Preview Properties.com News

The Canopy featured in news article

2012-01-20T13:44:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Preview Properties, Inc. real estate agent Bob Smith for alerting us to this article. The Canopy was housed in the same building that Preview Properties, Inc. is currently. Follow this link to read the article: Earl Williams and his piano helped make Canopy restaurant a landmark.

Parking Lot Sign

2012-01-16T08:20:00.003-05:00

Special thanks to Bill Lane, Preview Properties agent and sign engineer, for reconstructing our parking lot sign and reinstalling it over the weekend. Bill volunteered his services, and Roy Hatt from Jackson contributed the steel shafting for the project.

Users of our parking lot take note: Bill says "the next vehicle that hits your sign may experience body damage!"

We appreciate your help, Bill!

American Red Cross Blood Drive TODAY

2012-01-04T08:59:00.004-05:00

Preview Properties hosts an American Red Cross Blood Drive TODAY, 1/4/12 from noon to 5:30 p.m. at 130 W Grand River Ave in Brighton, Michigan. Lots of openings between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., we will accept walk-ins or you can call us at our front desk to schedule (810) 220-0000.

Gleaners Community Food Bank donation

2011-12-20T12:20:00.002-05:00

Preview Properties.com staff and agents - giving back the communities we serve - just sent a check for $634 to Gleaners Community Food Bank. Donations were gathered during our annual Christmas party through white elephant gift exchanges and auctioned items. Thanks all!

Women's Council of Realtors Luncheon

2011-12-15T16:03:00.004-05:00

What a beautifully decorated tree! Preview Properties.com and Mortgage One contributed the tree to the Women's Council of Realtors luncheon, held at Oak Pointe Country Club, was a CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDEN TREE. Our garden-themed tree reminds us that spring will be here before we know it! The tree was adorned with butterflies, dragonflies, lilies, roses, seed packets and many garden ornaments. Perfect to display from now until summer – or for a young girl’s room! It included a basket filled with gardening supplies, such as garden gloves, tools, fertilizer, gardening books, violet plants, twine, a garden pot and stake. Thanks to all of you who provided items for the tree, and those of you who attended the luncheon. Off the top of my head: Nancy Bohlen, Mary Jo Zurawski, Terri Weisman, Lisa Bullock, Sandy Kretzschmar, JoAn Hauber, Sandy LeBlanc. The tree was purchased by Karen Gill for $200. Funds were raised at the event to assist The Connection of Livingston County.

Mike Rogers speaks at Preview Properties

2011-11-30T10:01:00.005-05:00

U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers stopped in at Preview Properties in Brighton on Tuesday morning, following a meeting at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. He visited Preview to speak to Livingston County Realtors. He updated us on issues and then answered questions from real estate agents about a variety of issues. On the same day, he introduced a one-page bill that would prohibit new taxes and new regulations on U.S. employers for two years.

Congratulations to Robin Love

2011-10-31T13:11:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to our very own Robin Love, who was just elected to the Livingston County Association of Realtors board of directors. Robin joins Scott Bohlen as a representative from our office - Scott is the President-Elect for 2012. Val Potts finishes her term on the board in December.

Preview Properties.com participates in Adopt a Highway program

2011-10-03T10:32:00.002-04:00

Follow this link to see an article posted on Brighton Patch regarding the local Adopt a Highway program, including information about Preview Properties.com's participation.

http://brighton.patch.com/articles/brighton-groups-help-keep-area-roadways-clean-with-adopt-a-highway-program

Livingston County Backpacks for Kids

2011-08-22T08:40:00.002-04:00

This note comes from Paul and Judy Klebba, who once again coordinated the annual backpacks for kids drive - special thanks to both Paul and Judy for searching for the good deals on school supplies, stuffing the backpacks and delivering them to LESA (Livingston Educational Services Agency).

TO ALL THE AGENTS AND STAFF OF PREVIEW PROPERTIES PC :

THE BACKPAKS FOR KIDS WAS A SUCCESS FOR OUR OFFICE AS WE WERE ABLE TO FILL 22 BACKPAKS FULL WITH 5 TABLETS, PAPER, COLORED PENCILS , RED-BLUE AND BLACK PENS, PENCILS, MECHANICAL PENCILS, SCISSORS, PENCIL SHARPENERS, FOLDERS, MARKERS, CRAYONS, PENCIL CASES, GLUE STICKS, HIGHLITERS, ETC..

WE HAVE LESS STAFF AND AGENTS AND MUST SAY I AM VERY PROUD OF THE RESPONSE FROM ALL OF YOU.

THANK YOU ALL FOR A JOB WELL DONE.

PAUL & JUDY KLEBBA

LCAR Golf Tournament

2011-08-16T11:59:00.002-04:00

Scott Bohlen, far left, Preview Properties.com's CEO, recently played in the Livingston County Association of Realtor's Golf Tournament. Also in the photo are Dick Valenti, Mickey Stanley (of Detroit Tiger's fame) and PJ Ruokis of Attorneys Title Co.

Bill Lane featured in today's Livingston Daily

2011-08-03T09:39:00.002-04:00

Bill Lane, his son Charlie and wife Barbara are featured in an article on the front page of today's Livingston Press & Argus. Bill recently spoke at a meeting at Livingston County's Intensive Treatment Court, sharing their story with visitors and participants. To read the story, go to:

http://tinyurl.com/3px5mo6

Great Granddaughter !

2011-08-03T09:31:00.003-04:00

Can you believe it? Paul and Judy Klebba are grandparents. Rosalie Isabella Hughest turned 7 months on July 20th, she is the granddaughter of Paul and Judy's daughter, Nancy. Congrats to all!

More on the Backpacks

2011-08-02T15:44:00.002-04:00

Judy and Paul Klebba have already purchased 19 backpacks and related school supplies for our annual LESA Backpacks for Kids fund drive. Judy says she is finding school supplies more expensive this year, with stores setting limits on quantities for sale items. Also finding more of the "good deals" at the drugstore chains, like Rite Aid, Walgreens and CVS this year. With the prices of school items rising, there is an even greater need for the donations to the kids. Help us out at our next CITO potluck brunch on Tuesday, 8/09/11 around 8:30 a.m., your donations are appreciated! You can also bring in school supplies if you like.

Backpacks for Kids

2011-07-27T15:53:00.001-04:00

Preview Properties.com was mentioned as a drop off point for backpack for kids donations in a recent Livingston Daily article - http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20110727/NEWS01/107270308

Kassie Kretzschmar named as Huron-Clinton Metroparks marketing manager

2011-06-29T08:50:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Kassie Kretzschmar, daughter of Rick and Sandy Kretzschmar! Kassie was recently named Huron-Clinton Metroparks marketing manager. See the attached link for more information.

Mortgage 1 - our new lender partner

2011-06-23T12:23:00.004-04:00

As many of you may already know, Bank of America announced in late March it was closing all the joint ventures across the country as of May 1. Scott, Lisa, Terri and others interviewed 7 lenders and narrowed the field down to the 2 they thought would give our agents the best service. The top lenders met with the agents and made their presentations. It was almost unanimous that the agents chose Mortgage 1, Inc. to be our new partner.

Mortgage 1 is a Michigan based, dynamic, growing mortgage banker founded 18 years ago. Their office is located right here in Brighton (above Bagger Dave's). The processing and underwriting is done locally as well! Terri Weisman has accepted a position with Mortgage 1 and will stay with us here in Brighton.

We are very excited about our new finance partner. Be sure to contact Terri Weisman at 810-494-2030 or at tweisman@mortgageone.biz and ask her about the call capture system that Mortgage 1 has set up for our agents - and at no cost to the agent.

Preview Properties.com Realtors Collected for Gleaners

2011-05-08T14:16:00.003-04:00

Preview Properties.com Realtors helped collect for Gleaners Community Food Bank on Saturday, May 7. Thanks Bob Smith, Val Potts, Jim Soltis, Sandy Kretzschmar, Dolores Johnson, JoAn Hauber and Nancy Bohlen! That's Val Potts in the photo above, working hard of course!

Mike Ewing plays the Brighton Farmer's Market

2011-05-08T14:15:00.001-04:00

Mike Ewing, Preview Properties real estate agent, played some folk music at opening day of the Brighton Farmer's Market on May 7, 2011.

Michigan's Adopt-a-Highway

2011-04-27T22:44:00.002-04:00

The Michigan Adopt-A-Highway program was featured in a recent Woodward Talk. Preview Properties has adopted a stretch of US-23 between Silver Lake and Eight Mile exits. To read the article, go to:

http://www.candgnews.com/news/volunteers-take-out-communities%E2%80%99-trash

Grape vines on Belle Isle start with grass roots - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

2011-04-06T18:26:00.000-04:00

More good press for Blake Kownacki (Rich's son) winery campaign! Grape vines on Belle Isle start with grass roots - Crain's Detroit Business - Detroit News and Information

Preview Properties Night on the Town

2011-03-22T08:32:00.002-04:00

Several Preview Properties agents, staff and friends attended the Jeff Daniels event at the Brighton Center for Performing Arts last Saturday evening - after hitting Ciao Amici's for some good Italian food. What a fun night!

Wines & Vines - Wine Industry News Headlines - Central U.S. Wineries Get Organized

2011-03-15T10:30:00.000-04:00

More news on the Belle Isle winery, featuring Blake Kownacki, Rich Kownacki's son.

Wines & Vines - Wine Industry News Headlines - Central U.S. Wineries Get Organized

A winery on Belle Isle? That's Detroit City Cellar's idea

2011-03-15T10:16:00.002-04:00

Rich Kownacki's son, Blake, is featured in this story about a Belle Isle winery in the works...follow the link below to read the story.

A winery on Belle Isle? That's Detroit City Cellar's idea

Realtors Got Talent - Mike Ewing

2011-03-15T10:03:00.001-04:00

Preview Properties Realtor Mike Ewing entertains the masses at the LCAR "Realtors Got Talent" last week.

Congratulations to Doug Angst!

2011-02-24T14:42:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Doug Angst, the most recent Preview Properties.com Realtor to earn a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert designation). Real estate professionals with the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) Designation have trained extensively to understand the options, solutions, and effective methods for dealing with homeowners facing hardships. CDPEs fully understand that saving a home can save a life, which can save a family, which can save a future.

Doug joins Richard Kownacki and Dennis Merrick as Preview Properties agents with this designation. If you are interested in getting this designation, the Livingston County Association of Realtors is coordinating a two day course this year. Make sure you respond to a recent email from Barb Hess asking for interested agents so they have a general idea of how many people might want to participate.

Being a Successful Real Estate Brokerage

2011-02-24T14:40:00.002-05:00

I attended a webinar today, “3 Building Blocks for a Successful Brokerage” to pick up some tips today. Participating in the webinar were Daniel Rothamel “The Real Estate Zebra”, a Virginia agent with Strong Team Realtors, Gretchen Faber of Kentwood Co from Denver, and Chad Hyanis of Keller Williams.

The 3 building blocks they presented were:
1. Lead generation – as you know, we already have a lead generation system in place. We are able to capture information on people who visit our website to conduct searches and provide that information to our agents to follow up with the visitors, to find out if they were able to find what they were looking for and to see how they can help in their search. We have distributed over 1400 leads to our agents since November 2010! We will continue to fine-tune the system over the next few months.
2. Technology – yep we have Chris Bonish, our tech manager to help us with every computer virus, email problem, etc. But we also have a website that has been adjusted so key word Internet searches find a way to the www.previewproperties.com , where we can capture their information and follow up to help the person with their real estate search.
3. Marketing/Culture – although marketing provides lead generations, they also talked about recruiting agents and employees. What culture are we, and how will we look in five years?

A few of the takeaways were:
• Gretchen Faber of Kentwood Co. said “prospecting is not an event, it is a process.” What is important is how you follow up with the lead, not the act of contacting them. Because sometimes it may be weeks / months before they are ready.
• A few virtual assistant resources discussed were: www.myoutdesk.com, and www.virtualoffice.com
• While the company should have a blog, the agents should be involved in blogging too. Whether they have their own blog or post on the company blog.
• Agents should also have their own lead generation systems, for example www.realtygenerator.com by Market Leader.

Preview Properties Walks for Warmth

2011-02-17T08:24:00.003-05:00

Photo is of Val Potts, Hal Potts and Mary Jo Zurawski participated in the Walk for Warmth hosted by the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency on Saturday, February 12. Funds raised will help those in need pay heating bills. Other Preview Properties.com representatives included Nancy Bohlen, Lisa Bohlen and Bob Smith.

Walk for Warmth / Funds to Heat Local Homes

2011-01-26T08:37:00.003-05:00

Preview Properties.com agents and staff had a chili cookoff CITO (come into the office) potluck yesterday. Perfect timing, as we have had a streak of frigid weather the last week or so. The winner in the cookoff was Realtor Bob Smith, whose Sweetwater Chili was the bomb. But of course the real winner was the Walk for Warmth / Funds to Heat Local Homes because our contributions added up to $152. If you are interested in walking in the "Walk for Warmth" on Saturday, February 12 at the old Hartland High School, let me know!

Is the Real Estate Market Improving?

2011-01-19T14:20:00.003-05:00

Bob Smith, one of the Preview Properties.com Realtors, blogged about our market statistics - the ones distributed at this week's sales meeting. To read his blog, go to:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/2085831/is-the-real-estate-market-improving-

Donations from Preview Properties

2010-12-22T09:20:00.002-05:00

We just mailed $1,381 in donations to Gleaners Food Bank, The Connection and LACASA, thanks to the generosity of our real estate agents and staff. We are proud to assist those in our communities who are in need! Thanks everyone.

Clarity - by Bob Bohlen

2010-12-15T09:45:00.002-05:00

Bob Bohlen is in town and will be reviewing his book "Clarity" with Preview Properties.com agents, staff and friends tomorrow, Thursday @ 9:00 a.m. in the Brighton Preview Properties.com office. Hope to see you then! If you can't attend, you can learn more about the book at http://www.rbohlen.com/clarity.cfm.

LACASA Adopt a Family

2010-12-07T12:04:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Priscilla Watts and Terri Weisman, who braved the stores last weekend to buy Christmas presents for our LACASA adopt a family. They used funds our agents and staff contributed at recent potluck brunches and lunches. A wonderful way to support the community.

Last Week's Closings

2010-12-06T12:17:00.001-05:00

WCR Christmas Tree

2010-12-06T11:54:00.004-05:00

Nancy Bohlen and Mary Jo Zurawski put the finishing touches on the Preview Properties contribution to the Women's Council of Realtors Annual Auction . The tree was "kitchen/cooking" themed and filled with ornaments of cookie cutters, teaspoons, gingerbread men and other fun contributions that our agents and staff members brought in. In addition to the tree, the winning bidder, Johanne DuFort, broker at Lake & Land Real Estate, received a Preview Properties cookbook along with some other cookbooks, wine glasses and some other fun items. Johanne's bid of $200 made her the winner.

Thanks to all of you who contributed to our tree - it looked awesome!

Women's Council of Realtors - Tree

2010-11-29T09:47:00.005-05:00

We are getting the Preview Properties.com tree ready for the auction at the Women's Council of Realtors luncheon this Thursday. Stop by the conference room in Brighton to take a look, bring any items in you wish. Theme is KITCHEN - so look through your drawers at home for some items that might look pretty on the tree - that you can part with - or find some trinkets at the store. We'll meet after the sales meeting this week to put finishing touches on it and finalize plans.

Recent Closings

2010-11-29T08:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T08:12:00.001-05:00

We hope your Thanksgiving is the best ever. Safe travels to those of you leaving town, and to all of you, treasure the time you have with your family and friends. We have much to be thankful for.

Last Week's Closings

2010-11-15T10:45:00.000-05:00

Last Week's Closings

2010-11-10T14:11:00.001-05:00

Last Week's Closings

2010-11-01T14:18:00.001-04:00

Last Week's Closings

2010-10-27T15:40:00.002-04:00

Cell Phones for Soldiers

2010-10-26T14:02:00.000-04:00

Joette Bickel, Preview Properties.com Realtor, recently reported that we have collected over 2,570 cell phones locally. For each used cell phone donated, 60 minutes of prepaid cell use is provided to a soldier overseas. We're still accepting used cell phones for this program at our Brighton office.

For a CBS video on the program, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPdHyeTIcPA

CITO Lunch - Final Tally - $$ to Gleaner's

2010-10-19T14:38:00.003-04:00

Thanks everyone for participating in the Gleaner's Food Bank CITO lunch today. We raised $152! Greg Garwood suggested we try to get the double your money deal with Gleaner's and Gleaner's said YES. So our $152 actually equals $304 today, or 912 meals that can now be served. AWESOME!

Parachuting Into Michigan Stadium with the 101st Airborne Division

2010-10-19T14:11:00.001-04:00

Rhiannon McCarty's husband, Collin, created this video of Sgt. Adam Sniffen from the 101st Airborne Division delivering the game ball via parachute before the Michigan vs. MSU game at Michigan Stadium on Oct. 9, 2010. It has been viewed over 700,000 times since it was posted about a week ago. Way to go Collin!

Video Contest Winner

2010-10-18T10:49:00.003-04:00

Here's the second video Mike Ewing submitted for our internal video contest. Congrats Mike, job well done!

Closings - Last Week

2010-10-18T10:34:00.001-04:00

Closings - Oct 4 through Oct 8

2010-10-18T10:27:00.002-04:00

Preview Properties.com Golf Outing - Results

2010-10-11T10:41:00.003-04:00

Thursday turned out to be a perfect day for our company golf outing!

Scott Bohlen presented the golf awards after we all enjoyed a buffet dinner at Chemung Hills Golf Club. He also shared a story about Jarett Reinmann - apparently Scott first met Jarett while Jarett was shining shoes for club members at Chemung. The following winners were announced:

Winning Team: Jim Soltis, Dolores Johnson, Chuck Withey and his friend Chris
Closest to Pin - Women: Pat Morley
Closest to Pin - Men: NOBODY - Scott replaced this award with Most Lost Balls - Men and the winner was Gary Jubenville.
Longest Drive - Women: Mary Jo Zurawski
Longest Drive - Men: Collin McCarty

I was on Joe Panessidi's team, and in the middle of the round he said "I think it's time we lower our expectations." He continued to share golf wisdom throughout the day, including this quote by Winston Churchill: “Golf is a game whose aim is to hit a very small ball into an even smaller hole, with weapons singularly ill-designed for the purpose.”

If any of you have photos or funny things to share about our golf outing, send them to me at lbohlen@previewproperties.com.

Here were the teams for the day:

Team 1: Chris Bonish, George Bush, Ed Zurawski, Mary Jo Zurawaski
Team 2: Dick Kerschbaum, Paul Klebba, Pat Morley, JoAn Hauber
Team 3: Gary Jubenville, Joe Panessidi, Lisa Bohlen
Team 4: Hal Potts, Val Potts, Terry Hoeft, Priscilla Watts
Team 5: Rhiannon McCarty, Collin McCarty, Jarett Reinmann & Heather
Team 6: Jim Soltis, Dolores Johnson, Chuck Withey & Chris
Team 7: Scott Bohlen, Robin Love, Kathy Walls, Bruce Walls
Team 8: Rich Kownacki, Joe Barscewski, Bob Smith

Preview Properties.com Golf Outing - More Photos

2010-10-11T10:40:00.001-04:00

Preview Properties.com Golf Outing - More Photos

2010-10-11T10:38:00.003-04:00

Preview Properties.com Golf Outing - Photos

2010-10-11T10:29:00.003-04:00

Preview Properties - Experts in Real Estate

2010-10-05T12:08:00.001-04:00

Mike Ewing, a real estate agent with Preview Properties.com, made this short video advertisement. Nicely done, Mike!

CITO Breakfast for Chicago Inner City Schools

2010-10-05T11:29:00.003-04:00

Melissa Shosey, a teacher for Chicago Public Schools, shared information about her school, classroom, students and needs at our sales meeting on Tuesday. Melissa is Kathy Shosey's daughter and an MSU graduate. Donations at the CITO breakfast today generated $200.50, which Melissa will use to buy supplies for her classroom, including pencils, notebooks, construction paper, etc. Thanks to all of you who helped today!

This note came from Melissa: "Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed money and supplies both today and in the past to my students and the other 1st grade classes. We really appreciate the wonderful gifts and they will go towards a good cause. I plan to use the money to buy some paper and some more books for our classroom libraries. Thank you for coming today and listening to me speak and for all the wonderful breakfast food."

Last Week's Closings

2010-10-04T10:06:00.002-04:00

Closings - Week of 9/20 through 9/24

2010-10-04T10:05:00.001-04:00

Last Week's Closings

2010-09-20T15:07:00.002-04:00

Kathy's a Grandmother of a Baby Boy

2010-09-20T08:45:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Kathy Paul and her family - her son and daughter-in-law welcomed
Stephen Michael Paul into their family on Friday. He was 9 lbs, 3 oz and 21 inches long. Baby Stephen and his family are doing great!

Last Week's Closings

2010-09-14T11:37:00.001-04:00

CoachMeFit highlighted in Crains Detroit Business

2010-09-13T15:56:00.003-04:00

Lindsay Bogdasarian's business, CoachMeFit, was featured in an article in Crain's Detroit Business yesterday. Read more at http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20100912/SUB01/309129977. Lindsay is John's wife, for those of you who might not know.

Article on Bob Smith in Livingston Press & Argus

2010-09-13T09:39:00.004-04:00

In case you missed it, Bob Smith of Preview Properties.com was recognized in the Livingston Press & Argus this weekend for his Michigan Optimist award. Congrats again, Bob!

To read the article, go to http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20100912/COMMUNITIES08/9120317

Last Week's Closings

2010-09-09T11:09:00.001-04:00

Scott Bohlen selected to participate in Leadership Livingston

2010-09-09T10:16:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Scott Bohlen, who was selected to participate in Leadership Livingston in the 2010/2011 session. This program is a series of sessions designed to expand the leadership potential existing in Livingston County. The program was initiated by Cleary University and the Brighton and Howell Chambers of Commerce in 1992, and is modeled after similar leadership development programs operating successfully across the country. It is designed to bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated a talent for and a commitment to leadership.

American Cancer Society

2010-09-08T08:53:00.001-04:00

We raised $135.00 through our CITO lunch yesterday. All proceeds will go toward the American Cancer Society. Thanks everyone! Bet we have some leftovers for today, too.

Last Week's Closings

2010-08-31T15:21:00.000-04:00

Priscilla Watts finishes 2010 Chicago Triathlon

2010-08-30T09:46:00.007-04:00

Priscilla Watts finished the 2010 Chicago Triathlon yesterday in 5th place in her class. Even better than that, she shaved 11 minutes off her time from last year. Needless to say she is very happy and all the training she did this past year paid off. Congratulations Priscilla! Priscilla competed in the "Sprint" Triathlon - so that is 0.75 kilometers swimming, 22 kilometers biking, and 5 kilometers running. Wow!

Bob Smith Receives Michigan Optimist of the Year Award

2010-08-26T09:03:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Bob Smith, who accepted the Michigan District Optimists "Optimist of the Year" award recently. The Michigan District Optimists number 3,400+ strong, with 100 clubs throughout the lower peninsula.

Last Week's Closings

2010-08-23T10:18:00.002-04:00

Willy Wonka

2010-08-19T08:31:00.006-04:00

Wondering where the candy came from that showed up in the Brighton office mailboxes? The good people promoting Willy Wonka Exceptionals Scrumpdiddlyumptious chocolate sent them our way to try out. Enjoy!

LCAR Annual Golf Outing

2010-08-16T10:35:00.004-04:00

Scott Bohlen and Joe Panessidi were both on the winning golf team at the LCAR annual golf outing last Friday. They were teamed with Jerry Willey from Lake & Land Real Estate and Jim LeBar of Attorney's Title. In addition to winning the tournament as a team, Scott won the Longest Drive award. Robin Love also had some fun on the course that day. Congratulations!

Last Week's Closings

2010-08-16T10:31:00.001-04:00

VINA sends their thanks

2010-08-16T09:09:00.001-04:00

Backpack update from the Klebba's

2010-08-16T08:26:00.000-04:00

This year we were able to supply 25 fully packed back
packs for the students. This year it was a little more
difficult as the prices for the back packs have increased,
just as the number of students has increased.

We provided 7 packs for the K-3 grades, 5 packs for the
4-6 grades, 7 packs for 7-8 grades and 6 packs for 9-12 grades.
We tried to provide an upgrade in back packs for the jr. high
and high schoolers.

We want to share a little incident that happened the last time
we shopped. Standing at the cashiers she said the total was
$26.48 and as I reached into the envelope I laughed as there
was $26.49 left to shop with. A penny left for the penny wars.

With our breakfasts, and luncheons we were able to collect
a total of $320.00. Hugs and cheers for all your donations,
the kids appreciate your efforts in the food prepared and your
financial help.

Paul and Judy Klebba

Last Week's Closings

2010-08-11T10:43:00.000-04:00

Top Agents for July Announced

2010-08-10T10:12:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to John Bogdasarian! Lisa Bohlen announced that John was Preview Properties.com's top producer for July 2010. Other top salespeople recognized in today's meeting for July production were George Bush, Priscilla Watts, Elizabeth Fairchild, Robin Love, Jim Soltis, Jerry Hale, Val Potts, Rich Kownacki and Andy Stersic.

Congrats to all!

Livingston County real estate market information

2010-08-10T09:48:00.003-04:00

Backpacks for Kids - Fundraiser coming to a close

2010-08-05T10:43:00.003-04:00

Just a reminder - we are still collecting items for our "Backpack for Kids" project but it is coming to an end.

We have collected about $150 with our past two CITO potlucks, and we have another brunch scheduled for next Tuesday, August 10 starting at 8:30 a.m. See sign up sheets around the building for the brunch.

Bring in your backpack items by next Tuesday (August 10). Here's a list of some appropriate items:

Supply Wish List for Lower Elementary Students Kindergarten thru 3rd Grade
• Sturdy age/size appropriate backpacks
• No. 2 pencils
• Crayons (24 pack)
• Glue Sticks
• Jumbo colored pencils
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Markers (Washable, Unscented, Primary Colors)
• Large Erasers (Pink type)
• Pencil box or holder for desk

Supply Wish List for Upper Elementary Students 4th thru 6th Grades
• Sturdy age/size appropriate backpacks
• No. 2 pencils
• Red, Black, Blue pens (regular, erasable)
• Glue sticks
• Colored pencils
• Ruler
• Markers
• Two pocket folders (Duo-Tang or similar)
• Small/Large Erasers
• Scissors
• Three ring wide ruled loose leaf paper
• Zippered pencil bag

Supply Wish List for Middle School Students 7th and 8th Grade
• Sturdy age/size appropriate backpacks
• Highlighters
• Two pocket folders (Duo-tang or similar)
• No. 2 Pencils
• Stick Pen (Blue, Black, permanent, erasable)
• Spiral Notebooks
• Colored Pencils

Supply Wish List for High School Students 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades
• Sturdy age/size appropriate backpacks
• Highlighters
• Pocket Folders (2 or more)
• Pencils (No. 2 or mechanical)
• Pens (Blue, Black, permanent, erasable)
• Spiral Notebooks

Stephanie Ellis from The Winning Minds Group

2010-08-03T12:28:00.002-04:00

Stephanie Ellis from Tom Hopkins The Winning Minds Group seminars presented a mini-seminar at today's sales meeting. She reminded us of these things:

The 3 stressors in our lives:
1. Finances and debt
2. Marriage, relationships and family
3. Health

Successful people maintain balance in their lives by setting goals in the 7 areas of their lives.

Attitude is the willingness to express your thoughts and feelings on what you perceive. You can have a positive (passion, driven, persistent, commitment) attitude, or you can have a negative one (lazy, complaining, excuses, procrastination). You decide.

The 7 fundamental selling skills are:
1. Prospecting (referral or non-referral)
2. Original contact (trust/like/respect)
3. Qualification skills (be sure you know who the decision maker is)
4. Presentation skills (how you present yourself)
5. Overcoming objections
6. Closing skills
7. Follow up and get referrals (just ask).

Top 3 "C's"- Nasty Words you should not use:
1. Commission
2. Contract
3. Sign
4. Cheap

Winning Minds has a seminar this coming Thursday and Friday at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Novi from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See Lisa Bohlen if you are interested in attending, special pricing may be available.

Last Week's Closings (Thursday & Friday)

2010-08-02T13:00:00.003-04:00

Last Week's Closings (Monday - Wednesday)

2010-08-02T12:59:00.001-04:00

Closings - Week of July 19 - July 23

2010-07-28T09:01:00.002-04:00

Several closings pushed to the last week of July. And that was one big closing of Elizabeth's!

Closings Week of July 12 - July 16

2010-07-28T08:53:00.003-04:00

Look at all those Sandy Kretzschmar closings - way to go!

Top Agents for June Announced

2010-07-27T10:48:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to John Bogdasarian! Scott Bohlen announced that John was Preview Properties.com's top producer for June 2010. Other top salespeople recognized in today's meeting for June production were Michelle & Nick Lycos, Sandy Bailey-Bristol, Todd & Holly Koch, Priscilla Watts, Rich Kownacki, Jerry Hale, Robin Love, Greg Garwood and JoAn Hauber.

Preview Properties Road Sign is up along US-23

2010-07-23T12:29:00.003-04:00

FYI - they wouldn't let us use "Preview Properties.com" because they have a policy about not advertising websites. I told them it was our name, but that didn't do the trick for them. Anyway, this makes all the work in the heat last week worth it, now all those people driving north and south along US-23 in the Silver Lake / Whitmore Lake areas will see our branding.

Shredding

2010-07-23T12:24:00.003-04:00

Shredding - my favorite topic after yesterday. We got rid of over 100 boxes of transaction files and other old documents with the help of Shred Corp. And we got a new shredding box, so if you have documents you need to get rid of, put it in the box and it will be picked up every 4 weeks with shredding done on site. The shredding box is locatedon the first floor near Larry Myer's desk.

Adopt a Highway cleanup crew

2010-07-16T15:34:00.003-04:00

Photo above is while we were still smelling like roses today...before we jumped in our cars to clean up the US-23 roadside between Silver Lake and Whitmore Lake exits. It was a nice, sunny day and the temperature was around 86 degrees. After three hours on the road, our faces were a bright red, we were sweaty and tired and ready to catch up on business. What did we find? Lots of paper cups, plastic grocery bags, styrofoam, a little girl's bicycle in perfect condition, a high heeled shoe, a few golf balls and yes, even a few items that looked like meth waste. We are responsible for cleaning up the roadside three times per year. We get bright yellow vests and special garbage bags to use. We will have a plaque on the roadside - north and southbound - that says "Adopt a Highway - Preview Properties Real Estate" erected soon.

The following people are pictured in the photo (left to right) and did the heavy lifting. THANK YOU! Michael Ewing, Chris Bonish, Nancy Bohlen, Lisa Bohlen, Joette Bickel, Sandy Kretzschmar, Lois Bota, Joe Barscewski and Jennie Steudle. Rick Kretzschmar also helped (and by the way got us signed up for this in the first place) - but was camera shy :)

For more photos see our Facebook fan page.

Last Week's Closings

2010-07-12T14:58:00.001-04:00

Guidance from 30 top agents under 30 years old

2010-07-08T11:05:00.002-04:00

A few months ago Scott Bohlen ran through these bullet points in a sales meeting and I thought it might be something we needed to refresh ourselves on. This advice from 30 to Realtors under 30 years old came from the Realtor magazine:

Network and seek mentors
Don’t play games - no gimmicks, it’s about getting the job done
Know your buyer’s mindset
Be a community leader
Set big goals
Focus on the positive - surround yourself with positive people
Think beyond the deal - your reputation lasts beyond that one deal
Know your market cold - understand the economics of supply and demand
Discipline matters- said and done
Get real with people
Give it all you’ve got
Don’t be a stranger to clients - call every client weekly
Incorporate old school techniques - 100 calls a day and 20 thank you notes
Show compassion
Never say you can’t – believe at your core anything is possible
Live by the code – understand your obligation to your clients
Give them an experience
Don’t take shortcuts
Don’t let adversity break you – keep your head up when things are tough
Farm, farm and farm some more
Serve your associates well
Broaden your knowledge – learn all the time – ask questions
Be a team player
Develop a web of influence
Get up, dress up, show up
Success breeds success
Avoid surprises – talk to people about the process
Get the details right – complete the small tasks as well as the large ones
Build an impeccable image – touch past clients 4 times a year

Last Week's Closings

2010-07-08T10:54:00.000-04:00

Last Week's Closings

2010-07-01T14:48:00.000-04:00

Closings - Week of 6/14 to 6/18/10

2010-07-01T14:46:00.001-04:00

LACASA Garden Tour Tickets

2010-06-30T08:32:00.004-04:00

We announced at the sales meeting yesterday that we would have a lottery for LACASA Garden Tour tickets based on the number of times people signed up for floor time slots for the next week. JoAn Hauber was the lucky winner. If you are keeping track, JoAn won the "free lunch" last week too because of her guesstimate on some statistics. Way to go JoAn! Preview Properties is a sponsor of the LACASA Garden Tour this year.

Sales Meeting Info

2010-06-22T09:49:00.002-04:00

Here's some info Scott shared at the sales meeting today:

1. Mortgage rates are low. 30 year fixed conventional is around 4.875%. FHA rates are around 4.75%.

2. Homes are affordable. Monthly mortgage payments as a percent of household income is down 28.5% - from 21% to 15%.

3. Homebuyer tax credit extension is being considered right now, Senate passed the bill yesterday but it is attached to a jobs bill that must still be passed by the House of Representatives. The extension would take the required closing date out 90 days.

4. In Livingston County, the months supply of single family homes was 12.3 in May 2009 and 8.0 in May 2010. This is a drop of 35.8%.

5. The inventory of homes under $250,000 has dropped from an 8.9 month supply to 5.9 month supply - or a 34% drop in inventory.

Pink Party Queen

2010-06-18T12:51:00.003-04:00

Yep, that is our own Joette Bickel, rockin' the pink at The Pink Party in Howell last night. The party benefits the Greater Lansing Affiliate Susan G Komen for the Cure.

What's Your Home Worth?

2010-06-16T10:40:00.004-04:00

Have you been wondering what your home is worth these days? How you could sell your home for the most money? Preview Properties.com will host a home value seminar tonight at 6 p.m. at the Brighton office, located at 130 W. Grand River (right downtown). Contact Lisa at lbohlen@previewproperties.com or 810-220-1505 if you have questions. We hope to see you!

Last Week's Closings

2010-06-14T11:34:00.002-04:00

Last Week's Closings

2010-06-08T15:14:00.003-04:00

Top Producers for May announced

2010-06-08T11:02:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to John Bogdasarian! Scott Bohlen announced that John was Preview Properties.com's top producer for May 2010. Other top salespeople recognized in today's meeting for May production were Priscilla Watts, Diann Shott, Jennie Steudle, Robin Love, Val Potts, Sandy Bailey-Bristol, Sandy Kretzschmar, Chuck Withey, Pat Welgs & Norm Burmeister and Andy Karas.

Open House on Sunday

2010-06-04T10:17:00.002-04:00

Open House - Sunday 6/06/10 from 1 to 3 p.m.

2380 W. Corlett, Brighton, MI 48114

Custom built home with 3,400 total living space open floor plan ranch. Eye to detail in both what is seen and what isn't. One fortunate buyer will be able to move right in and enjoy all the seasons and watch nature at play. Walkout LL professionally finished w/10' ceilings, kitchen, full bath, bedroom, laundry & fireplace. Master suite has door wall to deck, skylights and huge walkin closet. NEGOTIABLE! Listed by Elizabeth Fairchild of Preview Properties.com.

Cell Phones for Soldiers

2010-06-02T10:36:00.003-04:00

Joette Bickel, Preview Properties.com Realtor, recently reported that we have collected over 2,300 cell phones locally. For each used cell phone donated, 60 minutes of prepaid cell use is provided to a soldier overseas. We're still accepting used cell phones for this program at our Brighton office.

For a CBS video on the program, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPdHyeTIcPA

Last Week's Closings (Thursday & Friday)

2010-06-01T15:21:00.000-04:00