Ann Arbor Real Estate: What I Want For Summer!

Why wait until Christmas to get what you want for your home? The summer is the perfect time to make your dreams become reality — more specifically in the backyard and patio area. When the weather is this great in Ann Arbor, you don’t want to waste it indoors, sitting on the couch and watching television all day. You want to be outside, lounging about in a hammock or hosting fun backyard parties for friends and family. You can even celebrate your children’s birthday party with a small get-together outside. It’s the perfect space for children to run around and play together, so it’s important that you get what you want and turn your backyard into a paradise waiting to be enjoyed.

Here’s some ideas to get your Summer list started:

The Relaxing Backyard

Ann Arbor Relaxing Backyard
by Smith & Vansant Architects PC

If what you want for summer is a relaxing backyard, set your yard up like a lounge area. Tie the hammock to some trees, line up some chairs, and maybe introduce the backyard to an outdoor table to enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs outside. With the calls and beauty of nature all around you, relaxing should be a breeze.

The Entertainment Backyard

Ann Arbor Entertainment Backyard
by Colorworks Studio

If you’ve been looking for the perfect excuse to put a big screen television outside, this is it. Serving as the perfect entertainment venue for sports games, friends and family can relax outside, enjoy the warmth of the firepit, and not miss a single second of the game. Turn the regular sports party into something memorable and make all your neighbors jealous!

The Chef’s Backyard

Ann Arbor Chefs Backyard
by Holloway Company Inc.

Everyone loves delicious food, especially legendary burgers and ribs from the grill-master himself. If you want the perfect backyard setting for cooking and entertaining guests, it’s time to build the neighborhood’s best grill station. Design a cozy patio area for guests to relax under, yet still be able to admire the natural surroundings. Have the grills heated up and let the pleasing aromas do their work. No doubt friends will be begging to come back for seconds.

What You Want for Summer

These ideas should serve as great starting points to making your dreams come true for the summer. Everyone wants a great place to relax outside and have great parties in. If you’re looking for a great home that you can enjoy the outdoors with, check out our current home listings in Ann Arbor:

Click Here to View Ann Arbor Homes with Excellent Backyards

Ann Arbor Area Real Estate; 1207 Whittier Road

1207 Whittier Road

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Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1.5 Square Feet: 1,728

Outstanding brick colonial in sought after College Heights Subdivision is ready to sell. Beautiful light filled updated kitchen, eating area and a windowed sunroom that overlooks the large deck and fenced in private back yard. The living room has hardwood floors, bow window and wood burning fireplace. The first level is completed by an elegant hardwood floored formal dining room and half bathroom. Upstairs there are three nice sized bedrooms and large main bath. For extra storage the home has a full basement with a finish recreation room. Detached from the home is a large 2.5 car garage for the cars and extra storage space. Easy walking distance to DepotTown and Eastern Michigan University. 24 hour notice for Renter. Lease ends August 15,2013. New furnace in 2007. Show this Ann Arbor real estate and sell it!

Seller Says

It’s an easy walk to the #4 and #5 bus lines, making commuting to Ann Arbor a breeze (and free if you work for University of Michigan). Candy Cane Park features a ball field, play equipment and plenty of space for families, kids and leashed pets, and there’s a committed group working toward creating a dog park in the neighborhood, too.

The College Heights Neighborhood Association is very active–in addition to organized gatherings and activities, everyone really looks out for one another and takes pride in the neighborhood.

Hands down, La Fiesta Mexicana is my favorite restaurant within walking distance, with The Wurst Bar a close second. A bit further afield, Depot Town’s Red Rocks is just amazing. The Corner Brewery is my go-to brew pub–bring a board game or borrow one that they have on hand!

The sunroom and the fireplace were the features that sealed the deal for me–I bought in the dead of winter and the sunroom was lovely and sunny and I could just imagine a fire crackling away in that front room. And I was right!

I saw the house when I wasn’t even looking to buy and knew that it was the one. I owned a small home in Ann Arbor and more than doubled my square footage, upgraded from aluminum to brick and gained a 2.5 car garage in a much more desirable neighborhood for about the same amount for which I sold the Ann Arbor house. Moving to Ypsi was SUCH a good thing for me!

The immediate neighbors are particularly helpful and friendly.

I really appreciated how quite the street is–great place for the kids to ride bikes and for family walks. I never had to worry about kids crossing the street to visit friends.

My average utility costs are very affordable–and they got even better when we put in the new heat/central air.

 

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Kathy Toth and Team

www.KathyToth.com

Keller Williams Realty

Dexter Real Estate for Sale; 1320 Blue Heron Drive, Dexter, MI

1320 Blue Heron Drive

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Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3.5 Square Feet: 3,877

 

Custom Builders Masterpiece 10 Acre Estate Sits on Gorgeous Pond Ideal For Horse Lovers and  Wildwood Lake Fans with Access. Private Road Backs to State Land. Stunning Sun-flooded open floor plan with Great room, private First Floor Master Retreat with 3 Sided Fireplace, Luxurious Bath, Steam Shower. Chefs Dream Granite Center Island Kitchen, 8 FT Oak doors and trim, Low windows, 8 FT door walls, 13 skylights, 3 Separate Heating /AC Systems, Surround Sound, 2,000 SF Trex Deck with Glass Panels to enjoy views of nature.  Professionally finished W/O, 2 Whirlpool Tubs, 13 Skylights, Central Vac, 60×60 Horse Barn with 20×60 Concrete Floor, 3 Stalls, Paddock Fencing and Fly Spray System, Running H2o and Drain also great for kennel, heated garage.  Dexter Schools.  This Dexter Real Estate is one of a kind!

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Kathy Toth and Team

www.KathyToth.com

Keller Williams Realty

Dexter Real Estate for Sale; 8166 Cypress Circle, Dexter, MI

8166 Cypress Circle

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Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,400

 

This Tamarack model is an attractive ranch home with the top elevation that features three bedrooms. The large foyer leads to the cozy great room that is sure to be the hub of family activity. On either side of the great room, you will find a large, bright kitchen with walk-in pantry and a quiet, private master bedroom with and expansive closet and full bath. This delightful home also features another full bath, a main floor laundry area, a full basement with egress window and an attached 2 car garage. This home is located on the outer edges of the subdivision so it does not back up to another home. Wider doors for handicap access. Nicely landscaped and shows pride of ownership. Show this quick Dexter Real Estate and sell it. Basement is plumbed for a 3rd bath.

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Kathy Toth and Team

www.KathyToth.com

Keller Williams Realty

Ann Arbor’s Summer Festival 2013

Get in the right groove and get ready for Ann Arbor’s Summer Festival, starting June 14th and lasting through July 7th. It’s the one place where you can catch all the latest music, art, and theater — played live from some of the best groups in the nation. It’s also one of the best time to enjoy Ann Arbor’s outdoors, as you rock with fellow residents and have a blast with friends. See what Ann Arbor is bringing you this year!

Ann Arbor Summer Festival

2013 Ann Arbor Summer Festival

The 2013 Ann Arbor Summer Festival will present a wide range of artistic talents from across the world. The festival will be held from Friday June 14th to Sunday July 7th. The Ann Arbor Summer Festival provides several outdoor free events at Top of the Park, including several events for children. The indoor events require tickets to attend and can be purchased at the University of Michigan. Each year, the festival strives to be eco-friendly encouraging food and beverage vendors to use biodegradable packaging and cups. In addition, several events are organized for children to teach them about the environment and ways to contribute back to nature. The 2013 festival has several events scheduled that will bring a diversity of many styles of art and performances for the attendees of the event.

Music and Dance

An up and coming foursome from Edinburgh, Django Django, will perform. The band released their first album last year that was met with positive reception for their collaboration of eighties and sixties pop music. A European dance group, “Les 7 Doigts de la Main”, will perform their acrobatic dance performance. This group is well-renowned for performing during the Winter Olympics at Turin and has performed in twenty-five different countries.

Unique Events

Several events that provide a unique style of art will also be presented during this year’s festival. A CGI event, titled Superhero, allows participants to become their own superhero and act out super powers on a big screen. Another event, Tangle, is a family oriented event that incorporates spontaneous creations by weaving different colored ribbons together to create one big piece of art. This event allows individuals to participate and create their own unique visions while having fun with family and friends.

History

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival was founded by Eugene Power in 1984. With help from the University of Michigan and the city of Ann Arbor, the first festival featured several movies and theater performances. Over time, the festival developed into a diversified event that featuring music, dancing, art exhibits, and theatrical performances. The festival is a great opportunity for established artists to present their talents. It is also a great opportunity for new and upcoming artists to perform. Some performers are local residents while others have traveled from across the world to share their talents.

Wrapping Up Events

Each year, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival strives to become bigger and better providing more events and opportunities for the citizens of Ann Arbor. The festival is known as one of the biggest multi-art festivals in the nation, and with its unique events and community participation, it can only continue to grow with each coming year. If you want to make sure you catch it every year, move on down to the Ann Arbor area. Search our current real estate listings today and find the right place to call home!

Click Here to View Ann Arbor Real Estate

 

Ann Arbor Area Real Estate: 149 County Street

149 County Street

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Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1  Square Feet: 1,680

Built in 1900 and beautifully renovated this Milan charmer will impress the fussiest of buyers. Gourmet kitchen with Corian counters, custom cabinets, and heated tile floor will make the cook in the house feel like a Master Chef. Large family room with wood burning stove fireplace and artisan plaster ceiling is big enough for all kinds of furniture or even a baby grand piano. The formal dining room has gorgeous crown molding and hardwood floors. Upstairs there are four bedrooms and an updated main bath with heated tile floor, custom sink and glass privacy wall. If you need more storage the full basement has shelving and space for a work shop. Outside you will enjoy the fenced in back yard with a private deck along with a turn of the century carriage house complete with an upstairs storage and work area. This carriage house is big enough to park a car and all your yard tools and upstairs is a perfect place for the hobbyist or artist. Updates also include 22 Wallside custom windows.Don’t miss this opportunity to own one of downtown Milan’s most memorable homes. Put this on your Ann Arbor Real Estate short list of homes to see and you will be glad you did.

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Kathy Toth and Team

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Keller Williams Realty

Ann Arbor Area Real Estate for Sale; 1006 W. Cross Street

1006 W. Cross Street

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Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 2,500

Charming Normal Park turn of the Century two story home just waiting to be moved into. Beautiful perennials greet you walking to the large entry front porch. The first floor has hardwood floors, large living room with wood burning fireplace with brick surround, formal dining room with coffered ceiling, Updated kitchen with large pantry, and four seasons Sunroom. Upstairs you will find a large master suite with master bath with spa tub along with two ample sized bedrooms and main bath. If you need more space for storage there is a walk up attic on the third floor. Outside you will enjoy the brick paver patio and fenced in back yard. Recent updates include Mechanicals and roof. Put this on your Ann Arbor Real Estate short list of homes to see and you will be glad you did.

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Kathy Toth and Team

www.KathyToth.com

Keller Williams Realty

Ann Arbor Area Real Estate: 8225 Blue Jay Drive

8225 Blue Jay Drive

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Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.5 Square Feet: 2,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

Super opportunity to own this beautiful well taken care of Short Sale” home. This Ann Arbor Area Real Estate has a two story foyer with hardwood floors. Light filled family room with fireplace and volume ceiling. Center island kitchen with breakfast nook and hardwood floors.Formal dining room with crown and chair rail molding.The living room flows into formal dining room. Master suite with cathedral ceiling and master bath with soak tub and separate shower. Tree lined back yard. Two and a half car attached garage. Full basement for extra storage.Professionally landscaped with sprinkler system.If you don’t add this Propertunity to your favorites soon, you might be kicking yourself. Just minutes away from shopping and restaurants.Just 20 minutes from downtown Ann Arbor and 20 minutes to Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Newer Wallside Windows. Basement is plumbed for full bath. The sale of this home is subject to bank short sale approval and seller acceptance of bank terms.

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Kathy Toth and Team

www.KathyToth.com

Keller Williams Realty

Gardening for Your Ann Arbor Condo

Condos offer many benefits and are an excellent option for those who are first-time home buyers, residents wanting to live in the heart of the city, or for those who do not have the time for much home maintenance. They can offer simpler living. However, if you are living in a condo but miss gardening, or long for the opportunity to grow a garden of your own, take heart! Living in a condo does not mean you cannot grow your own garden. With a few tips, you can be gardening in your Ann Arbor condo in no time — all it takes is a little motivation and creativity!

Ann Arbor Condo Garden
by Barbara Cannizzaro

Getting Started with Your Condo Garden

The first step is to make a plan. You will need to know how much space you have in your gardening area. Your garden area may be a well lit sun-room or a patio or balcony, for instance. You will also need to determine how much sunlight the area gets, and what types of plants you would like to grow. These should be plants that grow well in your area.

Next, you will need to gather your tools and materials. Some things a condo gardener will need include: gloves, a small spade, potting dirt, fertilizer and a watering can or self watering globes or beads.

When you have all your supplies, it is time to get your plants and pots. Here you can be creative. Make the space your own by choosing pots and plants that reflect your dream garden. For instance, if you have a shady balcony and want a striking effect, Rex begonias are beautiful and grow well in full shade in Ann Arbor. Finally, you are ready to plant your foliage and watch your garden grow!

Ann Arbor Condo Garden
by P.S. Designs

Creative Ideas for Your Condo Garden

Living in a condo may mean you have a limited space to grow your favorite plants or herbs, but with a splash of creativity, you can have a beautiful garden that rivals those of a home. From our perspective, small space means great potential for big ideas. If you have a small balcony you’d like to decorate with flowers, forget about the usual pots and find a different container. Our favorite are the old and used snow shoes/rain boots. Simply fill them with fertilizer and plant your flower at the top. It gives them plenty of space to stretch their roots out.

You can also string tie some burlap sacks to your balcony railing and plant a few flowers or herbs in those. The burlap sacks give your condo a rustic appeal while still creating an elegant garden in the heart of the city. You could also try a vertical basket planter, which adds depth to your garden. For more ideas, feel free to email us via our contact page (click here).

Condo living does not have to mean giving up on gardening. Even with a small growing space, with some strategy, love and creativity your condo garden will soon be in full bloom!

View Wonderful Condos to Start Your Garden In!

Dexter Real Estate; 8379 Redwood Trail, Dexter, MI 48130

8379 Redwood Trail

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Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.5 Square Feet: 2,320

 

Open the door to the Petoskey and you’ll instantly feel at home. This inviting home features plenty of living and entertaining space for the growing family, along with a basement and an attached 2-car garage. This home has a very open feel about it as you make your way to the spacious great room with fireplace that opens to the kitchen, complete with eating nook, walk-in pantry and Center Island. A convenient powder room adds to this beautiful home’s functionality. The first floor separate Flex room is perfect for a library, office or formal dining room and allows for a peaceful retreat. Upstairs the Master suite offers a large walk-n closet and private bath with soaking tub and separate shower. Also upstairs you will find an expansive loft study area, a convenient laundry room, as well as three other nicely sized bedrooms and a full bath. This home is in move in condition and is better than new. Put this Dexter Real Estate on your show list. You will be glad you did!

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Kathy Toth and Team

www.KathyToth.com

Keller Williams Realty