Articles Tagged "REALTOR®"

Technology has made it possible to buy and sell property with very little in-person contact. In fact, you can be an entirely different city during your real estate transaction. Our real estate agents have helped many buyers find new homes using video conferencing and other online tools. Here are their top 5 tips for anyone who is interested in buying a home remotely

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You're ready to sell your home, but you aren't sure if you can handle the task on your own or if you should hire one of our real estate agents. We think it's important for potential home sellers to understand what a real estate agent does so that they better understand the value and convenience provided by an agent. Here's what you need to know. 

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Planning to buy or sell a home in Livingston County this summer? Understanding the latest real estate trends is one of the key ingredients in the recipe for accomplishing your goals, and our team always has an eye on the data to help you stay informed. That data can give you an edge over the competition, whether you're making an offer or positioning your home for a sale. Our real estate agents have all of the latest details in our Livingston County Market Activity report for May 2022.

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Keeping up with the latest real estate trends is part of the job for a real estate agent, but it can also be very beneficial to you as a buyer or seller. As always, there is plenty of data to evaluate on Livingston County real estate this month. Our real estate agents have all of the latest details in our report on February Market Activity for Livingston County.

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Thinking of buying or selling a home in Livingston County? The more you know about the latest trends in the local real estate market, the easier it is to accomplish your goals. We keep a constant eye on the real estate trends in our area so that you can make informed decisions based on the latest data. Our real estate agents have all of the details in our report on October Market Activity for Livingston County.

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Planning on buying or selling a home in the Livingston County area this year? A strong understanding of the latest local real estate trends is key to success, whether you're buying, selling, or simply gathering information to help you plan what to do next. Our real estate agents keep a constant eye on the latest real estate trends in the area, and we've got all of the details in our August Market Activity Report for Livingston County.

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When the real estate market favors sellers, our real estate agents know that it's common for homebuyers to get into a bidding war. A bidding war occurs when two (or more) potential buyers put in offers on a home at the same time.

If one offer includes terms or conditions that are more favorable, the seller can select that offer. However, it's also possible that the buyers will need to revise their offers one or more times until one offers a higher price. Here are some guidelines to follow when you're in a bidding war. 

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At Griffith Realty, our real estate agents are always working hard to support the success of our clients.

A big part of that commitment is staying engaged with every detail of how our local market is changing. By identifying trends, we help you reach your real estate goals here in Livingston County.

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Our real estate agents work with many military veterans interested in buying a home. Servicemembers have unique access to a special mortgage loan program sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Known as the VA home loan, it provides mortgage loan options with favorable terms and few upfront costs.

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When you're ready to decorate – or redecorate – your home, you'll need to find the right style of your décor to suit your tastes and also work with your lifestyle. It's often difficult to know exactly what type of style would work best, which can make you procrastinate or buy items without much thought and regretting your purchases later.

Take the time to figure out the right style of décor for your home with the following tips from our real estate agents:

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Fall offers so many opportunities to celebrate the change of seasons by changing things around in our homes. Subtle or striking, these changes are easily achieved by bringing fall outdoor colors and accents inside your home. Start at the porch and the front door, and work your way through the home. Our REALTORS® recommend making these seasonal decor changes, not only to get you in the mood for fall fun but also to attract attention if you're planning to sell your home.

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As we make our way into autumn, many men and women are strongly considering settling into a house in Livingston County. Dozens of families, professionals, and students have weighed their options throughout the summer and are now ready to decide whether or not they're ready to begin the next chapter of their lives in a welcoming new home. Our real estate agents at Griffith Realty are aware that your interests in buying or selling real estate may be changing right now as elements of your social and professional lives begin to normalize. Rest assured that you are not alone in this decision; many other homeowners and home sellers throughout Livingston County are weighing the same options.

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If you're planning to list your home for sale, you want it to look spacious and roomy, whether in a virtual or an in-person tour. But even when your rooms are of average size, they can look smaller if the home is dark, or if you have too many things crammed inside. Fortunately, our real estate agents can recommend several ways to stage your home, so it looks spacious and roomy!

Have a look at seven easy ways you can make your home appear more spacious.

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As we continue to move towards our "new normal", one of the seemingly larger obstacles many homeowners face is whether or not now is the right time to buy or sell real estate in Livingston County. Our real estate agents at Griffith Realty understand that this life-changing decision is only made more difficult with the increasingly uncertain times we're living in. While we may not know when much of our normalcy will return in our day-to-day lives, we can assure you that the real estate industry has adapted to the "new normal" and is offering unique opportunities for buyers and sellers throughout Livingston County to achieve their real estate goals.

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Need to sell your home as quickly as possible? Make sure that you take the time to stage your rooms and various spaces so that they better appeal to potential buyers.

After all, research indicates that staged homes sell 73 percent faster than properties that aren't staged.

To get the maximum benefits from your home staging, it's essential to know what pitfalls to avoid while preparing your home. Here are a few staging mistakes we've seen and how to avoid them. 

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With so much uncertainty clouding our everyday life, the last thing you need to worry about is whether or not you'll be able to successfully buy or sell a home in Livingston County. Our real estate agents at Griffith Realty understand the concerns our home buyers and home sellers have and want you to know that we are continually committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals. We may not know what life will be like in a post-pandemic world, but we do know that the real estate industry is already showing signs of recovery.

Current Market Activity in Livingston County

Like most areas of our nation, Livingston County has been negatively impacted by the spread of COVID-19 in nearly every way imaginable. As expected, the real estate industry did feel these effects over the last few months, and it's reasonable to assume that this industry, as well as most others, won't be "back to normal" for some time.

However, we are pleased to announce that the latest real estate reports measuring home sales in Livingston County are showing signs of improvement. Although life may not have returned to "normal," it's clear that buyers and sellers alike are adapting to our new normal by moving forward with their real estate plans. According to the most recent data regarding residential real estate activity in Livingston County during the month of May:

• Although the number of active listings was down from 2019, it has increased by 8 percent since April 2020.
  
  
• The median listing price for residential homes in Livingston County in May was $359,000, which was an increase from April 2020.
  
  
• Believe it or not, the average number of days a property sat on the market before being sold has decreased compared to May 2019.
  
  
• The median sale price for residential homes in Livingston County in May was $282,000.
  
  
• The number of properties sold decreased both year over year and month over month.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers in Livingston County? Due to the low inventory in Livingston County and home buyers now being able to go out looking for homes, the reported activity in the market is quite high. Homes are selling quickly and for close to list prices. Making June a good month to sell and a very competitive market to buy a home in.

Real Estate in the Age of the Coronavirus

If you're interested in buying or selling your home in Livingston County, we invite you to let us assist you through this process. The real estate industry is adapting and evolving to flourish in the post-pandemic world, and Griffith Realty has made changes in stride to keep all of our agents and clients as safe, confident, and worry-free as possible. Read more about the changes Griffith Realty has made to our operating methods, how you are impacted as a buyer or seller, and how you can do your part to keep everyone safe while achieving your real estate goals. Contact us today to learn more.

Griffith Realty has been the trusted name in Livingston County, Michigan real estate for almost 40 years. When people think of the area, they think of our real estate agents first.

We work with clients of all backgrounds, from residential buyers and sellers to condominium developers and builders, from single-family homes to industrial and commercial. We also offer real estate investment advice and counseling on the relocation process.

Clients come to us for real estate expertise they know they can rely on. Agents, on the other hand, come to Griffith Realty when they're ready to go to the next level in their career and their relationships within the community. We'll help you reach even more of your potential.

Now, we are looking for dynamic, experienced agents who are community-minded, ready to be challenged, and grow.

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The widespread presence of COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on the world. Though no industry was spared from the profound ripple effect the coronavirus has caused, the real estate industry was fortunate enough to adapt and evolve to meet the increased needs for safety and contactless transactions. At Griffith Realty, our real estate agents prioritize the health and safety of our families, friends, and neighbors which is why we have taken every action possible to protect buyers, sellers, and agents as they seek to achieve their real estate goals.

Real estate transactions in the age of the coronavirus will certainly be different, but these changes will likely result in a safer, streamlined process that benefits buyers and sellers alike. In anticipation of the Michigan governor easing the current restrictions in place for the real estate industry, we wanted to take a moment to share with you the additional precautions we're taking, and how these increased safety measures will impact your real estate experience.

How We're Changing Our Methods

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Potential homebuyers are browsing online listings to help them with their house hunting. With so many online listings at their fingertips, how do you make sure your home stands out from the rest? 

Follow these tips to make your home a showstopper. 

1. Remove Clutter
   Don't let clutter show up in your listing photos or video! If you've stayed in your current home for a while you likely have accumulated quite a bit of stuff. Nothing is as unappealing to potential buyers as a messy house. The presence of clutter in your home can decrease your chances of selling. Go through every room of your home and box up items you don't want or need anymore. Before you get your camera out, make sure you declutter first!
2. Enhance the Curb Appeal
   In the real estate scene, first impressions do matter. If your curb appeal and landscaping are impressive, you are more likely to attract potential homebuyers. Enhancing your curb appeal can make the difference in creating a lasting impression on house hunters.
3. Complete Thorough Repairs
   Pre-inspection repairs are important before selling your home. After all, no one will want to look at a house that has leaking pipes, broken windows, faulty wires, squeaking doors, and burst sewers. It's best to address these home improvement tasks earlier on instead of having a deal fall through near the finish line. Plus, getting these done early will give potential buyers peace of mind.
4. Clean and Polish the Floors
   Cleaning the interiors and exteriors is a tough job that you have to do if you want to make your home stand out. This includes vacuuming the hallways, entrances, and staircases and polishing the floors and finishes. Making these areas shine will make your online listing photos and videos shine as well! 
5. Depersonalize
   Potential homebuyers are not looking forward to buying your stuff, but your home. They want to picture their furniture, appliances, and other items in their potential new home. With this in mind, you should depersonalize your home by removing your collections and personal effects. Plus, removing your items will make the house seem bigger and increase your chances of making a sale.
6. Set the Right Price
   Setting prices can be a tough call given that a high price might scare away buyers, while low prices may question the true value of your property. However, the ideal way to go about it is to compare the prices of similar properties in your area. Doing so will give you an idea of how high or low you can go in terms of pricing.
7. Enlist a Real Estate Agent
   Real estate agents have vast experience in finding buyers and selling homes. Our real estate agents can help you with listing and effectively marketing your home.

Looking for more tips on getting your Brighton home to stand out on the market? Contact us today! 

We sure do love our pets! More than 85 million American families own dogs, and many communities are tailored to our furry friends. If you're looking for a neighborhood that will easily accommodate your pup, our REALTORS® have pieced together these tips to make your search easier.

1. Sidewalks
   For many homeowners, a sidewalk is considered a "nice to have" feature. However, if you own a dog, pin this at the top of your must-have list. Consider neighborhoods with wide, well-paved, and brightly lit sidewalks to ensure that you'll enjoy walks around the area with your furry friend. In addition to sidewalks, consider neighborhoods with trails to explore. It's a bonus if the neighborhood provides dog-accessible water bowls and waste bags.
2. Garbage Cans
   Public garbage cans allow you and your pooch to enjoy more pleasurable walks without having to take poop bags home for disposal. If you find a fully-decked-out doggy station with a garbage pail and disposal bags, you know you've hit the jackpot. Other than garbage cans, look out for cookies and water bowls. If your neighborhood is dog-friendly, you'll spot bowls filled with clean, fresh water outside business parks and shops. You may also find artisan dog cookies at various cash registers. Parks might feature multi-tiered fountains, with a special spout just for pets closer to the ground.

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Whether you're planning a brand-new garden or want to enhance what you've already got, using native plants used to Michigan's diverse climate can make maintenance more comfortable and save you time and money. Our REALTORS® love it when homeowners take great care of their yards with beautiful landscaping and colorful gardens. There's no doubt that curb appeal adds value to your home, and getting your hands dirty is good for the mind, body, and soul. These seven plants will make your garden an inviting, colorful oasis to enjoy for years to come.

1. Black Gum Tree (Nyssa sylvatica)
   This slow-growing tree can reach 30 to 40 feet tall, and provides gorgeous, vivid fall foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and crimson. Its dark bark and distinctive branching pattern also provide some visual interest in the winter. Squirrels and birds love its tiny, tasty fruit, and the black gum tree easily tolerates wet, clay soils and salt.
2. Common Ninebark (Physocarpos opulifolius)
   This hardy shrub grows 6 to 9 feet tall and can thrive in even the harshest conditions. Super easy to maintain, it grows in shade or sun and many different types of soil conditions. You'll enjoy pink and white flowers in the spring and summer, with red fruit birds love to eat in autumn.

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Don't wait until your home is on the market to get it in top-notch shape. Instead, ready your home for buyers before you even put it on the market. Get started on this list before adding your home to the inventory of Brighton homes for sale. 

1. Declutter Your Space
   Some homeowners want to wait until they're moving to get rid of unwanted items; instead, declutter every space in your room now so that your home appears clean and organized. Take decluttering a step further and pack away items that you seldom use (like holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, and old mementos) and store them out of view. Buyers will be able to view the details of your home better when furnishings don't hide them. Our real estate agents can examine your home and let you know if further decluttering is necessary. If you've gotten rid of as many items as possible but still need to pack more things away consider renting a storage unit.
2. Scrub Your House from Top to Bottom
   Now that your home is decluttered, it's time to make it gleam from top to bottom. Buyers are more likely to view a clean home as one that's been taken care of. A deep cleaning will also eliminate odors that may have accumulated over the years from spills, pets, and cooking. If you don't feel like you have the time or energy to give your home the cleaning it deserves, outsource the job to a cleaning agency.
3. Complete Minor Repairs
   If there are minor repairs you've been putting off, like fixing light fixtures, replacing broken hardware, or repairing dents and dings in your walls, now is the time to tackle these items. Minor repairs are relatively inexpensive, but they have a significant effect on the overall look of your home. A buyer may also believe that if you've neglected to make small repairs during your time in the home that you've also foregone larger, more expensive repairs. 
4. Stage Your Home
   Staging involves altering the appearance of your home so that it's as appealing to as many buyers as possible. Start by giving your walls and trim a fresh coat of paint. Stick with hues that are fairly neutral, like off-white shades, light gray colors, and beige tones. Then, set up each room so that potential buyers can better envision their lives in your home. Incorporate functional furniture that gives each room a purpose. Add accessories and home decor that brighten the room and make it more appealing.
5. Hide Evidence of Your Pets
   Your pets are beloved members of your family, but they can be a deterrent to some buyers. Buyers may believe that a home with pets is dirtier than a home without pets (even if that's not the case). On days when you have an open house or showing, have a plan in place to remove your pet from your home. Find a pet-friendly space where you can hang out for a couple of hours while buyers are checking out your home.

Have more questions about preparing your home to sell? Contact us today. 

Livingston County is located in the "thumb" region of southeast Michigan and is an excellent place to call home. It's rated highly in many statewide categories and also comes in ahead of many counties throughout the country.

Our real estate agents share the following 7 things you'll love about living in Livingston County:

1. Outdoor Recreation is Fun and Varied
   You won't have to struggle to find activities to keep you healthy and busy in Livingston County. You can golf at several courses in the county and pursue many popular activities at Island Lake Recreation Area, which is a balloon port and also has a shooting range, canoeing, volleyball courts, and spots where you can swim. And if you're into skiing or snowboarding, Mt. Brighton is well worth a visit as you're looking for Brighton homes for sale. It has 25 trails available on its 130 acres.
   
   
2. The Local Business Community is Vibrant
   Livingston County is home to many local businesses that make living here more fun and convenient. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as more casual options, so whether you're in the mood for a European deli setting, casual Italian, or something else, you'll find it here. You'll also be able to visit antique shops, doctor's offices, home improvement shops, and much more.
   
   

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As homes become more wired and technologically sophisticated, buyers are looking for smart home features to make their lives more convenient and secure. And it's not just younger buyers who want smart home features - they appeal to buyers of all ages.

Our real estate agents point out the following smart home features that today's buyers are looking for:

1. Home Security Cameras
   Many different types of smart home security cameras are available, but they usually have the following features: motion sensors, night vision, and two-way talk capabilities. Also, your smart camera system will come equipped with an app that gives you access to a live feed of camera views if you're away from home.
   
   
2. Programmable Thermostats
   These smart home features make your home more comfortable and can even help reduce your heating and cooling bills. They can be programmed to turn on before you wake up in the morning or return home in the evenings. Over time, they'll learn your habits and respond accordingly, keeping your home comfortable without running your HVAC unit unnecessarily.
   
   
3. Lighting Control System
   Smart lighting involves replacing your traditional light bulbs with smart bulbs, which work in your existing sockets. Using a hub that's connected online, you can then adjust your lighting from anywhere. You can program your lights to turn on before you come home from work or slowly get brighter as you prepare to wake up in the morning.
   
   
4. Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
   These detectors may not be the most glamorous smart feature, but buyers appreciate the convenient safety enhancements they offer. If they detect smoke or carbon monoxide, they'll send a text alert to your phone and will also warn you if their batteries are getting low.
   
   

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When you have to move quickly, your home may be vacant when you put it up for sale. Like anything else, there are pros and cons to selling a home that isn't occupied. Although you don't have to deal with the hassle of prospective buyers coming in and out while you're still living there, vacant Brighton homes for sale can be harder to unload because buyers may wonder why they're empty and if there's something wrong. Whether you're still in your home or need to move and sell it while it's vacant, our real estate agents can help you understand how to make it more appealing.

1. Make a Good Impression Online
   If you're going to be moving soon, clean up, stage your home and take photos of it before you move the furniture out. Send the photos to your real estate agent to add before it's listed online. An empty house may not seem like a big deal, but buyers who are looking for homes online often skip the vacant ones because it's hard for them to envision their furniture and possessions in the space. Some companies do virtual staging, which adds computer-generated furnishing to photos of the rooms.

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With so many real estate agents to choose from, it might feel overwhelming deciding what agent you want to help you sell your property. Before you put your home on the market, you need to know what you're looking for in a prospective agent. Here are the questions you should be asking when choosing a real estate agent for selling your home.

1. What kind of real estate experience do you have?
   When asking an agent about their experience selling homes, don't focus only on the number of years they've worked as an agent. This isn't always indicative of an experienced, well-informed agent. An individual may have worked as an agent part-time for numerous years, but only have experience dealing with a limited number of real estate scenarios.
   
   Instead, look for an agent who has handled an assortment of properties and scenarios. Should something go awry when you're selling your home, this will ensure your agent has the knowledge to handle the situation effectively. You also want an agent experienced with selling properties similar to your home in terms of location, price, and features.
   
   
2. How will you market my home?
   You want your agent to have a plan for marketing your home, and it should be a plan that you're comfortable with. Will the agent stick with traditional real estate marketing techniques, like open houses and listing your home in the local paper? Or, will they use more contemporary techniques, like sharing your home via social media and offering potential incentives to individuals who share your home with their friends and family? Ideally, the agent's marketing plan should give your home some internet presence (one that satisfies your comfort level regarding privacy about your private affairs).

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Listing your house in the winter involves a slightly different approach than attempting to sell in the warmer months. With the holidays and weather conditions impacting the way you present your home, you need to proactively take steps to ensure every showing is a success. Here are a few tips our real estate agents encourage homeowners to follow when selling your home during the winter months.

1. Consider Inspections in the Fall
   If you're hoping to list in the winter, we encourage you to get your home inspected in the autumn. Focus on inspections that cover these areas: the roof, HVAC systems, gutters, fireplaces/chimneys, air sealing windows/doors, pests/rodents, and mold/mildew. Fixing these problems ahead of your listing helps ensure that inspection issues won't disrupt the negotiations.
   
   
2. Prioritize the Exterior
   Curb appeal is important all year long, which is why you can't neglect your landscaping. Remove dead tree limbs or debris around the property and consider planting perennials to spruce up the space. You also want to remove hazards around the home like icicles or patches of ice and slush to ensure a safe space for your potential buyers. Make sure you keep the entranceways of the home clean as well.
   
   
3. Keep Holiday Decorations to a Minimum
   We recommend that sellers refrain from decorating their homes for the holidays. However, we also understand that many homeowners want to enjoy one last holiday season in their house. If you must decorate, we encourage you to choose lights and decorations representing the winter season and doesn't cater to one specific set of beliefs or traditions.
   
   

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The arrival of fall means a lot of different things to different people, but for our real estate agents, it means the return of our favorite flavors.

Nothing says fall quite like sipping a hot pumpkin spice latte while you watch the leaves change. If you're as excited as we are about pumpkin spice season, here's where you can get your coffee fix in and around Brighton, MI.

• Two Brothers Coffee Brew & Eatery - 423 W Main St, Brighton, MI 48116
  This vibrant coffee shop serves a wide range of coffee and espresso drinks, including all your seasonal pumpkin spice favorites. Two Brothers Coffee Brew & Eatery also offers up delicious baked goods, sandwiches, craft beer, and cocktails. Their menu focuses on local Michigan food and drinks, with a wide range of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Plus, with breakfast served all day, there's never a bad time to visit this warm, inviting coffee shop just around the corner from Brighton homes for sale. 

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Moving to a new town can be exciting, but also stressful. Our real estate agents strive to help clients find the right homes for them, but even the best Brighton homes for sale come with an adjustment period. That's only natural!

When you move to a new place, you have to learn routines all over again. It's easy to feel like you've been thrown off your rhythm. Give it a little time, however, and you'll be "street smart" enough to appreciate your new surroundings.

Let's look at some ways you can make a new town feel like home:

1. Start Meeting New People
   Even if you're happy with your move, leaving friends behind can be a drag. Get off to a fresh start by introducing yourself to your neighbors and others you run into. Busy adults can find it hard to make friends, so consider joining some clubs or community organizations.

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Get ready to say Buongiorno, Brighton — National Pasta Day kicks off on Thursday, October 17th. Our real estate agents love pasta of all kinds, including rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti! If you're looking forward to a celebration of carbs, have yourself a pasta party at one of these great Italian restaurants near Brighton.

1. Ciao Amicis — 217 W. Main St., Brighton, MI 48116
   Ciao Amicis is an award-winning Italian restaurant serving up the best pasta for over 20 years. Head downtown after touring a few Brighton homes for sale and enjoy a delicious dinner. All of their pasta selections come with freshly baked house bread and your choice of either a side salad or cup of soup. The Tortellini Diablo is perfect for those who like it spicy while the Gnocchi Abruzzo and Butternut Ravioli has a tasty creamy sauce.

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Our REALTORS® at Griffith Realty take pride in pursuing the highest level of knowledge and skill in the real estate industry. Our experience helps us deliver exceptional customer service and personalized advice to our customers considering Brighton homes for sale.

While there are many real estate agents in the United States, only a fraction are true REALTORS®. This distinction is easy for buyers and sellers to overlook, especially when you are buying for the first time.

What makes a REALTOR® special and why should you choose one?

Let's look at some of the most important reasons:

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