Tag: Kathy Toth

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!

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 and www.HomeSearchAnnArbor.com, email [email protected], or stop into their office at 3134 Baker Road, Dexter, MI 48130.

Residential Building Permits Were Up in 2015 And The Toth Team Remains Positive for 2016

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on February 26, 2016

Building permits in Washtenaw County are mandatory if you have intentions of making home improvements. Michigan, as well as Washtenaw County, insists that building permits be obtained prior to construction to ensure compliance and regulate safety among workers. The total numbers of building permits rose in Washtenaw County from 930 in 2014 to 995 in 2015. Consumers cannot help but ask, why have the numbers been increasing at such a slow rate? The Toth Team asked the question to Bob Filka, CEO – Home Builders Association of Michigan, and here is what Bob had to tell us,

“Our workforce shortage is the result of a perfect storm that included:

An estimated 60,000 people leaving the Michigan construction industry during the downturn. These people found other careers, left the state, retired, etc.;

During this same downturn, schools eliminated many career tech (i.e., construction) hands-on training programs;
School curriculum requirements moved toward college prep requirements that further eroded the number of kids going into career tech programs;
Cultural shifts and attitudes suggesting that every kid needs to go to college further undermined construction career paths

As a result of the above, we have a much smaller universe of workers. This problem has constrained production. It will (and has begun to) impact renovation and repair sectors too. It is a major problem coming at us and while some believe the sector will simply need to raise wages to attract talent, the problem isn’t that simple. Wages have been rising, yet the State of Michigan estimates that there are some 5,000 job openings across the state in construction right now.”

The Toth Team always remains positive – We predict that with this winters warmer weather and the interest rates staying low that building permits in Washtenaw County will increase with consumer confidence once again in 2016. Many large builders are scouting for large parcels to develop. If you know anyone who is thinking of selling land, contact us.

The above table displays an increase of 18.6% in Single Family permits in 2015 over 2014. If you are considering making improvements to your existing home get your building contractor on board now and place your orders right away so as to be assured you get the job done on time.

Home buyers love to see custom designs and/or original floor plans when purchasing their dream home. These innovative features add personal creativity and make your home stand out more than others! We hope that this year brings growth among our creative society and people start to follow their construction dreams!

Have you ever thought about how much value adding another bedroom or bathroom to your home may increase your personal comfort and your homes potential property valuation? Click here for a property valuation from Kathy Toth and Team!

Our region has recovered tremendously from our economic downfall in 2005 and The Toth Team is positive and hoping to see these numbers increasing!

Toth Team, Worldwide Network

Your Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts

Keller Williams Realty

We Want to be your Real Estate Agents!

University of Michigan Stinchfield Woods

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on February 11, 2016

Welcome to Stinchfield Woods! Over 700 Acres of a gorgeous nature study area in Washtenaw County. The University of Michigan owns this property and the woods also contains the Peach Mountain Observatory. Peach Mountain invites you to walk and listen. This is a beautiful place to enjoy peace and quiet in a natural setting. Spring flowers are a beautiful sight each year as they bloom in the Spring. Interested in finding properties located near Stinchfield Woods in Ann Arbor, Michigan or Dexter, MI? Please click here! The property is owned by the University of Michigan and managed by the Natural Resources and Environment – University of Michigan. Peach Mountain is located within Stinchfield Woods. Interested in reading more about Peach Mountain north of Dexter MI? Please Click Here! The original body of land was acquired in two parcels resulting in over 320 acres back in 1925. Since than, the area was expanded and the property was able to do so with funds donated to the University of Michigan in memory of the Stinchfield brothers, Jacob and Charles. This land was named after them as they are descendants of the many lumberman that harvested Northern Michigan’s White Pine. For more information on Stinchfield Woods please click here!

The University Lowbrow Astronomers welcomes all Lowbrow members and guests from the public to book Open Houses here, click here to see available dates, where you have the ability to view the stars, planets, and other amazing creations through the club’s 24″ and club members’ telescopes! Interested in Open Houses at Peach Mountain Observatory? Click Here to View Details!

Locals love to admire mother nature as she continues to amaze us with the gorgeous plants flourishing at Stinchfield. You will not stop talking about how beautiful the stars looked – This is truly an amazing experience! Please note to be careful of the thorny rose bush that was planted to create a maintenance-free fence along Stinchfield Woods property. Often times the prickly shrub will grow into the walkways so be aware of where you are walking – Volunteers and the Natural Resources and Environment are doing their best to give attention to the invading stems. Want to stay up to date with all the events and renovations happening in Stinchfield Woods? Click here to follow them on twitter!

Rules for Public Access Use of Woods Include:

Toth Team, Worldwide Network

Your Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts

Keller Williams Realty

We Want to be your Real Estate Agents!

Sources:

School of Natural Resources and Environment. (2015). Retrieved February 11, 2016, from http://www.snre.umich.edu/facilities/stinchfield_woods

The Toth Team’s Top 3 Most Recommended Books For Increasing Productivity, Growth, & Profit

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on February 4, 2016

When we are searching for an agent to sell or find the perfect home, we expect them to be knowledgeable of the market and to help us make the best decision possible. With the advancement of technology in today’s society we have the news right at our fingertips, but are we truly reading, or skimming over the facts? In the Wall Street Journal, “Skimming has become my brain’s default setting,” stated Cynthia Crossen, as she explained the difference between reading and skimming. Skimming is skipping over the main point to get to specific terms or concepts. This is a standard procedure that many of us do without noticing and one of the main reasons hard cover book sales have decreased.

Here at The Toth Team, we treasure the books that have taught us our values today and we would like to share our top three most recommended books for increasing productivity and growth. The Toth Team served 230 families in 2015 and we are on track to serve over 400 families THIS YEAR! Reading has several positive effects on our development and growth both inside and out of work. As we evolve and grow as a team, we must spend time discussing what has helped us grow and what has become an obstacle. We will focus on The Toth Team’s 3 favorite books: The One Thing, The 4 Disciplines of Execution, and the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team.

1. The One Thing

“What’s the ONE Thing you can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”

– Gary Keller

This quote is the one single question the entire book is written around. Gary Keller is the founder of Keller-Williams Real Estate and has taken the company to the top of their industry. He not only is a remarkable leader and innovator, but also an elite author who moves individuals with his facts and results. Gary Keller and Jay Papasan insist the key to success is not to make a list or analyze your possibilities, but rather to think of that ONE Thing that is the most important thing in your life. This ONE Thing is similar to a goal or objective that you are working so hard every day for. Now once you have identified your ONE Thing and focused your vision primary on it, you must distinguish the obstacles in your way and then determine how you will overcome each and every single one of them.

2. The 4 Disciplines of Execution

“Execution starts with focus”

– Jim Huling

Strategy is vital for every business to develop and perform effectively. Often times, individuals run into a conflict of interest and they lose focus on their strategy. Written by authors Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling, these experts define and explain how learning four distinct disciplines can produce desired results. The four disciplines analyzed are the discipline of focus, the discipline of leverage, the discipline of engagement, and the discipline of accountability. The concept whirlwind is discussed and there are several solutions given on how to control and handle our massive amounts of energy. It’s important to remain calm and focus our energy on what is high priority and vital to accomplish for that day.

3. 5 Dysfunctions of a Team

“Successful teamwork is not about mastering subtle, sophisticated theories, but rather about combining common sense with uncommon levels of discipline and persistence. Ironically, teams succeed because they are exceedingly human. By acknowledging the imperfections of their humanity, members of functional teams overcome the natural tendencies that make teamwork so elusive.”

-Patrick Lencioni

It is a challenge to meet a group a strangers and the next moment call them your teammates. How do we learn to adjust to working in a team and managing it effectively? We must first recognize our five main problems with working in a group and then we must develop solutions to these. Patrick Lencioni is an American writer and lover of business management. He is famous for this book and the founder/president of the Table Group, a management consulting firm primarily focused on organizational/team health. He believes that the first step in a group is to reduce the misunderstanding and confusions by addressing the five most common dysfunctions individuals have: Absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results.

Would you like to join a team that truly CARES about your individual development and your success? Call The Toth Team today!

Toth Team, Worldwide Network

Your Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts

Keller Williams Realty

We Want to be your Real Estate Agents!

Sources:

Crossen, C. (2011, October 17). Skimming vs. Reading. Retrieved February 02, 2016, from http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203914304576627182901819782

Keller, G. (2013). The One Thing. London, UK: Hachette Book Group.

McChesney, C., Covey, S., & Huling, J. (n.d.). The 4 disciplines of execution: Achieving your wildly important goals.

Lencioni, P., & Okabayashi, K. (2008). The five dysfunctions of a team: An illustrated leadership fable. Singapore: John Wiley & Sons (Asia).

Most Expensive Homes Sold in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2015

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on January 25, 2016

Last year we saw appreciation in many market segments. We would like to look back at what happened last year regarding Luxury Ann Arbor Real Estate. The whole market appreciated 3.3 percent – For complete detail on absorption rates click here! We must take the time to see what the agents have been up to in 2015. Let’s take a look at the top 5 most expensive homes sold in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2015. For those homes $1.300,000 to $1400,000, there was only one sold at full price. For those homes above $1400,000, there is a 16 month supply. The three Ann Arbor luxury homes that sold were on the market for an average of 183 days.

215 N 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1407 – $2,250,000

This luxurious home is the first of our top 5 most expensive homes sold in Ann Arbor, MI. Ann Arbor is know for great, authentic homes filled with warmth and joy. This beautiful 2 bedroom, 3 bath home was built only four years ago in 2012 so it maintains a modern presents and is in perfect condition. The inside is brand new and completely updated with great features such as high ceilings and gorgeous tiles. Convenient location – Downtown Ann Arbor is great for shopping, outdoor activities, and great music in the summer at Top of the Park! Close to a bus route for students on campus as well as locals looking for close transportation to anywhere around the city!

3939 Holden Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 – $1,999,000

This timeless home has 5 beds and 6 baths and is custom designed down to every single detail – I promise you will fall in love at first sight! The design is dramatic yet unique and beautiful with the high cathedral ceilings and the stunning outside terrace. This home features stunning maple cabinets, only the finest granite counter-tops, and features a serving/wet bar area for you and your guests at future parties and family gatherings. This home sits on about 4 Acres so you have room to play with your children and animals in the privacy of your personal yard. There is a built-in-entertainment system, gorgeous in-ground pool with a pool house, and a sauna for you and your family to relax and vacation whenever you come home.

540 Rock Creek Dr. Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1864 – $1,500,000

You will fall in love with this Cape Cod styled home completely remodeled to appeal to all with high-quality taste!! Perfect locations – Close walk to the Ann Arbor Arb and located close to Geddes. The outside of this home blew me away but when I approached the inside – I was very impressed. Two gorgeous fireplaces were before me in both living rooms, a fabulous kitchen, a blue stone patio, a salt-water pool, and breathtaking gardens. Their garden was actually featured on the 2015 Garden Walk where folks from all over the country where amazed with this property! Marble counter-tops and amazing heated stone floors make it hard to put down the apron and stop cooking! You will feel like you’re on vacation every day when you walk into your bathroom and are welcomed by a steam shower and jetted tub – Perfect for relaxing before and after a long work day! The lower level even features a wine cellar. The yard is fenced which is perfect for pets and children to play while adults relax under the sun – stress free! This home will make you reconsider ever leaving the state again!

2126 Devonshire Ann Arbor, MI 48104-4060 – $1,315,000

Gorgeous, thoughtful home built close to U of M campus and Hospital. All hardwood floors with original trim from when the home was built. The living room has a graceful fireplace for beautiful, snowy Michigan evenings. Large home with five spacious bedrooms and three baths located upstairs. The master bath is recently done and is complete in custom ceramic, timeless additions like this to the home make it so much more meaningful and unique to the owners. This home also includes a guest house with vaulted living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bath (Includes in-floor radiant heat!). The home includes a finished rec room great for maintaining your health and fitness. The garage is large and fully finished so you can use it for storage or parking! The garage also includes a Sub-Zero fridge great for making extra space in the kitchen fridge! You will not be let down when you see the interior of this home!

1035 Heather Way Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2835 – $1,310,000

This impeccable Johnson Brothers Custom Built home (2006) is complete with 4 bedrooms and 5 baths, a huge car garage, and divine landscape. The property looks beautiful from a distance and up close – The grass is really that groomed and green! I am so impressed by how well and thought out this house was built – One of a kind! Spacious, big bedrooms for families to have their privacy but a gorgeous living area for everyone to gather and enjoy each other. The kitchen is upgraded and gourmet, complete with top of the line appliances and quality material. This is a must see home to truly appreciates the hard work that was put into making this house unique and top of the line!

We are excited to move into a new year with new team goals and visions. Kathytoth.com/about_us

Toth Team, Worldwide Network

Your Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts

Keller Williams Realty

We want to be your real estate agents!

Kathy Toth of Toth Team, Worldwide Network, Certified as MAPS Coach

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on November 13, 2015

Keller Williams Coaching Program Enhances Toth’s Industry Leadership

Toth Team, Worldwide Network, is proud to announce that Associate Broker and team leader Kathy Toth has completed the Keller Williams MAPS Coaching program.

MAPS is a market-specific real estate coaching program for high-performing Keller Williams associates who have completed several levels of prerequisite training. To be considered for the intensive MAPS program, associates must also have achieved a high volume of sales, and possess a strong track record of success in the recruitment and development of sales teams.

Unique to Keller Williams Realty, MAPS Coaching includes productivity camps, annual events, specialized industry training and proprietary techniques designed to elevate the performance and career income of participants. The challenging MAPS Coaching program empowers participants to grow sales production and profitability throughout the ever-changing dynamics of the real estate market. MAPS Coaching has been recognized for excellence by the real estate industry, as well as by other professional sales coaching organizations.

“I’m excited to bring the MAPS techniques and insights to other top agents and to the Toth Team Worldwide Network,” says Kathy Toth. “Completing MAPS Coaching is part of my ongoing commitment to the growth and success of our team. MAPS also takes our client service to the next level, with results-driven strategies for all market conditions.”

Dexter Walking Path Being Transformed Now! How Can We Help the Process of The Border to Border Trail?

Posted by Toth Team Worldwide on October 21, 2015

Have you walked one of the longest trails in the city of Michigan yet? Dexter has created one of the most magnificent trails yet, and the locals cannot stop raving about it. The Dexter Walking Path leads from Dexter to the Hudson Mills Metro park and is planned to be a total estimated 35 miles. Walking along the Huron River while the trees are throwing their leaves to the ground, preparing for the winter, gives me such a warm and comforting feeling. The weather has been beautiful for the past few weeks – Absolutely perfect to grab your friends, kids, and/or animals to take a long walk along the Huron river. Looking for Homes for Sale along the Huron River? Click Here! Life seems to pass us by at a blink of an eye, before we know it we are caught up in our day to day routines and we are certainly not appreciating the earth that was created for us! The Dexter Walking Trail is the most glorious place to find peace and comfort while enjoying the breathtaking fall views and weather. A little bit of history about the Border to Border trail, a group of independent individuals started working to build one of the longest and most beautiful trails to ever exist. This trail is completely not government funded or funded by any other organizations. In order to raise money for this magnificent trail, the friends of the border to border trail have started sponsorship/promotional bicycle rides along the path, sponsoring cleanups beside the path, and distributing the Border to Border trail maps to all locals and friends so we can spread awareness and raise money for a great, healthy idea!

Michigan is famous for its autumn weather and picture perfect views – take a moment to appreciate the world we live in this season.

The path begins at Mill Creek Park, crosses Mill Creek, and continues to run along the west bank of the Huron River for almost three miles! At this point the trail then connects to a previous trail that continues about two miles down North Territorial Road and leads to the entrance of the Metro Park. The new trail in The Village of Dexter will link the Village’s parks into the regional system along the Huron River. The Village and the Dexter Schools are working together to extend the system south along the Mill Creek through the Village to the School’s future nature corridor and outdoor lab. The friends of the Border to Border trail have many, many innovative ideas but as they have shared with us – not enough funds! We must stand up tall and pitch in all that we can to help our state of Michigan grow and prosper. This breathtaking and one of a kind walking path is one of the most recently completed segments of the Border-to-Border Trail. This trail is still under renovation and is planned to eventually be a 35-mile trail running beside the flowing Huron River. Looking for Homes for Sale in Ann Arbor? Well come walk the path with the Toth team while we utilize our resources for you to find the home of your dreams!

Officials say that the Dexter Walking Trail will not be plowed during the winter, but thankfully will not be closed! So go find your Cross-Country Skis in the back of your closet and hope that the trails are alive this winter!!

Construction of a piece of the Border to Border Trail from Dexter Huron Metro park to Central Street is to begin on Monday, October 12, 2015. The path unfortunately will be closed during construction. To see how you can help fund, volunteer, or learn more about the Border to Border Trail click here!

Toth Team, Worldwide Network

Your Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts

Keller Williams Realty