How long have you been in real estate?: "I've been a realtor for just over a year."  What is your favorite part of being in the industry?: "Helping people accomplish a goal/dream. For many people, home ownership has a special significance - independence, adulthood, freedom, security, etc. I love helping guide and coach people toward that achievement."  What are the areas that you work the most in?: "I live in Ferndale and focus on nearby communities, but I'm also happy to work with families throughout Metro Detroit. I don't want to limit my clients' search."

What is the craziest thing that people have asked you for?
"Not so crazy, but very specific. One client wanted to make sure they could see the sunrise so we had to ensure that was possible with each house we looked at."

In your experience what are the top “wants” for your clients?: "Wants really depend on the clients. Folks heading into retirement are looking for something than young families just getting their start. Both overall, people are looking for a good value for the price they're paying, being in a specific location, as close to move-in ready as possible." Top “ Needs”?: "Most clients are specific about the minimum square feet, # of bedrooms, most people need a basement or garage. It totally depends on the client, but that's what I'm here for - to listen and help find a home that meets those needs." What spaces sell homes?: "Nicer, updated kitchens and bathrooms will always continue to help sell a home. There's also a shift to having more privacy (fencing), outdoor space, and extra rooms/nooks for home offices."

What is the weirdest thing you have found walking into a home?: "In one home, there were multiple signs posted warning about the dog (not to pet it, don't open the garage because of it, etc.) and a person home in their PJs watching TV." Do you feel that clients are more open to DIY and renovations or they prefer a “move-in-ready” space?: "Clients are still trending towards more move-in ready spaces. Small updates like painting, changing handles on kitchen drawers, tearing down drop-ceilings, are all projects my clients feel like they can manage. And I can help them look past what's there and see the potential."   ​

If you could move into your ABSOLUTE dream home tomorrow what would this look like? 
Out in the country where we couldn't see our neighbors with an in-ground pool (or waterfront access), updated indoor and outdoor kitchens, a soaking tub with a great view, and a reading nook.

What is sustainability?: Sustainability is the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.

Humans lack of knowledge and effort have been the main causes for the diminishing supply of natural resources that the Earth has to left offer to come ( FACTS). Therefore, it's our job to prepare for long term  and find ways to be more eco-friendly even down to the spaces we inhabit everyday. This is so that the Earth can stay livable beyond the lives of our great grandchildren. Everyone has heard of recycling and most try to do their part; with that being said, my goal is to inform you on ways to be more eco-friendly in your home that may have not crossed your mind in the past. I want to use this platform to give you ideas that allow you to find what works best for you and your family in creating a daily routine that encourages sustainable living!

To Get started... Here are some areas to consider evaluating in creating a sustainable household:

Your.....Building materials Insulation  Windows  Heat, ventilation, air conditioning  Lighting  Appliances Furniture  Flooring  Paint Plumbing fixtures  Maintenance habits ​Waste

Welcome Linda Raveau!

How long have you been in real estate?: I’ve been a full-time real estate agent since 2011. I began my career at Real Estate One for 5 years than transitioned to Re/max where I still am today. What is your favorite part of being in the industry?: Helping people get to that next level with a purchase or sale of a home. I work with a lot of first time home buyers and it always excites me to see the joy on their faces when they get the home of their dreams. In your experience what are the top “wants” for your clients?: I work in the Royal Oak area and most buyers prefer hardwood floors, newer kitchens with stainless steel appliances, 2 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, 2 car garage, basement, and a fenced in yard.

Top “ Needs”?: It always boils down to space, so most buyers need 2-3 bedrooms, and want either a garage or basement for storage.

If you could move into your ABSOLUTE dream home tomorrow what would this look like?: I have always loved the work of Architect Sarah Susanka, and author of the book “The Not So Big House.” Her concept is that quality comes before quantity and that big isn’t always better. So my dream home would be designed and built around this concept and would incorporate more personalized spaces than my current home, such as having an art studio, or a room designated for workouts and yoga. In light of this pandemic, I think people will be home more moving forward and our living spaces will become more personalized. It will definitely be interesting to see how homes evolve in the years to come. Check out Susan Susanka here!

What are the areas that you work the most in?:My business is pretty much equal between working with buyers and sellers and they are typically first time buyers or buyers looking to downsize. There are some agents that only focus on seller’s and have a team of buyer’s agents, however, I like working with both buyers and sellers. This way when I go to sell a home for a client, I have a pulse on how the market is moving and what buyers are looking for in a home. What is the craziest thing that people have asked you for?: I wouldn’t say there has been anything crazy someone has asked for, but there are some buyers who are just unrealistic. I’ve dealt with some buyers who have a very low budget and want certain areas with top of the line features. I will show them houses that they desire but slowly they begin to realize they are not getting everything they want for the price they had in mind. It’s just a learning curve for them.

What spaces sell homes?: Kitchens and baths

What is the weirdest thing you have found walking into a home?: In the Royal Oak area there are many homes that are really small (below 1000 square feet). This one home installed their Refrigerator in the wall leading down to the basement, so you had to step down to the landing then reach up to open the door to the fridge. You would need a step stool to reach items in the fridge… how crazy is that! Do you feel that clients are more open to DIY and renovations or they prefer a “move-in-ready” space?: When I began real estate in 2011 no one wanted to renovate a home, they wanted move-in-ready. As prices continue to rise and the inventory levels tighten, buyers became more open to homes that needed renovations because there wasn’t enough move-in-ready on the market. I’ve always been a fan of buying a fixer upper. This way you can personalize the home to your liking. Ultimately with move-in-ready homes, you are buying someone else’s taste and most of the time there is still something you won’t like that you’ll change… so why pay for it.

Tell us something unique and interesting about the experience you provide for your clients?: Prior to getting into the real estate business, I worked as an administrator for upper level executives organizing and managing their businesses, and I was very good at that job. I did it for over 30 years. So transitioning those skills into the real estate business has made me very efficient with the processes. The real estate business is a very complex business with many moving parts and I'm known for getting my buyers and sellers through the process rather smoothly with the least amount of pain. And as a little bonus, I have been an artist all my life and have a degree in interior design which I’ve used to help clients prepare their homes for the market or buyers looking to do renovations. I’m able to share with them the knowledge I have and what’s going to get them the most bang for their buck.

How do you feel about the Professional Partner Program? I love the program and have referred The Collected program to my clients. There is definitely a shift happening and I can see more people doing renovations to their homes that are interested in getting help and this is a perfect option.

Let's get started with our FIRST Real Estate Partner feature: Jackie Cone!

How long have you been in real estate? : "This is my third year" What is your favorite part of being in the industry? : "I love helping people find their dream home. I listen to what they are looking for and guide them to find that perfect place for them." What are the areas that you work the most in? :"I am based out of Downriver, but I work all over the state. I have helped people with a Lake house to a building in Detroit. No matter where my client wants to go in the state I can help. "

In your experience what are the top “wants” for your clients? "Really depends on the client, but no matter what there need is I focus in on that and help to make that want a reality."

Top “ Needs”? : "Area School District house size" What is the craziest thing that people have asked you for? : "I had a client that was very particular on where the light came in. So I had to check the location of the home to make sure she got a lot of light in the home." ​What spaces sell homes? : "Kitchen or Master Suite is the 2 things buyers love"  Do you feel that clients are more open to DIY and renovations or they prefer a “move-in-ready” space? : "Move in ready."

What is the weirdest thing you have found walking into a home? "I once was in a home and found a lot of creepy dolls. The owner had a whole room displaying all of them. It was weird."

Tell us something unique and interesting about the experience you provide for your clients?" I make sure they know the entire process start to finish. I send weekly updates and make sure they understand what is going on during the whole process. This is the largest purchase that any person will make and I make sure they are comfortable and informed." -- Side Note this is what Jesus and I LOVED about Jackie, we knew we were getting the straight info throughout the whole process! -- The photo below is from our Housewarming turned Engagement Party! So grateful for her hard work in getting us to this point!

How do you feel about the Professional Partner Program? "I think this is a great way for us to network and learn from other business professionals."

Shedding Some Light on Sustainability

Lighting in your home is one of the most affordable ways to  incorporate a more sustainable way of living. ANNDDD It can actually save you money to use eco-friendly products. A combination of natural light and artificial lighting, when used in the correct way, can make your home a greener household. Light is something we tend to forget about; but the funny part is, without it, we would not be able to see anything else! We take light for granted without realizing its’ impact on our everyday lives. With this in mind, the actual amount of energy lighting takes up is rarely something we think about. We expect that when we flip the switch that the light is never ending and will always be obtainable.

Artificial lighting accounts for 20% of electricity usage in a home. However, by making small changes, we can reduce this number down to 10%!!!

Types of Lighting With all of the lighting options available, incandescent lighting takes the cake for the least sustainable. It uses the most energy and lasts a fraction of the time in relation to the newer, more efficient options that have been created. The two most common lighting types outside of incandescent are fluorescent and light emitting diodes (LED). Fluorescent light bulbs use 65-75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times as long! THAT IS NUTS!  Furthernmore LED’s  use 75%  less electricity and last x25 times longer than fluorescent! LED’s are the best option to put in your home as they are the most eco-friendly option.  These bulbs are much more obtainable now than they were just a handful of years ago. Also more affordable. Plus think, if your new LED bulb lasts x25 longer then your lifetime cost outweighs your initial cost!

"A circadian rhythm is a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. It can refer to any biological process that displays an endogenous, entrainable oscillation of about 24 hours."

Natural Light Using daylight to its full potential can DRAMATICALLY reduce the energy costs of using artificial lighting in your home. If you understand the direction that the majority of light enters your space you can best design the complimentary use of artificial lighting to work in the most efficient manner .  Also consider smart placement of reflective surfaces to bounce the light around each room and therefore needing less and less artificial light! If your'e in the market to buy a new home, pay attention to the direction that the majority of your windows face. This will give you an idea of how much natural light will be in your spaces daily.

Small Steps You Can Take to be More Eco-Friendly The idea of trying to adjust all of the lighting in your home can seem totally overwhelming so don't try to solve every problem at once! Here are some small steps you can take to be more ECO-Friendly with your lighting at home! 1. Switch to LED bulbs : x25 times the lifespan of incandescent bulbs & 75% less energy use ​2. Use dimmers : They use less wattage, extend the life of your bulb, and have the ability to adjust the temperature of lighting to suite different times and acitivites of the day.