Ann Arbor Real Estate Blog

November 2012 Saline Real Estate Market Update

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:08:00 -0800

Saline Enters a Balanced Real Estate Market

Saline, as a whole, has entered a balanced real estate market for the first time this year with a 6.1 months supply of homes as inventory declines and sales remain strong. The under $200,000 price range is seeing a seller's market with the $200k-$400k range balanced. For a more detailed report of what's happening in the Saline Real Estate market, contact us at 734-761-3060 and find out what is happening in your particular neighborhood, school area, or city. Saline needs home inventory, so if you are considering making a move in the near future, check out our fantastic seller services here!

Want a New Ann Arbor Home Before the Holidays?

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:01:39 -0800

There's Still Time to Get Into a New Ann Arbor Home!

But you better hurry! With the holiday season just around the corner, many folks wouldn't even consider making a move at this time of year. But with historically low interest rates, great deals still to be had, and Ann Arbor home prices beginning to rise, now is the perfect time to make a purchase. If a seller has a home listed right now, they are serious about getting it sold, not just testing the waters. Why wait til spring when the real estate market is at it's strongest and competition is fierce? Enjoy the extra space for that holiday family gathering and be settled in for the new year.

Here at The Bouma Group, our Buyer's Agents have the skills and knowledge of the Ann Arbor Real Estate market to find you the home of your dreams. They will help you narrow down your wants and needs and show you only the homes that fit your lifestyle, saving you time from looking at homes that aren't a match. Our excellent closing department and top-notch service providers pave the way for a quick and smooth closing. If you're in the market for a new home or condo, don't wait, call us today at 734-761-3060 or email info@bouma.com and schedule an appointment with our team. In the meantime, start now and Search the Ann Arbor MLS here!

September 2012 Saline Real Estate Market Update

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 07:57:01 -0700

Saline Real Estate Inches Closer to a Balanced Market

Home sales continue to climb and coupled with a declining inventory of homes, Saline Real Estate is headed towards a balanced market. There is currently a 7.5 month supply of homes available for sale, which is down from 8.2 in August.

While the real estate market in Saline is winding down for the year, it's still a great time to get your home listed for sale! There are fewer homes available and with the incredibly low interest rates, the buyers are out there are serious. For an in-depth analysis of your home's value, contact the experts with The Bouma Group today at 737-761-3060 or email info@bouma.com. We have the knowledge, experience, and negotiating power to get your home sold quickly and for the highest dollar!

August 2012 Saline Real Estate Market Statistics

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:43:59 -0700

Saline Home Sales at Highest of the Year

As the summer market winds down, Saline homes are selling and sales have increased 8% over last month. While still in a buyer's market with an 8.2 months supply of homes, that number has decreased.

Now is a great time to purchase a Saline home! With interest rates still at record lows and inventory shrinking, you don't want to wait any longer. For more information on home values in your particular neighborhood, contact The Saline Real Estate specialists at The Bouma Group today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. We track all aspects of the real estate market by price range, school district, neighborhood and more and know the Washtenaw County Real Estate market better than anyone!

July 2012 Saline Real Estate Market Update

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:53:43 -0700

A Strong Summer Market Continues for Saline MI

Overall, the Saline Real Estate market remains in a buyer's market with a 9.6 months supply of homes. Inventory continues to shrink and is down 11% compared with last month, while sales are up by 5%. We should see this trend throughout the fall as homes that sold during the summer market begin to close.

The Bouma Group has been listing and selling Saline MI homes for more than 20 years and keeps a close eye on trends and home values. If you're thinking of listing your home, give us a call and find out what we can do to get it sold for the best price in the shortest amount of time. Visit our website here and check out our Saline home listings, search for Saline Real Estate, get a neighborhood market report and more!

June 2012 Saline Real Estate Market Update

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 11:48:44 -0700

Saline Real Estate Sales Continue to Rise!

As with the end of May, Saline Real Estate sales have increased, while the number of homes listed for sale has decreased. As we move closer to the fall we should see this trend continue, as the homes sold in the late spring/early summer market close and fewer homes come to the market as the prime selling season winds down. With a 9.9 months supply of homes on the market, Saline as a whole continues to be in a buyer's market. The $100k-$200k market however, is almost considered a seller's market with very low inventory and high sales. This is the most active Saline market at this time.

The Bouma Group tracks all aspects of Saline and Washtenaw County real estate and is your premier source for information. To learn more about home prices in Saline, Ann Arbor, or Dexter, contact us today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. Be sure to visit our website where you can search the MLS for homes or condos, see what's for sale in Saline, and view our featured listings!

May 2012 Saline Real Estate Market Report

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:22:52 -0700

Increased Sales for Saline Homes

Saline home sales continue to rise, and when compared to last month, they are up while listings have decreased. This is the perfect combination for home prices to start to rise. Overall, Saline is still in a buyer's market with a 10.8 months supply of homes. For more information on what this all means, give us a call at 734-761-3060!

Interest rates are still historically low and prices begining to increase. This is the perfect time to purchase a Saline home or condo. Why not begin your Saline Real Estate search now! For more information on home values, contact the specialists at The Bouma Group today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. We track all aspects of the real estate market by price range, school district, neighborhood and more and know the Washtenaw County Real Estate market better than anyone!

April 2012 Saline Real Estate Market Statistics

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:49:18 -0700

Saline Homes are Selling!

The current number of homes that are under contract with a buyer, for the entire Saline Real Estate market, has increased by 19% when compared to last month. While the market is still in the beginning stages of recovery, this is a good sign that there are Saline home buyers are out there and home sellers that are able to sell.

The Bouma Group has been listing and selling Saline homes for more than 20 years and keeps a close eye on trends and home values. If you're thinking of listing your home, give us a call and find out what we can do to get it sold for the best price in the shortest amount of time. Visit our website here and check out our Saline home listings, search for Saline Real Estate, get a neighborhood market report and more!

March 2012 Saline Real Estate Market Report

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:17:37 -0700

Saline Home Inventory is on the Rise!

Inventory for Saline MI homes is increasing and when compared to February 2012, it is up by 8.5%. Overall, Saline is currently in a buyer's market with an 11 months supply of homes.

Now is a great time to purchase a Saline home! With historically low interest rates and prices begining to increase, you don't want to wait any longer. For more information on home values in your particular neighborhood, contact The Saline Real Estate specialists at The Bouma Group today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. We track all aspects of the real estate market by price range, school district, neighborhood and more and know the Washtenaw County Real Estate market better than anyone!

Real Estate Analysis for Washtenaw County

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:40:12 -0800

Washtenaw County Market Analysis for 2011

As we begin 2012, there are many factors that influenced the Washtenaw County real estate market in 2011 and set the stage for the coming year. The big ones are:

Inventory
Prices
Foreclosures
Building Permits
Jobs and Unemployment Rate

Inventory Decreases

Some of the decreases from 2011–2012 by school districts were as follows:

Ann Arbor entered 2012 with 434 residential listings - a 14% drop in inventory and 203 condo listings - a 25% drop.
Saline entered 2012 with 199 listings – a 3.86% drop in inventory.
Dexter entered 2012 with 150 listings – a 23.8% drop in inventory.
Lincoln entered 2012 with 164 listings – essentially the same as last year.
Ypsilanti entered 2012 with 66 listings – essentially the same as last year. In 2007 there were 289 listings, so this market has changed significantly.

Since 2007 the residential inventory in Ann Arbor has dropped 49.55% and the condo inventory has dropped 69.8%. The main reason for inventory decreasing is that many sellers owe more on their homes than they could sell them for, so they don't move or they choose to rent it out. If inventory remains low in 2012, price increases should follow.

Prices

2005-2006 saw a peak in home prices when the average price/square foot in Ann Arbor was $174/SF for the residential market and $145/SF for the condo market. Several of the sub-markets, such as Chelsea, Saline, and Dexter have seen small increases for 2 years in a row. Combing decreased inventory, job growth, and low interest rates, the hope is that this trend will continue. I don’t see prices increasing too rapidly though. Every time prices increase a little, there will be a surge of sellers who will have enough equity to sell, which will keep a lid on big price increases.

Building Permits

The number of building permits pulled declined so rapidly, since the peak in 2003 with 1955 permits pulled, we've seen a large number of builders go out of business. Only 222 building permits were pulled in 2011, which is an 88% drop. We are beginning to see an increase in new homes being built. With the inventory being low and pent up demand for new construction being high, I believe that 2012 will be a turn around year for builders. This trend can also be confirmed by the 21% increase in vacant land sales.

Jobs and Unemployment Rate

After losing 13,429 jobs from 2006–2009, the job market is starting to look a bit more promising. In 2010 we saw more than 4000 added in Washtenaw County and it is predicted that an additional 8,840 jobs will be added from 2011–2013. The unemployment rate came down to 7.2% in 2011. Since jobs bring buyers, this is a good sign for the Ann Arbor real estate market.

Foreclosures

In 2011 there was a 19% drop in recorded Sheriff Deeds which is the first drop we’ve seen since 2002. There is a lot of talk about the “shadow inventory” of bank owned properties that are going to be released by the financial institutions, however, we are not seeing this for Ann Arbor. There are still certain communities where over 80% of the sales are distressed. This trend will slowly reverse itself as prices slowly firms up and job growth increases.

The spring real estate market is right around the corner. If you're an Ann Arbor home buyer, low prices and interest rates make this a great time to buy. If you're an Ann Arbor home seller, rising prices and low inventory make this a great time to list! To find out your home's value or to search the MLS for homes, visit our Ann Arbor real estate website here. And to learn more about what's going on in Washtenaw County, contact The Bouma Group today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com.

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week - January 15-20, 2012

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:23:23 -0800

I'm so excited that Ann Arbor Restaurant Week is here again. It only happens twice a year, January and June, and I use it as an excuse to try out 1 or 2 restaurants that I haven't been to yet. I'm supporting my local business and getting a great meal, right? This year is no exception and the list of restaurants is astounding. Each Chef creates a special, fixed price menu, with choices for each course. Lunches are $12 and Dinners are $25, with some restaurants even offering 2 for 1 deals.

Restaurants in Downtown Ann Arbor

Restaurants Outside of Downtown Ann Arbor

*new to restaurant week

In the mood to try something new? Head downtown Ann Arbor for a fantastic culinary experience. And when your finished, stop by our office at 564 S. Main and find out what's happening in the local market, we'd love to talk to you about buying or selling a new home! If you're planning a move in the future, visit our Ann Arbor Real Estate website where you can search for homes, find out the value of your existing home, or learn more about The Bouma Group.

Linda Ansara Joins The Bouma Group, Ann Arbor Realtors

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:12:27 -0800

Martin Bouma of Keller Williams Realty welcomes Linda Ansara as The Bouma Group's new Leasing Specialist. Linda’s past experience as a buyer with the Kmart Corporation, along with a corporate operations background in retail that ranges from high-end products to mass-merchandise, and helping those who help others through her not for profit work, make her a strong asset to The Bouma Group’s real estate team. She brings a finely honed ability to match client needs to find them the perfect leasing opportunity.

Team Leader Martin Bouma is excited to have Linda as part of his dynamic team of Ann Arbor real estate professionals. With the growing need for home and condo leasing in Washtenaw County, a strong leasing specialist is a true asset.

Martin Bouma has been servicing the real estate needs of Washtenaw County for more than 25 years and brings a unique, personal touch to each transaction. Thorough market knowledge, exceptional follow-through, and cutting edge marketing are the hallmarks of The Bouma Group's continued success and have made them the #1 real estate team in Ann Arbor for the past 10 years.

2011 Holiday Events & Activities for the Ann Arbor Area

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:09:09 -0800

The Holiday Season is Here in Ann Arbor!

The 2011 holiday season is finally here and offers more activities in Ann Arbor and around Ann Arbor than ever before. There are plenty of holiday activities for you and your family, and unique, local shopping experiences to find that perfect gift and support small business in Washtenaw County. Here are some of the activities going on in the month of December 2011.

Friday, December 9

· Festive Fridays. Downtown Ann Arbor, corner of Main & Liberty/Washington. Free horse drawn carriage rides, live sidewalk entertainment, and late night shopping.

· Yourist Studio Gallery Annual Holiday Show. 113 Broadway, Ann Arbor. Reception 5-9pm. Annual Pottery Show and Sale by various artists, featuring sculpture, functional ware, beads, and more.

Saturday, December 10

· Sing Along with Santa. Presented by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 South 4^th Ave, Ann Arbor. Begins at 4pm, tickets are $10. A great family event, including a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’, festive songs, cookies & cider.

· Tiny Expo. Downtown Ann Arbor at 325 Braun Court. 10am-7pm. An indie arts & crafts fair featuring local artists, food, film, and libations.

· Santa Visits Kerrytown. 407 N. Fifth Ave. 10am-1pm. Visit with Santa and enjoy live musical performances from local musicians, schools, and groups.

· Yourist Studio Gallery Annual Holiday Show. 113 Broadway, Ann Arbor. 10am-6pm. Annual Pottery Show and Sale by various artists, featuring sculpture, functional ware, beads, and more.

· Treasure Trail to Santa. Busch’s Shopping Center, 565 E. Michigan Ave. Free. Follow the treasure trail through the center shops and enjoy entertainment, refreshments, carriage rides, animals, and look for Santa.

· Ann Arbor Antiques Market Special Holiday Show. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 8am-4pm. Shop your favorite antique market for unique gifts. Inside heated buildings.

Sunday, December 11

· Homegrown at Cobblestone. Cobblestone Farm Center, 2781 Packard Rd. Local artists assemble to promote their made-in-Michigan wares. Jewelry, clothing, pottery, bird houses, photography and more!

· Yourist Studio Gallery Annual Holiday Show. 113 Broadway, Ann Arbor. 10am-4pm. Annual Pottery Show and Sale by various artists, featuring sculpture, functional ware, beads, and more.

Friday, December 16^th

· Festive Fridays. Downtown Ann Arbor, corner of Main & Liberty/Washington. Free horse drawn carriage rides, live sidewalk entertainment, and late night shopping.

· Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet. The Power Center 121 Fletcher St. 8pm. Ticket prices vary, visit http://annarborballettheatre.org/5.html. The 27^th annual production of this classic holiday favorite.

Saturday, December 17^th

· Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet. The Power Center 121 Fletcher St. 2 pm & 8pm. Ticket prices vary, visit http://annarborballettheatre.org/5.html. The 27^th annual production of this classic holiday favorite.

· Santa Visits Kerrytown. 407 N. Fifth Ave. 10am-1pm. Visit with Santa and enjoy live musical performances from local musicians, schools, and groups.

Sunday, December 18^th

· Homegrown at Cobblestone. Cobblestone Farm Center, 2781 Packard Rd. Local artists assemble to promote their made-in-Michigan wares. Jewelry, clothing, pottery, bird houses, photography and more!

· Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet. The Power Center 121 Fletcher St. 2 pm. Ticket prices vary, visit http://annarborballettheatre.org/5.html. The 27^th annual production of this classic holiday favorite.

Chanukah Wonderland at Briarwood Mall. 100 Briarwood Circle, near the Sears wing. From Tuesday 12/20-Friday 12/23 & Monday 12/26-Tuesday 12/27. Times vary. A virtual, fun-filled Chanukah experience, including: arts & crafts, Lego Menorah contest, and interactive displays.

Monday, December 26^th

· Chanukah on Ice. Ann Arbor Ice Cube 2121 Oak Valley Drive. $25/family, $8/person before 12/24 or $30/family or $10/person. Starts at 5pm. Skate to Chanukah music and sample traditional Chanukah foods, followed by dinner, then view a 5’ Menorah built from ice.

Leave us a comment if we've forgotten your favorite event, along with the name and location! If you are considering selling your Ann Arbor, Dexter or Saline home, after the holidays is a great time to get started. Beat the spring rush and call us today to find out the value of your Ann Arbor property and what you need to do to get it ready. And be sure to check out our Ann Arbor Real Estate website to search the Ann Arbor MLS for homes and get the most up-to-date information!

October 7, 2011 Ann Arbor Mortgage Interest Rates

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:06:59 -0700

Rates Continue to Decline

Ann Arbor mortgage rates have hit another low! The mortgage rates have been down for 6 weeks now and at this level for the past 2 weeks. We should continue to have rates in this range throughout most of the 4^th quarter. What a great time to make an Ann Arbor home purchase with these lower mortgage payments! With these rates your buying power has increased by $10,000 – $40,000, depending on your purchase price.

Please keep in mind that interest rates are subject to change without notice. The rates listed above are average rates and are presented to provide an illustrative perspective. To find out more about the current interest rates and which loan program is best for you, contact Charlie Chapell with United Bank & Trust today at 734-214-2728 or cchapell@ubat.com. If you haven’t already taken advantage of the low interest rates combined with low home prices, now is the best time! To search for that perfect Ann Arbor real estate, visit our Ann Arbor MLS site here!

'The Thousand' Ranks The Bouma Group, Ann Arbor Realtors #106 in Nation

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:45:07 -0700

The recent publication by the Wall Street Journal and Real Trends, Inc., 'The Thousand, The 2011 Top 1000' named the top 1000 Realtors in the United States. The Bouma Group Realtors of Ann Arbor, MI placed #106 in the nation for Top Teams by Transaction Sides and #208 for Top Teams by volume. ‘The Thousand’ report represents the most elite group of real estate professionals and teams in America.

The report consists of 4 categories with 250 in each: Real Estate Team by Sides, and Real Estate Team by Volume, Sales Professional by Sides, Sales Professional by Volume. The Bouma Group ranked on bot lists for the Real Estate Team categories with 222 transaction sides and $43,157,716 in volume.

‘It’s quite an honor to be recognized on such a prestigious list. Our continuous hard work, thorough market knowledge, and dedication to our clients has enabled us to surpass our goals and our clients expectation,’ said Martin Bouma, Realtor and Team Leader of The Bouma Group.

The Bouma Group of Keller Williams Realty has been Ann Arbor’s leading real estate team for the past 9 consecutive years. To find out how we continue to stay on top of the Ann Arbor Real Estate market, despite the recent downturn, contact us today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. And be sure to check out our state of the art real estate website, where you can search the Ann Arbor MLS, find out your Ann Arbor Home’s value, or view all Ann Arbor subdivision photos, amenities and market reports!

August 31, 2011 Ann Arbor Mortgage Interest Rates

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:53:25 -0700

Lower Rates are Here

Mortgage rates have hit another low and have remained at this level for 2 weeks now. We should continue to see rates in this range for the next several weeks, making this a great time to make an Ann Arbor home purchase with these lower mortgage payments.

Remember that interest rates are subject to change without notice. The rates listed above are average rates and are presented to provide an illustrative perspective. To find out more about the current interest rates and which loan program is best for you, contact Charlie Chapell with United Bank & Trust today at 734-214-2728 or cchapell@ubat.com. If you haven’t already taken advantage of the low interest rates combined with low home prices, now is the best time! To search for that perfect Ann Arbor real estate, visit our Ann Arbor MLS site here!

Before You Buy That New Home, Get to Know the Neighborhood

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:17:37 -0700

The search is over and you’ve finally found the perfect home. But did you get to know the neighborhood? What seems like a utopia on the first visit, may be the opposite once you do a little research. Below are 6 tips for getting to know your prospective neighborhood and find your piece of paradise.

Make Multiple Visits. See the neighborhood at different times of day and on different days of the week. What seems like a quiet place during the day, may be filled with road noise and barking dogs at night.
Drive the Surrounding Area. Is there a power station or landfill nearby that you weren’t aware of? If you aren’t already familiar with the surrounding area, you may discover hidden aversions.
Points of Interest. Where is your favorite grocery store, bank, and restaurant in relation to the subdivision. Where is the closest fire station and hospital? Do you need a park nearby? These are important things to consider in relation to your lifestyle.
Check the Local Crime Reports. You may think a well-populated condo complex or a quiet country subdivision is a safe place to live, but a crime report may tell you something different.
Neighborhood Market Statistics. Your agent may have told you the value of the home based on recent sales in the subdivision, but what about past statistics? How have home values fared over the last 5-10 years? Are values rising or falling? This is important information to consider based on the amount of time you plan on living in the neighborhood.
Extras Amenities. Find out if the type of cable and internet services you want are available. If you not, find out what is and the costs involved with changing your service.

The Bouma Group has been helping Ann Arbor area home buyers find their perfect home for over 20 years. We’ve come across almost every type of home buying situation and know from experience how to navigate this difficult real estate market. For more information on home buying and selling from the experts, be sure to visit our Ann Arbor Real Estate website and check us out on Facebook today!

Do You Know What's On Your Credit Report?

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:55:44 -0700

Well, you should!

Nowadays, your credit report is more important than ever. It is pulled and looked at whenever you apply for any type of credit: a new mortgage, apartment or home rental, credit cards, insurance, and a prospective employer may even look at it when you apply for a job!

Most people don't know this, but every 12 months you are entitled to receive a FREE copy of your credit report from all 3 credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Many companies online, on the radio and on television offer your credit report to you for free, but many try to charge you extra fees or make you buy unneeded services. For example, the other day I received a letter in the mail from American Express. This is what it said:

‘Free Credit Report – Your signature below is required to try ID Protect Premium from American Express FREE for the first thirty days so you can get delivery of information regarding your protection benefits which will include the following:

1…Your Free Triple Bureau Credit Report

2…Daily Monitoring Notifications

3…Internet Fraud Monitoring’

It sounds great, until I read the fine print. In order to get my free credit reports from all three bureaus, I have to sign up for #2 & #3 for $15.99/month. Unless you really want these added services, it is not worth it. You can get a truly free credit report and it is authorized under federal law. The Federal Trade Commission has a Free Credit Report page on their website where you can apply for it at no cost whatsoever. In fact, the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that this notice be placed on source that offers a free credit report:

"You have the right to a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com or 877-322-8228, the ONLY authorized source under federal law."

The FTC even recommends requesting reports separately from each other, that way you can monitor your credit throughout the year. So, if you’ve been thinking about buying a new Ann Arbor home, renting a condo, or leasing a vehicle, be prepared and know what’s on your credit report. To find out more about the home buying or selling process, contact the Ann Arbor real estate experts at The Bouma Group at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. And remember, we're never too busy for your referrals!

Beware of the Latest Mortgage Scam!

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:20:20 -0700

According to FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network), mortgage scams are at an all time high with suspicious activity reports up 31% from the first quarter of 2010. This high number is partly due to large number of recent reports of fraudulent activity happening as long as 3-4 years ago that are just now being realized. But the latest scam current homeowners should be aware of is quickly making it to the top of the headlines, highjacked mortgage payments.

Here's how the scam works- The homeowner receives a letter from Bank B stating they have bought the mortgage from Bank A. It instructs the homeowner to begin sending their monthly payment to 'new' Bank B, who is now the mortgage holder. The homeowner may not think this is suspicious, as banks buy and sell mortgages to each other on a regular basis. They begin making payments to Bank B and don’t realize they’ve been scammed until a month or two later when they’ve missed payments with Bank A.

As a homeowner, you should know that the FDIC Mortgage Servicing Laws require that you receive two letters. One from the current company notifying them that as of a specific date their payment should be sent to a new company and one from the new company that provides mortgage payment information (principal, interest, and escrow). Both letters should include the loan number. You should also contact the original bank to verify that the loan has been sold and the letter they received is legitimate.

If you suspect that you have been a victim of mortgage fraud and are unsure of what to do, give us a call at 734-761-3060 and we’d be more than happy to advise you. If you are thinking of purchasing a new Ann Arbor home or condo in the future, be sure to start with our state of the art Ann Arbor real estate website where you can: Search for Homes, View Ann Arbor Subdivisions, or Visit the Mortgage Center. We look forward to assisting you with your next real estate transaction!

Use a Realtor When Building a New Ann Arbor Home!

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:04:04 -0700

Planning on Building a New Home?

Having worked as an Ann Arbor Realtor for more than 20 years, I've been asked this question countless times, 'Should I use a Realtor when building a new home?'. My answer is always YES and here are just a few of the reasons why:

Representation. You should always have someone on your side to represent your best interest. The onsite agent represents the builder, not you, and their goal is to make a profit for their company. You wouldn't walk into a court room without your own lawyer!
Knowledge. A Realtor knows the different builders and companies in the area. They know who has a good reputation and what incentives each builder offers.
Negotiations. A real estate agent can assist you in negotiating the contact. They know what the standard customs of the area are and will add in contingencies to protect you and your money.
Save Time. A Realtor can help narrow down exactly what you need in a neighborhood and point out what is the best fit for you and your family, saving you hours of driving around.
Market Analysis. Don't pay too much for your new home. A Realtor can give you a thorough market analysis to make sure you don’t end up paying too much based on the area and what homes are selling for.
Upgrades. A seasoned Realtor knows which options can add value to a home and which are beneficial to a comfortable lifestyle. They can help you sort through the countless options available and help you choose the best for your budget.
Mediator. If issues should arise between you and your builder, an agent can be the buffer you need for a smooth transaction and successful closing.

Using a professional, licensed Realtor when building a new home can save you time, frustration, and money. The Bouma Group will always represent you and your best interest. If you’ve been thinking of building a new home but aren’t sure where to start, or would like to learn more about Ann Arbor real estate property values, give us a call at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. And remember – a builder always requires an agent to accompany you on your first visit to the sales office. Tell us about your home building experience, did you use a Realtor or work directly with the builder? We'd love to hear about it!

Use a Realtor When Building a New Ann Arbor Home!

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:01:13 -0700

Planning on Building a New Home?

Representation. You should always have someone on your side to represent your best interest. The onsite agent represents the builder, not you, and their goal is to make a profit for their company. You wouldn't walk into a court room without your own lawyer!
Knowledge. A Realtor knows the different builders and companies in the area. They know who has a good reputation and what incentives each builder offers.
Negotiations. A real estate agent can assist you in negotiating the contact. They know what the standard customs of the area are and will add in contingencies to protect you and your money.
Save Time. A Realtor can help narrow down exactly what you need in a neighborhood and point out what is the best fit for you and your family, saving you hours of driving around.
Market Analysis. Don't pay too much for your new home. A Realtor can give you a thorough market analysis to make sure you don’t end up paying too much based on the area and what homes are selling for.
Upgrades. A seasoned Realtor knows which options can add value to a home and which are beneficial to a comfortable lifestyle. They can help you sort through the countless options available and help you choose the best for your budget.
Mediator. If issues should arise between you and your builder, an agent can be the buffer you need for a smooth transaction and successful closing.

Memorial Day Weekend Events in Washtenaw County

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:14:31 -0700

Memorial Day is a time of remembrance, reflection, and expressing gratitude for our veterans and our country. It’s also a time to spend with family, watch parades, and attend events honoring those that have fought for our freedom and to teach our youth the true meaning of Memorial Day. There are many great events happening in the Ann Arbor area to help celebrate the holiday.

Saturday, May 28^th

· Post Open House & Military Memorabilia Display. 10am-5pm. Located at the VFW Post 423 at 3230 S. Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor. Items from the military museum will be on display.

· Celebrate Memorial Day at Your Museum. 12-4pm at the Washtenaw County Historical Museum at 500 N. Main St., Ann Arbor. Learn more about ‘Decoration Day’ and make a traditional wreath or a card to send to a vet.

· Pops on Broadway. 2-4pm. Free outdoor concert at Riverside Park in Depot Town. The Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra will be performing ‘A Salute to Broadway’ with a picnic immediately following. Bring a lawn chair and be ready for a great time.

Sunday, May 29^th

· Post Open House & Military Memorabilia Display. 10am-5pm. Located at the VFW Post 423 at 3230 S. Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor. Items from the military museum will be on display.

· 27th Annual Memorial Day Observance. 2pm at Arborcrest Memorial Park at 2521 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor. In attendance will be local Veterans associations, Boy Scout troops, and guest speakers.

Monday, May 30^th

· Memorial Day Parade, Glacier Area Home Owners Association. Ann Arbor. 10am the parade begins at Frederick and continues to Bardstown, Windemere, and Barrister. Kids are welcome to decorate their bikes and join in along with the Huron High drum line and Girl & Boy Scout troops. A brief memorial service in the Glacier Highlands Park will follow.

· Memorial Day Parade, Chelsea American Legion. 10am the parade begins at the municipal parking lot downtown and ends at the Oak Grove cemetery where there will be a ceremony.

· Memorial Day Parade, Dexter American Legion. 10am the parade begins at Inverness and Main and continues to Monument Park. Refreshments at the Dexter American Legion will follow.

· Memorial Day Parade, Milan American Legion. 9am at the Legion at 44 Wabash St. where there will be a ceremony followed by the parade on Main St. ending at Marble Park Cemetery.

· Memorial Day Parade, Saline American Legion. 10am the parade commences at the fire station on Michigan Ave. and continues to the Oakwood Cemetery for a memorial service with guest speakers.

· Memorial Day Parade, Ypsilanti. 9am beginning at North Huron & Michigan Avenue and ending at the Highland Cemetery, followed by a ceremony. There will be marching bands, a 21 gun salute and more.

· Post Open House & Military Memorabilia Display. 10am-5pm. Located at the VFW Post 423 at 3230 S. Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor. Items from the military museum will be on display.

· Yankee Air Museum Annual Memorial Day. Begins at 8am with a pancake breakfast, followed by a pancake lunch. There will be kid’s activities and education, a Red Cross blood drive and more.

With so many Memorial Day weekend activities, you may not be thinking about real estate, but we will be! We are always available to talk with you about your Ann Arbor home’s value or help you search for a new place to call home. So give us a call at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com – and be sure to check out our Ann Arbor Real Estate website for the most up-to-date information!

Downtown Ann Arbor Condos - A Great Choice for All!

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:47:50 -0700

Downtown Ann Arbor Condos offer an urban lifestyle that attracts many types of people. Young folks who want to be close to the excitement and nightlife, professionals working downtown, and even retirees looking for maintenance-free luxury. Downtown Ann Arbor offers so much, and all within walking distance: restaurants, coffee shops, bars, music venues, shops and galleries, museums, and even downtown grocers. There are many styles of condos to choose from including lofts, brownstones, penthouses, townhomes, new construction, renovated historic buildings, high rise units, LEED certified, and basic apartment styles. Downtown Ann Arbor complexes include:

Here at The Bouma Group, we have been the leading condo sellers for more than a decade and specialize in downtown Ann Arbor. If you’d like to know more about values in a specific complex, contact us today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. And, for instant active and sold condo listing information, be sure to check out the Ann Arbor Condo Hotline, Washtenaw County’s leading resource for information!

Real Estate Investing - Is it a Good Idea?

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:30:16 -0700

According to Warren Buffet, one of the wealthiest and most successful investors in the world, it is. He is quoted as saying “The third best investment I’ve ever made was the purchase of my home", which was second only to purchasing wedding rings. He recently presented his annual letter to company shareholders and stated his belief that, "Home ownership makes sense for most Americans, particularly at today’s lower prices and bargain interest rates”.

He gives the following tips to prospective home buyers:

Stay within your budget. Don’t expect to grow into a house payment. The future is unpredicatable and your monthly payment should fit well within your current budget.
Purchase when the market is down. Now is the perfect time to buy a home, as prices are lower than ever. Any type of market is impossible to predict, so don’t wait to take advantage of it when it's at the bottom.
Fixed mortgages only. Variable rates were popular with home buyers that wanted more house than they could afford. They banked on their home gaining value quickly, then refinancing into a lower payment before the rates changed. But the housing market turned downward, and values decreased. As rates increased, homeowners could no longer afford their payments.
Long term hold. Statistics show that over time real estate values increase. Plan on owning your home for at least 10 years to realize a return on your investment. Warren Buffet still lives in the 5 bedroom Nebraska home he purchased 52 years ago for $31,500.

The spring market has begun and there are many great deals out there. Are you thinking of investing in Ann Arbor real estate? Now is the time! Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the Bouma Group can answer any questions you may have, so contact us today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. Ann Arbor condos are more affordable than ever and a great place to start with property investment. Visit the Ann Arbor Condo Hotline, a terrific resource for active and sold condominium information.

FestiFools Parade in Downtown Ann Arbor

Martin Bouma (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:14:04 -0700

When: Sunday, April 3rd from 4-5 pm
Where: Ann Arbor, Main Street between Washington and William

It's already the 5th anniversary of the FestiFools parade held in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. You can expect to see folks of all ages enjoying a whimsical parade of giant papier-mâché puppets and merry makers showing off their artistic talents. Started by Mark Tucker, a professor of art at the University of Michigan's Lloyd Hall Scholars Program, and one of his former LHSP students Shoshanan Hurand, the FestiFools Parade was a way to bring together non-art students and community members to create and showcase their art in a public way. A huge success in the past, FestiFools has gained the support of the city of Ann Arbor, the community, and the University of Michigan, who recently gave the event a permanent, 2500 square foot studio and 2 art classes devoted specifically to the event.

Would you like to be part of the fun? The parade couldn't happen without the support of the community! Make and enter your own puppet, volunteer helping make puppets with the LHSP students, help the day of the parade by animating a puppet, setting up beforehand, or cleaning up afterward. This annual parade is definitely an Ann Arbor favorite for all ages, so mark your calendar and come out for the fun. It all happens right on Main Street, between Washington and William from 4-5pm. We hope to see you there! And as always, should you have any Washtenaw County real estate needs, be sure to give us a call at 734-761-3060 or email us at info@bouma.com.