Maureen Francis, Birmingham MI

Trulia Pro
"Tech Savvy Oakland County Realtor"
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Maureen Francis, Birmingham MI, Real Estate Professional in Birmingham, MI
MVP'08
  • 717 Answers
  • 35 Best Answers
  • 311 First Answers
  • 472 Useful Answers
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About Me

Thank you to all of our great clients who made 2008 our best year in real estate!



Today's South East Michigan real estate market is like no other we've seen. We've worked on developing strategies for our clients to get the best possible results, whether they are buying or selling.

Local Realtors have called us the "Most Tech Savvy Realtors" in the Southeast Michigan market. We don't know if that is true or not, but we do know that the tools we have implemented give our clients a leg up over their competition. Metro Detroit home sellers we represent have better exposure to a broader array of qualified buyers. The buyers we assist are armed with information and our skilled guidance to help them make the best choices in a new home.

It's not all about the technology either. Most home buyers and sellers find they really need expert advice, information and advocacy. That is what we are here to provide.

Sellers, we have one of the most innovative marketing programs you will find. Our results speak for themselves. In 2008, the majority of our listings were sold in two months or less. Among other things, we can "feature" your home on Trulia, so it will come up higher in search results. But that is only a small portion of our comprehensive marketing strategy which is focused on getting your home the attention it needs from qualified buyers and their agents.

Dmitry and I work with Cartus, that nation's largest relocation company, and are frequently helping people moving for a first time to Metro Detroit. Our company is a preferred broker in the Cartus network, and we also help many sellers transition to new destinations. Dmitry is a transplant himself. He was born in Ukraine, where we met, so he is well acquainted with relocating to the area. I was born and raised in Birmingham, and we chose to return here to raise our family.

In today's Metro Detroit real estate market, you can come out ahead, whether you are buying or selling, if you have good representation.

If you are in need of real estate marketing services or buyer representation, please call us at 248.430.4450.
Testimonials
"Maureen is a local expert who has helped a number of my clients with real estate transactions in and around Birmingham/Bloomfield/Troy. She utilizes technology and a innovative approach to assist all types of clients from discerning high net worth individuals to first time homeowners buy and sell real estate."
Brian Brass, Guaranteed Rate, Mortgage Professional Sat Feb 21
"Maureen worked tirelessly to get our house sold in a challenging Michigan economy, and with great results. My wife and I were impressed by her breadth of knowledge of the market as well as her ability to utilize a wide variety of advertising channels to sell our home. From start to finish, we were completely pleased with Maureen's real estate services. We heartily recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell a home."
Ryan Hamilton Mon Feb 2
"Maureen is an exceptional real estate professional bringing years of experience, intimate market knowledge, and targeted advice to ensure a successful transaction. My husband and I greatly appreciated her focus and commitment to getting our house sold in a short timeframe for a work transfer. I highly recommend her to anyone interested in working with a highly competent real estate professional."
Ann Bueche Mon Feb 2
"Maureen's best work was in helping us sell our house. It was marketed extremely well and with a lot of upfront work done with other realtors. As a result, it sold in less than a week. She also was very helpful in helping us find two houses that were a great fit for our family. I'd work with Maureen again in a minute. She's a great asset who really knows her stuff."
Betsy Ballard Mon Feb 2
My Q&A View all »
Maureen Fran…'s Questions (32)
Maureen Fran…'s Answers (717)
Susan, Other/Just Looking in Ann Arbor, MI

What’s with the extra realtor fees?

Asked Wed Jul 1 2009, 12:02 by Susan  -  Home Buying in Ann Arbor  -  14 answers
Maureen Francis, Birmingham MI answered:
Fees and commissions are negotiable. Discuss them with the agent you are working with and there will be no surprises. - Wed Jul 1 2009, 12:27
Swan, Home Buyer in Sacramento, CA

Is it wise to make a full price offer on a short sale of a house when you have not been able to see interior.?

Asked Mon Jun 22 2009, 16:00 by Swan  -  Foreclosure in Core City  -  9 answers
Maureen Francis, Birmingham MI answered:
Wise. It could be.

Are you purchasing an investment property or something you will live in?

I've come pretty close to selling houses without the buyer walking through the door. I've done that by taking pictures and video for out of town/overseas buyers. It's not ideal, but it can be done.

If it is an investment property, I have heard that many investors in the City of Detroit are making offers without going in. They might do drive-bys and then have their agent right it up. But these are EXPERIENCED investors who know the neighborhoods and are mostly looking for cash flow on these homes.

Why can't you see the interior? Is the seller not letting you in? If the seller is not actively participating in the short sale, then it is not going to happen.

Good luck! - Mon Jun 22 2009, 21:06
Jeff, Real Estate Pro in Livonia, MI

Do Realtors usually avoid showing houses with the status marked "CCS"?

Asked Thu Jun 18 2009, 19:07 by Jeff  -  Home Selling in 48150  -  7 answers
Maureen Francis, Birmingham MI answered:
Sure they avoid showing it. If you have an accepted offer, nobody wants their client to fall in love with something they can't have.

I usually call the listing agent to find out why it is ccs. I don't use CCS for financing. I use pending, and don't allow showings. - Thu Jun 18 2009, 19:36
Notephesus, Home Buyer in Tuscola County, MI

Can my parents co-sign for a land contract for me and then, later remove their names from the contract?

Asked Thu Jun 18 2009, 14:55 by Notephesus  -  Home Buying in Tuscola County  -  5 answers
Maureen Francis, Birmingham MI answered:
Once you can qualify for a loan on your own without their backing you can get their name off of the land contract. Until you qualify alone, I can't see someone removing their names.

Good luck! - Thu Jun 18 2009, 18:25
Tracylynn726, Home Buyer in 48045

Buying house July, marrying August, make too much single for credit, well with in limit married, can we get it

Asked Mon Jun 15 2009, 15:26 by Tracylynn726  -  Home Buying in 48045  -  5 answers
Maureen Francis, Birmingham MI answered:
TracyLynn,

Congrats on your upcoming home purchase and wedding! You have an few months ahead.

Take a look at the IRS site and see if it find some answers to your questions. A call to your tax adviser would also be a good idea.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=187935,00.html - Thu Jun 18 2009, 10:54
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My Listings
1795 Holland St, Birmingham, MI 48009 1795 Holland…
$450,000
3 br  3 ba  
6147 Carey Rd, Commerce Township, MI 48382 6147 Carey…
$367,900
5 br  4 ba  
1702 Hickory Bark Ln, Bloomfield, MI 48304 1702 Hickory…
$464,900
4 br  4½ ba  
900 Millpond Ct, Northville, MI 48167 900 Millpond…
$1,000,050
6 br  6 ba  
5396 Piccadilly Cir, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 5396 Piccad…
$250,000
4 br  2½ ba  
1000 Glengarry Cir, Bloomfield, MI 48301 1000 Glenga…
$1,650,000
4 br  3½ ba Listing Web Site
View all 28 listings
Specialties
We specialize in luxury homes, first time buyers, and innovative marketing for sellers.
Experience
Latest:
Realtor for SKBK Sotheby's International Realty
July 2001—present
Certifications & Awards
e-Pro, Top 12 Women Real Estate Blogger 2007
Interests
Gardening, reading, technology, family.
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