michigan: Sunflowers in Michigan
- 08/04/08 12:49 PM
We were going to our lake cottage this weekend at Manitou Beach, Mi. and passed the most amazing sunflower garden. We were driving too fast to stop but on the way home, I made my husband pull over to get some photos. There were at least 6 other cars doing the same thing. When I think of sunflowers I think of being in college and staying up all night playing bridge and eating sunflower seeds. I also think of all the baseball games I sat at with my boys, seems like that is a stable with baseball players. To see this … (39 comments)
michigan: Argieros Italian Restaurant in Ann Arbor
- 08/04/08 04:29 AM
Argieros Restaurant is located in the Kerry Town area of Ann Arbor, Mi. It is the only Italian Restaurant still owned and operated by a true Italian family. Argieros has been in Ann Arbor since 1977, and is family owned and operated. We love to go there, it is a relaxed atmosphere and the food is yummy. In the summer months there is a gated patio so you can enjoy being outside. My favorite dish is the lasagna and there is no comparison between Argieros and Olive Garden for Italian food. We met some friends there a few weeks ago that … (2 comments)
michigan: Ann Arbor Libraries are using Sustainable Design and Materials
- 08/03/08 01:45 PM
"A Mind is a Terrible thing to waste" The Ann Arbor Library is located at 343 S. 5th Street in Ann Arbor. We also have 4 branch libraries, Mallets Creek, Traverwood, West Branch, and Pittsfield. All the branches serve anyone living within the Ann Arbor School District and others can join for a fee.
Mallets Creek Branch was opened in 2004, and was awarded the 2005 American Architects Award for Sustainable Design. It features solar heating, a vegetated green roof, natural lighting, captured and filtered storm water. Most of the materials used are from renewable resources. To read … (7 comments)
michigan: CNN Money Magazine Ann Arbor is Number 27 in Top 100 cities to live in
- 07/14/08 11:34 PM
Ann Arbor, Michigan was just named number 27 in CNN's Money magazine of best small cities to live in. Here is a snapshot of the information on Ann Arbor. I thought it was pretty interesting that the photo they used was of the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, since I had just written a localism post on the Farmers Market. Excellent schools, affordable housing, restaurants, jobs were some of the criteria used to determine the winners. Since I have been blogging on Activerain, I have met many of you through your writing and as a looked through all the cities I … (20 comments)
michigan: 3486 Woodland Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- 07/14/08 05:22 AM
3480 Woodland Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Gorgeous piece of property in Geddes Farms subdivision in Ann Arbor, MI. Yes, there is a home there, but it is need of much repair to live in. The value is in the land. This is a 3.40 Ac property surrounded by trees on all four sides and is perched high on a hill. Rarely is there 3.40 Ac in Ann Arbor that comes on the market. If it does it is usually out further. This home is located off Huron River Parkway, in the Huron River Valley, across from the Huron Hills Golf … (6 comments)
michigan: Drew Barrymore makes directing debut in Saline, Michigan
- 07/10/08 05:47 AM
Yes, my town, Saline, Michigan is all abuzz with news of Drew Barrymore, making her directing debut here this summer. Flower Productions, a film company from West Hollywood, set up offices in downtown Saline last week. Mayor Gretchen Driskell and Mayor protem Alicia Ping worked hard and fast to get Verizon to set up extra connections for the filming in Saline. Michigan has been pushing the film and entertainment business in Michigan for the past year and the legislature gave tax incentives for them to come to Michigan. For more information on the Michigan Film Productions tax incentives, the highest in … (20 comments)
Stonebridge in located on the South side of Ann Arbor and is divided into two school districts, Ann Arbor Public Schools and Saline Area Schools. It is a Planned Urban Development (PUD) with over 650 homes. Stonebridge features executive homes, golf villas, condos, and single family residential homes. The Stonebridge Community is surrounded by the Stonebridge Golf Course, designed by Authur Hills. You can book T times on line and check out internet specials, or see a layout of the course all online. There are currently 27 homes on the market in Stonebridge. Six of the 27 are under … (11 comments)
michigan: Sunday, May 4th, Open Houses in Ann Arbor Area
- 05/03/08 11:40 AM
Charm galore in this 1930’s home located at 305 Ideal Street in Milan, Mi. Brick fireplaces surrounded by bookcases and beveled glass. Four bedrooms in 2 full baths. Remodeled bath, and 2 car garage added. Walk to downtown, parks and schools. Full finished basement. Open from 2-4, May 4th.
Take I-94 to Carpenter Rd. Carpenter Rd turns in to Dexter Ave. Turn left off Dexter onto Ideal.
2552 Fenwick in Ann Arbor OPEN from 2-4, Sunday, May 4th. This is a well maintained condo in Georgetown Commons. This condo is subject to a “short sale”. The hardship … (8 comments)
Just like the residential market in Ann Arbor, the condo market saw a reduction of the number of listings that came on the market in March by 47%.
The average sales price of condo's in Washtenaw County was $145,930. That is down over 28% since March of 2007. The number of closing is down 12%.
With both those things declining, sellers are noting that the lower priced condo's are selling faster. Buyers are very picky and with so many units on the market, they have a chance to be extremely picky. Sellers need … (11 comments)
michigan: Michigan Transfer Tax Act
- 04/07/08 12:26 PM
Attorney General Mike Cox issued an important opinion this week clarifying the proper application of an obscure exemption contained in the Michigan Transfer Tax Act. The opinion, arising out of a request from Representative Martin Griffin (D-Jackson), should afford certain home sellers immediate financial relief as Michigan’s real estate market continues its road to recovery. Exemption “t”, as designated in the Michigan Transfer Tax Act, sets forth that a seller may seek an exemption from … (23 comments)
michigan: Michigan Senate and House to Agree on Tax Reform
- 03/31/08 01:47 PM
The Michigan Senate passed legislation to hopefully stimulate the housing industry in Michigan. A similar stimulus package was passed by the Michigan House last year which would give homeowners a 18 month moratorium on the “pop-up” tax. What’s the “pop-up” tax? It is tax in Michigan that effect homeowners when they sell their home and want to move up to purchase a new one. For example, you buy a home in Michigan and the new home buyer gets a notice of an increase in their taxes. Since Proposal A was introduced, it gives the Townships and Municipalities the ability to … (19 comments)
michigan: January Market Update for Condo's in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County
- 02/20/08 11:18 AM
The condo market in Ann Arbor continues to have a large amount of inventory. Usually being in the college town of The University of Michigan our condo's have sold well. The list price was up by .5%, but the sales were down by 8.5% from January 2007. In March the residents assigned to the University of Michigan will get their "match letters" and they tend to be big condo buyers. Why? They are too busy to do lawn care, snow removal and many are single and just starting out their careers. Also many physicians need to be close to the University of … (4 comments)
michigan: January Market Update for Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County
- 02/20/08 10:56 AM
January 2008 was a good month for closings in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. We are up 10% compared to January 2007. Even better news for home sellers is that the number of listings was down 13%. The homes with the best value, perceived by the buyers are still selling and selling first. For home sellers that can't walk into closing with money to help pay off their mortgages and must stay at a certain price it is a difficult situation as the homes that can be priced "below" market value are selling first. January saw 146 homes close and that is 10.5% … (1 comments)
michigan: My Heart is Heavy...
- 02/04/08 11:38 AM
Most of you know, I am a listing agent with four buyer agents. Buying a home in today’s market is wonderful. Buyers are able to get some great homes for very good prices, something maybe out of their price range several years ago. Buyers are fun to work with they are so excited when they find their future home. You can see the light in their eyes and a smile on their face when they know it is the house for them. I am sad, like a big weight on my shoulders after I meet with sellers and do their … (60 comments)
michigan: Ann Arbor, Michigan Aids in Reducing Green House Emissions
- 10/19/07 01:48 AM
After a three year study by Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje, on the energy saving use of LED lights, Ann Arbor announced that they would go forward with installing the LED Street lights. Not only does installing these LED lights save electricity but it also reduces the greenhouse gas emissions by 2,425 tons or in layman's terms it's like taking 400 cars off the road a year. The City of Ann Arbor's mission statement is: The City of Ann Arbor is committed to providing excellent municipal services that enhance the quality of life for all through the intelligent use of resources … (27 comments)
michigan: Saline, Michigan Toyota Plant and The Housing Market
- 10/01/07 06:16 AM
In July of 2005, Toyota won a long, hard fought battle to build a research and development facility in York Township. York Township is in the Saline Area School District and also parts of Milan School District. The battle was long due to a developer wanting to purchase the land and build more houses on it. However, the state of Michigan and yes, most of us in Real Estate also wanted to see the facility come here to off set some of the job losses in the state. Governor Jennifer Granholm fought hard to see the Toyota Research and Development Facility come … (36 comments)
michigan: Home Owner Associations Love-Hate Relationships
- 08/27/07 12:17 AM
Home Owners Associations are a love-hate relationships. What? People that live in residential communities are usually governed by HOA (Home Owner Association) rules and regulations. In Michigan, on our Purchase Agreements Realtors check the box that the buyer will review the HOA Documents, or their attorney will review the association documents within so many days. Not a problem, it is a standard business practice here. People want to know what the rules and covenants are prior to proceeding with the purchase of a new home. Can I have a pool? Does it have to be in the ground or can … (101 comments)
michigan: 9651 Lakeside in Ypsilanti Township Michigan
- 07/28/07 11:10 AM
Moving to the Ann Arbor Michigan area. This is a really great condo that has been reduced 20,000 below what the seller paid. It is practically brand new, barely lived in. With almost 1500 S.F. it is one of the largest units in the Pointe of Island Lake. Located in Ypsilanti Township, with Lincoln Schools. End unit with extra parking, hardwood floors, and a open floor plan. The formal dining room can also be used as a study. You can search this and other homes in Ypsilanti, MI at Search All Listings In Ann Arbor. … (14 comments)
michigan: Saline, MI Named in Money Magazine's Top 100 Places to Live
- 07/17/07 01:54 PM
Area residents and business people in the Saline Community are celebrating today the fact that Saline has been named to CNN Money Magazine's annual list of "Best Places to Live: Top 100 in the United States". The list represents extensive demographic research that examines areas like financial performance, housing, education, quality of life, leisure and culture, and health. A complete list of the study's details is on their website (http://www.money.cnn.com/). The City of Saline, located in the heart of Washtenaw County in Southeast Michigan, was one of just three communities in the State to make the list (#59). The other … (25 comments)
michigan: 9651 Lakeside in Ypsilanti Township Michigan
- 07/09/07 12:20 PM
This condo is located in the Pointe at Island Lake. It is a 2 bedroom and 2 bath condo with many upgrades. The last of the floor plans being built. This seller has hardly lived here so it still has that new smell. Huge master bedroom closet. It could actually be a nursery. There is a flex room that is currently being used as a formal dining room but could easily be used as a office. Hardwood floors in the kitchen and formal dining room. Lots of bright open space. It is a end unit so has more windows and extra parking. The seller … (15 comments)
We were going to our lake cottage this weekend at Manitou Beach, Mi. and passed the most amazing sunflower garden. We were driving too fast to stop but on the way home, I made my husband pull over to get some photos.
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