.  Preferably, engage with all three sources or more…  Information is power when it comes to a decision which can handicap not just your ability to get a new home, but your ability to have a measure of control over your financial life for the foreseeable future.

Just for Starters, Ask about the following:

Will your bank accept a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure AND forgive your debt in it’s entirety?

Can you pursue a Short Sale?

What are your options for Loan Modification?

What are your legal options and obligations?

An old African Proverb reminds us that “No Condition is Permanent in this world.”  Remember this truth…especially when things are tough.  This too shall pass…eventually.

picture courtesy of hoyasmeg on flickr

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LOOK FOR GRAND RAPIDS, MI HOMES FOR SALE

Grand Rapids, MI Social Media Boot Camp concludes with Blogging Basic/Ethics Classes! June 16, 2010

SEARCH WEST MICHIGAN HOMES FOR SALE – Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate Statistics

Within the past month, real estate professionals within the greater Grand Rapids, MI area have  had the opportunity to learn about Social Media Marketing through a unique program designed by the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors.

Social Media Boot Camp, a three part program,  kicked off on May 12th with  an excellent presentation by Jeff Turner of Zeek Interactive on Social Media and Social Values.  This was followed by a ReBar Camp, the first of it’s kind for real estate professionals in the area on the 26th of May.  The last installment in the series will take place on the 16th of June at the association headquarters on 660 Kenmoor.

The training session will feature Lola Audu of  Audu Real Estate & Blogging Seminars.   Lola will be teaching about Blogging and Ethics.  Read excerpts from the association website below:

Get some Con Ed under your belt from one of GRAR’s top experts in the field with our third and final installment of Social Media Summer Camp!

Lola Audu - Continuing Education Instructor - Blogging and Social Media

Lola Audu, a renown blogger in the real estate world, will lead this 4-hour/4-credit course on Blogging Basics & Blogging Ethics for Real Estate Professionals at GRAR. Learn how to blog and market your skills in a Web 2.0 World and effectively engage today’s “connected” consumer, all while writing responsibly, protecting your online content and avoiding legal landmines.

Wednesday, June 16, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Good for 4 standard Con Ed credits

Registration:
GRAR Members $50 (Click here to register)
Non-Members $65 (Click here to register)

Michigan Home Buyers: Did You Know About the Tax Credit that’s NOT Expiring on April 30, 2010?

These past couple of months have seen a major increase in real estate activity in the West Michigan area.  It seems that many potential home buyers are rushing to beat the deadline to qualify for the  Home Buyer Tax Credit which provides up to $8,000 for qualified first time home buyers and up to $6,500 for buyers of second homes.

But in all the hustle and bustle, there’s another Tax Credit which will CONTINUE to be available to qualified home buyers long after the deadline for April 30, 2010 has past. It’s the MCC Tax Credit,  a federal program that allows new, qualified home buyers to take up to 20% of their annual mortgage interest to be credited against their tax liability.

This program is available from participating lenders in Michigan to Michigan home buyers on a first served, first come basis.  Interested in learning more…Click here.

If you’re an investor or purchasing a home which will require some rehabilitation, there are mortgage programs which will allow you to do this.  If you’d like a referral to a lender who is qualified to process these transactions, please contact us at 616-791-0511.

Coming Soon…the View

Coming soon…view of Bay Harbor, Petoskey MI.

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas…

Health Intervention Services…Serving Grand Rapids MI with Hope and Healing.

You never know just where a real estate deal will take you! When the agent contacted me about a pre-view request for my listing, I thought it would be simply a routine home showing request.

But as the conversation proceeded, I learned that Marcia Vander Woude who is also an Adjunct Professor at Grand Valley State University  was involved in much more than a part-time real estate career.

Marcia began to share her passion about Health Intervention Services and invited me to come by and take a tour.  Prior to our connection through a showing request, I had never heard of Health Intervention Services although this mission of mercy and healing has been functioning in some capacity in the local area since 1988.

Health Intervention Services, (HIS) is a faith-based, non-profit 501 (c)3 health care center which is located in the  Burton Heights neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI.  “HIS is founded on the belief that the intrinsic value of all people justifies the right to quality health services that promote physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. ” (quote from promotional sheet)

While touring the facility, I was surprised to see how comprehensive the care offered on site was.  Included were dental care, optical care, comprehensive medical and dental care, psychological and social work counselling, medication assistance and spiritual encouragement.

The service is staffed almost entirely by volunteers…over 130 of them of which 76 are medical professionals and a small crew of 10 full or part-time employees.  It’s extraordinary to think of what this group of committed individuals has accomplished in just this past year by averaging over 1,000 patient visits each month!

HIS also collaborates with other community organizations to maximize the utilization of scarce resources in challenging economic times.  Patients who visit the center participate on a sliding scale fee base with the minimum payment being $20.

On December 9, 2009 there will be a special fundraising concert to help raise money to fund the organizations’ efforts which will enable them to continue their work in caring for people. The concert features World Renowned Tenor, Carlos Seise who will be performing at the Basilica of St. Adalbert located on  704 4th St. NW  Grand Rapids, MI.   Tickets can be purchased for $40 or $25 (special rate for Seniors over 60+ or Students) by contacting Marcia at savvywomen@gmail.com or Thressa @thoekstra@hisgr.org.

It is really heartening to see the difference that this organization is making at a time when so many people are in need of health care assistance in our local community.

Health Intervention Services (HIS)

15 Andre St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI  49507

616-475-1363  web:  www.hisgr.org

Rosa Parks Circle…Abstract in Summer

As viewed from the Grand Rapids Arts Museum.  Rosa Parks Circle is a popular place during the summer in Grand Rapids, MI.   A wonderful place to listen to music, dance, have an impromptu picnic, skateboard and just hang out!

6471 Avalon Dr. SE, Caledonia MI…Avalon Pointe Estates ~ Better than New!

  To view more Audu Real Estate Home listings, click here…

Click on the picture to View Virtual Tour of:

 6471 Avalon Dr. SE, Caledonia MI 49316

 The home is located in Avalon Pointe Estates, a brand new subdivision which offers convenient access to the expressway, schools, hospitals and shopping centers.

Brand new landscaping provides eye catching curb appeal. Spacious with (over 2500 sq ft) and potential for 3500 + additional living area in the basement, the open floor plan opens up to an unusually spacious living and dining room great room style combo. An adjacent office or parlor area offers more flexibility in this well thought out floor plan.  The living room has a gas fireplace and the wall mount for a plasma TV is included.

Enjoy a kitchen with cherry stained cabinets and stainless steel appliances included in the purchase price. Upstairs, the bedrooms are large and the master bedroom has enough room for a lounge space plus it features it’s own walk-in closet with organizer and full bath.

Avalon Pointe homeowners also enjoy the enhancement of access to an association pool and club house amenities. The association fee is $280 per year.

This home is an excellent value!  To arrange a preview for 6471 Avalon Dr. SE, Caledonia MI 49316, please contact Audu Real Estate @ info@auduhomes. or call 616-791-0511.

To view more home listings visit Audu Real Estate