Kathy Toth and Team Among Judges for 2014 Country Idol Auditions

W4 Idol ContestantUp-and-coming talent takes center stage at the 2014 Country Idol Auditions taking place through June 27th in the Ann Arbor area. This is the 10th year of the popular talent contest hosted by W4 Country, 102.9 FM.

This year’s Country Idol winner will enjoy the free use of a brand-new Chevrolet Cruze, courtesy of a pre-paid lease provided by Suburban Chevy-Cadillac of Ann Arbor.

Kathy and FriendsWith public auditions already underway, the pressure is on contestants and judges alike. Some of the judges for the qualifying rounds include Kathy Toth and her team members, Michael Dailey, Mike McGee and Karin Maurer, of Kathy Toth & Team real estate.

Kathy judged contestants on Monday, June 16th at The Alley in Dexter.   She will judge again on Thursday, June 26th at Bel-Mark Lanes in Ann Arbor.

“I’m amazed at the quality of talent we have right here at home,” says Kathy Toth. “The enthusiasm of the contestants is contagious. It’s tons of fun. Anyone with vocal talent should give it a try! If you can’t sing, then join us to cheer on the participants.”

A full schedule of the qualifying rounds is available at the W4 Country website.  Visit our facebook page if you would like to see some great photos this season or if you would like to add some photos of your own.  Join the Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts  June 27th at the Finale taking place at Marriott Eagle Crest Resort – 1275 S. Huron St. – Ypsilanti.

Kathy Toth & Team have been serving Washtenaw County real estate including Dexter, Ann Arbor, Chelsea and Saline clients for over 24 years. They are among the top one percent of REALTORS® nationally and have been featured twice on House Hunters HGTV. Toth works directly with listing and buyer representative partners, with a goal of exceeding her client’s expectations while meeting their real estate purchase or sale objectives.

Kathy Toth & Team Tour “The Big House”

TourWhen Ann Arbor REALTOR® Kathy Toth needed a venue for a team-building activity, she thought “big.” She brought her agents and staff to Michigan Stadium for a guided tour on June 5, using the nation’s largest sports stadium to inspire her team.

Michigan Stadium isn’t just the largest stadium in the United States – it’s also the 3rd largest stadium in the world. With an official seating capacity of 109,901, it has hosted crowds as large as 115,109.

But what does college football have to do with real estate?M Club Banner

Kathy Toth takes inspiration from the words painted in the locker room hallway: “Those who stay will be champions.”

“Real estate is a challenging career,” Toth explained. “There are many people who enter this business thinking that it’s easy money. The reality is, real estate is a demanding field that requires your best effort with every client and every transaction. It’s more time-consuming and strategically-involved than most people realize.”

It’s also a business that requires tenacity and continual education. Toth gave another example. “In order for you to succeed and grow as a real estate professional, you must price and market each home effectively. You must help each buyer find what they need. You have to manage transaction details to make sure each closing happens as it should. At the same time, the market is always changing. You have to be able to plan well and think on your feet.”

As Kathy Toth and her team toured Michigan Stadium, they were also reminded of the economic benefits that the stadium brings to the Ann Arbor area. Recently renovated at a cost of $226 million, the stadium features state-of-the-art press boxes, score boards and amenities, and hosts collegiate football games as well as NHL hockey events.

“It’s one of the gems of Ann Arbor and the State of Michigan,” Toth says. “There’s a terrific financial impact to having over 100,000 people filling the seats for every game. Plus, a healthy local economy helps support home values!”

But what about football? “Go Wolverines!” Toth said. “I encourage our fellow residents to tour Michigan Stadium. Better yet, attend a game next season!”Locker Room 1

Kathy Toth & Team have been serving Washtenaw County real estate including Dexter, Ann Arbor, Chelsea and Saline clients for over 24 years. They are among the top one percent of REALTORS® nationally and have been featured twice on House Hunters HGTV. Toth works directly with listing and buyer representative partners, with a goal of exceeding her client’s expectations while meeting their real estate purchase or sale objectives.

 

Summer Sale Tips and Tricks in Ann Arbor

185888536Spring and summer alike bring Ann Arbor residents outside to enjoy the weather and kiss the long winter goodbye. Selling your home this summer is not only a good decision due to market conditions, but also because more foot traffic occurs during the summertime. Kids are out of school and families prefer to relocate during this time before school starts. Keep in mind that even though this is a seller-friendly market, you still need to keep your home in tip-top shape in order to sell. Follow our tips below in order to create a summer friendly home for incoming buyers. 

Keepin’ it Cool

Prospective buyers are usually ready to buy and buy quickly in the summer due to relocation and wanting to buy before the school year. This means that little things will either win them over or turn them away, due to how quickly they need to make a decision. Make it easy for them to choose your home by creating a comfortable and cool summer atmosphere. Adjust your air conditioner so the temperature is more comfortable inside than outdoors, or use portable fans to increase air flow. The point is to keep the air inside circulating so your visitors will want to take time to explore your home and its features.

Going Green and Staying that Way

Make your home look welcoming and warm by keeping the lawn mowed and trimming shrubs. A simple trick to add dimension to your front yard is to cut your lawn on the diagonal. Plant flowers to give your property an inviting appearance. This maximizes the curb appeal and creates interest.

Bright Whites

You want to show off your home to its full potential and in order to do so, the lights should be kept on. Another way to brighten up your home is to re-paint in neutral tones or whites. This is an easy fix that does double duty to brighten up your home and create a clean palate for buyers to make their home. If you have heavy drapes, remove them since they make a room look smaller. Pull-up blinds or use tie-backs to let in more sunlight in.

Summer Decor

If you have painted the walls neutral colors or whites then a great way to bring in some color is through accents such as pillows, bowls, flowers or picture frames. Just a pop of color goes a long way and an easy way to incorporate natural tones is placing house plants throughout. Blues and greens go well with neutral tones and create a serene atmosphere for incoming buyers. Sheer curtains and textured throw pillows can add emphasis to any room. Combining other elements such as mirrors to add more light and new patio furniture for summer entertaining make the home more welcoming.

Flexible Summer Schedules

In the summer even though children may be out of school, the parents will necessarily have all the time in the world to look at homes. Everyone from incoming grad students and professors to relocating families and young professionals has schedules all over the board. Ready yourself for this by creating a short-notice plan. This plan will include a system as to what to do when you have the opportunity for a last-minute showing and will include where to stash kids or pet toys for example. Pre-planning and organizing your home will allow for these situations. Some buyers schedules make it necessary to look at homes at twilight or later in the evening after dinner, so be flexible about scheduling showings. Most buyers feel much more comfortable if the owner isn’t around so make that happen as much as possible.

Selling your home this summer will be a breeze if you take the right steps. If you and your agent have priced the home wisely, prepared your curb appeal and made necessary updates, you are well on your way to selling your home. Make sure to not forget the little details mentioned above, because in the end, they make all the difference. If you have more questions about selling your home this summer, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our Definitive Guide to Selling Your Home is also an excellent way to fill in the blanks of the selling process.

How to Sell Your Home

Ann Arbor Area Real Estate for Sale: 7160 Greenes Drive, Jackson, MI 49201

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Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms:

Square Feet: 2,832

See Virtual Tour for 7160 Greenes Drive

Fantastic Lake front home on All-Sports Little Wolf Lake.  This home is ready for year-round fun, with extensive decking and gorgeous lake views you will be thrilled to call it yours. Inside, the living room with cozy wood stove has shining wood flooring. The lower level is large, and has a wet bar, wall to wall  carpeting and walk out access to a beautiful deck right on the lake!  There are two main level bedrooms, which share a main bathroom. The kitchen has a breakfast nook that overlooks the lake.  What a wonderful way to wake up every morning. The upstairs has two bedrooms, bath and large family room with access to the deck and incredible views. This home has been completely remodeled in 2010 and 2013.

This home is part of a 7 chain lake system with over 1,500 acres of water to roam. The 49 feet of frontage includes a steel seawall. The Chain of Lakes consists of Little Wolf, Wolf, Little Olcott, Price, Moon, Center, and Round Lakes. Buy this home now and you can be in it this summer! You won’t want to miss this piece of Ann Arbor Real Estate!

ANN ARBOR AREA REAL ESTATE Listings

2948 Patterson Lake Road

13456 North Lake Road

Kathy Toth and Team

Your Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts

Keller Williams Realty

View Our Listings

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Kathy Toth and Team are Washtenaw County, Michigan real estate experts who will guide home buyers and sellers through the entire real estate process. Our extensive knowledge of Washtenaw County areas, combined with decades of expertise in the local real estate market is extremely valuable to helping you achieve your goals. For quality service and personal attention during your real estate transaction, contact Kathy Toth and Team for all your home buying and selling needs.

We want to be your real estate agents!

 

 

 

 

Ann Arbor Real Estate is Top Investment Option

Ann Arbor Real EstateAnn Arbor has been a mainstay for growth and opportunity over the years, and today is no different. The technology business is booming, the University provides constant growth and new construction is all around. Nationwide the rising home prices and agreeable interest rates have created the perfect environment for sellers this spring and summer. Even more so, those hoping to sell their home and either move up or downsize are staring into a market filled with opportunity. The news is saturated with headlines announcing the return of real estate as a top investment for the middle class and millionaires alike.

The chart above shows that over the years real estate investments prevail with a steady return on investment. If you plan to own your home or use it as an income property for at least ten years, then any fluctuations in the market usually prove to work through the ups and downs. The bottom line is, if you are interested in selling, but are not sure, pay attention to the buzz. The real estate market is a perfect environment right now for sellers and the numbers are there to prove it.

Give us a call if you have any questions about your local market in or around Ann Arbor, or are hoping to sell over the summer. Our Definitive Guide to Selling Your Home is also an excellent resource for first-time home sellers or those needing to fill in the blanks.

How to Sell Your Home

Expenses to Plan For When Purchasing Your New Ann Arbor Home

There are several expenses to anticipate when purchasing an Ann Arbor home that extend well beyond the purchase price.   It is important to keep the following expenses in mind when beginning the purchase process.  This will help to avoid any surprises before closing.

Luxury HomeRequired Down Payments:

The first expense when purchasing an Ann Arbor home, which is usually expected, is the required down payment. A buyer is typically required to have 3.5% – 20% of the purchase price as a down payment.  The higher the down payment percentage, the more aggressive the interest rate.    There are certain exceptions to the rule such as loans for Veterans (VA) or homes located in a rural area, which would allow a buyer to purchase without having a required down payment.

Closing Costs:

Loan costs will differ by bank or financial institution.  Most carry at least a processing or closing fee.   Every transaction will have title expenses.  The title company will provide documentation that there are no liens on the property before a new buyer takes ownership.  Title companies will carry miscellaneous recording and closing fees, which differ by company.   The title company will also insure the title to prevent any liens from surfacing on the home that do not belong to the homeowner.   The title Insurance is based off the size of the mortgage amount at the time of the closing.  The higher the mortgage balance, the higher the title Insurance premium for your Ann Arbor home.

Property Taxes:

There are 2 property tax bills in the state of Michigan, a summer and a winter tax bill.   The summer tax bill is due July 1st and the winter tax bill is due on December 1st.   Each bill is separate and covers a 12 month span;  Summer is from July – July; Winter is from December – December.   An Ann Arbor home buyer can set up an escrow account with the bank to pay their property taxes.   This is where a buyer would pay 1/12 of the tax bills in their monthly payment.  The bank would then pay the tax bills for the homeowner when they come due.  An escrow account is required on a loan unless a buyer has 20% or more down, which at that point can choose to pay these expenses separate from the mortgage.

Homeowners Insurance:

Home insurance is required on a home at all times that a mortgage balance exists, regardless if you choose to have the bank pay your insurance (by including the payment in escrow) or if you decide to pay it separate from the mortgage.   This type of insurance will protect your home against such items as fire, theft, and water damage. The amount of premium is based on your Ann Arbor home value.  The higher the value, the more expensive the yearly premium. You will be required to pay the first year of insurance prior to closing, regardless if you set up an escrow account or not.

Private Mortgage Insurance:

Private Mortgage Insurance (also known as PMI) is required on a mortgage when a borrower does not have a down payment of 20%.  PMI provides the bank with insurance in case a homeowner ever defaults or loses their home.  Some mortgages (such as FHA) required PMI for the life of the loan, regardless of how much a borrower has down. PMI won’t typically effect a purchaser’s bottom-line, but more so increase the monthly payment.

Home Maintenance:

It’s important to think about future home expenses that can pop up expectantly.  A great rule of thumb is to put away 1% of your homes purchase price every year for potential required maintenance.  This step is easy to forget but can be a big part of your homes up keep year over year.   If you receive a tax refund each Spring, its great idea to take the 1% out of the refund to apply towards this.

A great Ann Arbor Realtor and Mortgage Consultant will take the time to discuss these items with you in advance of purchasing an Ann Arbor home.   The Kathy Toth Team and The Stork Mortgage Group provide a great amount of knowledge in these areas to help make the best possible financial decision for your family.

Contact us today to begin the process! We would love to help!

These wonderful tips have been provided by a guest blogger.

 

 

 

 

4 Reasons Why Springtime is for Sellers

Why is Springtime 2014 for Sellers?

When selling a home, many people obsess about curb appeal or paint colors to boost home value, but these things are trivial when compared to the real determinate of value: time. Experts in real estate across the United States say the outlook for home sellers is highly positive this spring, and Ann Arbor leads the way. With the price of homes increasing along with new rules for borrowers, buyers are anxious to purchase quickly. If you’re thinking about selling your home, now is the time. 

Ann Arbor Homes for Sale

1. Rising Home Prices

The average residential price in Ann Arbor jumped 22 percent from last year. This time last year the median price was $227,500 and rose to $240,000. The residential property assessments and taxable values for 2014 increased the average home values for a 6.1 percent rise from springtime of last year. In other words, prices are rising and you have a much better chance this year of getting a price you are pleased with over last year.

2. Low Inventory

A drop in available houses for sale has buyers in a scramble to find the right house. This trend will start to decrease sales, not because there are no home buyers, but because there are no homes to buy. Inventory usually begins to rise in January and February; however, this year it’s down 22 percent since March. The harsh winter could have prevented sellers from listing, which is causing a shortage of homes. The number of active buyers waiting for the right home far outnumbers the available homes for sale.

3. New Mortgage Rules For Borrowers

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued new mortgage rules in January 2014 that are meant to decrease the risk of defaults and foreclosures. Home buyers must now prove they have the income and assets to afford the payments for the life span of the loan. The average rates for a fixed 30-year loan are predicted to rise 5.5 percent by the end of 2014, and this makes it more difficult for home buyers to meet the financial requirements to purchase their dream home. The good news is you now know you are working with serious buyers who are financially ready for the process.

4. Home Buyers are Eager to Purchase Now

Buyers aren’t competing with investors this year and find themselves left with prices that are increasing steadily. Locally and across the United States, buyers are looking to beat the rising prices. Household incomes are at a standstill, so buyers want to purchase a home sooner rather than later. With more buyers than homes for sale, the time your house remains on the market is an average of 60 to 130 days.

With inventory down, buyers are finding it difficult to locate the home of their dreams. They are paying higher prices the longer they wait. Property values and prices are up and the real estate market is saturated with more buyers than sellers. The forecasting firm Capital Economics predicts the price gains will slow four or five percent this year.

Since there is still low inventory and prices remain higher, the time to sell really is now. There is less competition and a high demand for the homes on the market. If you are interested in listing your home or hearing more information about the Ann Arbor real estate market, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you are still researching, feel free to check out our Definitive Guide to Selling Your Home.

How to Sell Your Home

Ann Arbor Real Estate: 1690 W Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI

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Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,584

 

See Virtual Tour for 1690 W Ellsworth Road

This 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick and stone ranch is situated on a large lot with mature landscaping. Note the charming details throughout such as the wet plaster walls and coved ceilings. The living room is a bright and welcoming first impression with a large picture window. The updated, eat-in kitchen gives the cook of the family ample room to whip up delicious meals. Features include tile flooring and countertops, abundant cabinetry and a breakfast bar.

Retreat to the master suite, which is separate from the other bedrooms, complete with wall-to-wall carpeting, ceiling fan and en-suite bathroom. The additional bedrooms all have wall-to-wall carpeting, neutral paint and sizeable closets. Enjoy the outdoors and views from the large lot. Do not miss this Ann Arbor Real Estate gem!

ANN ARBOR REAL ESTATE Listings

1465 Westfield Avenue

175 Briarcrest Drive #108

Kathy Toth and Team

Your Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts

Keller Williams Realty

View Our Listings

Like us on Facebook

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Kathy Toth and Team are Washtenaw County, Michigan real estate experts who will guide home buyers and sellers through the entire real estate process. Our extensive knowledge of Washtenaw County areas, combined with decades of expertise in the local real estate market is extremely valuable to helping you achieve your goals. For quality service and personal attention during your real estate transaction, contact Kathy Toth and Team for all your home buying and selling needs.

We want to be your real estate agents!

 

 

 

 

Washtenaw County January 2014 Recorded Sheriff’s Deeds Drop Again

Washtenaw County recorded Sheriff’s deeds dropped in January from 77 in 2013 to 36 recorded in 2014.  This 53.25 percent drop is welcome news for the entire Ann Arbor area. Looks more like 2005 and 2006 January figures. Comparing the 2012 – 2013, year-end totals, we see another significant drop of 35.82%.  What a great start to 2014. And, now, if we all just think warmer temperatures here in the Ann Arbor area, we’ll be in fine shape. View Table.

How Much Home WorthThe Ann Arbor area housing inventory has remained low.  With less inventory some Sellers are seeing multiple offers on their homes.  Take this time to find out what your home is worth.  With market conditions improving and pre-approved buyers ready to purchase, this is the perfect time to speak with Kathy Toth and Team to discuss the value of your home. Have a home valuation sent directly to your email inbox. What is my home worth

The updated table below shows the Sheriff’s Deeds Recorded by Month –  January 2002 through January 2014 for Washtenaw County, MI.

Sheriff's Deeds Recorded

Click Here to Explore Dexter area Homes for Sale

Are you looking to buy?  Go to www.HomeSearchAnnArbor.com to search for your new home.

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Kathy Toth and Team are Washtenaw County, Michigan real estate experts who will guide home buyers and sellers through the entire real estate process. Our extensive knowledge of Washtenaw County areas, combined with decades of expertise in the local real estate market is extremely valuable to helping you achieve your goals. For quality service and personal attention during your real estate transaction, contact Kathy Toth and Team for all your home buying and selling needs.

We want to be your real estate agents!

Closing Cost Basics | Ann Arbor Real Estate

Closing costs can sneak up on an unsuspecting home buyer in a hurry. In order to avoid any unexpected obstacles, prepare for the total purchase cost from the beginning through understanding what closing costs are and what they include.

Ann Arbor Real Estate
Photo by Chris Potter

About Closing Costs

Closing costs are typically associated with fees due on, or before, the date a buyer closes on a new home. Real estate agents and brokers, the mortgage lender, insurance companies, and state and local governmental agencies are the most likely sources of these fees. Some items that tend to get lumped in with closing costs are actually paid prior to closing or separate from the closing itself. Examples include title search fees, title insurance, taxes, property insurance and association fees.

Upfront costs can vary widely from market to market. There can be as many as a couple dozen items that need to be handled by a home buyer before signing on the dotted line at closing. They range from the loan origination fee, typically 1 percent of the purchase price, to costs for required inspections, an appraisal, and for recording fees. The title search and title insurance fees protect the lender from secondary and silent liens on the property. In some cases, an escrow deposit to cover the cost of private mortgage insurance and the first few months of property taxes will be required.

Estimated Price of Closing Costs

As a rule, home buyers will pay anywhere from two percent to five percent of the total purchase price in upfront costs. A recent nationwide survey of closing costs showed that Michigan’s were among the lowest in the U. S. The survey used a $200,000 home value as the benchmark. In Michigan, these costs amounted to an average of $2,203, of which $1591 went to the lender, and $611 went to third parties. A buyer seeking to “buy down” the interest rate upfront will add one percentage point of the total purchase price for each discount point purchased. Prepaid fees were also excluded from the survey.

Minimizing Their Impact

It’s not possible to avoid upfront costs entirely, but there are ways to minimize them. If the lender allows for it, a no-closing-cost mortgage is one possibility. The lender will typically charge a higher interest rate or include these costs in the mortgage, but for a cash squeezed buyer already struggling to come up with the down payment, it can be a good option. Finally, closing costs in a traditional transaction are born by the home buyer. But, as always, many aspects of a real estate purchase can be negotiated. Closing costs are no exception. A seller who agrees to pay for closing costs, however, may be less willing to negotiate in other areas.

Do your homework early to avoid last minute surprises. Then, sit down with your Ann Arbor area real estate agent with the confidence you are ready to write the purchase offer that best suits your needs.