How to Avoid 3 Costly Mistakes When Moving

 

Today we’re discussing the top three mistakes people make when packing and moving and how you can avoid them.

Looking to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report

Looking to buy a home? Search all homes for sale

 

Today, we have three tips on how to avoid three major mistakes when moving that we wanted to share with you. We are joined today by Sharon McRill, the owner of Betty Brigade, to help break down these three issues and how to avoid them when moving.

1. Not prioritizing. For example, Sharon sees people who pack up their kitchen when it’s the basement, garage, or attic that needs work first.

2. Not figuring out what to take to the new space. If you don’t measure the space and the furniture, it’s very difficult to find out how it will all work together. After figuring out the space, decide what you’ll keep and sell or donate the rest.

3. Relying on friends and family. Pizza doesn’t always cut it when it comes to moving! You have to motivate people with something else many times. That’s why Sharon recommends hiring professionals. If friends and family want to help, she says let them help, but don’t count on them for everything.

 

Pizza doesn’t always cut it when compensating movers!

 

Thanks to Sharon for joining us. If you find yourself in need of the Betty Brigade’s services, you can call them at (734) 994-1000.

If you have any questions about our market or you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call or send us an email. We’d be glad to help.

 

 

Ann Arbor Area Real Estate for Sale: 8299 Teahen Road, Brighton, MI

 

 

This beautiful home sits on top of a wooded hill that backs up to nearly 5,000 acres of the Brighton Recreation Area. The lot itself is 1.07 acres and nicely landscaped with a terraced brick entryway and front porch. The home has been updated and is in move-in condition! With 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths there is plenty of room for everyone! The living room features a  bay window, with lovely views. The Family room has cozy brick fireplace with easy access to large outdoor deck. The lovely large kitchen has maple cabinetry and the sale includes all appliances including a Jenn-Air stove. There are many updates which include: Furnace and A/C – 2010, Water Heater – 2016. With lake access to Winans Lake you will be vacationing in your own home. There is a playground, bathroom and beach area with social membership to Lakeland Golf & Country Club ($50 per month). The Brighton Recreation Area is interspersed with a number of attractive lakes and several miles of trails available for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. The Brighton Recreation Area Riding Stable is part of the park as well. Come and see what this fabulous property in the Ann Arbor Area real estate market has to offer you!

SELLER SAYS

We are located in Hamburg Township and are surrounded by open space and parks (Lakeland Trails State Park, Brighton State Recreation Area, Hamburg Township Recreation, Huron Meadows Metro Park, Legacy Center). We also have easy access to grocery stores, hardware stores, libraries, shopping, and restaurants. There is a very nice Kroger 2 miles from our home, and a Busch’s in Pinckney, 8 miles away. There is a  Meijer in Brighton, about a 15 minute drive. Hamburg Township was rated one of the top 10 safest townships in Michigan.

Our neighborhood has access to The Winans Lake Community Beach. A membership is $50/month and includes access use of Winans Lake. The association provides life guards, water toys, chairs, a picnic area, BBQ’s, and a wonderful community atmosphere. You will also have access to the Lakelands Golf Course including a club house and restaurant.

Activities are close by, Hamburg Fitness Center and Camp offers a great gym and fitness classes as well as a pool and swimming lessons for children. Both Pinckney Community Rec and Brighton Community Rec offer great classes and opportunities for the whole family.

There are plenty of restaurants in the area, one of our favorites is Zukey Lake Tavern. It has wonderful atmosphere and great food. We love sitting on the roof in the summer watching the boats on the Chain of Lakes and listening to live music.

Our utility costs are  $40/month with out the air conditioning, and $100/month with. In the winter months the average is $220/month.

Additional ANN ARBOR AREA REAL ESTATE Listings

4699 Pontiac Trail
2453 S. Fletcher Road

Toth Team Worldwide Network

Keller Williams Realty

Toth Team Worldwide Network has global aspirations and a growth strategy to meet the modern needs of clients around the world. Toth Team Worldwide Network is among the top one percent of REALTORS® nationally. They have been featured on House Hunters HGTV, and are proud to be the only trusted agent endorsed by celebrity Martin Bandyke on radio 107.1, and the exclusive real estate agent for 102.9 W4Country.

Toth Team Worldwide Network exceeds client expectations while delivering top performance in the purchase or sale of residential real estate worldwide.

Ann Arbor Real Estate for Sale: 4699 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI

 

 

This is a perfect home and is priced well below current  appraisal! This wonderful modern 2 story is on a scenic 2.28 acres in The Ann Arbor School District. The beautiful granite center island kitchen is the heart of the home with 9 foot ceilings and easy access to a dining area. The family room just beyond features a cozy fireplace. These rooms have access to an outside deck and enclosed 3-season room. A formal dining room is great for the holidays and special occasions. A formal living room and office are also useful additions to this stunning home. The split staircase brings you to 3 well sized bedrooms. The large master suite features a tray ceiling and a sitting large area with ample space for chairs or a sofa. The well appointed master bath includes a soaking tub, separate shower and walk-in closet. This home has a full basement and heated 3 car attached garage. The detached 2,000 sq ft outbuilding has additional parking spots or hobby space with an insulated floor. The upper level of this outbuilding could be used for a guest room or au pair quarters and is heated and air conditioned. This home is nicely landscaped and an automatic sprinkler system makes maintenance easy! This is the best of both, country in the city, close to everything, Ann Arbor Schools and room to roam! This estate home will not last long in the Ann Arbor Real Estate market!

SELLER SAYS

Ann Arbor is a wonderful town for both raising a family and retiring.  We moved here 12 years ago as the first step in retirement – to be closer to family and help provide daycare for our first grandchildren as their mothers entered medical residency at the local hospitals.  There are so many things to do, places to go and opportunities to learn and interact with fascinating people and groups!

Living on the edge of northeast Ann Arbor offers both the peace and quiet of country living, while being just minutes to all that Ann Arbor has to offer.   We’re only 5 minutes away from Kroger, Busch’s ,Plum Market, and UM North Campus Research Complex (NCRC) . We are less than 10 minutes to UM Central Campus, Downtown Ann Arbor shopping and restaurants, and the Farmer’s Market in Kerrytown!  One of Ann Arbor’s fastest growing farm stands is less than a mile away, with an incubator for new farmers that is virtually across the street!

Pontiac Trail is a main artery in and out of town, but never very busy.  Wildlife abounds, and there’s always something happening in the area for the grandchildren.

Being located so close to the NCRC, North Campus and the shops on Plymouth Road presents many dining opportunities – from upscale casual dining at Carson’s, to the trendy feel of The Songbird Cafe, and a range of options like Zoup, Panera, Great Plains Burger Company, and Chipolte!  One of our best discoveries is Ron’s Roadside BBQ on Pontiac Trail, it is unexpected and outstanding if you like true Texas BBQ!

Our favorite grocery stores are,  Kroger on Plymouth Rd (5 min), Busch’s on Green Road (5-7 min) and Plum Market on Green Rd & Plymouth (5-7 min). Our favorite farm markets are: Green Things on Nixon Road and the AA Farmers Market in Kerry Town.

We were drawn to our home for a number of reasons, the quiet country feel, while so close to all that Ann Arbor offers. The home has an open airy feel, with sunlit rooms, high ceilings and an open floor plan. It also has cozy spaces for everyone in the family. The sunny yard where both flower and vegetable gardens could flourish. The home provides space to explore woodworking, making pottery or running a small business.

Living in Ann Arbor has been a great experience for our entire family.  As new retirees, my husband and I found numerous opportunities to explore new interests, rapidly build new friendships and even start a small business.  We had the opportunity to watch our grandchildren grow from infancy to middle school, while being close to our children as they began their careers in medicine and information technology.  We’ve also had the opportunity to volunteer and work with a number of non-profits on social issues close to our hearts.  There’s so much available! Great restaurants and educational opportunities!

We enjoy walking at the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens all through the year, as well as the Sunday night Irish music sessions at Connor O’Neils.  The local woodworkers club is amazing, and Guild of Artists and Artisans welcomed us as new artists at the AA Summer Art Fair.

Our utility costs are very reasonable, we are heating and cooling both a 2850 square foot house as well as a 2000 square foot carriage house and shop.  Our average combined utility costs (natural gas and electricity) average about $300/month.

Additional ANN ARBOR AREA REAL ESTATE Listings

2153 S. Fletcher Road
5800 Cobble Lane

Toth Team Worldwide Network

Keller Williams Realty

Toth Team Worldwide Network has global aspirations and a growth strategy to meet the modern needs of clients around the world. Toth Team Worldwide Network is among the top one percent of REALTORS® nationally. They have been featured on House Hunters HGTV, and are proud to be the only trusted agent endorsed by celebrity Martin Bandyke on radio 107.1, and the exclusive real estate agent for 102.9 W4Country.

Toth Team Worldwide Network exceeds client expectations while delivering top performance in the purchase or sale of residential real estate worldwide.

Ann Arbor Area Real Estate for Sale: 2153 S. Fletcher Road, Chelsea, MI

 

 

This is a beautiful home in move-in condition on 10 acres!  This large home comes with all the room you need! an open kitchen with plenty of cabinetry and Corian counters. The dining space has access to large 12×20 Trex composite deck, perfect for entertaining. The family room features a stunning fieldstone gas fireplace and plenty of space to relax. The formal dining room will be perfect for large gatherings as well as intimate meals with friends and family. There is a spacious master suite with walk-in closet! The master bath includes a spa tub and separate shower. There are a total of  four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. There are plenty of options for all this space including a home office, craft room or guest room. The finished walk-out lower level provides extra space to live and plenty of extra storage. There is a 30×50 insulated workshop building that would be perfect for the DIY residents. There is also a 32×32 horse barn with water and heated tack room with a 12×32 lean-to. A third outbuilding is 32×48 and would make great storage for parking an RV, boat or additional vehicles. There is an electric fence keeps all animals in or out of the pasture area. This home is perfect for a hobbyist, it would make an excellent small farm or home to horses and livestock.  Just off Scio Church Rd. South-East of Chelsea and only 20 minutes to Ann Arbor! Come see this suburb home in the Ann Arbor Area real estate market!

SELLER SAYS

We were drawn to this property because of the location, paved roads, sun sets and country side views from our porch. We love being close to Chelsea and Ann Arbor, we also enjoy living on a paved road and a beautiful hill top setting.

We have great restaurants near our home, like Common Grill, Zingerman’s  Roadhouse, and Texas Roadhouse. Grocery shopping is easy and convenient too with Country Market in Chelsea and Meijer close by.

Additional ANN ARBOR AREA REAL ESTATE Listings

4699 Pontiac Trail
5800 Cobble Lane

Toth Team Worldwide Network

Keller Williams Realty

Toth Team Worldwide Network has global aspirations and a growth strategy to meet the modern needs of clients around the world. Toth Team Worldwide Network is among the top one percent of REALTORS® nationally. They have been featured on House Hunters HGTV, and are proud to be the only trusted agent endorsed by celebrity Martin Bandyke on radio 107.1, and the exclusive real estate agent for 102.9 W4Country.

Toth Team Worldwide Network exceeds client expectations while delivering top performance in the purchase or sale of residential real estate worldwide.

Kathy Toth, Toth Team World Wide Network of REALTORS welcomes Larry Nearhood

Toth Team Announces New Team Member

Kathy Toth, Toth Team Worldwide network of REALTORS® announced the addition of a new team member, Larry Nearhood, to the Ann Arbor Area Real Estate Experts team. “Larry is an enthusiastic Realtor who really knows our area”, said CEO Kathy Toth. “His knowledge and great attitude will serve our Ann Arbor Area, which makes him a great fit for our organization at Keller Williams.”

Larry Nearhood has lived in southeast Michigan his entire life and of his new position he says “I am extremely happy to be a part of such a well-regarded and energetic team as the Toth Team Worldwide Network of REALTORS®. Visiting properties and knowing the trends of Ann Arbor’s fast-paced and dynamic real estate market keep me intrigued day after day and ensures I am bringing the most up to date information to my clients.”

Outside of work, Larry is an avid golfer, curler, and University Of Michigan fan. With a busy year ahead, the Toth Team is confident that Nearhood will continue to provide outstanding service to Ann Arbor home buyers and sellers.

Toth Team, Worldwide Network have been serving Washtenaw, Livingston, Oakland, Lenawee, Jackson and Wayne Counties including Dexter, Ann Arbor, Chelsea and Saline clients for over 20 years. They are among the top one percent of REALTORS® nationally and have been featured twice on House Hunters HGTV. She can also be heard in the mornings 107.1 endorsed by Martin Bandyke, and 102.9 W4Country Radio, Breakfast with Bubba. Kathy works directly with listing and buyer representative partners towards exceeding her client’s expectations while meeting their real estate purchase or sale objectives.

Kathy is an Associate Broker, Accredited Seller Representative, Certified Distressed Property Expert, and Certified Commercial Investment Member Candidate. To experience their website and to learn more about the team, please visit www.KathyToth.com, email info@kathytoth.com, or stop into their office at 3134 Baker Road, Dexter, MI 48130 or 2144 S State St Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

 

More Tips on Packing and Moving From Stevens Worldwide

 

Dani Hallsell is back with us today with move tips on how to stay sane when moving to your next home.

Looking to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report

Looking to buy a home? Search all homes for sale

 

Today I wanted to share some more great moving tactics that will help keep you from going insane during your next move. For a little help, I’ve brought back Dani Hallsell from Stevens Worldwide Van Lines, which is a national storage and moving company. So what does Dani suggest to help make a move go slowly? Now that you know where you’re going and your boxes are packed thanks to our first set of tips, these tips will make the next steps much easier.

1. Consider packing “Open Me First” boxes. Include familiar items that will make everyone feel at home right away, as well as items that you use on a daily basis.

2. Label each side of your boxes. No matter which direction they turn, you know what’s inside.

3. Label fragile items with an arrow to indicate which side is up. This is often overlooked but will help you when your house starts filling up with boxes.

4. Fill and label a box with tools, cleaning supplies, extension cords, and surge protectors. This will make unpacking a breeze if it’s the last box you put in the moving truck. Don’t forget—toilet paper is an essential item!

 

Make your life easier by packing essentials last in an ‘Open Me First’ Box.

 

So what should you plan on taking yourself? Dani says Stevens recommends taking all valuables like money, jewelry, coins, collections, important papers, and medications with you personally. For the safety of your items, Stevens does not ship anything combustible or explosive, living, or perishable.

Another interesting fact about Stevens is that they partner with Move for Hunger. People throw away a lot of stuff when they move, and unfortunately, much of it is food. That’s why Stevens lets its customers set aside non-perishable food items, which will be picked up by their crew and delivered to the local food pantry. They’ll even supply the boxes for these nonperishable items, Dani says.

If you have any questions for the experts at Steven Worldwide, you can call them at (517) 614-8037.

If you have any real estate questions or you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in  the Ann Arbor area, give us a call or send us an email. We’d be happy to help.

Happy Holidays from Toth Team Worldwide

Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours.
kathy_toth_ss_happy_holidays

Looking to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report

Looking to buy a home? Search all homes for sale

 

2017 is almost here!

We hope that you had a wonderful 2016. We did, and it’s all thanks to you and your support. Thank you for allowing us to help you meet your real estate goals for 2016.

A new year brings new opportunities for all of us.  Whether you celebrate Kwanzaa, Christmas, Chanukah, Pancha Ganapati, Happy Holidays, Festivus, or Winter Solstice, we wish you prosperity.

A tradition in Greece is to hang an onion on the front door of their homes, and when the family wakes on January 1st, each get tapped on the head with the onion, for good luck.

Whatever your resolutions may be, we hope the new year brings you peace, joy, and laughter.

 

 

We hope the new year brings you peace, joy, and laughter.

 

 

Enjoy this holiday season and make some wonderful memories with your friends and family. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

 

As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are happy to help you in any way that we can.

What are your adventures in growth (goals)?

ACTION PLAN:

What is your BIG GROWTH (GOAL)?
________________________

What are three PROCESS goals related to your big growth (goal)?
1) ______________________
2) ______________________
3) ______________________

What are three SYSTEMS related to your big growth (goal)?
1) ______________________
2) ______________________
3) ______________________

How can you GROW in the key skill areas of your big growth (goal)?
1) Exercisefirst thing every morning!
2) ______________________
3) ______________________

“For things to improve, you have to improve. For things to get better, you have to get better. For things to change, you have to change. When you change, everything changes for you.” – Jim Rohn  

Share your resolutions and see you next year!

Cobblestone Estates Luxury Homes |Dexter Real Estate: 5800 Cobble Ln, Dexter, MI 48130

Cobblestone Estates Luxury Homes
Cobblestone Estates Luxury Homes with 5800 Cobble Lane featured for this executive subdivision
Cobblestone Estates Luxury Homes Featured Interiror
Cobblestone Estates Luxury Home Interior

 

 

Cobblestone Estates Luxury Homes star an elegant, refined living experience with this breathtaking six bedroom custom designed home. Set upon 18.34 beautiful acres offering views of the tranquil country side, enjoy the lifestyle you have always wished where wide open space blends seamlessly with luxury finishes. Can you picture your family spending Holidays together here?

This stunning Cobblestone Estates luxury home immediately draws you in with its 20-foot ceiling great room boasting exposed beams, beautiful fireplace, and sweeping pastoral views. Fine amenities continue in the exquisite gourmet kitchen featuring copper sinks, professional grade appliances, granite counter tops, limestone flooring and large, custom center island.

Host elegant dinner parties in the formal dining room complete with light filled windows, sparkling chandelier and room for a large dining table. A warm, private office is equipped with floor to ceiling built-ins and direct access to a private balcony ensuring that you will have a quiet place to complete work assignments.

The first floor owners suite is incredible with a cozy fireplace, built-ins, bay windowed sitting area and walk-in closet. A spa like master bath is complete with dual vanities, large soaking tub, and separate shower. Three additional generously sized bedrooms on the second floor each has its own en-suite bathroom.

The walk-out lower level offers splendid space for a den, game room, kitchenette, and home gym. Other features of this home include hickory flooring, radiant heated limestone flooring, large laundry room and mud room. Enjoy the professionally landscaped grounds, expansive patio and ponds. The elegant country living is waiting for you in this piece of Dexter real estate among prime Cobblestone Estates Luxury Homes. Text 734-669-0337 or call 866-696-8447 press 0 to receive information about this, or any of our listings.

Additional DEXTER REAL ESTATE Listings

7228 York Street
1876 Westbourne Court

 

Toth Team Worldwide Network

Keller Williams Realty

Toth Team Worldwide Network has global aspirations and a growth strategy to meet the modern needs of clients around the world. Toth Team Worldwide Network is among the top one percent of REALTORS® nationally. They have been featured on House Hunters HGTV, and are proud to be the only trusted agent endorsed by celebrity Martin Bandyke on radio 107.1, and the exclusive real estate agent for 102.9 W4Country.

Toth Team Worldwide Network exceeds client expectations while delivering top performance in the purchase or sale of residential real estate worldwide.

Ann Arbor Real Estate for Sale: 2317 Parkwood Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI |Pittsfield Village

2317-parkwood in Pittsfield Village
Pittsfield Village Ranch Condo
2317-parkwood Pittsfield Village interiror hardwood
Pittsfield Village Condo Interior with gleaming hardwood

 

 

This affordable one bedroom Pittsfield Village condo is primed and ready for your personal touches. Hardwood floors and cathedral ceilings provide an open feeling. The unit has a basement for storage and is ready to finish if you need extra space. There is a back deck with views of trees, open space and the playground. The Village Community has acres of green space with playgrounds, picnic pavilions, tennis

Pittsfield Village Pool
Summer fun in the Pittsfield Village pool

courts, a pool and a clubhouse. The neighborhood is close to everything you need… Arborland Mall, Whole Foods, Starbucks, Zola Bistro, shopping, bus lines, freeways… Association fee includes: grass, snow, water/sewer, trash/recycle, siding/roof/windows, building insurance.

Schools

Children attend Ann Arbor Schools

Elementary: Pittsfield

Jr High School: Scarlett

High Schools: Huron

Neighborhood Info

This ranch property is located in the quiet neighborhood of Pittsfield Village.

Parks are complex elements of a city. They can serve scores of different uses, may be specialized in their function, or can simply provide visual appeal for residents.

Scheffler Park is 1/2 miles west of Pittsfield Village. This park is S of Washtenaw. Further West is County Farm Park with exercise facility.

Located on the North side of Washtenaw is Whole Foods and Arborland Center.

Shopping malls are part of the fabric of the local community. Many shoppers’ first job or first date was at their local mall. Most shoppers can recall positive personal experiences from their youth that occurred at the mall. Additionally, malls actively support a number of local charities helping raise funds to support the broader community.

Arborland Center is where shopping, food and fun come together. The complex offers a unique blend of retail and restaurants.  The center has several popular retail tenants, including Bed Bath and Beyond, Border’s Books, Chilis, Circuit City, Dress Barn and Toys “R” Us.

Restaurants can be extremely valuable additions to a downtown area.  They serve downtown workers and residents as well as attract visitors to the center of the community.  They serve both an economic and social role in the community, helping downtowns maintain their role as an important gathering place.

Downtown is the heart of the community. It is an important community space where members of all segments of the community can meet equally for parades, speeches, and other community events.

Keller Williams Realty Toth Team Worldwide Network
5800 Cobble Lane

12066 Weiman Drive

Toth Team Worldwide Network has global aspirations and a growth strategy to meet the needs of clients around the world. Toth Team Worldwide Network is among the top one percent of REALTORS® nationally. They have been featured on House Hunters HGTV, and are proud to be the only trusted agent endorsed by celebrity Martin Bandyke on radio 107.1, and the exclusive real estate agent for 102.9 W4Country.

Toth Team Worldwide Network exceeds client expectations while delivering top performance in the purchase or sale of residential real estate worldwide.

How to Save Money by Packing Yourself When Moving

Five packing tips to save money
Five packing tips to save money for buyers and sellers

 

If you’re packing your home yourself, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Today, Dani Hallsell from Stevens Worldwide Van Lines is here to share her top five packing tips to save money

Five Packing Tips to Save Money from Professional Movers
Learn how to save time and money when packing to move

 

Looking to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report
Looking to buy a home? Search all homes for sale

 

Moving to a new space is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. Today, Dani Hallsellfrom Stevens Worldwide Van Lines is here with some professional moving tips to help make packing less stressful. She talks about 5 Tips to Save Money When Packing Yourself in the video.

 

With more than 110 years of moving experience, Stevens Worldwide Van Lines has a complete list of packing tips and best practices. Here are their top five to save you money and time:

1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need boxes, newsprint, bubble wrap, scissors, tape, and pens.
2. Use packing tape to seal the seams on the bottom of the box. You should also add some tape perpendicularly across the box for extra support. Remember to fill the boxes completely to keep them from collapsing. Pack heavy items in smaller boxes in order to avoid straining your back.
3. Prepare for the move early. Start assembling moving boxes. Place them around the house to help you remember to pack a little bit every day.
4. Set one box aside for donations. Use this time to determine what you’ll take with you and what you will give away.
5. Make sure your valuables are securely wrapped. If you can feel the items through the cushion wrapping, you will need more protection.

 

Start packing early!

 

Furthermore, follow these Five Packing Tips to Save Money and your home will be securely packed up in no time.

In addition, if you have any other questions about packing for Dani, you can give her a call at (517) 614-8037 or email her at Dani.Hallsell@StevensWorldwide.com. As always, if you have any real estate questions, please reach out to us. Each person on Toth Team Worldwide Network is here to serve and we are happy to help you!