Why Work With a Preview Properties Agent?
Preview Properties is a full-service real estate team based in downtown Brighton, Michigan with an office in the Lansing area, helping clients buy, sell, lease, and invest in properties across Michigan. We handle residential homes, new construction, vacant land, and commercial real estate, giving clients a one-stop shop for nearly any type of transaction. With a team of experienced agents, we focus on communication, professionalism, and using modern tools to keep clients informed and confident throughout the process.
Expert Guidance
We help buyers navigate today’s market, write competitive offers, understand pricing trends, and manage contracts and timelines—so you buy with confidence, not guesswork.
Objective Advice
You get honest guidance focused on your goals, your budget, and what truly matters in your purchase.
More Buying Power
We provide full MLS access, early opportunities, and real sales data—so you see everything as it becomes available.
Strong Negotiation
We represent your interests by negotiating price, terms, and inspections to put you in the best position.
Current Market Expertise
Laws change. Markets shift. We stay current so you do not have to.
Steady, Ethical Support
Buying a home is emotional. We stay calm, professional, and always act in your best interest.
Meet Lisa Bohlen
I grew up in Livingston County and am a proud graduate of Howell High School and Michigan State University. After beginning my career in financial management—spending eight years with Redman Homes (now Champion Homes) and 16 years with Gannett Company (now USA Today Co.)—I returned home in 2008 to join my family at Preview Properties as a Realtor and controller.
In 2015, following the passing of our mother, I stepped into the role of principal broker. Continuing our family’s legacy in real estate has been incredibly meaningful to me. While helping clients buy and sell homes is always rewarding, one of the greatest joys of my work is supporting the agents on our team as they grow and succeed in the communities they serve.
In 2025, Preview Properties merged with Keller Williams Living, allowing us to combine our strong local roots with expanded tools, technology, and agent support while continuing to focus on the relationships and service that have always defined our business.
Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering with The Ark, the Detroit Zoo, and the Michigan Angus Association, as well as cycling, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family.
Scott Bohlen and Team Support
Taking care of clients and helping them achieve their goals is what I love about real estate. After 24+ years of assisting over 1,400 clients buy or sell a home in both challenging and prosperous economic times, the lessons I have learned and experiences I have had allow me to provide the best possible advice to my clients. My experience includes residential, vacant land, development properties, investment properties, and commercial properties.
Scott Bohlen lives in Hartland, Michigan and has been selling real estate for 23 years at Preview Properties in Brighton. Since 2001 he has successfully closed over 1,250 transactions at a value of over $344 million.
Scott Bohlen Highlights
- Hour Detroit Magazine – Top 5% of Southeastern Michigan Realtors
- Livingston County Association of Realtors – Realtor of the Year
- Livingston County Association of Realtors – Volunteer of the Year
- Livingston County Association of Realtors – Board Member
- Chairman – Realcomp Shareholders, representing over 16,000 Realtors
- Livingston County Association of Realtors – President
- Homebuilders Association of Livingston County – Board Member
Buyer's Agent Responsibilities
- Help buyers understand market value and pricing strategies
- Identify homes that match your needs, budget and goals
- Provide access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
- Offer guidance on neighborhoods, schools and resale value
- Schedule and coordinate private showings and tours
- Prepare and submit competitive purchase offers
- Negotiate favorable price, terms and contingencies
- Review contracts, disclosures and required paperwork
- Coordinate with lenders, inspectors and title companies
- Keep buyers informed every step of the way
Experience, Knowledge, Commitment
Experience: With years of experience in real estate, we’ve guided clients through all types of markets and situations. You can count on me to handle every step with professionalism.
Local Knowledge: We know the neighborhoods, school districts, market trends, and what makes each area unique. This local insight helps you make confident, well-informed decisions.
Availability & Commitment: We’re responsive, dependable, and here for you when it matters most. We take pride in keeping you informed throughout the entire process.
Team Support: Preview Properties, powered by Keller Williams, blends local market expertise with the strength of a world-class real estate brand. Our clients benefit from proven systems, advanced technology, and a collaborative network designed to deliver results.
Why Homeownership Still Matters
Owning a home is more than a milestone. It can be the foundation of long-term stability, wealth, and peace of mind.
Clear Communication Makes the Process Easier
Buying goes more smoothly when expectations are set early and communication stays simple.
What Buyers Need to Know About Representation
Recent industry changes put more emphasis on transparency, written agreements, and negotiable compensation.
As you've probably heard, the National Association of REALTORS® recently instituted changes to bring more transparency to the home buying and selling process. In March 2024, NAR agreed to a settlement to resolve nationwide lawsuits alleging that longstanding commission practices prevented competition and artificially inflated real-estate transaction costs.
Five key takeaways
- Buyers now sign a written agreement with an agent before touring a home.
- Buyers can negotiate the length and terms of representation, including the services provided and the amount or rate of compensation.
- In Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreements, compensation must be clearly stated and is fully negotiable between the buyer and their agent.
- Home sellers cannot advertise offers of compensation on a Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
- Sellers can still state they are willing to discuss concessions, such as offering to pay a buyer’s closing costs.
Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop
Getting pre-approved helps you understand your budget and strengthens the offers you submit on a home.
Check your credit
Pull your own credit report and make sure there’s nothing odd on it.
Gather financial documents
You will typically need W-2s or tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and identification.
Choose a lender
Shop around and compare multiple lenders or mortgage broker options.
Fill out the application
Your lender will run credit and review income as part of the pre-approval process.
Get your pre-approval letter
This shows how much home you can afford and strengthens any offers you submit.
Mortgage Do's
- Check your credit early
- Get pre-approved before shopping
- Gather your financial documents
- Keep your income steady
- Respond quickly to your lender
Mortgage Don'ts
- Do not open new credit cards
- Do not finance a new car
- Do not make unexplained large deposits
- Do not quit or change jobs
- Do not miss any payments
- Do not ignore your lender’s requests
Know Your Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves
When looking for a home you should identify the things that you need and the things that you want. For example, you might need to be within a certain drive time from work but want a pool. That’s why working with an agent is so important. Preview Properties agents know the area inside and out.
After an initial consultation your agent will identify the properties available on the market that fit your criteria and price range. Once you narrow down your choices, your agent can schedule showings and discuss options.
Home Search Worksheet
What Happens Once You Find the Right Home
A strong offer is about more than price. Strategy, timing, and local knowledge all matter.
Writing an Offer
When you find a home you’re excited about, we’ll help you and your lender pinpoint the strongest offer price and terms. We also connect with the listing agent to learn what matters most to the sellers—timing, competing offers, deadlines, and any details that can give us an edge.
Negotiation
Once your offer is submitted, the sellers will either accept, reject, or come back with a counter. If negotiations begin, we use our experience, strategy, and relationships with local agents to help you get the best possible outcome while keeping the process moving smoothly.
Home Inspection
After your offer is accepted, we’ll schedule a professional home inspection. This is your opportunity to uncover any hidden or potential issues with the property.
Move Forward Confidently
The inspector will provide a detailed report so you know exactly what’s going on behind the scenes and can make confident decisions about moving forward.
What New Home Buyers Need to Know
When you buy a home in Michigan, the property’s taxable value resets to roughly half of the purchase price, which often causes a tax increase compared to what the previous owner paid. After that first reset, future increases are limited under Proposal A.
Your actual tax bill depends on local millage rates, which vary by city, township, and school district.
Estimated Taxes
Use the state estimator when comparing homes and planning your monthly payment expectations.
www.michigan.gov/taxes/property/estimator
Understanding Closing Costs
One thing every homebuyer needs to be aware of—especially first-time buyers—is the cost of closing. These fees typically total about 3–4% of the purchase price. For example, a $300,000 home would generally have $9,000 to $12,000 in closing costs.
If you are financing the property your lender will provide you with this information. If you are paying cash, we will provide an estimate.
Typical Buyer Costs
- Home inspection
- Property appraisal
- Property survey
- Deposit
- Title insurance - lender’s policy
- Property insurance
- State recording fees
- Property taxes, utilities, and condo fees
- Private mortgage insurance if applicable
- Escrow fees
- Home warranties
- Moving costs
How the Closing Process Works
The closing process is the final stage of your home-buying journey, when all the details come together and the property is officially transferred into your name.
Closing Disclosure
A few days before closing, your lender will provide a Closing Disclosure. This document breaks down the final terms of your loan and all associated closing costs.
Final Walkthrough
The final walkthrough usually happens 48 hours or less before closing. During this visit, you’ll check the property to ensure it’s in the agreed-upon condition and verify that any requested repairs were completed.
Signing the Closing Documents
On closing day, remember to bring a government-issued photo ID. You may meet with the seller and other parties to sign the necessary paperwork, including the deed and mortgage documents.
Paying Closing Costs
You’ll need to bring a cashier’s check or arrange a wire transfer depending on the amount and title company requirements to cover your closing costs and any remaining down payment.
Even After Closing, We're Still a Resource
Closing on your new home may end the buying process, but we hope it’s just the beginning of our relationship.
Helpful Local Contacts
Utilities and Internet
- DTE - 800-477-4747
- Consumers Energy - 800-477-5050
- Comcast - 800-934-6489
- Wow Internet - 866-496-9669
If shopping outside of this area we can provide contact information and phone numbers for your local community. We can also give you a list of trash removal services and local township phone numbers.
Schools and Community Resources
- Brighton Area Schools
- Fowlerville Community Schools
- Hartland Consolidated Schools
- Howell Public Schools District
- Pinckney Community Schools
- Livingston Educational Service Agency
For a complete list of our preferred vendors please visit previewproperties.com/preferredvendors.
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
"Best Agent EVER!!! Lisa has been with us from moving to a different city, rentals, to purchasing our first home. She has been beyond kind and professional. Not to mention always being there for us on the drop of a dime. House hunting can be very difficult and frustrating and Lisa has made the process very much tolerable."
Jason & Danielle1282 Durwood Ct - Brighton
"We knew right away Scott was the realtor we wanted to work with. He is a great guy, very knowledgeable and professional. He was always available to answer our questions and give his advice. He made the process of selling a home, which many times can be extremely stressful, easy and smooth."
Bill and Doris Highland1725 Clover Ridge - Howell
"The best real estate professional in Michigan. You will be super lucky if you have Lisa as your agent, broker, or advisor. She is patient, friendly, very knowledgeable, professional, communicative, and very experienced."
Cliff WilliamsPinckney
"Scott did a great job selling my house and was very easy to work with. He went above and beyond what was necessary which led to the house selling above asking price!! We would highly recommend him to anyone! We've now used Scott to buy a house, sell a house and buy property...all three experiences were awesome."
Dave and Katie KempeinenHowell
Let's Talk About Your Next Move
Whether you are buying your first home, moving up, relocating, or simply want smart guidance on timing, value, and the process, Lisa Bohlen is ready to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
- Lisa Bohlen
- Cell: (810) 599-5680
- Office: (810) 220-0000
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.previewproperties.com