SW Michigan Real Estate Community Voice

  I have spent over 25 years helping buyers find their right home. I can help you find your right home. I have years worth of helpful information on my website for you to explore. Even if you have bought a home in the past this information might be of interest. I cover mortgages, hiring an agent, free home searches and much more. If you have any questions just ask .

  Part 4 of my series on discrimination n Real estate is about the Fair housing Act. This shows buyers and sellers the dos and do n0t's, rights and penalties under the law. It is a important law that guarantees that no one can refuse to sell or lease property to anyone because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity and national origin. Please checkout the whole Fair Housing Act with the United States Department of Justice. I have included some excerpts from the ACT. Sec. 805. [42 U.S.C. 3605] Discrimination in Residential Real Estate-Related Transactions (a) In General.--It shall be unlawful for any person or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate against any person in making available such a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of such a transaction, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. (b) Definitio

In Part 3 of discrimination in real estate        I want cover the  One America Principles.      These principles were  created by the Department of     Housing and Urban Development ( HUD ) in 1997.  The information on One America Principles is long  but is very important to all buyers.     Here is a list of  principles that I follow:I welcome you and want to do business with you. I will base my decision and opinions of you on who you are, not on any preconceived stereotypes or ingrained value judgments. I subscribe to the federal Fair Housing Act and its principles. I embrace and celebrate the strength that diversity brings to our communities and our nation. I will help you find opportunities to buy the home you choose. I will market home ownership to the public and reach out to people who may not know that home ownership is a realistic option. I will make sure you know there is a full range of housing choices available to you and encourage you to consider all communities an

    In Part 2 of my blog on NAR’s (National Association of Realtors) Discrimination in Real Estate, I am proud to announce that I have received my (AHWD At Home With Diversity® designation through the National Association of Realtors. I have  attended the seminar that  covered an in-depth discussion on Diversity, One America Principals and the Fair Housing Act.  The most important thing I took from the discussion was the meaning of diversity.  I am going to start with the meaning of Diversity. “Diversity means to consider all people as unique and recognize, understand, and appreciate their individual differences and multiple perspectives without judgment. Diversity is often associated with race and ethnicity, but we are diverse in a wide variety of ways, and dimensions of diversity also include “gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.” If you missed Part 1 please check out the NAR - National

  NAR ( National Association of Realtors®) Training to Tackle Discrimination in Real Estate       This is Part 1 in my series on how The National Association of Realtors® (Nars ) is trying to handle discrimination in the real estate industry.    I am passing on the information about what NAR’s is trying to do and how I am responding. The National Association of Realtors® is America's largest trade association, with more than 1.4 million members that are involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. They are the #1 industry leader in support of the fair housing act. At the end of 2020 The National Association of Realtors® announced a new interactive trainin g platform designed to help combat discrimination in America's real estate market.The National Association of Realtors® has on going anti-discrimination training and backs efforts that encourage diversity, fight racial bias and build more inclusive communities. Please check out the NAR - Na

  With summer here we need to be more careful about how we transfer our watercraft, trailers etc. from one water source to another. Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) is one of eight types of milfoil aquatic plants found in Michigan that is not native to Michigan. EWM has been in the US since the 1960’s. This invasive water plant grows quickly and forms a thick mat or canopy below the water and on top of the water. EWM kills off native plants, hinders fish, waterfowl and affects the water quality. The plants spread by floating on the water or attaching themselves to boats, motors, trailers, water crafts, bait buckets and fishing equipment. The EWM causes problems for boaters, swimmers and fishermen. Lake organizations and local areas can effectively treat milfoil with selected chemicals early in the summer before plants flower. Some ponds and lakes find hand pulling and removing the milfoil from the water a simple and effective control method for small areas. Harvesting, raking or screening

The Great Lakes Burn Camp is a non profit organization located in Western Michigan. Their mission is to help burn survivors interact in a normal atmosphere with other burn survivors. The camp has survivors from ages 6-17 that help each other heal, grow and bond with each other. They are  financially dependent on fundraisers and donations . Some of the fundraisers include: motorcycle runs, sport tournaments, charity balls and chili cook offs. Check out their camp brochure . Niles is having a motorcycle run “Burn Run” on June 25,26,27. If you are interested in helping or want more information check out their website . If you think that someone you know could use this information please send it on. I have more safety tips and special non profit blogs on my Val Cares web page. Valerie Bomberger ABR, AHWD Re/Max Harbor Country. 

The Burn Run is a fantastic motorcycle weekend located in Niles , Michigan each year in July to benefit The Great Lakes Burn Camp . The motorcycle run was started in 2001 to help raise money for children who have been affected by fire. The weekend includes live music, food vendors, downtown stores and merchandise vendors. The Nile firefighters and community invite everyone to come and support a great cause. If you are not a bike rider do not worry. Come and enjoy a great weekend. If you are interested in helping or want more information check out their website . This year the ride is going to be June 25,26,27 2021.  If you think that someone you know could use this information please send it on. I have more safety tips and special non profit blogs on my Val Cares web page. Valerie Bomberger ABR, AHWD Re/Max Harbor Country.

  I have gathered some information on Recreational Water Illness that might help you understand where the problem comes from and how to avoid getting ill. Around the country there is a health concern about Recreational Water Illness. The Centers for Disease Control states that all bodies of water contain microorganisms, no matter how clean a lake or river may look. Contaminants include heavy rainfall, animal feces and agricultural runoff. Most Recreational water illnesses are germs spread by swallowing or having contact with contaminated water in lakes and rivers etc. Around the country Public Health Departments have implemented health campaigns to get individuals to take preventive steps to minimize health risks for themselves and their children. Recommended steps to help prevent Recreational Water Illness It is important to avoid both getting water in your mouth and swallowing water Avoid swimming in water that appears, cloudy or smells Avoid swimming after a heavy rain Do not feed s

Summer is just around the corner. I know you and your boat are just waiting to have fun. Make this summer’s boating fun a safe one by keeping these boating and personal watercraft safety tips in mind: Don’t overload, observe weight limits Always wear a life jacket Know the waters you are navigating. Always carry a map Report accidents immediately Boating and alcohol do not mix Use your lights at sunset, before sunrise and when foggy Littering is illegal No harassing water birds Take a boat safety class I have more safety tips and special non profit blogs on my Val Cares web page. Valerie Bomberger ABR, AHWD Re/Max Harbor Country.