ann arbor homes for sale: Ann Arbor Market Update for December 2010 - 01/04/11 07:30 AM

Inventory in the Ann Arbor school district continues to drop. At the end of September there were 654 homes for sale with 22.8% under contract. Here at the end of December, that number has dropped to 513 homes for sale, which is a 22% decrease in inventory, with 22.6% under contract, which has stayed consistent. This gives us a 6.2 month supply of housing for the Ann Arbor school district, which has decreased by 19% in the last quarter of the year. Now, the $400k - $600k price range is seeing a lower housing supply and is joining the more … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Avoid Headaches at the Holidays and Throughout the Year by Saving Energy in the Kitchen - 12/07/10 06:21 AM
 
As families around Ann Arbor prepare for the bustling holiday season, it's important to remember that maintaining large kitchen appliances is a key element to peace of mind. The last thing you need while preparing for a party or holiday feast is a problem with your refrigerator or dishwasher, in addition to the worry of overspending on your energy budget! With occasional light maintenance and good usage habits, you can avoid hassles throughout the year. Here are a few tips for keeping your large kitchen appliances in perfect working order (and saving money in the bargain):

Refrigerators and Freezers
… (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: The Basics of Condominium Ownership in Ann Arbor - 12/03/10 04:41 AM
 
There are a great many benefits to purchasing a condominium in Ann Arbor. If you're considering buying a condo, you're likely to have questions. Here are a few answers to get you on the road to one of today's hottest trends in home ownership – condominium living!

What is a condominium, and why should I buy one?

A condominium is a form of home ownership in which individual units of a larger complex are sold, not rented. These units may be renovated apartments, townhouses, or newly-constructed units. Contrary to popular belief, the word 'condominium' does not apply to … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: It Pays to Support Responsible Homeownership - 11/26/10 07:03 AM
Doing what you can to help other Ann Arbor residents gain a foothold on the home ownership ladder doesn’t just help them--you’ll reap benefits for both your community and your own wallet. Individuals who move from renting to owning a home, are more likely to vote, get involved in community groups, and invest in their own home’s appearance. A 2001 Harvard University study showed that children of homeowners do 23% better in school. A steady flow of first-time home buyers makes it easier to sell your own starter home, when you’re ready to move up.

 
Affordability of housing is … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Protect Yourself and Your Property – Have Hunters Sign a Waiver - 11/23/10 11:21 AM
 
If you're an Ann Arbor homeowner who allows others to hunt on your property, you could be liable if they’re injured. Cover your risk by asking hunters to sign a liability waiver. This suggestion comes from InsuraCorp, Inc., a Fremont-based company which has a Hunting Hold Harmless Agreement on its website. While deer hunting is an extremely popular outdoor tradition in Michigan, homeowners should take appropriate measures to avoid injury-related lawsuits suffered by hunters on their property.

 
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) the state has issued 13,641 deer hunting licenses in … (3 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Winterize Your Home with Small Fixes for a Cozy Season Indoors - 11/19/10 07:37 AM
Now that colder weather is moving into Ann Arbor, it's time to settle in with a stack of great books, or a few great movies. Before you do, be sure to plan ahead so that an easily avoidable home emergency doesn't ruin your hibernation! Just follow these simple tips, and enjoy a snug and comfortable home all winter long.

Super Quick Fixes
 
If you don't have smoke detectors, install them now. If you do have them, change the batteries and test the detectors to ensure that they're working properly.
Inspect your roof for missing or cracked tiles. If … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Federal Housing Administration Insurance Program in Good Shape - 11/16/10 07:59 AM
Good news for Ann Arbor homeowners: the Federal Housing Administration’s mortgage insurance fund is in good financial shape, and its reserves have grown by more than $1 billion over the past year. FHA now has enough capital resources to cover projected claim losses, and would not require a taxpayer subsidy even in a worst-case scenario, according to the agency's annual report to Congress.
 

Using conservative assumptions about future growth of home prices, and without any new policy actions, FHA’s capital ratio will approach 2% (as mandated by Congress) in 2014 and exceed the 2% threshold in 2015. “It’s … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Save Energy and Money by Making Your Water Heater More Efficient - 11/12/10 03:51 AM
 
 
 
Ann Arbor residents are preparing themselves and their homes for winter. As you get ready for colder days, it's important to note that the US Department of Energy says that 14%-25% of the average homeowner's total energy costs go toward water heating. This amounts to more than $300 per year. Here are five energy-saving tips which can help cut the cost of heating water in your home:
 

Tip #1: Wrap your heater in a blanket. Water heaters are often located in unheated areas, making insulation critical. Cutting heat loss by using an insulating blanket (usually priced … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Halloween Fun for Everyone in Ann Arbor - 10/29/10 03:26 AM
Looking for fun and unique things to do to celebrate Halloween in Ann Arbor this weekend?  The Bouma Group has gathered the following eclectic listing of events occurring tomorrow and Sunday. Whether you've got kids, or you're looking for grown-up fun, pick a few, get out of the house, and enjoy Ann Arbor's beautiful foliage and cool temperatures!

Saturday and Sunday
9:00pm at Goodnite Gracie – 102 S. First Street: Toppermost, Michigan Beatles tribute band, hosts "Halloween With The Beatles." Costumes strongly encouraged, and prizes will awarded.  
5:00pm – 8:00pm at Camp Munhacke (20120 Bartell Road): The Haunted … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Ann Arbor Market Statistics, September, 2010 - 10/19/10 03:28 AM

Inventory in Ann Arbor continues to drop. Last month there were 661 homes for sale with 19.67% under contract. This month that number has dropped to 654 homes for sale with 22.8% under contract. This gives us a 7.7 month supply of housing for the Ann Arbor school District which is the same as last month. As has been the case all year, under $400,000 the market is much more competitive, with the months supply of housing ranging from 6.2 - 7.8 month supply of housing which is still considered a balanced market. Over $400,000 the months' supply of housing … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Ann Arbor – Not Just Another Pretty College Town - 10/15/10 03:56 AM
If you have ever wondered if Ann Arbor was more than a small, pretty town anchored by the University of Michigan, a recent article by Tom Walsh in the Detroit Free Press set the record straight. Far more than being the temporary academic home for 41,000 students, the town's permanent residents include big names in business, industry, and politics as well as education. In addition, the economy of Ann Arbor is becoming ever more diverse, so it can attract the type of young talent that passes through the University. 
So who lives here, making it, in Walsh's words, a "power center"? As noted … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Ann Arbor Is Becoming Michigan's Center of Power - 10/12/10 08:41 AM
For those "in the know," the place to call home in southeast Michigan is Ann Arbor . We've recently pointed out a number of reasons why people of all walks of life enjoy living here, but the number of affluential (and influential!) people and companies choosing our city may come as a surprise. Proximity to the University of Michigan plays a role in this influx. According to Lou Glazer, president of the Michigan Future think tank, 80% of all jobs being created in the US economy are knowledge jobs - those that require higher education and skill levels. "If place matters, … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Fall Foliage Cleanup Just Got Easier in Ann Arbor - 10/08/10 09:26 AM

Autumn is officially upon us. The beautiful fall foliage in Ann Arbor is breathtaking, but it can also can mean occasional headaches for homeowners. Those with smaller lots, or fewer trees, will benefit from the city's decision to replace curbside leaf pickup with weekly collection from compost carts (purchased from the city and stored on the owner's property). But a new program offered by the Arbor Environmental Alliance (AEA) could better serve those with more spacious lots and a greater number of trees.AEA will pick up leaves and organic waste, curbside at your home, three times between October 15th and … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Keep Your Expectations Realistic, and Sell Your Ann Arbor Condominium NOW - 10/06/10 06:25 AM
If you want to sell your condo in Ann Arbor, your ideal buyer might be a student or his or her parents.  Given the increasing price of student housing, ownership might be a cost effective option, especially if the student is locked into a professional program that will tie him to the area for a while.  Maybe you are ready to find a bigger home, but the space in your condominium would be perfect for a student, who might have a roommate or a family.
Your first thought might be to rent the place out -in line with Fair Housing standards, … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Returning Students Provide Options for Ann Arbor Homeowners - 10/01/10 06:26 AM
A new academic year is upon us, and with it, thousands of University of Michigan students are returning to Ann Arbor. And returning students means an increased need for housing. In this two-part blog, we'll look at two different scenarios which could conceivably affect you, as a homeowner.
First, consider this statement: I'm a homeowner, who's thinking of renting a room in my home.
Does this describe you? If so, you probably have at least one extra bedroom (or more), and are willing to share other areas of your home (like the kitchen and living room) in order to bring in … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Michigan Theater's Barton Pipe Organ - An American Legend - 09/28/10 03:49 AM
The very same Michigan Theater on Liberty Street here in Ann Arbor, where solar panels were recently installed, is known for its eclectic program of film offerings, iincluding the Summer Documentary Series and a wide variety of indie films, which enrich the local culural scene. The theater's Historic Auditorium is also known of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. The theater also hosts a series of children's stage productions entitled "Not Just For Kids," and a concert series entitled "The Legends of Rock & Roll."What makes the Historic Auditorium special is its crown jewel - a 1927 Barton theatre pipe organ. The … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Have Your Cake and Eat it Too in Ann Arbor - 09/24/10 10:05 AM
Marie Antoinette said, "Let them eat cake," and in Ann Arbor the place to do just that is at Cake Nouveau. Owner Courtney Clark (familiar to many from the Food Network and TLC) is an award-winning French pastry chef. Earlier this year, she found herself needing more space for classes and a showcase storefront, so she has relocated to 1924 Packard Street. Courtney is given to rather whimsical decorating tastes; Cake Nouveau features a pink awning, green and purple tile, and pink and purple walls accented by swirling white stripes. Half of the store is dedicated to retail sales; the other … (2 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Sixth Annual Harvest of Arts Oktoberfest Coming Up in Saline - 09/22/10 03:33 AM
Saline, Michigan, located just southwest of Ann Arbor, was named by the French in the 18th century for its salt springs. Now an affluent city of over 8,000 in Washtenaw county noted for its great schools, Saline has been frequently recognized by CNN Money as one of the best places to live and retire. It is is also the site of two popular festivals, the Celtic Festival in July and the Oktoberfest in late September.On September 26, Saline will host the sixth annual Harvest of Arts Oktoberfest. German activities, music, food and drink will all be available from 9am - 11pm, … (0 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Allen Creek - A Bit of Ann Arbor History Right in the City - 09/17/10 07:09 AM
Allen Creek is the site of the first settlement in Ann Arbor, and it still runs through the city's west side. The creek was named for Ann Arbor's co-founder, John Allen, in 1824. The main branch of Allen Creek runs northward roughly parallel to the Ann Arbor Railroad tracks, starting at Pioneer High and flowing into the Huron River just below Argo Dam. Near the creek lies Allen Creek Condominiums. Built in 1988, the cozy complex features two decks, walk-out lower levels, fireplaces, and garage parking.
In 1846, William Maynard laid out the first section of the Old West Side, … (2 comments)

ann arbor homes for sale: Ann Arbor is One of the Best Small Cities in America for College Students - 09/14/10 04:09 AM
The city of Ann Arbor is becoming a magnet for awards and recognition from various sources. The American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) recently named Ann Arbor to its list of country's 75 Best College Towns and Cities for college students. Ann Arbor ranks #2 (of 20) among small cities (those with populations of 250,000 to one million residents) on the AIER's College Destination Index. That ranking is up from #3 last year.The Institute looks past the most frequently used factors in choosing a college, including the schools themselves, costs, academics, and athletic programs. Their criteria analyze other less used but … (1 comments)