National Home Sales Report

Home Sales
August
home sales were up 18.6% year-to-year nationally, posting a 7.7% increase in sales
activity over July despite Hurricane Irene, which struck the Eastern
seaboard and New England regions at the end of the month. As a result of
the hurricane, the Northeast experienced the smallest increase in sales. At
the same time, persisting restrictions among banks affecting home lending
are having the greatest constraint on sales levels. NAR Chief Economist
Lawrence Yun stated, “The market can easily move into a healthy
expansion if mortgage underwriting standards return to normalcy.”
Home Price
Homes
prices were down, with a 5.1% drop in August compared to a year ago. The
national median price for homes in August was $168,300, with distressed properties,
foreclosures, and short sales still accounting for 31% of sales. The
buyer’s market for residential property continues, as favorable prices, and
record low interest rates offer the most affordable conditions for
purchasing a home in the last 40 years.
Inventory
The
supply of homes measured in months on the market at their current pace of
sales fell 10.5% in the month of August, to an 8.5 month supply of
inventory, down from a 9.5-month supply in July. With homes being more
affordable than they have been in a generation and the lowest levels of new
home construction since World War II, this inventory is projected to
continue to fall, which will eventually result in the appreciation of home
prices and a move toward a balanced market.
Distressed Properties
and What They Mean to You
Since affordable
pricing tops the list of motivation and criteria for buying, it is no
surprise that many first-time home buyers purchase distressed properties,
which can be up to 30% below market value. Cost-conscious buyers are the most
interested in distressed properties, but it is important for them to take
into consideration the additional costs and expenses related to damage or
neglect that occurred during the foreclosure process. On average, distressed
property prices for first-time home buyers are $185,971 with a median of
$153,000.Another consideration for buyers is the transaction time. Short sales and
foreclosures typically take considerably longer to close because buyers deal
with institutions rather than individual sellers. Yet buyers who are patient
can benefit by paying less.As a seller, it is important to understand the current real estate market,
and a real estate agent is there to guide sellers every step of the way.
Agents can help sellers understand what the level of distressed sales and
competition look like in their area. This way, they will be able to price
their home right and will more than likely be able to attract attention from
potential home buyers. Want to know what your Ann Arbor home is worth?

Ann Arbor Sold Prices By Schools: Market Bottom?

Our Ann Arbor Real Estate market had some surprises one of them was that the highest sold price per square feet was in Angell school district with Burns Park in second place for 2009 and 2010.   Refer to chart below.  Bach elementary school was third with sold price per square feet of $178 in 2009 and $174 in 2010. More on Ann Arbor Market Statistics, here. 

With improving economy, the bottom is here.  Washtenaw County’s unemployment rate slipped from 8.4 percent in September to 7.8 percent in October, DELEG reported.  That marks the lowest point since April 2009, when the rate stood at 7.6 percent.  Now we need to look carefully at what will happen to interest rates. For a $100,000 loan amount, a one percent increase in rate can affect the purchase power by $11,000. Now a 30-year mortgage rate is averaging 4.85%.  Talk to us about reputable lenders.  We don’t want you to have any surprises!

We are here to help you evaluate your particular Ann Arbor situation.

Ann Arbor Michigan Community: Hill Auditorium, University of Michigan local community performing arts center

Ann Arbor benefits so much from having the University of Michigan at the heart of the City. The University enhances the already wonderfully diverse cultural amenities that Ann Arbor has.

When it comes to the performing arts, there is an infamous facility in the center of the city which is coveted by many and has played host to numerous famous celebrities.

Hill Auditorium, at 825 North University Avenue (corner of North University and South Thayer Streets) in Ann Arbor is a beautiful building that was constructed back in 1913 by noted architectural firm Kahn and Wilby. The auditorium is so well known it is even included on the Visit Ann Arbor website!

The renowned concert hall was inaugurated at the 20th Ann Arbor May Festival, and has continued to be the site of thousands of concerts. Stars who have performed here include Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet, Bruce Springsteen, Tori Amos, Chris Rock and more! Boasting superb acoustics there is no question to why people love to perform here.


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Just under 10 years ago in May 2002 the Auditorium underwent an 18 month long $38.6 million renovation which updated the infrastructure and restored much of the interior to its former, original splendor. Outside the building the brick paving and stone retaining walls were reworked, inside there was the creation of additional restrooms, the replacement of seating and more. Hill Auditorium reopened after refurbishment in 2004.

The auditorium can hold just over 3,500 people and since refurbishment has up to date audio-visual equipment meaning that those who are performing can have their performance use cutting edge technology.

This is definitely a great community resource that is loved by Ann Arbor residents and visitors!

We welcome your comments, if you live in the community, we want to hear what you think of your neighborhood and welcome your input to improve this Ann Arbor Area information.

Ann Arbor offers great access to the expressway to get to Detroit or beyond quickly. A hop skip and a jump away is Zingerman’s Deli, Kerrytown, Kerrytown Farmers Market, Briarwood Mall, U of M campus, Medical Centerand University of Michigan football games. Drive to Veteran’s Park for figure or hockey skating, baseball, sledding, swimming, or enjoy fresh produce at Plum Market. For some specialty items be sure to visit nearby Morgan and York with video. Ann Arbor is a great place to live – convenient for all, including the Detroit metro airport, which is around 30 minutes away! Remember to be sure to visit world famous Ann Arbor Arts Fairs held every July. Click here to search Dexter Real Estate using our complimentary Ann Arbor Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Kathy Toth and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Ann Arbor Real Estate needs.

Kathy Toth and Team www.KathyToth.com Ann Arbor Market Center Keller Williams Realty

Chelsea Michigan Real Estate & Relocation: Chelsea MI Chamber of Commerce

For those who live in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, MI you all know what a fantastic place it is to live, work and play! There are some great local amenities for residents and a real community spirit.

But, if you are someone who is looking to relocate to Chelsea or nearby Ann Arbor who is a business person who is not just looking to buy a home here, but also set up a business then you need to know that Chelsea and Ann Arbor is a great place to own and run a business.

The key to any successful business and the relocation of a business owner is networking. Here in Chelsea there is a great networking resource: The Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is here to help promote commerce to establish and maintain Chelsea, Michigan as a premier community in which to live, work, and play. The Chamber works hard and holds regular activities for members, Lunch for Success, Business Breakfast, and Business After Hours networking events.

The Chamber of Commerce also hosts an award for Business Leaders, Citizen of the Year and more!

So for those who are looking to relocate to Chelsea or any other part of the Ann Arbor metro area you will find an area on the grow with a great community and lots of local organizations to help support you and your business.

We welcome your comments, if you live in the community, we want to hear what you think of your neighborhood and welcome your input to improve this Ann Arbor Area information.

Remember, Chelsea is just outside of Ann Arbor, so if you are looking to move to Ann Arbor instead then give the team a call! Ann Arbor offers great access to the expressway to get to Detroit or beyond quickly. A hop skip and a jump away is Zingerman’s Deli, Kerrytown, Kerrytown Farmers Market, Briarwood Mall, U of M campus, Medical Centerand University of Michigan football games. Drive to Veteran’s Park for figure or hockey skating, baseball, sledding, swimming, or enjoy fresh produce at Plum Market. For some specialty items be sure to visit nearby Morgan and York with video. Ann Arbor is a great place to live – convenient for all, including the Detroit metro airport, which is around 30 minutes away! Remember to be sure to visit world famous Ann Arbor Arts Fairs held every July. Click here to search Dexter Real Estate using our complimentary Ann Arbor Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively please contact Kathy Toth and the team if you need more specific assistance in your Ann Arbor Real Estate needs.

Kathy Toth and Team www.KathyToth.com Ann Arbor Market Center Keller Williams Realty

Ann Arbor Real Estate: 10155 Curtis, Pinckney, MI 48169


Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.1
Square Feet: 1816

2 STORY FOYER WITH FORMAL LIVING ROOM/DEN/ BEDROOM GREETS GUESTS, LARGE EAT-IN OAK KITCHEN W/ SNACK BAR OPENS TO GREATROOM WITH FIREPLACE. NICE SIZED BACKYARD, PERFECT LANDSAPING, SUPER CLEAN MOVE IN CONDITION, BASEMENT PLUMBED FOR BATH, CONVENIENT TO SCHOOLS, SHOPPING, PARKS. PRICED TO SELL. HOME WARRANTY INCLUDED.

Related Links

See Extra Photos and a Virtual Tour for 10155 Curtis
Please visit our website for a complimentary MLS search

Additional ANN ARBOR AREA REAL ESTATE Listings

Kathy Toth and Team
www.KathyToth.com

Ann Arbor Market Center
Keller Williams Realty

Dexter Community Events, Activities and Information

Take a look at what’s happening in Dexter, Michigan during the month of October! Click here for your Dexter Real Estate Search.

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10/01/2011

VILLAGE OF DEXTER – APPLE DAZE

Monument park will be filled with the excitement of fall with games, craft booths, hay rides and plenty of food and drinks. Of course there will be apples and the pie eating contest. The Lion’s Club Classic Car Show.

Monument Park
8030 Main Street
Dexter, MI 48130

Hours: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

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10/03/2011

VILLAGE OF DEXTER – PLANNING COMMISSION

Occurs the Occurs the First Monday of every month starting 10/4/2004 until 12/5/2011 from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Senior Center
7720 Dexter-Ann Arbor St.
Dexter, MI 48130

Hours: 7:30PM – 10:00PM

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10/04/2011

VILLAGE OF DEXTER – ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE COMMITTEE

Occurs the First Tuesday of every month starting 5/5/2009 until 8/1/2017 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Senior Center
7720 Dexter-Ann Arbor St.
Dexter, MI 48130

Hours: 7:00PM – 9:00PM

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10/10/2011

VILLAGE OF DEXTER – VILLAGE COUNCIL

Occurs the Second Monday of every month starting 2/14/2011 until 1/14/2013 from 7:30 PM

Senior Center
7720 Dexter-Ann Arbor St.
Dexter, MI 48130

Hours: 7:30PM

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10/18/2011

VILLAGE OF DEXTER – TREE BOARD MEETING

Occurs the Third Tuesday of every month starting 3/15/2011 until 2/17/2015 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Village Offices
8123 Main St.
Dexter, MI 48130

Hours: 9:00AM – 10:00AM
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10/18/2011

VILLAGE OF DEXTER – PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING

Occurs the Third Tuesday of every month starting 3/15/2011 until 2/17/2015 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Village Offices
8123 Main St.
Dexter, MI 48130

Hours: 7:00PM – 9:00PM

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10/24/2011

VILLAGE OF DEXTER – VILLAGE COUNCIL

Occurs the Fourth Monday of every month starting 1/24/2011 until 1/28/2013 from 7:30 PM

Senior Center
7720 Dexter-Ann Arbor St.
Dexter, MI 48130

Hours: 7:30PM

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10/31/2011

VILLAGE OF DEXTER – HALLOWEEN/TRICK OR TREAT

Throughout Village

Hours: 5:30PM – 7:30PM

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Click here to view a calendar which features all of the Events and Activities occurring in the Village of Dexter!

Click Here to view community events in Ann Arbor for October!

Related Links
Dexter Real Estate

Click here to search all Ann Arbor area Michigan homes
and condos with pictures and tours – FREE!

Kathy Toth and Team
www.KathyToth.com
Keller Williams Realty

Ann Arbor Real Estate: 10597 W. Splitstone, Pinckney, MI 48169

10597 W. Splitstone, Pinckney

Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3.1
Square Feet: 3743

STUNNING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. 2 STORY FOYER – CHANDALIER LOWERS FOR EZ CLENAING, 1ST FLOOR STUDY W/WETBAR, BEDROOM/FORMAL LIVING ROOM, HUGE GRANITE CENTER ISLAND KITCHEN WITH EATING AREA TO DOORWALL TO MAGICAL GARDENS W/2 PONDS, WATERFALL, CREEK, INGROUND TIMED LIGHTING FEATURED ON GARDEN TOURS, FIREPLACE IN FAMILY ROOM FOR COZY FAMILY EVENINGS OR ENTERTAINING IS A BREEZE IN FORMAL DINING ROOM, FAMILY FUN IN PERFECTLY FINISHED BASEMENT. ESCAPE TO LUXURIOUS MASTER SUITE WITH DUAL SINKS, TUB AND SEPARATE SHOWER 4. CAR ATT GARAGE. DON’T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A PIECE OF ANN ARBOR REAL ESTATE!

Related Links

See Extra Photos and a Virtual Tour for 10597 W. Splitstone
Please visit our website for a complimentary MLS search

Additional ANN ARBOR AREA REAL ESTATE Listings

Kathy Toth and Team
www.KathyToth.com

Ann Arbor Market Center
Keller Williams Realty

Dexter Real Estate: 11497 Trinkle, Dexter, MI 48130

11497 Trinkle, Dexter, MI: Chelsea Schools

Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.1
Square Feet: 3010

MAGICAL GARDENERS DELIGHT LOCATED IN DEXTER, MI. REMODELED IN 1995 WITH NEWER DECK W/BUILT IN FIREPIT, SPACIOUS KITCHEN W/ CENTER ISLAND OF CRAFTMADE HICKORY CABINETRY VAULTED CEILING, NEWER BATHS, ELECTRICAL, GUTTERS, BRICK PAVERS W/ INLAID STONES, GLEAMING HARDWOOD FLOORS, CARPET, ANDERSON WINDOWS/DOOR WALLS, PLUMBING, CENTRAL AIR, WELL PUMP, TANK, DRIVEWAY, DUCTED FOR CENTRAL VAC, FULLY LANDSCAPED FOR EASY MAINTENANCE AND DELIGHT. HUGE MASTER SUITE WITH FIRE PLACE, DECK, SITTING AREA, HOME WARRANTY. ONE LOOK AND YOUR FUSSY BUYERS WILL FALL IN LOVE

Related Links
See Extra Photos and a Virtual Tour for 11497 Trinkle
Visit our website for an in-depth property detail page

Looking for more Listings in Dexter, Michigan?

Additional DEXTER MI REAL ESTATE Listings


 

Search all listings in Michigan with pictures and tours…Free!

Kathy Toth & Team: Ann Arbor Area Real Estate Expertswww.KathyToth.comKeller Williams Realty


Ann Arbor Community Events and Entertainment for October

October has arrived and there is something for everyone here in Ann Arbor. Take a look at a few of the events
happening around town this month!

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Oct. 06, 2011 – Oct. 16, 2011

UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance presents: Suddenly Last Summer

Suddenly Last Summer, a drama by Tennessee Williams, is a story of a grieving mother who will do anything – even the unthinkable – to save the reputation of her son.

Arthur Miller Theatre at Walgreen Drama Center, 1226 Murfin, Ann Arbor
Visit website
Full event info

When: Oct. 06, 2011 – Oct. 16, 2011…Thurs 7:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 8:00 p.m.; Sun. 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Go to website for ticket price information

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Oct. 08, 2011 – Oct. 09, 2011

Ann Arbor Art Center Presents Liberty Local: Handmade Craft Fair

Liberty Local is an indoor indie artists’ market showcasing handmade crafts from regional artist vendors whose work embraces the indie spirit – unique, handmade and creative.  It will take place on two floors of the Art Center’s historic building.

Liberty Local will feature 35 vendors representing a wide variety of crafts.  Each vendor was selected because of the high quality of their original handcrafted work.  “The Art Center is excited to support the Michigan indie craft scene by hosting this show.  We really believe in the idea that handmade art should be accessible to all and we look forward to sharing some of the best with our community” said Sam Solis, Special Events Manager.
117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Visit website
Full event info

When: Oct. 08, 2011 – Oct. 09, 2011…Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-5:00pm
Cost: $1.00 Admissions fee. Proceeds will support the programs of the Ann Arbor Art Center

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October 08, 2011

The Leslie Science & Nature Center presents: International Observe the Moon Night

Leslie Science and Nature Center and the University Lowbrow Astronomers will be on site to show a presentation about our nearest celestial neighbor and how it affects life on Earth.  We will have a number of telescopes set up (weather permitting) to show you the real thing, up close and personal.  Come and join us as we celebrate our Moon along with many other people around the world.
1831 Traver Rd. Ann Arbor MI 48105
Visit website
Full event info

When: Saturday October 08, 2011 7:00p.m.- 11:00 p.m.
Cost: $3 per person, all ages welcome

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Oct. 17, 2011 – Oct. 22, 2011

State Street Fashion Week in Downtown Ann Arbor

State Street Fashion Week will celebrate the anniversaries of several clothing stores in downtown Ann Arbor.  Special events during the week of Oct. 17 to Oct. 22 will include:

A free fashion show at the Michigan Threater, Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 7:00 PM. with afterglow at Tio’s.

A party at Renaissance, Thursday, Oct. 20.

Events all day at Bivauac, Saturday, Oct. 22

Two hours of free parking will be given to the first fifty customers in each of the 15 fashion stores on Saturday.

Downtown Ann Arbor
Visit website
Full event info

When: Oct. 17, 2011 – Oct. 22, 2011…Events take place during regular business hours and some evening events.
Cost: This is a free event.

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October 30, 2011

Annual Family Halloween Party

Have a Halloween that’s fun, safe and educational as well!  By combining entertaining activities with informal science learning, the Exhibit Museum’s Family Halloween Party has become one of the most popular Halloween activities in the area.

Partygoers will journey through the Museum, discovering special stations and displays full of hands-on activities.  Many favorite stations will be back, along with new stations, and live animals.

Come in costume (not required, but recommended) and don’t forget your goodie bag – we”ll be handing out treats.  The party is suitable for all ages, and is FREE!  No reservations or tickets are necessary.

Exhibit Museum of Natural History, 1109 Geddes Ave, Ann Arbor
Visit website
Full event info

When: Sunday October 30, 2011 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: This is a free event.

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Above was a sampling of the activities occurring in our community during the month of October. Please be sure to check out one of the many events being held during the month and have a good time!

Click here to view community events in Ann Arbor, MI for the month of September.

To view the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau,
click here and choose your own criteria and dates.

Click here to search all Ann Arbor Area Michigan
homes and condos with pictures and tours – FREE

Kathy Toth and Team
www.KathyToth.com

Keller Williams Realty