House Michigan!, a new cable television show designed for Michigan residents, will air on cable stations statewide beginning this. The new program will provide practical information and advice for Michigan residents on homeownership, affordable rental housing, ending homelessness and creating vibrant cities and neighborhoods, which are all things we care about here at Ralph Roberts Realty.

From Keith Molin, Interim Executive Director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA):

“This is a program that goes right to the core of what’s vital to the quality of life for every person living in the state of Michigan. Residents will learn about affordable, safe and secure mortgage loans, mortgage refinancing loan options, how to prevent foreclosure, affordable rental housing options, including rental for people with special needs, and where to go for help with homelessness and domestic violence issues.”

House Michigan! programming will provide realistic advice to improve the quality of life for everyone and lead to vibrant cities and neighborhoods across the state. Molin hosts the program himself, which includes interviews invited guests.

According to the MSHDA, House Michigan! has been released to more than 80 cable stations statewide and is expected to run multiple times throughout each month, with new shows produced monthly. Check local listings for air dates and times.

As many people in the local area know, our founder–Ralph R. Roberts–has developed deep expertise in helping consumers fight the good fight against real estate and mortgage fraud-related scams. According to FBI statistics, real estate and mortgage fraud cost the American public over one billion dollars in 2005. This is double the amount from the year before, and if the prognosticators are right, 2006’s losses will be even higher. Many people may not realize they are victims until they find themselves in foreclosure or are facing eviction. Bottom line: For many people, the American dream of homeownership has become a nightmare.

With that in mind, we are pleased to announce that starting in January, Ralph will host a monthly teleconference call to offer free advice to consumers on how to avoid real estate and mortgage fraud, and what to do if you believe you have been targeted. January’s call–which will cover the signs of real estate and mortgage fraud and will give listeners tips for both prevention and solutions if they feel they?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ve been scammed–is scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, 2007, at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Subsequent calls will be scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month.

There is no charge to participate in Tuesday’s call (except for normal long distance telephone rates if applicable), but registration is required. To register, please contact Ralph’s assistant, Kym Johnson, at (586) 751-0000 or email her at kymjohnson@ralphroberts.com.

It’s the first day of Summer, 2006, and here at Ralph Roberts Realty, we just love Summer and the Fourth of July (but truth be told… what we really love even more than the Fourth of July are Fourth of July Fireworks). With that in mind, here’s a rundown of local festivals and fireworks displays for this year’s celebration:

New Baltimore Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival
Thursday, June 22, 2006 at dusk
Waterfront Park
Admission: Free
Many events scheduled June 21 - 25
Phone: 586-725-7172

Port Huron Fireworks Display
Saturday, June 24, 2006 at dusk
on St. Clair River; Acheson Site
Admission: Free
Phone: 800-852-4242

Roseville 9th Annual Fireworks Celebration
Saturday, June 24, 2006 at dusk
Veterans Memorial Park
Admission: Free

Melvindale Days Fireworks Show
Sunday, June 25, 2006 at dusk
Kessey Ice Arena at Allen Rd. and Greenfield Rd
Admission: Free

Grosse Pointe Woods
Sunday, June 25, 2006 at dusk
Rain Date: Monday June 26, 2006 at dusk
Parcells Middle School; Mack and Vernier (8 Mile)
Admission: Free
Phone: (313) 343-2440

Livonia Spree ‘56
Sunday, June 25, 2006 10:15 PM
Ford Field; Lyndon and Farmington Road
Admission: Free
Phone: 734-466-2200

Center Line Celebration
Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at dusk
City Park, Lawrence at Engleman
Admission: Free
With concerts: 6:30 - 9:45 PM
Phone: 586-757-1610

Wayne Fireworks Display
Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at dusk
Rain Date: June 29, 2006 at dusk Attwood Park
Admission: Free
Festivities start at 6 PM
Phone: 734-721-7400

International Freedom Festival
Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 10:06 PM
Rain Date: Thursday June 39, 2006 10:06PM
Detroit River
Admission: Free
Phone: 313-923-8259

Mt. Clemens
Friday, June 30, 2006 at dusk at the Riverfront
Admission: Free
Phone: (586) 469-4168

St. Clair Shores
Friday, June 30, 2006 at dusk
Veterans Memorial Park on Jefferson at Masonic
Admission: Free
Live entertainment, food, and a lot of fun!

Greenfield Village Annual Salute to America
Friday, June 30 - Sunday, July 3, 2006 at dusk
Greenfield Village, Dearborn
Games, contests, Detroit Symphony Orchestra concert

Woodhaven 4th of July Celebration
Friday, June 30, 2006 at dusk
Rain date: Saturday, July 1, 2006 at dusk
Civic Center Park on Hall Road
Admission: Free
Festivities begin at 7 PM with live music, food, and more!
Phone: 734-675-4926

Grosse Pointe Farms
Saturday, July 1, 2006 at 10:00 PM
Rain Date: Sunday July 02, 2006 10:00 PM
Lake Shore Drive waterfront; near Moross on Harbor Hill
Admission: Free
Phone: 313-343-2405

Stony Creek Metropark
Sunday, July 2, 2006 at dusk
near Utica/Rochester
Admission: Vehicle permit
Phone: 586-781-4242

Harrison Township
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 at dusk
Belle Maer Harbor/Mac Ray Harbor Fireworks

Sterling Heights
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 at dusk
Freedom Hill Amphitheater
Admission: Free, parking $5
Phone: 586-268-7820

Ecorse
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 at dusk
Dingell Park, West Jefferson
Admission: Free
Phone: 313-386-2520 x 232

Westland Summer Festival
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 at 10:00 PM
Central City Park - behind Westland City Hall
Admission: Free
Fireworks may be seen from various locations near City Hall including the William P. Faust Public Library and the Wayne Ford Civic League.

Taylor Summer Festival
Friday, July 7, 2006 at dusk
Heritage Park; Pardee between Northline and Goddard
Admission: Free
Phone: 734-374-3906

City of Fraser Picnic and Parade
Sunday, July 23, 2006 at 10:00 PM
Steffens Park, 14 Mile and Garfield
Admission: Free
Parade, food, music, games, rides and fireworks
Phone: 586-294-0450