3 More Roundabouts Planned for Ann Arbor

Every time I drive through a roundabout I think of the movie where "Clark Griswold" (played by Chevy Chase) and his dysfunctional family are vacationing in Europe, where they get caught up in a ridiculously traffic laden roundabout - They end up going around and around for hours because they can't figure out how to exit! It was a hilarious scene!

Well, anyone that has navigated through a roundabout knows that they aren't that bad, although my wife Nancy, hates them. Well honey, better get used to them, because 3 more are planned for Ann Arbor. Roundabouts will be built on Geddes Road at the entrance and exit ramps to US-23 and at the intersection of Geddes and Earhart, just West of the US-23 roundabouts. Chronic traffic congestion is why these locations were chosen for the Ann Arbor area roundabouts. Construction is slated to begin in 2010. And one day, when these 3 Ann Arbor roundabouts are finished and you see a car going around and around and around-it's probably the Griswolds!

"Look kids Big Ben..." Watch the scene from the Griswold's European Vacation.

If you have any comments on this post or have ideas for future posts we welcome your feedback and suggestions. If you have any questions regarding a possible relocation to or from the Ann Arbor area please feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group at Keller Williams. Our mission is to make your move to or from the Ann Arbor area a 10+ experience because...Your Move Matters!


By Steve Wickland

Downtown Ann Arbor Real Estate Sizzles

Residential activity may be down in the Ann Arbor area, but retail and commercial real estate, especially in downtown Ann Arbor, seems to humming right along-thank you very much. A couple of examples: 209 S.State Street, the current home of Joe's Sub Shop, Sava's Cafe and Name Brand Tattoos. The building, which is actually two old homes, with a commercial facade was purchased in 2008 by a New York City entity for $2.1 million. Chances are good that the new owners will be doing a major renovation in the near future. Also, located in downtown Ann Arbor, the soon to be completed University Of Michigan's, North Quad residence and classroom building, will only increase the number of businesses that will want to open in the downtown area, to serve the many anticipated downtown dwellers.

If you have questions regarding your Ann Arbor Area home, have other real estate questions or concerns, the Wickland Group can address your needs. Our experienced team of Realtors, marketers and support staff is here to help you with your real estate needs in Ann Arbor and 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-because your move matters!
By Steve Wickland

Washtenaw Couty Parks & Rec: An Excellent Local Resource...

I didn't realize what a great resource the Washtenaw County Parks and Rec was until I had children - OK I KNEW they offered some classes that I took and I have visited many of the local parks throughout Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor, Saline, Ypsilanti, Dexter and more. However there are MANY free educational classes, lectures and presentations that you can attend as well! For instance in the next week or so, the following programs are being offered:

• Catching the Early Birds - Sat 3/28
• Animals in Spring - Nature Stories & A Hike for Kids - Sat 3/28
• From Top to Bottom - Glaciers & Park Lyndon - Sun 3/29
• Birdwatching for Beginners - Sat 4/4
• Dance of the Timberdoodle - Sat 4/11
• To view the full calendar of events visit the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation website
  

For families with children in Ann Arbor, or for anyone who has an interest in outdoor activities I encourage you to sign up for the Parks & Rec quarterly e-newsletter by adding your name to their subscription list. Many of the programs have a limit to the number of attendees, and many of them fill up quickly!

If you have any questions/comments regarding this article-we welcome all feedback. If you have any questions regarding the purchase/sale of property or relocating to or from 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

Speak Up & Let Them Know!!!

The acronym A2D2 is NOT from the Star Wars trilogy, no really... It actually stands for the Ann Arbor Discovering Downtown, the Planning Commissions project for future development in our downtown area. Several public-comment sessions have helped shape the outcome of future downtown developments ... Now it's your turn to speak up!

Tonight at 7:00 pm at City Hall, the public will have the opportunity to weigh in on future downtown zoning plans. Unresolved issues that will be discussed include whether:

• to introduce and implement height restrictions on new downtown Ann Arbor buildings,
  
• to move forward with a method to influence the size/shape of tall buildings (Hopefully Superman can still leap them in a single bound!),
  
• to adopt "less active building" regulations to exclude slow foot-traffic storefronts on ground-floor levels along key streets,
  
• the currently approved plan provides adequate transition areas between neighborhoods and dense "core" areas...

So speak up - Power to the people. Let's make the future downtown Ann Arbor area a place we will continue to use and enjoy for decades to come!

If you are interested in living among the vibrant, creative downtown Ann Arbor area, contact the Wickland Group today! Our experienced team of realtors will help guide you to the perfect downtown Ann Arbor loft, a magnificent downtown Ann Arbor condo, or even a historically built Ann Arbor home - Whatever your needs, we address them with the utmost focus on customer service because... Your move matters to us!


by Tammy Mayrend

Craftopia For The Crafty in Canton!

When I heard the news about the new Hobby Lobby opening in Canton this year, I got really excited. As a creative person there are plenty of places I can shop, like the Pittsfield Township JoAnne's, Michael's in the Arborland Mall and another in Canton, or various other art supply stores throughout the Ann Arbor area - It's always exciting though to be able to peruse new ideas and projects! So I though why not take a peek...

Admittedly, I had never been into a Hobby Lobby store although several friends have spoken highly of what they have found in them. Mostly the store had creative home decor ideas and products - Furniture, nic nacs, outdoor living pieces, etc. Items that would be perfect in any new home or in a redecorating project - But the store also had craft ideas and projects highlighted throughout. Some craft products I found there I haven't seen in any of the other local craft stores either!

The new Plymouth/Canton Hobby Lobby is located at the plaza at the corner of Ford and Lilley Roads in Canton:

Hobby Lobby
42643 Ford Rd
Canton, MI 48187
(734) 983-9142

For more information on Ann Arbor area retail establishments, area local events, or dining options OR for specific real estate inquiries, please contact the Wickland Group. Steve Wickland is an experienced realtor that CARES about your home buying and home selling concerns. Our team of real estate experts can answer all of your questions to your highest satisfaction because..... Your move matters!!!



by Tammy Mayrend

Foreclosures Soar in Ann Arbor Bedroom Communities

Foreclosures reached record levels in 2008 throughout Washtenaw County and some of the largest increases were in the out-lying areas surrounding Ann Arbor. The number of foreclosures sold in the communities of Chelsea, Dexter, Lodi, Sylvan and Saline doubled over 2007. That compares to a 25% increase county wide and a 36% increase in Ann Arbor. It appears foreclosures are catching up in the outlying communities. These aren’t poor neighborhoods either. The foreclosures seem to be clustered in newer subdivisions on the edge of older towns.

If you have any questions regarding this article or if you have any questions regarding the purchase or the sale of property please feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group. If you’re relocating to the Ann Arbor area, my team and I would love to assist you—“Because your move matters to me!”


By Steve Wickland

Ann Arbor Economic Boom Coming Soon

That's what Peter Allen, developer and adjunct professor, told a bus full of people touring downtown Ann Arbor hot spots of potential growth. Allen organized the tour to highlight his 10 reasons that Ann Arbor is well positioned for a much quicker economic recovery than many are thinking. Here a few of the reasons he sees that will accelerate Ann Arbors' recovery and subsequent boom:

"Googlers" (Young people working in software and IT jobs) are attracted to Ann Arbor by quality of life and cost of living, the University of Michigan's purchase of the former Pfizer campus, and the demand for green technology. Mr. Allen also expects total research funding coming to U of M to exceed 1 billion next year, up from the current $875 billion.

Other factors to help fuel the boom; East-West commuter rail line through Ann Arbor and Detroit that is targeted for a 2010 completion date. My hat is off to Mr. Allen for bucking the trend of reporting all the negatives going on and promoting all of the exciting possibilities for the great city of Ann Arbor. Mr. Allen is definitely a "glass half full" guy. My kind of guy!

If you have any questions/comments regarding this article-we welcome all feedback. If you have any questions regarding the purchase/sale of property or relocating to or from the Ann Arbor area, please feel free to contact us here at the Wickland Group. My team and I would love to assist you—“Because your move matters to us!”

By Steve Wickland

Additional resources from Ann Arbor Business Review

High Paying-High Tech Jobs Heading to Ann Arbor

The Ann Arbor area is soon to get a bit of good news for a change. The Michigan Economic Growth Authority is expected to announce that Mercedes-Benz Hybrid LLC is locating in the Ann Arbor area. The new jobs created by Mercedes-Benz here will pay an average annual wage of $63,000 - Sweeeet! The company plans to hire experienced engineers and technicians who will develop and maintain Mercedes-Benz's line of Hybrid vehicles. A specific location hasn't been chosen yet and the company anticipates it will need about 65,000' of space. Ann Arbor and Washtenaw county beat out a competing site in South Carolina which makes this an even sweeter coup for Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County.

Ann Arbor's deep talent pool, as well as the University of Michigan and the close proximity of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions lab all likely played a role in Mercedes decision to locate here. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of announcements like this - Stay tuned.

If you have questions regarding your Ann Arbor Area home, have other Ann Arbor real estate questions or concerns, the Wickland Group can address your needs. Our experienced team of Realtors, marketers and support staff is here to help you with your real estate needs in Ann Arbor and 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 because, Your Move Matters To Us!


By Steve Wickland

Help for homeowners facing foreclosure.

Legal Services of South Central Michigan, through its’ Michigan Poverty Law Program, has launched the Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Program. The program is a partnership with legal aid offices throughout Michigan as well as housing counselors throughout Michigan and the National Consumer Law Center. The program has already been accepting referrals and providing assistance. “The most pressing problem facing the consumer is the home foreclosure crisis,” said Lorray Brown, lead attorney of the Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Program. In 2008, there were approximately 12,000 new foreclosure filings each month in Michigan, according to data from Realty Trac.

If you think you’re in danger of falling behind on your payments or are already behind, this program may be able to help you. Go to the Michigan forclosure website for more information.

As always, if you have any questions about buying or selling a home in the Ann Arbor area contact me at the Wickland Group. My experienced team of Realtors, marketers and support staff are here to help you with your real estate needs in Ann Arbor and throughout Washtenaw County. Expect only the best customer support from us because - Your Move Matters!


By Steve Wickland

Michigan Real Estate Full Disclosure Law

You may be familiar with the Michigan Real Estate "Full Disclosure Law", it means a that a home Seller must disclose everything that is wrong with the house to potential Buyers. Generally speaking, if the information that the Seller failed to disclose falls within the parameters of Michigan's "Full Disclosure Law" or causes you (the buyer) to be damaged, you may have a case against the Seller and/or others who were "third-parties" in the transfer of ownership from the Seller to the Buyer!

I suppose this Seller just wanted to cover all of his bases...

As always it is important to work with real estate professionals who understand real estate and the legal aspects involved in buying or selling a home. A good realtor can answer all of your questions and if they can't answer to your satisfaction, they will direct you to a real estate attourney that can!

If you have any questions about the purchase/sale of an Ann Arbor home or Ann Arbor condo, or have real estate matters you'd like to discuss, feel free to contact the Wickland Group of realtors. Our team of real estate experts can answer all of your questions to your highest satisfaction because..... Your move matters!!!


by Tammy Mayrend

Signs Everywhere!

I should have seen the signs, or in this case "missing signs". What I'm referring to are the plethora of real estate FOR SALE signs in this area - Both residential and commercial! It amazes me that I DON'T see the signs when they go missing!

I was excited to read in the Ann Arbor News today that the former Baker's Square building on Whittaker Road in Ypsilanti Township's Paint Creek Plaza has a new owner! In early April, a Ram's Horn will open, filling in one more empty space. It's probably not a big deal for most, after all what can one new Ypsilanti Township restaurant mean right?

How about a few new jobs, a new restaurant filling in a very visible retail space, good eats and most of all a little hope for many township residents that positive things are happening in the area!

If you have any questions about buying or selling a home in Ann Arbor area, or have general questions about area resources, contact the Wickland Group. Our experienced team is here to help you with your real estate needs - 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

Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

A great way to make the home-buying process flow smoothly is to educate yourself and learn from mistakes others have made - this can make the difference between buying the home of your dreams and buying a "lemon."

Not getting pre-qualified
If you receive pre-qualification or pre-approval from a reputable home loan lender, your negotiating position is strengthened. It shows agents and home sellers you are serious about buying a home.

Choosing just any real-estate agent
Don’t jump from real estate agent to real estate agent just because you saw their name on a sign outside of a house you like. Interview at least three relators and choose the one you feel most comfortable with ~ who will focus on your home buying needs. Find a realtor you respect and trust and allow them to help – it will benefit you in the end.

Not getting enough information about the property
Obtain market statistics and sales records for the area you are considering buying a home in so you know how things (prices, conditions, list-to-selling price ratios) stack up in your neighborhood. Also, look at many new home options ~ The more you see, the more you’ll learn about what you want and what each house is worth.

Not asking enough questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! You’re not supposed to know everything about buying a home. Remember, this is potentially the biggest purchase you will make in your life – don’t get caught in a "lemon" because you didn’t ask enough questions! Think too about ALL thecosts involved in buying a home. Asking the right questions can help you purchase the best new home in your price range.

Not looking past the cosmetic improvements
Don’t choose a house because you like the interior decorating – that is not what you are buying and it will probably go with the seller when he moves. Check out the actual structure of the house! Go through the house with a fine-tooth comb. You don’t want to find out after you’ve bought the house that the roof is leaking. Open cabinets, turn on every switch, notice details, move stuff away from the walls, look in the attic, turn on faucets.

If you’re a first-time home buyer, looking to take advantage of current home buying opportunities in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti or Plymouth/Canton, contact the Wickland Group of realtors at 734.216.2498. We will make your home buying experience a pleasant one - because…. Your Move Matters To Us!


by Tammy Mayrend

Making a Difference For Animals

Its been a about 2 weeks since we’ve started the Animals at Risk Project and after reading a recent article form the Saginaw News published March 11, 2009 - I feel that I have definitely made the right decision to try to help animals that are suffering, due to Michigan’s sinking economy. In a nutshell the article reports how many pet owners, dogged by our troubled economy, are putting off or canceling their pets vet appointments at an ever increasing rate. Some pet owners are even trying to play doctor to try to save themselves a few bucks. They’re buying over-the-counter things until it’s absolutely necessary to bring Fuffy or Fido into the vet's office for treatment.

As pet owners can attest to; visits to the vet’s office and treatments can get very expensive-fast! I have about Four thousand bucks in vet bills for one of my pooches, Muffet, due to a blood disorder. There goes our spring Disney vacation!

So again, I feel my decision to start my program could really make a difference for animals that are abandoned or whose owners can’t afford to have needed veterinarian services done for their beloved pets. Basically, how my Animals at Risk Project works, is if anyone selling or buying a property in the Ann Arbor area and goes through the Wickland Group Ann Arbor Realtor or refers a client to us that sells or purchases an Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Canton, Dexter, Saline, Chelsea or Plymouth Michigan property - up to $500 will be donated to one of several animal rescue and/or special needs funds.

So spread the word. We can’t help every animal in need, but we can help as many as possible!


By Steve Wickland

Going Green In And Around Ann Arbor: The Luck Of The Irish!

I started to wonder the other day ~ "WHAT should we do for St. Patrick's Day this year?" Are there any great events happening in Ann Arbor? I know there is the typical pub-crawl action, but I was thinking of more family-fun type events and activities. And so I started on my search... Here's a list of St. Patrick Day events for everyone!!!

Friday, March 13: Funky Frosty Fridays: St. Patrick’s Day Skate — 7:15 – 8:45 p.m. Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena, Ann Arbor - 734.794.6234. Dress in green and skate to Irish folk music. Call or go online for rates.

Saturday March 14: Pinckney Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2009, 12.00 noon. This is the 5th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade held in downtown Pinckney. Please join us for a bed race prior to the parade!

Crafternoons: St. Patrick’s Day Hats for kids and teens, at the Superior Township branch of the Ypsilanti District Library. Time - 2:00 p.m. Gear up for St. Patrick’s Day by turning an ordinary paper bag into a wearable decoration!

Sunday March 15: Ann Arbor Shamrocks & Shenanigans Running Fit and Conor O'Neill's present the Shamrocks & Shenanigans fundraiser for the "Save A Heart" foundation at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

Funds raised by Save A Heart support families and patients who come to the Michigan Congenital Heart Center at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. The funds help cover costs including: travel, lodging and other expenses. These funds also support clinical research. In a time when more medical costs are being shifted to the patient, one of the goals is to relieve the families' financial burdens during a very stressful period in their lives.

51st ANNUAL St. Patrick's Parade in Detroit ~ 2:00 p.m. Please come down to Michigan Avenue and Celebrate! The Parade route is along Michigan Avenue in the area known as "Corktown", so designated for its history as home to many early arriving immigrants from Ireland and specifically, County Cork. The Parade covers a dozen or so blocks and passes historic Tiger Stadium and the Gaelic League/Irish American Club.

Tuesday March 17: Check out the all-day events happening at Guy Hollerin's in Ann Arbor on St. Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick’s Day Fun at the Whittaker Road Ypsilanti Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Join in the fun in the Community Meeting Room to celebrate the luck of the Irish @ the library. Watch the movie Darby O’Gill and the Little People starring a very young and handsome Sean Connery. Wear something green!

Thursday March 19: The Silver Maples, a non-profit independent and assisted living community in Chelsea, will host a variety of St. Patrick's Day events on Thursday, March 19 to carry on the Celtic celebration. There will be a free concert at 7 p.m. of Irish and folk music by Finvarra's Wren of Detroit. Tickets to the concert are free but must be picked up ahead of time at either the Chelsea Senior Center or Chelsea Pharmacy, because seating is limited. For more information call 734-475-4111.

For ideas on great area resources in Ann Arbor or if you have any real estate questions/concerns the Wickland Group can address your needs. Our experienced team of Realtors, marketers and support staff are here to help you with your real estate needs in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti, Plymouth/Canton and throughout Washtenaw County. Expect only the best customer service and support from the team ~ We'll take all of the stress out of your real estate experience!


by Tammy Mayrend

Deeply Discounted Home Sales in Ypsilanti Township

It's a fact that Ypsilanti Township had the most foreclosures’ in 2007 and 2008 and is the largest community in Washtenaw County; Subdivisions throughout Ypsilanti Township were hit hard because many folks that work for the automotive industry as well as for Pfizer lived in the township. We also know, as Steve mentioned in his March 7 post, that this spells deeply discounted home sale prices on homes throughout Ypsialnti Township.

If you are interested in buying homes at discounted prices, ask us about Ypsilanti Township homes for sale that are either listed as a Short Sale or Foreclosure, or visit the Wickland Group website to search all the homes for sale in Ypsilanti Township.

Ypsilanti Township Subdivisions:

• Amberly Grove / Millpointe / Streamwood / Green Farms / Whittaker Village
• Ford Lake Heights / Ford Lake Village / Smokler Textile
• Lincoln Pines
• Parkside Preserve
• Partridge Creek / The Preserves / Oakland Estates
• Raymond Meadows / Rosewind / Tremont Park
• Spruce Falls / The Pines Subdivision
• Creekside Village West / Whispering Meadows

If you’re a first-time home buyer, looking to take advantage of this unprecedented home buying opportunity, give Steve Wickland a call at 734.216.2498 or contact The Wickland Group of Ann Arbor Keller Williams. We will make your home buying experience a pleasant one - because….Your Move Matters To Us!


by Tammy Mayrend

Your Real Estate Assessment Notice

By now you've probably have received your latest property assessment notice from your city or township. And I'm betting a lot of you are not happy upon discovering that even though your property value has decreased-your taxes will be going up! How can that be!? Well, you can thank Proposal A that was passed back in 1995. It was designed to protect homeowners from seeing big tax increases as property values were soaring, but it has the opposite effect when values are declining. If you'd like more details on how your tax rates are calculated for your Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Superior Township, Ypsilanti Township, Plymouth, or Canton property please see my March 2009 Newletter.

As always, if you have any questions about the purchase/ sale of a Ann Arbor area home and/or Ann Arbor area condominium, or have any real estate matters you'd like to discuss, feel free to contact me at the Wickland Group because..... Your move matters.

By Steve Wickland

SHAZAAM! HOMES ARE SELLING LIKE HOTCAKES!!!!

"Shazaam"! That's what ‘Gomer Pyle’ from the 60's ‘Andy Griffith Show’ would be saying right now, if he were a Realtor working with first-time buyers, because HOUSES ARE SELLING LIKE HOTCAKES! Yes, you read that right! My team is working with 3 first-time buyers with a price range up to $160,000. All 3 have lost out to other buyers, bidding on the same home. That’s right-I’m talking multiple bids baby! The homes they’re looking at are mostly bank-owned properties (REO’s) located in Ann Arbor area, Canton and Ypsilanti township - with the best values in my opinion, being in Ypsilanti township. The banks are finally getting it and are pricing these homes to sell and they are selling quickly!!!

We now carry contracts with us, so when we do find a home the purchaser likes, we’re gonna write that sucker up right there on the spot. It’s fast becoming a 'you snooze-you lose' environment.

Well, got to get back to work. We have offers to write. If you’re a first-time home buyer, looking to take advantage of this unprecedented home buying opportunity, give me a call at 734.216.2498 or contact us at The Wickland Group of the Ann Arbor Keller Williams. We will make your home buying and relocation experience a pleasant one - because….Your Move Matters To Us!

By Steve Wickland

Sell Your House

Get a Better Sales Price With Less Time on Market

A little paint here and there, shampoo on the carpets, some spackle and voilà! Your house is ready to go on the Ann Arbor real estate market, right? Even if you've kept your home in mint condition over the years, a little extra thought in this home buyers market can mean more in your home sale price. It can also mean the difference between a week on the market and many months on the market.

Here are some projects to take care of before your home goes on the real estate market.

• Deep clean and de-clutter your entire house. Grandma always said cleanliness is next to Godliness, but the bottom line is buyers want to move right in and not have to adorn rubber gloves and Hazmat masks to get the place clean enough to move into!


• Clear overgrowth in the yard. This is especially important when considering the ugliness spring can bring, pick everything up to make it seem as neat as possible.


• Clean windows! Clean windows bring in more sunshine and warmth to the perspective buyer especially on grey, early spring days.


• Check out your roof! If a roof is in obvious need of help, such as leaks or visible damage, make necessary repairs. The snow is no longer covering it, perspective home buyers will check it out, so you should too.

By postponing roof, wood rot or other necessary repairs, a home seller can lose twice - first in a lower home sale price and later when a lender requires repairs at closing. A good realtor knows what to expect in a tight market and can take an objective look at your property, giving you the best opportunity to make improvements to get a better sale price on your home, and spend less time on the market.

If you have any questions about selling your Ann Arbor home, contact the The Wickland Group Realtors at Keller Williams Realty in Ann Arbor. Our 39 Day Home Real Estate Sale Guarantee Program is something to consider when selling your home; We make it our mission to make your home selling process as stress free as possible because... Your Move Matters To Us!

by Tammy Mayrend

Relocating to Ann Arbor?

Make Moving Easier

Whether you're planning a move across town or relocate across the country to Ann Arbor, making the move hassle-free is what it is all about. Besides the traditional garage sale and packing of boxes, there are a few details you won't want to forget before you begin loading the truck:

Plan Ahead
Experts recommend scheduling moves at least one month in advance, especially during the peak-moving season between May and September. Some estimates indicate 80 percent of all moving and storage business is done when schools are out. That's when employees are most likely to be transferred.

Ask Questions
Take the time to get as much information as possible from moving companies before selecting one. Check on truck size and availability. Ask about moving supplies, such as boxes, dollies and furniture pads. Find out about protection plans for your possessions. Ask about lost or damaged property claim procedures. Determine price differences in packing the truck yourself or having it professionally packed. Get estimates.

Save Your Receipts
Many of your moving expenses are tax deductible, so hang onto your receipts. Consult with your tax advisor to find out what is deductible, or call the Internal Revenue Service and request Publication 521: "Tax Information On Moving Expenses" to find out which moving expenses are deductible.

Collect Documents
If you're moving out of the area, you'll need to gather your family's personal records. Remember to get your medical and dental records, school transcripts, legal documents, titles, bank records, tax returns, stocks and bonds certificates, birth certificates, passports and insurance documents. Be sure to empty your safe deposit box.

If you have any real estate questions or concerns when considering relocation to Ann Arbor, the Wickland Group can address your needs. Our experienced team of Realtors, marketers and support staff are here to help you with your real estate needs in Ann Arbor and throughout Washtenaw County. Expect only the best customer service and support from the team, taking all of the stress out of your home buying experience!