Local 'Mortgage Mom' Sees Positive Real Estate Trends

Kelly Belcher started processing loans when she was in high school; now, it's her full-time career working out of the Plymouth Key Mortgage office.

Farmington Hills resident Kelly Belcher writes loans for a living and says more of her clients are moving on up.  "I see a lot of people selling their homes, seeing a profit and upgrading," said Belcher, who blogs at michiganmortgagemom.com. "My husband and I bought a house four years ago when the market was down, and we have equity now." Working out of the Key Mortgage office in Plymouth and from her home, Belcher made an early decision to pursue a career in real estate. "Early", as in high school. "I started working as a processor after school," the Ladywood High graduate said. "I bought an investment property when I was 19 ... I'm very into real estate. I like redoing houses, that's where it all started." It was an interesting choice, …

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What Should Occupy This Plaza Space in Plymouth Township?

Visions for Vacancies: What type of business would you like to see on Ann Arbor Road in Plymouth Township?

Several storefronts in and near the Plymouth Township retail plaza anchored by Grand Traverse Pie Company sit vacant, awaiting new tenants.  One property we're focusing on this week is on the opposite end of the plaza from Grand Traverse Pie Company, alongside Batteries Plus. The space is ideal size for a retail establishment or mid-sized eatery. What would you like to see in this spot? Tell us in the comments!

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What Should Move Into This Vacant Ann Arbor Road Property?

Visions for Vacancies: Storefront alongside Grand Traverse Pie Company sits vacant.

Several storefronts in and near the Plymouth Township retail plaza anchored by Grand Traverse Pie Company sit vacant, awaiting new tenants.  One property we're focusing on this week is the one located between Grand Traverse Pie Company and Batteries Plus. The space is ideal size for a retail establishment or mid-sized eatery. What would you like to see in this spot? Tell us in the comments!

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Laird Glass & Upholstery Sets Up Shop at New Plymouth Township Location

Family-owned business has been in Plymouth community since 1983.

Laird Glass & Upholstery has set up shop at its new building at 42320 E. Ann Arbor Road in Plymouth Township, moving from its previous location just down the road in the City of Plymouth.  Tim Laird, president of Laird Glass & Upholstery shares the story behind his business with Plymouth-Canton Patch.  When did your business start?: 1983 How did your business get its start?: Five of the Laird brothers wanted to open their own business. Since then, two have retired from the business but Tim, Terry and Mike remain. How did you end up in Plymouth?: Originally located on Main Street in Plymouth, the Plymouth-Canton area was a growing, exciting community. What kinds of goods and services do you offer?: Commercial, Residential and Automotive …

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Locally Owned William C. Franks Furniture Closing for Good

Nearly two years after fatal gas explosion levels store, Dearborn Heights business is closing for good.

Buy Michigan Initiative Sparks State’s Economy

More than 30 local businesses and non-profits showcase their Michigan made chops at the Great Lakes Showcase Monday.

Say "bye-bye" to foreign products and buy Michigan! That’s what the owners of more than 30 Michigan-based companies and non-profits are hoping customers will do. They featured their products at the Great Lakes Showcase at the Southfield Westin Hotel on Monday. “If Michigan people buy Michigan stuff, the economy will improve for everyone. It’s really simple and basic—but true,” said Rejeana Heinrich of Standish, MI, a self-proclaimed sisterprenuer, who in conjunction with her two sisters launched Michigan-Made.com, a website dedicated to selling only Michigan-made products. The Buy Michigan campaign, which is supported by Gov. Rick Snyder, has paid off for Michigan-Made.com, which has seen a 400 percent sales growth in the past year. In …

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Ed Primeau

9:10 am on Saturday, January 21, 2012

I believe Michigan is on the come back. Our business has been growing over 75% each year since we moved to Rochester Hills. Back to the original question, I still love Vernors Ginger Ale even if they did leave Michigan. Riddley's on Rochester and Wattles is one of my favorite local businesses.   more ›

Business Buzz

Dearborn Resident to Take Over Plymouth Showroom of DeGiulio Kitchen & Bath

The showroom will switch hands from Dearborn-based Degiulio Industries to Sharer Design Group at the end of December.

As of Dec. 31, Dearborn-based kitchen and bath remodeling company, Kitchen & Bath by DeGiulio, will transfer ownership of its Plymouth showroom to Sharer Design Group, LLC. Sharer Design Group will take over the showroom space at 975 W. Ann Arbor Trail in downtown Plymouth and will open for business on Jan. 3. The company, owned by Dearborn resident Justin Sharer, will offer remodeling, design and installation services, as well as full interior design assistance. The showroom will include displays of different types and brands of cabinetry, appliances, fixtures and countertop samples. A full-time interior designer will be on staff to offer services such as color, paint and furniture selections. Sharer, who served as head designer and …

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Plymouth-Based Software, Game-Development Company Looks to Future

Stardock Corporation, owned by Canton resident, plans next move after deal with retail giant GameStop.

When one walks into Stardock Corporation’s Plymouth Township headquarters on Beck Road, a typical corporate atmosphere might not be the first vibe that comes to mind. In lieu of a front-desk receptionist is a young, bearded man in a purple t-shirt, cut-off shorts and flip-flops. This is Matt Bertsch, a technical adviser for the independent software company. On his desk sits a variety of emptied craft-beer bottles, statuettes, a variety of props and an opened deck of playing cards.  Bertsch explains that the usual receptionist just moved to Dallas for other Stardock-related duties as he retrieves Brad Wardell, the president and CEO of Stardock, who occupies a top-floor office with his dog. Wardell, a Michigan native who now lives in Canton …

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