A Feast for the Eyes & Tongues - Local Ann Arbor Area Farmers Markets

I love wandering the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market with my kids bright and early on Saturday mornings! The colorful, in season, fruits and veggies are a feast for the eyes and tongue - There is just something about biting into the sun-warmed and ripe tomato or popping open fresh pea pods to suck out the little green gems nestled inside...

Ann Arbor isn't the only area city to have a fabulous farmers market though. Below you will find several local Ann Arbor area Farmers Markets with their opening days.

APRIL:
Ypsilanti's Depot Town Farmer's Market - Saturday, April 25th
Time: 8am - 2pm
Location: (NEW LOCATION) on the Market Plaza west of the Freighthouse next to the caboose

Canton's Farmer's Market - Saturday April 25, 2009

Time: 10am - 2pm

Location: 500 N. Ridge Road (the Bartlett-Travis House)

MAY:

Chelsea Farmer's Market - Saturday, May 2 2009
Time: 8am − Noon
Location: Downtown Chelsea on Park Street

Ypsilanti's Downtown Growing Hope Farmer's Market - Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Time: 2pm - 6pm

Location: Michigan Ave and Hamilton Street

Saline Farmer's Market

Time: 8am - Noon

Location: in City Parking Lot #4, south on S. Ann Arbor Street, next to Little Caesar's Pizza

Dexter Farmer's Market

Saturday's: 8am - 1pm

Tuesday's: 4 - 7pm

Location: Alpine Street off of Main Street in Downtown Dexter

If you have any comments or feedback about this post please enter them below. If you have any real estate questions or concerns please feel free to contact the Wickland Group associated with Keller Williams Realty of Ann Arbor. We're dedicated to providing our customers with a 10+ experience whether they're relocating into or moving out of the Ann Arbor area because... Your Move Matters To Us!

by Tammy Mayrend

Ann Arbor First-Time Home Buyers Checklist

Since buyers(mostly first-timers) seem to be driving the Ann Arbor real estate market these days-I decided to make up a "Buyer Dos and Don't Checklist". It's very easy for buyers, especially property virgins purchasing their first home, to get really exited. Now I know, it's hard, but it's important that they temper that excitement with a bit of common sense, when it comes to buying their Ann Arbor property. Hopefully, this checklist will help all you first-time buyers out there.

Tip#1: Don't buy the most expensive home in the neighborhood. It may make you feel good,(temporarily) but you won't get as good of a return and you may have challenges with selling it in the future.

Tip#2: Don't believe everything you read in the real estate print or on-line ads. Words and phrases like "cozy" "needs a little TLC" "Handyman Special" should alert you to keep your eyes wide open. Descriptions like "stunning" or "breathtaking" are kind of silly too. Hey, we're describing a house here-not some super-model in the "Sports Illustrated Swim-Suit Edition!"

Tip#3:Don't buy a house because you like the furniture and decor. It doesn't stay! For sure, homes decorated well always show better than vacant homes or homes that have flea-market decor, but try to picture the home with your stuff. Also, focus on the floor-plan and if the home fits your lifestyle.

Tip#4:Do investigate you new potential neighborhood thoroughly. Drive through at different times of the day and night. Check it out on the weekend if possible. After you've moved in-is not the time to discover the fact that the schools aren't that great, the commute to work is too long, or you can now smell that chicken farm that you never knew was there a 1/2 mile away-when the wind blows in a certain direction. Check your potential new neighborhood out thoroughly!

Tip#5:Don't buy the first home you see. Now, there are always exceptions to this rule, but in most instances, buyers, especially first-timers, need to look at multiple homes before they're ready to pull the trigger. Hey, if you still love the first one you can always (if it's still available) go back and make an offer.

Tip#6:Do hire a professional inspector: This is a must do non-negotiable rule here. I can tell you horror stories of buyers that tried to save a few hundred bucks and it ended up costing them thousands! A good inspector is trained to look for items the buyer with an untrained eye would never see. You MUST have an inspection! I won't let you buy without one!

Tip#7:Do buy a house based on your NEEDS over your wants. We all have our wants, but when it comes to purchasing a home, which the average person lives in for 7 years-it had better fill your needs. If you're dazzled by the view of the lake(want), but the kitchen is on the small side and you entertain a lot and you require a large spacious kitchen,(need) you will not be happy with your purchase down the road.

Tip#8: Don't buy the house from the listing agent. Dear readers; I hope you know I am going to be possibly "tarred and feathered" by my fellow agents for that statement. I don't care! I feel very strongly that a buyer should be represented by their own agent, with an Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement in place. It would be like an attorney representing both the defense and prosecution in a trial. It wouldn't happen in court and it shouldn't happen in a home buying situation either!

If you have any comments or feedback about this post please enter them below. We specialize in assisting First-Time Ann Arbor Home Buyers realize their dream of owning a home and we would love to help you as well. If you have any real estate questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group associated with Keller Williams Realty of Ann Arbor. We're dedicated to providing our customers with a 10+ experience whether they're relocating into or out of the Ann Arbor area because... Your Move Matters To Us!


By Steve Wickland

Student High-Rises Popping Up All Over Ann Arbor

Just like so many spring flowers pushing up from the now warming earth, so goes it with the numerous Ann Arbor student high-rises popping up in and around downtown Ann Arbor. From the Zaragon Place (see rendering to left), 4Eleven Lofts and the Courtyards that are located "off campus" to the newest on campus "North Quad" building, there seems to be a mini-construction boom around the Ann Arbor and University of Michigan area.

And let me tell you, "these are some swanky cribs." These dwellings are down right palatial compared what I was used to in my college days. Think of the movie, "Animal House" starring the late John Belushi, for an good idea of my student housing. "Palatial" would definitely not describe my living accommodations. "Pitiful" would be more apt. These new private student high-rises offer amenities like washers and dryers, wide-screen televisions, work-out facilities and of course...wireless Internet access. I would have killed for Internet access back in the day. Wait a minute-we didn't have the Internet back then - Al Gore hadn't invented it yet.

With rents in the $1250 per student-per month range and meal plans at $3500 pr year - well let's just say some parents are probably experiencing sticker shock and saying to themselves "how the heck are we going to pay for this?" I know my wife and I have had these conversations. Oh well, such is life for us folks, with kids away at college.

If you have any comments or feedback about this post please enter them below. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Ann Arbor real estate, please feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group associated with Keller Williams Realty of Ann Arbor. We're dedicated to providing our customers with a 10+ experience whether they're relocating into or moving out of the Ann Arbor area because... Your Move Matters To Us!

by Steve Wickland

Haab's a 75-Year Tradition in Ypsilanti

This October, Haab's restaurant in Ypsilanti will celebrate their 75th year in business - Yes that's right 75 YEARS!!! That is a lot of family dining experiences...

When I first bought a home in Ypsilanti Township, we wanted to check out the area - Eating at local Ypsilanti eateries, finding the local Ypsilanti hot spots - You get the idea. My mom said, "Have you ever heard of Haab's? I was there years ago and they have fantastic food." So off we went for our first of many nights out in downtown Ypsilanti...

What I like most about Haab's is that it is nearby in downtown Ypsilanti, and it has a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. No one frowned when we walked in with a toddler - Plus there is a lot of great history surrounding the building and throughout the dining rooms.

You feel like you have stepped back to 1934 - The ceilings in the main dining room have beautiful pressed tin tiles and a massive, 30-foot African Mahogany bar. The other two dining rooms are decorated in Ante Bellum motif, with heirlooms from the original Haab Family homestead in Lodi Township scattered throughout. The hand-hewn oak beams also enhance the early American atmosphere.

But, the reputation of the Haab's was not built on its decor, but instead on the quality and affordable food they served. Whenever we have eaten there, we get more than enough to eat - Even leaving with several doggie bags!

Haab's is well-known for a thick-cut New York Strip Sirloin Steak broiled to perfection and was acclaimed locally in the Ann Arbor News reader poll as “Washtenaw County’s No. I steak house” every year until the category was retired. Haab's reputation has spread beyond Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, however, as evidenced by the article from Detroit Monthly, prominently displayed at the front entrance, “For the Best Steak in Detroit, Go to Ypsilanti!”

For a great meal and a warm family-friendly dining experience, stop by and re-visit Haab's in Ypsilanti - You won't be disappointed!

LOCATION
18 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-483-8200

HOURS
Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday-Saturday: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

If you have any comments or feedback about this post please enter them below. If you have any real estate questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group associated with Keller Williams Realty of Ann Arbor. We're dedicated to providing our customers with a 10+ experience whether they're relocating into or moving out of the Ann Arbor area because... Your Move Matters To Us!

by Tammy Mayrend

The Best Real Estate Deals in Ann Arbor

I must get asked at least once a day this question; “Hey Stevo, where can I get the best deal on a home in the Ann Arbor area?” Well, I have good news and bad news for you-which do you want first? Okay, the bad news first: there is no one “best” place to get a great deal on an Ann Arbor property. Now the good news; there are four sources to get a great deal on a Ann Arbor area home! Yes, you heard correctly....four.

#1 H.U.D. Homes. These are homes that had government-backed mortgages on them whose owners defaulted and are now being sold by the U.S.Government at some pretty amazing prices. There are some equally amazing buyer incentives offered by HUD. Like a $2500.00 closing costs credit and $100 down payment financing programs. Check this site out for a list of H.U.D. homes in the Ann Arbor area.

#2 Bank Owned Home or REO’s. These as the name implies are homes that were foreclosed on by various banks.(lenders) The banks that now have possession of these homes only want to move them and move them fast and you know what that means for the buyers?? That’s right, great deals on Ann Arbor area homes. Just Beware; just like the HUD homes-you’re buying these homes “As Is” which basically means... you get what you see and sometimes what you don't see. Just proceed with caution. Some of these banks in an attempt to move these homes quickly, will also offer some pretty sweet buyer incentives.

#3 Short Sale or Pre-Foreclosure Properties. These properties are in the early stages of foreclosure. The homeowner owes more on the home than he can sell it for. In other words the homeowner is “upside down” in the home. To sell the home, the owner would have to bring money (that 99.999% of the time they don’t have) to the closing table. So, what these owners do is negotiate with their lender-usually with the assistance of a Certified Distressed Property Expert (like myself...sorry about the shameless plug-but hey, it’s my article) to help them through this arduous process. In many cases, the bank will approve the short sale and the homeowner is released from any obligation for the shortage. This also prevents a foreclosure from showing up on their credit report.

#4 An ordinary-private seller. A seller who’s not in financial distress and has enough equity in his home and can sell at or slightly above what the HUD, Bank Owned and Short Sale homes are selling for. This homeowner-if he’s smart and has hired a great Realtor (like me, there I go again-sorry!) knows he is competing with the three types of sellers above and to have a chance at capturing a bargain-driven buyer, has to price his home very competitively-if he is serious about selling. Which means… Yep, you guessed it-a great deal for the buyer.

So, there you have it- four sources for “Great Ann Arbor Home Bargains”!

If you have any comments or feedback about this post please enter your comments below. Also, if you have any real estate comments, questions or concerns feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group, associated with Keller Williams of Ann Arbor. We’re dedicated to providing our customers a 10+ experience whether they’re moving into or relocating from the Ann Arbor area because… Your Move Matters To Us!

by Steve Wickland

Ann Arbor Symphony Wraps Up Season

One of the many perks of living in this great city of Ann Arbor, are the multitude of cultural events such as the A2So. "A Grand Affair"- the title of Ann Arbor Symphony's final season concert Saturday evening at the Michigan Theatre- captures the ambition of the program the orchestra presented under Music Director Arie Lipsky, to ring out its 80th year. It was a grand turnout for the final performance with the audience anticipating something magical and they were not to be disappointed. Sounds of Shostakovich and Mahler filled the grand old Michigan Theatre. Lipsky was brilliant as he led the orchestra throughout the evening. The A2SO has dubbed next season"A Season of Celebration" and the way Saturdays performance went-we certainly don't want to wait until next year.

If you have any comments or feedback about this post please enter them below. If you have any real estate questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group associated with Keller Williams Realty of Ann Arbor. We're dedicated to providing our customers with a 10+ experience whether they're relocating into or moving out of the Ann Arbor area because... Your Move Matters To Us!


By Steve Wickland

Ann Arbor News and Susan Isaacs Nisbett Contributed

LOAN MODIFICATION SCAM ALERT!!!

Why is it that whenever someone is down on their luck and at their most vulnerable-you have people who are just waiting to take advantage of these poor folks, so that they can make a quick buck!? The poor folks being targeted now are homeowners facing foreclosure. Many have tried to work a out a solution with their lenders only to give up in frustration because of the excruciatingly slow and red-tape filled process.These folks are prime candidates for getting ripped-off. Desperate to save their homes, the scammers promises of making everything "right with their world" again...are just too appealing to pass by.

Here's the standard pitch by these con-men:
Unsuspecting victims are told by these shysters that for "a $2500 fee up front and $2000 per month to cover legal costs, they can pressure lenders to stop the foreclosure by challenging the legality of the loan agreements". Another trick of these con-artists is to take a small ownership stake in the client's houses and file for bankruptcy, temporarily suspending foreclosure procedures. Another lie they tell their unsuspecting prey, is that they will intervene with your lender and negotiate lower payments on your mortgage. Don't believe any of this for a second. It's too bad there are people out there like this, but it is what it is. If you find yourself in a pre-foreclosure or foreclosure situation, there are legitimate agencies to turn to. First and foremost, speak with someone in the "Loss Mitigation Department" with your lender(s). Next, check with your local city or township-many have set up "Foreclosure Aid Departments". Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County offer this assistance. Also, a Realtor that you trust, can be invaluable as well.

If you have any comments or feedback about this post please enter your comments below. Also, if you have any real estate comments, questions or concerns feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group, associated with the Keller William of Ann Arbor. We’re dedicated to providing our customers a 10+ experience whether they’re relocating into or relocating from the Ann Arbor or Plymouth-Canton communities because… Your Move Matters To Us!


By Steve Wickland

Ann Arbor Earth Day Events

There are a lot of great Earth Day activities happening around Ann Arbor this week - Check them out!

Wednesday April 22:

Earth Day Plastic Bag Trade - Be among the first 200 customers to shop at Ann Arbor's Whole Foods, and get a free Whole Foods Market Better Bag with your purchase! You can also recycle 10 plastic grocery bags for recycling to receive a free Better Bag in exchange.

Buy A Brew - Stop by at one of the Ann Arbor Brewing Companies pubs to Buy a BREW to support Growing Hope at Ypsilanti's Corner Brewery or Project Grow of Ann Arbor at the ABC Brew Pub.

Friday April 24:

Tiny Tot Time—Earth Day 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the Leslie Science and Nature Center. Stop in for a carnival of indoor and outdoor hands-on activities to explore the joys of forests, fields and fauna through hikes, songs, stories, puppets, games and crafts. $7.00 per child - pay at the door!

Saturday April 25:

Celebrate the Earth’s Birthday at the Ypsilanti Public Library at 2:00 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day through storytime. Activities include snacks, "make our own compost", and seed planting. Registration required - 482-4110 ext. 1340.

Dance for the Earth, 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. at Downtown Home and Garden. Join the hottest Earth Day party in town with dancing, costumes, drum parade, and silent auction featuring local artists and earth-friendly items....

Sunday, April 26:

Celebrate Ann Arbor's annual Earth Day Festival at the Leslie Science Center. This FREE, family friendly event features music and entertainment, hands on activities, live animal demonstrations, a Clean Energy Expo, and displays from local environmental, non-profit, and governmental organizations.

If you have any questions about the Ann Arbor area please feel free to contact the Wickland Group of Realtors at Keller Williams Realty in Ann Arbor. We'll make it our mission to make selling a home or buying a home in and around Ann Arbor as stress free as possible because... Your Move Matters To Us!


by Tammy Mayrend

Ann Arbor gets another Roundabout.

Pretty soon Ann Arbor won't be called the "tree city" anymore. With another roundabout under construction in the Northeast Ann Arbor part of town, Ann Arbor may just be called the "roundabout capital" of Michigan. The exact location of the latest roundabout is at the intersection of Huron Parkway and Nixon Road. This roundabout is just one of several planned for the Ann Arbor area. Last month it was announced 3 roundabouts are going in at the US23 and Geddes Road area. Additionally, there is talk of one or possibly two more going in at Whittaker Road and Huron River Drive, in Ypsilanti Township. My buddy Norm Johnston, who is in the road construction industry, has to be ecstatic. Norm was in charge of the roundabout that was completed last year at Geddes and Superior Roads in beautiful, Superior Township.

So, it looks like driving around the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area is going to take a wee more bit of patience in the coming months, with all of road improvement projects underway or coming up. But, if it means we drivers get our roads around Ann Arbor and Ypsi improved, I'm all for any inconvenience!

If you have any comments or feedback about this post please enter your comments below. Also, if you have any real estate comments, questions or concerns feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group, associated with the Keller Williams of Ann Arbor. We’re dedicated to providing our customers a 10+ experience whether you're relocating into or relocating from the Ann Arbor area because… Your Move Matters To Us!


By Steve Wickland

Buy a home for less than the price of a used Chevy!

Buy an Ann Arbor area home for less than a used car??!! Steve Wickland, are you crazy?! I'm a little weird maybe, but not crazy. I'm working with a First-Time Buyer (Aaron) and he is looking to purchase a home for under $25,000. When he told me that I almost laughed out loud, but being the professional I am, I said "let's see what we can find".

Much to my surprise and to my clients delight, there were numerous homes in Aaron's price range - one for $7000!!!! Now granted, these homes are not for everyone, but they were just the ticket for my first-time buyer client... who by the way is just 20 years old. The homes that came up were H.U.D. Homes (homes owned by the U.S. Gov't) and REO properties (Bank owned). Another great thing about buying one these homes other than the cheap prices, is the fact that the sellers are offering BIG incentives to the buyers... like $2500 towards the buyers closing costs or special home financing programs.

So, there you have it. With these prices anyone can afford an Ann Arbor area home. It may not be your dream home, but you gotta start somewhere. Just don't procrastinate or think prices will keep coming down. You don't want to miss out on this "Perfect Storm" for buyers. Like they say.... "All good things must come to an end".

If you have any comments or feedback about this post please enter your comments below. Also, if you have any real estate comments, questions or concerns feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group, associated with the Keller Williams of Ann Arbor. We’re dedicated to providing our customers a 10+ experience whether you're relocating into or relocating from the Ann Arbor area because… Your Move Matters To Us!

By Steve Wickland

New Ypsilanti Listing in Stadium Meadows

CONDO FOR SALE: $92,500
2448 Quarterback #5 - Stadium Meadows
2 bed/1 bath
Ypsilanti, Mi.

This charming Stadium Meadows Condo is move-in ready and priced to sell. Vaulted ceilings provide an open feel to this space and freshly painted walls and brand new carpeting give it that "Pottery Barn" feel. The chef's delight kitchen offers plenty of storage with breakfast bar, dining nook and appliances, spacious master bedroom with large walk-in-closet. This condo offers a carport, covered deck and low maintenance fees!

Stadium Meadows condominiums are conveniently located near the colleges of (EMU and UofM), both hospitals, and shopping. US-23, M-14 and I-94 are all within minutes and easily accessible. This would be a perfect purchase for EMU/UofM grad students or anyone working for the hospitals or local businesses. Why pay high Ann Arbor condo prices when you can get much more for the money, in Ypsilanti?

If you have any questions about this Ypsilanti condo for sale, or would like more information, please contact the Wickland Group of Ann Arbor Keller Williams. Because with us....Your Move Matters!


by Tammy Mayrend

There IS Such A Thing As A FREE Breakfast?!

My girlfriend is in town this week for a visit and mentioned "Hey why don't we get together Friday for breakfast at the Canton Ikea - It's free." I said "WHAT?!"

How can that be, free breakfast at Ikea??? (Not to mention the free babysitting room while we shop - Which IS fun for the kids!) But it's true. Check it out, this weekend only Friday, April 17 - Sunday, April 19, 2009 , the Plymouth/Canton Ikea store on Ford Road is offering a free breakfast - Breakfast includes a small breakfast plate and a cup of coffee (a $1.98 value). Oops, I found the catch, visitors are limited to one free meal per household - Darned the kids AND I can't eat for free.

If you have questions about the Canton area or would like to view available homes for sale in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Plymouth/Canton, Saline or Ypsilanti the Wickland Group can address your needs. Our experienced team of Realtors, marketers and support staff are here to help you by taking all of the stress out of your home buying or home selling experience!


by Tammy Mayrend

No More Negative News.... Please!

As I was pulling up to my favorite Starbucks to get my "no caff-no fat-no taste tall latte" I noticed the daily paper in the newspaper box with this big-black bold headline that read: "Outlook Grim for Michigan Prosperity" Now, I was in a pretty good frame of mind until I read that statement. But, the second I saw those words...my heart sank and my entire mood changed from fairly optimistic to gloomy. Thanks a lot, Ann Arbor News! Articles like that are pretty much why I gave up reading newspapers. I don't need to keep reading this negative junk!

Why can't the Ann Arbor News and other news publications, accentuate the positives instead of the "doom and gloom" reporting? Hey, we all know things are tough in Michigan, but there are still folks thriving here, making a good living, buying houses, selling houses, going out to swanky restaurants..... basically enjoying this great and stunningly beautiful state of Michigan.(See photos) They say negative news sells newspapers. Well, I beg to differ. Didn't the Ann Arbor News just recently announce that they're shutting down? Maybe if they had tried to put a more positive spin on things in Ann Arbor and Michigan, maybe-just maybe, they wouldn't have had to close shop. Again, I quit reading the paper because it mostly depressed me. And I'm sure others felt the same way.

I want to hear positive news-not that we're all going to "hell in a hand-basket". I know some readers of this will think I'm some kind of Pollyanna. Well, whats wrong with that; I ask? It's proven that what we dwell on mentally/internally, will manifest itself externally. In other words; garbage in-garbage out. There's no doubt about it, Michigan is in a fight for survival, but survive it will! Michigan has too many good things going for it-not only to survive, but to thrive. Can I get an "Amen" PLEASE? Thank you, for saying "NO" to negativity and "YES" to Michigan and it's unlimited potential.

If you have any comments/suggestions regarding this post, please enter them below. We value your feedback. If you have any questions about the selling and/or buying of Ann Arbor real estate or if you're considering relocating to or from the Ann Arbor area, please contact me at the Wickland Group at Keller Williams Realty of Ann Arbor. We're dedicated to providing 10+ service to our clients because...Your Move Matters To Us!


by Steve Wickland

1st Quarter 2009 Update: Washtenaw County Home Sales

As a resident of Ypsilanti Township I can look out my front door and count on two hands the number of homes that are now for sale - They're RIGHT THERE in front of my face! And that's not considering the homes for sale throughout my neighborhood. I was pleasantly surprised though to see 5 of these for sale properties have "missing for sale signs" in the past month-or-so.

The good news about that - There are now families occupying the homes and less homes on the market in my neighborhood. The bad news, and mostly the news I am trying to ignore - The price drops in these Ypsilanti Township properties is staggering.

The Ann Arbor board of Realtors just announced that in Washtenaw County, home sale prices have declined an average of 40 percent in the first quarter of 2009 compared to 2008. Yes, yes that's right 40 PERCENT! (This is where I have to stop and grab my paper bag to breathe into...) It's a pretty steep decline, that's for sure.

Home sale prices haven't actually appreciated in Washtenaw County year-over-year since 2005! This is mostly this is due to the high foreclosure rate and short sales, but also due to the newly released federal economic stimulus bill that gives an $8,000 tax credit to first-time home buyers boosts home sales in the lower price range.

So while I adjust to this new reality AT LEAST I know these homes sales are someones gain, and as I watch the SOLD signs popping up all over, I simply have to take a deep breath and remember this William Arthur Ward quote I recently read:

The pessimist complains about the wind;
The optimist expects it to change;
And the realist adjusts the sails.

If you have any real estate questions or would like to view available homes for sale in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Plymouth/Canton, Saline or Ypsilanti the Wickland Group can address your needs. Our experienced team of Realtors, marketers and support staff are here to help you by taking all of the stress out of your home buying or home selling experience!


by Tammy Mayrend

First -Time Home Buyer Credits Up To $15,500??!!

With additional first-time home buying incentives possibly coming from the state of Michigan, the potential monetary assistance for first-time home buyers could top $15,000! Now that's what I'm talking about! This could really impact the demand for existing homes-including new construction. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is considering expanding a first-time buyer loan program to allow households earning up to $ 107,000 to participate. A huge increase from the previous limit of 55,000. This should increase its use dramatically.

The no-interest loans, which don't need to be paid back unless the home is sold or the mortgage is paid off or refinanced-provide $7500 for closing costs, down-payment assistance or other qualified expenses. Add to this the $8000 federal tax credit and you have a total of $15,500 of assistance to home buyers who haven't owned a home in the past three years! The MSHDA loans are available for homes valued up to$224,500. All I can say from an Ann Arbor Realtors' perspective -is right on! This is definitely a step in the right direction towards Ann Arbors' Real Estate Market recovery.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this post, please feel free to leave your comments below. If you have any questions regarding Ann Arbor Real Estate matters, please feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group of Ann Arbor Keller Williams. My team and I look forward to serving you because with us....Your Move Matters?

By Steve Wickland

Excerpts for this post taken from Ann Arbor Business Review & Dan Meisler

The Next Home Refinancing Boom?

Beginning this week with the President's Home Affordable Refinance initiative, borrowers may be able to refinance their homes mortgage. Here are some of the specifications:

• The home mortgage may be refinanced if it is already owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
  
• Borrowers with loan-to-value ratios between 80% and 105% can refinance at current market rates.
  
• Mortgage insurance requirements have been waived on these refinancing transactions.
• Existing insurance policies will be transferred to the new home loan.

Fannie Mae's March refinancing volume totaled $77 billion, up from February's $41 billion, as borrowers took advantage of the lower mortgage rates and new flexible home refinancing programs. This level of refinancing activity has not been seen since the home refinancing boom of 2003.

After April 4, lenders and brokers are encouraged to use Fannie’s Desktop Underwriter to process those home refinancing applications.

If you have any questions about buying or selling a home in Ann Arbor contact the Wickland Group. Our Ann Arbor Realtor Team includes expereinced marketers and support staff to help you with your real estate needs throughout Washtenaw County. Expect only the best customer service and support from the team, taking all of the stress out of your real estate experience!


by Tammy Mayrend

An Old Restaurant Favorite Is Reborn!

The other night my father came to visit and we decided to go out for dinner. I was trying to think of somewhere the kids might enjoy and possibly somewhere dad hadn't been. That's when the Pickle Barrel Inn in Willis came to mind! It's quite possible that many of you have never heard of the place; The town of Willis is small enough that if you blink quick you'll miss it...

We drove into "town" and discovered a "Now Open By New Owners" sign. "OK" I though, "As long as they still offer the Pickle Barrel's famous pickle chips, that's good enough for me..."

The new restaurant was called Boneheads Bar-B-Que (The owner told me her husband has always called everyone "bone heads" hence it was a fitting name) was the same local favorite inside. Apparently I missed or had forgotten that the Pickle Barrel closed a year or so ago, and Boneheads Bar-B-Que only opened a few weeks earlier. Good thing too.

What's nice about the interior of Boneheads is first and foremost the historic significance of the building and it's antique furnishings. It is also said, that the building has several spectral occupants too... The complete history is available to read during your dining experience, so I wouldn't want to spoil that now, however is short, the building has been around since the late 1800's and has functioned among other things as a stage coach stop, train depot and general store!

You can eat inside, they do have a bar and they have a beautiful enclosed porch (which wasn't opened yet for the season!). The food was just as wonderful as it has always been although the restaurant instead features, a few salads, burgers, and Bar-B-Que of course. The best thing is, THEY STILL HAVE THE PICKLE CHIPS!!! (If you've never eaten a pickle chip it is a wonderful crunchy fried pickle served with cool dipping ranch!)

Willis is located in South east Washtenaw County and is convenient to Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti Township and Belleville, it is a wonderful historic area and well worth the short jaunt to eat at Boneheads Bar-B-Que - Check it out!

Boneheads Bar-B-Que

734-461-9250

10256 Willis Road

Willis, MI 48191

If you have any comments regarding this article - we welcome all feedback. If you have any questions regarding the purchase of a house in the Ann Arbor area, please feel free to contact us here at the Wickland Group. Our expert team and I would love to assist you ~“Because your move matters to us!”

by Tammy Mayrend

5589 Tanglewood Drive - Ann Arbor

HIGHLIGHTED HOME:

Click on the image of this beautiful Ann Arbor home to visit the virtual tour!

5589 Tanglewood Drive is a spectacular home in Northeast Ann Arbor that sits majestically on over an acre of land with a gorgeous park-like setting. Sit and listen to natures calls on your very private spacious deck, or enjoy the perennial gardens and mature landscaping that surround this beautiful Ann Arbor home.

With it's convenient location to shopping, U of M campus, Domino Farms and and easy access to M-14, US-23 and I-94. This beautiful home offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a chef’s delight kitchen with center island, cozy family room with Fieldstone fireplace and built-in cabinets. Enjoy the elegance of the master retreat with dual his and her closet space and private bath while allowing guests to enjoy the second min-master suite with walk-in closet and full bath. There are numerous updates throughout this Northeast Ann Arbor home including newer roof, driveway, Andersen windows, front entry door, furnace, A/C, sump pump, reverse osmosis water system, paint, carpet, bamboo floors and much more!

Hurry ... this fabulous Tanglewood Subdivision home won't last long.

ABOUT THE AREA:

The Tanglewood subdivision is located to the east of Charming Downtown Dixboro where you will find some fabulous places to dine and shop including The Lord Fox, the Dixboro General Store, and Moonwinks Cafe. There are several other local businesses and antique stores to browse along Plymouth Road as well!

The Tanglewood Subdivision is also convenient to many of Ann Arbor's beautiful green spaces, Huron River activities, Matthai Botanical Gardens and many of the delights the Northeast Ann Arbor area has to offer.

Business professionals, U-M faculty and staff, children, and retirees all mix in the diverse Northeast area. All students attend Ann Arbor schools: Clague Middle School and Huron High.

Big Plans for Ann Arbor’s Ex-Pfizer Site

According to a recent article in the Ann Arbor Business Review, the ex-Pfizer site in Northeast Ann Arbor will be used primarily for medical functions. Although, vehicle battery production or research were not ruled out for the existing buildings, it is assumed that new facilities would be constructed on the vacant land portion, to accommodate those endeavors. The University is in the midst of hosting a series of closed-door meetings U-M faculty about how to leverage the site to drive collaboration and new research opportunities.

This is nothing but good news for the Ann Arbor region and the State of Michigan. Many of the labs could be easily adapted to physics, engineering and uses beyond pharmaceuticals. This developing assimilation of the ex-Pfizer site by the University will be a driving force behind Ann Arbors emergence from the economic downturn the area has experienced for the past several years

Ex-Pfizer Site Fast Facts:

• U-M’s Purchase Price: $108 million (what a deal!!)
• Expected Deal Closing: June 2009
• Buildings:30
• Total Acres: 174
• Vacant Area on Plymouth Rd: 29 acres
• Potential U-M Job Creation: 2000 over 10 years

If you have any comments or feedback about this post please enter your comments below. Also, if you have any real estate comments, questions or concerns feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group, associated with the Keller William of Ann Arbor. We’re dedicated to providing our customers a 10+ experience whether they’re moving into or relocation from the Ann Arbor area because… Your Move Matters To Us!


By Steve Wickland