Lauren McCown- Realtor

10/24/2024

Our house is going up for sale!!

If you or someone you know is interested in living in an AMAZING neighborhood on the west side of Ann Arbor, please reach out to me! I loved this house and am so proud of all the work we put into it.

If you're curious, here are the photos!

View this amazing property, images, and listing information.

05/12/2024

Thank you to everyone that participated in my Mother's Day giveaway!! Being a mom is so special to me and I hope that each of you gets spoiled a little extra tomorrow to celebrate YOU!

THE WINNER IS...drum roll.....
Misty Bernhart!!

Congrats on winning a $200 spa gift card!!

05/10/2024

Now I talk a lot about Ann Arbor, but in this video I'm giving you the 8 Best Cities to live in in Michigan that aren't Ann Arbor.

Whether you're looking for that small town rural feel or luxurious and upscale living, or something in-between, I guarantee one of these 8 cities will have everything you'll need to find the perfect home and lifestyle.



https://youtu.be/ohKklBNQnew

05/06/2024

05/03/2024

If you're intrigued buy the concept of house hacking, or you're ready to begin your house hacking journey, I'm covering what house hacking is, and giving you a step by step guide to get started.

Whether you want to reduce your living expenses, generate passive income, or accelerate your journey to financial independence, house hacking is a great way to do it.

Let's dive into 7 steps to starting your house hacking journey!



https://youtu.be/hWsNJgJLYxk

04/29/2024

Are you ready to take the plunge and buy a home, but aren't quite sure how to choose the right neighborhood? It's a common conundrum.

Location plays a crucial role in your quality of life and your property's long-term value. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this crucial decision.

1) Identify Your Priorities
Consider proximity to schools, parks, shopping, and work. Think about your lifestyle and must-have amenities.

2) Online Research
Use the power of the internet to gather information about potential neighborhoods. Websites like NeighborhoodScout and City-Data offer insights into things like crime rates, schools, and demographics. Google Maps can give you a feel for local amenities, traffic patterns, and more.

3) Get A Feel For The Community
If possible, spend the day walking around. Visit the local parks, coffee shops, and restaurants. Often, this will tell you everything you need to know!

4) Check School Districts
Research school ratings on websites like GreatSchools.org, and make a trip to see for yourself.

5) Keep Future Development In Mind
Research any planned projects that could positively or negatively change the neighborhood. Look into home value trends to see if it's a smart long-term investment.

Remember, finding the right neighborhood doesn't happen overnight, but the research and exploration can be part of the fun of your home buying journey. When you're ready to dive in, I'm here to assist every step of the way. Send me a message, and let's help you find not just the perfect house, but the perfect neighborhood too!

04/26/2024

Have you heard about Milan, Michigan?

Pronounced "My-Linn", Milan, Michigan is one of my favorite small towns about 30 minutes outside of Ann Arbor.

If you're thinking about moving to Michigan and you're looking for a more affordable option that's a little slower-paced and gives you more space between your neighbors, Milan is the perfect fit.

I'm covering all of the reasons that Milan is a solid and more affordable option to live than Ann Arbor. And if you don't end up wanting to move there, you'll at least want to visit.



https://youtu.be/svTz7ZUNXqM

04/19/2024

If you're someone who doesn't mind rolling up your sleeves and getting a little messy, this is your step by step guide to buying and flipping your first house for a profit!

I've been through this process twice with my own homes, during the height of the real estate market, so I'm here to tell you it's absolutely possible!

I'm walking you through everything you need to know to be prepared for buying and flipping a house, and on a budget!



https://youtu.be/_gzbW1D-1ds

04/17/2024

Mortgage rates hit their highest point in over two decades this year.

There. I said it. But that's not the end of the story. Here's why.

Even though interest rates are higher than many of us would like, you can still go after your homeownership dreams and save on a mortgage. Here's what I'm sharing with prospective homeowners this November.

1) Consider an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
An ARM is a great option for a monthly payment that's lower than the payments available with fixed-rate loans, or for buyers convinced rates will drop by the time the introductory period ends. Keep in mind that a year from now, some experts are predicting 30-year rates will be around 5.25% and 15-year rates around 4.875%.

2) Pay for points to buy down the rate.
If you have extra funds at the time of purchase, you can pay for mortgage points. With mortgage points, you pay a percentage of the loan upfront in exchange for a lower interest rate – and a slightly lower monthly payment. Just make sure you calculate your break-even point. If rates drop and you can refinance before you hit the break-even point, buying down your rate may not be worth it.

3) Work on your credit score.
If time is on your side before applying for a mortgage, improve your credit by paying bills on time, lowering your credit utilization (using under 30% of your total credit line!), reducing credit card debt, and addressing credit report errors. In the long run, a higher credit score will save you on your mortgage.

4) Shop around.
Always, always, always shop around for your mortgage. Same thing goes for homeowner's insurance. Rates and premiums vary widely, so talking with multiple lenders and carriers will ensure you have the best price on both.

If you're interested in learning more about how to keep your mortgage payment low, I'd love to chat and help you explore your options to find the best solution for your needs.

04/10/2024

From good to GREAT!

When it comes to an agent making an impact at a listing, the little things *are actually the BIG things.*

Of course, it's critical for us to nail the obvious things like killer photos & videos, staging and pricing your home right…but there's more!

Go ahead and swipe for what I believe to be small tweaks that take a listing from good to great.

04/02/2024

This is a tale about resilience...And the protagonists of this story are millennials.

They've faced their fair share of challenges with higher interest rates, home prices, and the struggle to save for a down payment while renting. The market conditions have not been the friendliest.

It was reported that 67% of millennials regret not buying a home when rates were lower. A remarkable 78% of you are still open to the idea of buying a home, even if it means navigating higher-than-average mortgage rates and making some compromises.

Today I'm sharing a few clever ways l've seen millennials get started on their home buying journeys, despite the setbacks.

Getting in the game:
Buying a home just to get into the game, living in it for two years, then using the proceeds to level up to a more desirable home. The key here is to start building equity - then keep going!

House hacking:
Buying a duplex or home with a mother-in-law suite and renting it out on airbnb or to a longer term tenant to reduce costs.

Creative financing:
Looking into creative financing options - there are some incredible loan programs that offer reduced or 0% down payments. (I'd be happy to connect you with a stellar lender who can put together a few great options!)

Recasting:
l've seen some paying slightly over the asking price to seal the deal then recasting or refinancing their mortgage at a later date to reduce monthly payments. (Of course, it's critical to not over-extend yourself.)

If you're interested in taking the first steps towards owning your own place - Grab some time on my calendar (link in my bio). Your path to homeownership could be closer than you think!

03/29/2024

Ann Arbor is one of the most sought after housing markets in all of Michigan, and I'm often asked from people wanting to move here why Ann Arbor is so expensive.

Regardless of how costly it is, people are still willing to pay the higher price tag to live in Ann Arbor, so let's dive into why Ann Arbor is so expensive and what makes it such an appealing city.



https://youtu.be/Ho6Szfg2Krw