Changing the Name of A Township in Flint

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Changing the Name of A Township in Flint

Lacy Watson
Swartz Creek, MI · Member since 2017 · 3 posts · 3 votes

Hi Everyone! This is my first post on Bigger Pockets, I'm currently still in my Analysis and Research Phase and am starting classes for My REL Next week. I currently Live in the area surrounding Flint, Michigan. The economic downfall from the water crisis has definitely left this market...Interesting to say the Least. 

Currently the City Board Members and township board members are working on Changing the name of a Surrounding township. Flint Township to be exact.

They are going to Change the name to not associate with the City. Dropping the "Flint" affiliation. How do you think this will influence the Market? Granted, Crime and poverty levels won't change, but do you think this will increase First time home buyers to consider the area better than if it keeps it's Flint Affiliation? Anyone ever seen a similar strategy take place elsewhere in the country? Thoughts? TIA. 

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Robert Wright
Lansing, MI · Member since 2017 · 15 posts · 4 votes
9y
Saginaw has some of the cheapest houses ever rent there is usually no more then $600 you charge more than that you won't have any tenants it's a poor city honestly plus the crime but people from flint are moving to Saginaw because of the water crisis
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  • Andrew Glenn
    Temple, TX · Member since 2016 · 43 posts · 11 votes
    9y

    I'm from MI (but not that area). I don't think it'll affect things much. As you've already said, crime is crime and poverty is poverty. Something like that is going to make the news, and everyone is likely to refer to the new township as "Flint Township" anyway. 

    If Flint were a growing area similar to even Central Texas I think the dynamics would be different. My 2 cents...

    1Reply
  • Lacy Watson
    OP
    Swartz Creek, MI · Member since 2017 · 3 posts · 3 votes
    9y

    I can say, the commerce in Flint City (Specifically the Downtown area) is changing. And growing. I'm not sure how much of that is truly reflecting in home ownership. Crime seems to keep most middle class families from moving anywhere near the growing businesses for added costs as simple as higher insurance premiums and such. I did just find out that one other township in Michigan has done something similar to this...and it worked significantly to increase property value and change the way others viewed the area. Auburn Hills (A Suburb of Detroit with highly sought after property) used to be Pontiac Township. I'll be very curious to see if this works in a similar fashion. I appreciate your input, and agree with you. I think it's a stretch to put so much stock in a name...But I also hope for the best. 

    1Reply
  • Fred Heller
    Real Estate Agent/Property Management · Houston, TX · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 827 votes
    9y

    I think it's silly and won't make a difference. People from the area already know how good or bad an area is regardless of the name. For instance, everyone in the Saginaw area knows that Saginaw Township is a much more desirable place to live than Saginaw, even though "Saginaw" is in the name.

    It kind of reminds me of years ago, when I lived in the Detroit area. East Detroit changed its name to Eastpointe to disassociate themselves from Detroit. It didn't make any difference other than to make the people in East Detroit feel better.

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  • Tiffanie Vendryes
    Realtor · Boynton Beach, FL · Member since 2016 · 52 posts · 12 votes
    9y
    Fred Heller How is Saginaw Township? Terry Adams mentioned that town on one of the podcasts. How much are single families 3/2? It it an area that demands quality tenants? How much are rents out there?
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  • Lacy Watson
    OP
    Swartz Creek, MI · Member since 2017 · 3 posts · 3 votes
    9y

    @Tiffanie Vendryes I'm not sure about quality tenants in the Saginaw Area, I would find out if the schools are desirable there for families. BUT It might be a good market for the College Student with SVSU. I've highly considered investing with the College student in mind in places like East Lansing or Ypsilanti area. 

    I think @Fred Heller you are correct in that the people who already live here will know that it doesn't change anything. I guess I will be more curious to see if it brings people from other cities that are coming here for school, jobs etc and will make them more apt to renting/buying in that area. 

    1Reply
  • Robert Wright
    Lansing, MI · Member since 2017 · 15 posts · 4 votes
    9y
    Saginaw has some of the cheapest houses ever rent there is usually no more then $600 you charge more than that you won't have any tenants it's a poor city honestly plus the crime but people from flint are moving to Saginaw because of the water crisis
    2Reply
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