Lake Sammamish – Homes for Sale in Washington

When you start searching for Sammamish homes for sale and Sammamish real estate properties available, it definitely means that you are interested to learn more about the place because it is part of your choices when it comes to location for your new home. Well, you are actually making the right choice because Sammamish being part of Washington is one of the best places to move in if you want to live in a nice location.

At the same time as you check into the important factors to consider when finding a home where you will raise your family, it would also be ideal to sneak into the available options for fun and pleasure. Thus, it would be significant and worthy to look into recreational opportunities present in Sammamish, Washington.

The following are some of them:

• Lake Sammamish – This 11 km long and 2 km wide freshwater lake located east of Seattle and east of Lake Washington is one of the best spot for water recreation. Lying west of the Sammamish Plateau, the lake promises pleasure for activities like rowing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and waterskiing. Marymoor Park, which is the largest, oldest and most popular park in the King County, is located on the north end of the lake.

• Lake Sammamish State Park is a 512 acre park offering a 6,858 feet of waterfront suitable for great water fun through activities like boating and water adventure sports like waterskiing and the likes. Located on the south end of Lake Sammamish, visitors and residents going to the place would not have difficulties in looking for a spot to park their cars because it offers 250 parking stalls safe for vehicle parking. The place allows a multitude of opportunities for games and sports with the presence of softball and soccer fields. It is a nice place for family picnics, swimming, and other recreational uses for spending quality time with your family.

• East Lake Sammamish Trail – This 18 km recreational rail trail runs along Lake Sammamish starting from Marymoor Park on the north end of the lake through Sammamish down to Gilman Blvd in Issaquah, another city in King County, WA. This trail features a packed gravel surface great for mountain biking or simple walking and hiking. Initially, the completion of this project faced resistance from nearly homeowners but after a grueling court battle, the trail was finally completed and opened to the joy of many walking and mountain biking enthusiast.

• Beaver Lake Park – Located on the southwest corner of Beaver Lake, this park provides public access to the lake featuring boat ramp, a picnic shelter and 3 ball fields. With this having said, it is clear that this recreational area can serve as a nice option for families and friends in search for a less expensive haven for family fun activities. It is also a promising location for romantic dinners, weddings, and reception for important celebrations because of the creation of a pavilion and the Lodge at Beaver Lake. The place had been host to different events in Sammamish like the “Nightmare at Beaver Lake” and the Beaver Lake Triathlon, which are both celebrated every year.

With all available recreational places for single individuals and people with families, it is no doubt that living in Sammamish is not a bad choice. Along with other positive factors that make Sammamish homes for sale a hot item in the real estate market, the idea that fun and pleasure can be achieved in this wonderful community are valid bases why more and more people are considering this place as one of the best places to live in the state of Washington.

An Early Start To The Season of Giving

Last week, I posted about the more festive things to do around Rochester Hills, so, for this week, I’d thought I’d talk about the other half of the holiday season kickoff: Black Friday, and the gift-buying bonanza that consumes the weekend following Turkey Day.

Except that this year, many stores around Rochester Hills didn’t wait for the turkey leftovers to cool in fridge before throwing their “sale” signs up. In fact, according to an article by Kristin Bull at Patch.com, Michaels in Rochester Hills started Black Friday at 4 pm on Thanksgiving, while Toys ‘R Us and Great Lakes Crossing waited until 9 pm. Best Buy, Target, Kohl’s, and Parisian held off until midnight before letting holiday shoppers in, giving Rochester Hills shoppers no shortage of venues to peruse in the wee hours of the night—and morning.

While it might not seem like a great time to build memories with friends and family, professional organizer Donna Lindley of Organize Your World offered some constructive tips to make this shopping weekend not only productive, but also fun. First, Lindley suggested putting in the early effort to make a plan of shopping attack: know exactly who you’re buying for, what they want, what deals might correspond with these wants, and exactly how much you’re willing to spend, in total. It’s just as Lindley warns: “It is easy to get carried away if you haven’t set a budget!”

In a seller’s market when every homes for sale in rochester hills your neighborhood sells for money, there is no logical reason to spend the money on staging your home, because every house sells if it is priced decent. In this type of real estate market, just because you have a decent price tagged on your home may not be enough to attract an offer.

Lindley also stresses the importance of having a buddy—or two, or three. “The lines don’t seem nearly so long when you have somebody to chat with,” says Lindley, who makes Black Friday an annual bonding activity with her husband. Be sure to break up the shopping with a bite to eat, and a chance to sit down and talk. Don’t let the crowds and lines get to you—make it work for you, and enjoy yourself a bit.
So, whether or not you were in line at Michaels at 4 pm on Thanksgiving, there are plenty of ways to make good memories for you and your loved one this gift-giving season—just be sure not to skimp on the planning!

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Homes For Sale - Sammamish Homes

For Roy and Ellen Paratore, they believe that a beautiful house is what they have. It is modern in appearance and has a very unique style. Because of these factors, they are very confident that if they would try to sell it, it will do well in the market. But they are not aware of the danger that it would bring them.

It has been twenty years since they had lived in South Park and they have had no problems there. However, just one weekend, their home became a victim of thieves. Roy was able to share that the robbers were able to enter the home through a window which they forced open with the help of crowbars.

According to the police officer, another homeowner also from that area was victimized by an expert team of thieves. Steve Whitesel is the CMPD officer who was at the robberies. He shared that he believes that the thieves who were targeting the homes in the area knew what they were doing. What they do, he added, was disconnect any wires that would trigger an alarm and any batteries would be taken out. That is when they would get inside the house.

Whitesel had also come to the conclusion that these thieves who are wrecking havoc in the community have done some previous research. They may have come as buyers of a house for sale and then returned to attack. It might be during the evening or dawn when everybody is already sleeping.
He also believes that the thieves have been prepared with the information that they needed. Some homeowners held virtual tours like the Paratore’s. Joan Goode is a realtor from Dickens-Mitchener and on the online tours, she says that it is really essential that you have a virtual tour of the house that you are selling. She says that it is going to be easier and faster for you to sell your Sammamish Homes once you do this.

Goode continues to give tips on what you should do so that you and your house would not fall as victim. She says that if you have a house for sale, you should make sure that any jewelry or any important items you have should be kept in a place that would be safe. This goes true for any other items that are expensive. By doing so, you are lessening the temptation that the thieves might be feeling once they see such items on display.
One police office said that all crimes in the area of South Charlotte where the event happened have gone down since last year. The couple did so many things to avoid being a victim. They even had an alarm, put a motion sensor and secured their belongings when they left. They now believed that the thieves are just around the corner and simply targeting everyone else in that area.

If your real estate gets becomes a victim, it would be best if you had serial numbers and descriptions of the items that you have lost. That way, you could easily trace and nab the wrongdoer once he puts the items for sale. It is important that when you search homes for sale, you are still vigilant just to be on the safe side.

Planting the Future: Woodward Avenue Gets a Bit of Green

If you thought that Woodward Avenue was starting to look a little bleak, you’re not alone; this Sunday, the Bloomfield Hills City Commission announced the start of a brand new beautification program that would see Woodward lined with 150 new trees.

The effort is being fronted by City Commissioner Sarah McClure, whose fundraising efforts have raised over $65,000 dollars via donations from Bloomfield Hills residents and several local businesses, including landscaping company James C. Scott and Assoc. The donation money, combined with a $15,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation, will be used to plant and maintain the trees. When asked what types of trees were to be transplanted, Commissioner McClure said that “there’s quite a mix. Deciduous and evergreen.”

Besides providing a bit of greenery (and gold and red in the fall) to the medians, the trees will provide a variety of other benefits to the community. According to the EPA, trees can drastically reduce the temperature of the area in their shade and help fight off urban heat island effect—something anyone who’s dug their palms into the soil around a tree can likely attest to.  This is due to a process called evapotranspiration that occurs around the base of the tree; water transpires, or is sucked up, by the roots, and the rest of the moisture evaporates naturally, reducing the temperature anywhere between 25 and 40 degrees. According to the USDA Forest Service, evapotranspiration also improves water quality by reducing water runoff, naturally filtering out dangerous chemicals.

This latest beautification effort is emblematic of the dedication that the city of Bloomfield Hills has towards the environment, and shows the community’s desire to preserve it for future generations. So the next time you’re enjoying the shady drive down Woodward, remember that the trees are more than just relief for the eyes; they’re just a small part of helping keep our neighborhoods pristine and healthy.

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Last Day of Fun at the Rochester Farmer’s Market

As the holiday season edges closer and closer, the Rochester Farmers’ Market is nearing the end of its five-month stay on the corner of Water St. and East Third, just a stone’s throw off Main street. In fact, this Saturday, the 29^th, will be the final day that each vendor will have his or her fresh produce on display—so there’s no time like the present to stop by!

The market hosts dozens of local produce vendors from the southeast side of state, and offers a veritable cornucopia of flowers, vegetables, and fruits to browse and enjoy. The growers themselves are on hand to help select produce or even to just say hi, making the market more than just a supermarket aisle; it’s a community of Michiganians who care a lot about what they grow. A different vendor is highlighted each week, and this week’s featured vendor is Helga Soave of Choices Bath and Body, whose educational background in chemistry, coupled with a familial struggle with cancer, lead to her developing a holistic line of bath and body products.

In commemoration of the end of the farming season—and in keeping with the Halloween spirit—the Farmers’ Market is closing with a Trick-or-Treat Downtown, so be sure to bring the whole family and a costume for some festive fun with your neighbors. The Rochester Fire Department will also be hosting free hayrides and a spaghetti dinner, the proceeds of which will benefit the Rochester Area Youth Assistance, so don’t let your trick-or-treating candy spoil your appetite. Enjoy a hot plate of spaghetti with the rest of the community, and support a great organization in the process!

In Rochester, Halloween isn’t just about Hershey bars and spooky thrills; it’s also a time to come together as a city, to enjoy the local produce, and to help make our neighborhoods a safer place. So don’t miss out on all the Halloween fun—bring your family and friends to the last Farmer’s Market this Saturday, and celebrate the end of the season with the entire community!

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Bloomfield Community Feature: St. Dunstan’s Theatre

A few weeks ago, I made my first Community Feature post on the Cranbrook CEC, one of the many great institutions that make life in Bloomfield Hills vibrant, exciting, and educational—qualities that any homebuyer will want to look for when searching for their future neighborhood. Today, I thought I’d continue this feature, but also flip it on its head a bit; instead of focusing on the many science and learning opportunities offered by Cranbrook, I thought I’d do a feature on another important center of culture in Bloomfield Hills: St. Dunstan’s Theatre.

Located off Lone Pine Road where it intersects with Goodhue, St. Dunstan’s is a community theatre that can boast nearly a century of history. Originally built as the outdoor Cranbrook Greek Theatre in 1916, it was one of only a handful of such theatres in the state. The main playhouse, which now houses the majority of the Theatre’s events, was built later as a shelter in case the weather proved inhospitable for the outdoor shows, but has since stolen the limelight as the primary theatre. Although founded as a professional theatre, the theatre is now run by the St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild of Cranbrook, a non-profit organization dedicated to “producing quality theatre” in the Cranbrook community.

And produce it does. Anyone is welcome to join the theatre, whether it be onstage or off, and the shows are widely acclaimed in the Detroit area. The current mainstage production is The 39 Steps, a comedy based upon Hitchcock’s 1935 spy thriller of the same name, and the show has only continued the St. Dunstan’s tradition of excellent theatre. In the spirit of Halloween, both shows on the 28^th and 29^th will be “costume” showings, so guests are advised to bring their favorite Hitchcock disguise and join the cloak-and-dagger atmosphere of the stage in their own seats! Disguise yourself well enough, and there might even be a prize to win at intermission…

The community of Bloomfield hills is one that’s dedicated to both the sciences and the arts, equally. Its residents understand the need to offer opportunities, no matter what the pursuit—which is exactly what your hometown should offer its homeowners.

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Brighton MI Homes for Sale: Overview

Before looking for homes for sale in the Brighton MI Valley, be sure to get the facts. The valley is a great place to live and work. It's not just a great place to vacation. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, it's close the big ciy but small enough not to have major traffic problems or crime.

Brighton MI's Real Estate Market
 
Vineyards take up a lot of the land in the Brighton MI Valley which puts a limit on the amount of land that is available for new housing. This tends to keep prices higher than other parts of the state. During times of rising real estate prices, housing prices in Brighton MI usually increase faster than other parts of the state. Because so many people want to live here, prices don't fall as fast during down markets.

How many Brighton MI Homes for Sale Are There?

In July of 2010, there were 550 homes listed for sale. The price for 3bd, 2 bath homes begin around $200,000 with newly remodeled ones going for $300,000 and up. Prices are lower in the city and higher in the smaller cities that are in the more northern parts of the valley.

Buying a property in Brighton MI

Most real estate transactions in the area are handled by real estate agents. There aren't many properties sold directly by owners in Brighton MI. A local agent is the best way to help you find your dream home. It's best to use an agent who is part of the Brighton MI Multiple Listing Services because they are part of a large network of other agents, giving them access to the most homes for sale to select from.

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Ann Arbor Homes for Sale – The Smart Way of Selling

When prospective buyers attend open houses, they already have a list in their minds of other homes for sale that they are considering. It is important to make your house have stand-out appeal. In such a competitive market, the right know-how can carry you far.

Spend a Little

If you want to sell, you have to spend. You may not think so, but it is always worthwhile to make the necessary improvements to your home before you put it on the market. Whether your intentions to fix it up are legitimate or not, any smart buyer touring your home will not believe you. Buyers do not want to pay for a defective house. Further, first impressions count for a lot. Viewers of the house will walk away with the image of a house in disrepair. When it’s time to recall all of the homes for sale that they have seen, yours will be given negative association, and chances are prospective buyers will not pursue it.

Some buyers will want to have the house inspected by a professional. You may decide as the seller that you would like to hire an inspector as well. This ensures that your home passes a test of quality from top to bottom and that all of your bases are covered. Again, you will have to budget money for an inspection, but it could save you a great deal of time sitting on the market with no prospects, while other homes for sale are snapped up quickly.

Exterior Appeal

It is not just the inside of your home that needs to appeal to potential buyers. From the moment they pull up in front of the house, your house needs to be an attractive possibility. Take every measure to make the exterior of your home clean, properly maintained and welcoming. Have the yard mowed, and any cracks in the driveway repaired. Trim the hedges, wash the windows, or give the garage doors a fresh coat of paint the week before; whatever it takes to have your home looking its best. Do not neglect your roof and chimney. These are critical areas, and ones that smart buyers will ask about early.

The Whole Package

When it comes to the interior of your house, you know the basics. The house will be spotless and in safe, quality condition. Subtler factors can make your home more appealing too. Ensure your house smells fresh and enticing, but choose something neutral. Vanilla is a scent with fairly universal appeal. Don’t go for something overly pungent or exotic. Take sound into account as well. If you have noisy children, keep them occupied or send them to the neighbors’ for an hour. Consider playing some soft music for background ambience. These small gestures will improve the overall experience buyers have inside your house.

With so many other homes for sale, it is crucial that you pull out all the stops to make yours the most appealing. As a seller you can never do too much to make your open houses a warm and positive experience.
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ann arbor homes for Sale

Secrets of Homes for Sale in Brighton MI

Looking for real estate in one of the hottest markets in the country? You are if homes for sale Brighton MI is on your current “to buy” list. Whether you have already committed to scouring the listings for homes for sale Brighton MI, or you are a victim of curiosity, there are some things about the homes for sale Brighton MI market that make it unique and intriguing.

Unique Traits of Homes for Sale Brighton MI

While the cost of homes for sale Brighton MI is not what makes them appealing, it certainly makes this housing market stand out. Some segments of the Brighton MI area have average sale prices in the millions. But there are vast differences between the neighborhoods in this area. And this is part of what inspires thousands of homebuyers each year to pay premium prices for this real estate Mecca by the sea.

The differences between the neighborhoods where you will find homes for sale Brighton MI is epitomized by looking at Del Mar and El Cajon. Both neighborhoods are about 20 miles outside of downtown Brighton MI, but the feel of each (not to mention the price of the homes) is dramatically different.

Homes for Sale Brighton MI and El Cajon

El Cajon means literally “the box.” But what a gorgeous box it is. The El Cajon valley is bordered by awe-inspiring mountains on every side. This former cowboy territory is home to about 100,000 people and offers a beautiful escape from downtown Brighton MI. El Cajon is considered among the more affordable homes for sale Brighton MI districts. Some listings report an average price for single family homes around the $600,000 mark. Top end homes peak at about $2.4 million, while the least you will buy into the area for is around $160,000. Other sources report the median price at around $245,000. This community is accessible to more families than most other Brighton MI homes. Either way, these numbers are a bargain when
compared to other homes for sale Brighton MI.

Homes for Sale Brighton MI and Del Mar

While El Cajon prides itself in diversity and humble cowboy roots, Del Mar is shamelessly luxurious and affluent. If you have the means to peruse Homes for sale in Brighton MI with the goals of comfort and ease, then Del Mar real estate is the place to start your search. Two miles of prime coastal homes with some of the country’s most accommodating golf courses make this area attractive to buyers who have earned the right to buy the best. You’re not likely to find homes for sale Brighton MI in the Del Mar area without paying at least a cool million. Probably more as the average list price is around $4.7 million. But owners of homes for sale Brighton MI who choose to make the Del Mar region home rarely regret the choice.

To really learn the secrets of each homes for sale Brighton MI market, I recommend you seek out a realtor from that specific area. Each neighborhood is unique and appealing. But only one will be home.

Pumpkin Festival in Rochester Hills

Rochester Hills has already begun to get into the Halloween spirit. Last Saturday, the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm put on an elaborate celebration. The 16-acre complex hosted its very own Stonewall Pumpkin Festival. Once again, it proved to be a great success. Over 2,500 community members attended the festival during the day and 3,500 community members took part in the events at night—a combined total of 6,000 participants.

Upon entry, the museum’s volunteers equipped guests with a pumpkin, stencils, and carving tools. Food items were also donated on site in support of the Rochester Area Neighborhood House food pantry. Hayrides, make-and-take art projects, and other forms of entertainment, including a Dracula Meets Elvis family concert and children’s garden crafts, were also available for adults and children.

The event has been held for nine years and this year’s certainly did not disappoint its community members. The 85-degree weather was an added bonus and, no doubt, a major contributor to the immense turnout. From 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. individuals ventured back to the farm for a lighting and display of the pumpkins on the Stonewall.

Mayor Bryan Barnett made an appearance at the event as well. C & G News reports, his kids annually “pick out a pumpkin and cut and carve it, and then we go back in the evening and they light it.” Mayor Barnett takes pride in the festival, believing that “it is one of the events that makes our community [Rochester Hills] unique.”

If you missed out on the event, the pumpkins will likely continue to be on display at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm for quite some time. If you don’t have a chance to make it over, Rochester Patch has uploaded some pictures onto its website. It is not too late to start carving your own pumpkins-get inspired and show off your creativity, and add a splash of festivity to your home’s exterior.

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Personal Touches On Your Home’s Exterior

Mlive.com recently published a great article about personalizing your home. The first thing that catches my eye when I visit an individual’s home is its exterior color. According to the article, there is a growing trend towards uniqueness and customization. That is, more and more individuals are beginning to modify the exteriors of their homes in order to make them more personal. This is a very important quality, which you ought to consider when searching for and purchasing a new home.

Your home is an opportunity to express yourself and enhance the aesthetics of your entire neighborhood. Better yet, adding a bit of color to your home does not mean you will automatically relinquish its sophisticated appearance. Simply add an accent of dark brown, caramel color, or another earthy natural hue. You may not want to paint your house a radiant yellow or vibrant blue (but, if you do, go for it!). So, what about applying a touch of maroon or dark green to the roof and window frames? Mlive.com reports, “One of the hottest trends for exterior enhancements is to select vinyl windows with exterior color frames that complement the overall look of the home.” This can turn a simple structured home into one that pops. You could also try a different type of wood or stone and apply it to the window frame. In other words, the sky’s the limit.

Adding a personal touch can never be a bad thing. Feel free to express yourself and show off your creative side. Why not paint the front door a navy blue or olive green? These small changes will make you feel even more comfortable when you move into your new house. Just splash a bit of color onto that blank canvas…and you will feel right at home.

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In My Neighborhood: The Rochester Hills Public Library

One of Rochester’s treasures is the Rochester Hills Public Library, a beautiful, educational, and innovative aspect of our community. Rochester has a long history of valuing information and the pursuit of knowledge, and a number of societies and associations (the Rochester Literary Society founded the first library here in 1872, which led to the Rochester Literary and Library Association, the Rochester Lecture and Library association, and the Avon Ladies Library Association) have continued to support the library. (source) Before the library we all know and love, it was the Avon Township Free Public Library (1925), which moved from its location at the Rochester National Bank building to West University Drive, then into its own building also on West University. (source) The library is currently located at 500 Olde Towne.

Today, the RHPL remains a central part of the community, providing educational programming for all ages and innovative programs like the Kindle e-Book borrowing program. It also serves as a center for local history resources, providing assistance with genealogy projects, as well as programming and resources to support literacy and reading in the community.

The RHPL also comes to you, putting literature on the road in its Bookmobile. The Bookmobile serves members of the community who may not have the access to the RHPL that others enjoy due to economic, physical, or other obstacles. The Bookmobile has over “3,000 popular items for children, teens and adults including books, DVDs, music CDs, video games, graphic novels and much, much more.” You can view the schedule on the website.

A great library really adds value to a community, and the RHPL serves us well. It’s facilities like these, which reflect a community-wide love for the availability of knowledge, that make a city a desired place to live.

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In The Bloomfield Area: Our Town Art Show & Sale

Communities work to keep their local economies and the arts alive, and the Bloomfield/Birmingham area has a unique event that combines both each year. Next weekend, 10/13 through 10/15, the 26^th Annual Our Town Art Show and Sale will take place at the Community House in Birmingham, MI. A celebration of Michigan’s rich artistic community, the event will showcase over 300 pieces of artwork, featuring more than 200 artists, and give attendees the opportunity to buy and sell artwork.

The Community House began in 1921, when “a small group of women officially committed themselves to the concept that ‘a house big enough for dances, mass meetings, concerts and plays’ was need in the community, and they pledged to raise funds to establish such a center.” (source) Since then, the Community House has worked to build community through programming, and promoting the arts. Its mission is to “improve and enrich” the lives of community members, providing numerous and diverse opportunities to bring the community together, celebrate diversity and promote education and cultural awareness.

The art show will raise funds to benefit The Community House’s outreach programs, and there will be a wide selection of art in different mediums and styles available. Art can revitalize a community and keep its members engaged. According to the Urban Institute’s Arts and Culture Indicators in Communities Project, cultural vitality is “a community’s evidence of creating, disseminating, validating, and supporting arts and culture as a dimension of everyday life.” Will you be joining in the vitality next weekend?

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Knowing Which Homes for Sale in Ann Arbor Michigan You Can Afford

Homes for sale in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the county seat of Washtenaw County, come in all sizes, shapes, colors and prices. Prices start at under $100k for older properties, condominiums and "pre-foreclosures" and top out at $20 million for a 120 acre "sanctuary". Architectural styles range from classic to modern, ranch to Nantucket. With one district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there is truly something for everyone in the Ann Arbor homes for sale listings.

The land comprising Ann Arbor was originally purchased from the federal government for $800 by speculators John Allen and Elisha Rumsey in 1824. Needless to say, property values have increased dramatically since that time. The story goes that John and Elisha both had wives named Ann and that the original "arbor" consisted primarily of burr oak. The city has strived to remain true to its "Tree Town" nickname, preserving numerous acres for parks and recreation areas. Some say that there are nearly as many trees as residents in Ann Arbor. Founded in 1824, incorporated as a village in 1833 and chartered as a city in 1851, Ann Arbor has a long and interesting history. Originally, the founders had hoped that their village would become the state capital, even setting aside forty acres of land for the purpose. But, when Lansing was selected in 1836, the land was donated to the University of Michigan, beginning Ann Arbor's history as a "college town".

The original 40 acre donation is now part of the Central Campus, one of the three residence halls at the university. Even with the sixth-largest campus housing system in the United States, there is still a large market for off-campus housing, primarily in the form of condos and lofts. Advertising in the Ann Arbor homes for sale listings often targets graduate students, research assistants, faculty and their families, by relating the location of the house to the university. With undergraduate programs ranging from literature to engineering, one of the largest research facilities in the country and numerous popular athletic teams, the University of Michigan attracts both people and employers to the area. Employers are attracted by the students. Likewise, students often stay in the area, because of the employers. Some stay to complete graduate programs. Others find careers at the university, which provides about 30,000 jobs to Ann Arbor residents. The resident population is continuously growing.

Buyers and investors may see a large number of properties coming on the market over the next two years. Pfizer, the city's second largest employer, announced in January 2007 that it would be closing the large research facility located there by the end of 2008. Lay-offs and other changes in the automotive industry may also cause an increase in the number of homes for sale in Ann Arbor, Michigan, although the impact will likely be less dramatic than in other parts of the state, since new employers are constantly moving in. Google recently announced plans to open an office employing around 1000 people.

The number of Ann Arbor Homes for Sale is constantly changing. At the time of this writing, one popular realtor had over 350 listings for the area. Efforts by the city government to control "urban sprawl" has meant less new building and fewer new homes than in some areas. Newly built homes account for less than 10% of total listings. Disturbingly, there are more than 50 homes in pre-foreclosure status in Washtenaw County.

Foreclosure can severely damage credit ratings.

Sometimes, there are alternatives for these owners willing to work with potential buyers on lease option agreements. Lease option (also called rent to own) is also an alternative for people with poor credit ratings, willing to work to improve and for those with no savings for down payments and closing costs. In fact, there are simple, but creative solutions for all buyers and options for any seller that is frustrated with seeing the for sale sign in the front yard for months on end. There is a buyer out there for every one of the homes for sale in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Buy-Sell-Michigan-Real-Estate.com are real estate investors who can help find motivated buyers a home if they can't get traditional financing and help motivated sellers sell their homes on terms or for cash.

Fire Prevention Week in Rochester Hills

Safety first! Fire Prevention Week is coming up in Rochester Hills, happening 10/7-10/15. On October 7, from 7-9pm, stop by the Lowes parking lot at 3277 Rochester Rd. to see fire trucks, ambulances, and other rescue vehicles and live demos of what they can do. Apple cider will be provided, as will the chance to chat with firefighters.

Five fire stations in Rochester Hills will host open houses on Sunday, October 9 from noon to 3:00pm. Visitors will get another chance to meet fire fighters, see the trucks and take a station tour, as well as enjoy hot dogs, donuts, and cider.

For more information, see the Rochester Hills city website to download the event flyer.

Fire prevention and preparedness is incredibly important. Preventing fires can save lives and help you avoid severe damage to your home and others’. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, “About 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and about 18,300 are injured.” (See detailed information on fire prevention and preparedness at their website.) It is especially important that the younger members of our community understand the basics of fire safety, so that they can keep themselves safe and pass the message along to others.

The National Fire Protection Association’s report, released in May of this year, found that from 2005 to 2009, there were an estimated 373,900 home structure fires each year that U.S. fire departments responded to. On average, the fires caused 2,650 civilian deaths, 12,890 injuries, and “$7.1 billion in direct property damage per year”. They also found that cooking equipment is the leading cause of these home fires and injuries. You can find a link to the complete report here.

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Some Thoughts On Real Estate and Working From Home

I’ve written before about gas prices influencing home buyers’ decisions, as increasing prices make the commute to work more expensive make housing options closer to work more attractive. Another trend that we’re seeing is increasing numbers of businesses transitioning workers to working remotely, at least part of the time. Cutting down on commuting costs, office space and equipment, and allowing employees to work from their own computers are all attractive money-saving moves, especially for small- to medium-sized businesses. (See this article for more information on trends in telecommuting).

This creates demand for home offices, which can present an interesting challenge to the homeowner with limited interior space if you haven’t planned for them. It’s easier to plan for one if you’re currently shopping for a home, and can look at homes with space and facility requirements in mind. If you’re looking for a home where you can set up a long-term home office, what should you be looking for?

It depends on what you need from your office. Will you ever have to meet with clients or coworkers there? Will you have sensitive documents or data that need to be protected? Do you need to be able to teleconference? Will you need large spaces to draw up blueprints or drafts, or to create models? What kind of technology do you need? Depending on how much space your equipment will take up, a walk-in closet may not be enough. Look for homes that have either a designated home office space or a room that you could easily convert into an office that meets your every need.

If you suddenly find yourself working remotely and have no plans to move house, now’s the time to get thrifty. Two spaces that are often under-utilized in the American home are the attic and the basement. If you have space in either, consider putting in a little work on the weekend to clean them up and make a space for yourself. A benefit of setting up shop in either of these spaces is that they are often very quiet, so you can work undisturbed. It’s possible that you won’t be able to carve out your home office its own space, so consider devoting a corner of your living room, den, or even your bedroom to your workspace. Again, where you set up shop depends on what your job requires—if you’ll be meeting with clients or coworkers, maybe the bedroom isn’t the best place.

If you’re really strapped for space, consider your storage options. Devote a closet, cabinet, or crawlspace to storing your files so that you can access them when you need them, but they won’t eat up workspace. As our lives and our jobs adapt, so too should our homes! Your career needs are crucial factors for choosing a home, or for choosing to move out of an old one.

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Tips on Finding a Reliable Novi Realtor

When buying a new home, chances are very good that you are going to choose a realtor to help you with your home buying needs. With many realtors out there, finding one you can trust may seem to be a daunting task. Especially if you’ve never hired a realtor before, or if you’ve ever had one whom you couldn’t trust, choosing a good realtor may be extremely difficult, if next to impossible, to accomplish. So how do you find one whom you can trust, and one who will simplify your home buying experience? Here are a few tips to help you find the right realtor.

Conduct Interviews

It’s not enough to open the yellow pages and scan the listings of realtors there. Ideally, going to the realtor’s office is the best option, but you may not have the time to do this. Chances are there will be too many realtors for you to go visit, so you may choose to conduct an interview on the phone. Be prepared with a list of questions to ask, and expect frank and honest answers. It won’t take long for you to find out during the conversation whether the realtor is honest, or if they are simply a salesperson who evades your questions by giving you pat answers, or fluff.

Ask for References
A good realtor will be happy to give you the names of satisfied customers, in order to back up how trustworthy they will be for you. Sometimes, many people will find realtors on word of mouth alone. Happy customers will be delighted to talk to you about your potential realtor, and many times, this will arm you with the best information about the Novi realtor you are considering.

Talk to the Broker

In some cases, talking opening with the broker about your realtor’s performance may give you clues as to how trustworthy your realtor might be. This may not always give you the best information, as the broker certainly wants your business in the same way the realtor does, but a broker who is willing to talk with you as a potential client may help you determine whether the company the realtor works for will be behind you all the way.

Look for Communication Skills

There is nothing more frustrating than a realtor who does not listen to your needs. If you tell the realtor that your maximum price you would pay for a home is $200,000, and the realtor continually shows you homes outside of your price range, chances are very good that your realtor isn’t concerned about your needs or what you can actually afford, but is more interested in how much commission they may earn off of your business with them. A realtor should remember how many children you have, and how many bedrooms you need, for example; and if you need an office, show you homes with ideal office space; if you have a dog, then the realtor should remember to find homes for you with a fenced in back yard, for instance. You should never have to continually remind your realtor what your needs are; if you are constantly reiterating your needs, then it could be indicative of your realtor either having too many clients, or not really interested in what your needs really are.

Express Your Needs

A realtor isn’t a mind reader, and it really is up to you to make sure your Northville realtor knows exactly what you are looking for. If you are not sure what you are looking for, then it is in your best interest to find a realtor truly interested in narrowing down what you want. Ask questions. If you don’t know whether a school district in a particular area is a good one, for example, and you don’t have children, then it is the realtor’s job to help you understand that even though you might not be concerned about schools right now, there is a possibility in the future that it will be an issue. And while you cannot expect your realtor to read your mind, a good, trustworthy realtor can still anticipate your needs.

Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

Some realtors only perform the minimum tasks in order to help you find a home. A good, trustworthy realtor will go above and beyond the minimal duties. Do you need help finding a loan officer? Will your realtor locate one for you? Will your realtor be present at closing time in case you have any last minute questions? Will your realtor hand-deliver the title to the court on the same day you close? Will your Novi realtor investigate any issues you may have with the home you want to purchase, like will real-estate taxes be included in your price, or will the appliances be included in the home purchase, or is the seller going to provide a home warranty? Some things may not occur to you now as a home buyer, but it should be in your realtor’s best interest to make sure they investigate any possible issues that may come up during the course of the negotiations.

The key to finding a trustworthy realtor is to ask questions, no matter how silly they might be to you. They should be familiar with school districts, utility company policies, which Cable Company is available to you, and other things that are not necessarily part of your home purchase, but it is these little things that make a realtor extraordinary, and one that you can trust to help you find the perfect home.

Homes for Sale in Ann Arbor Michigan

Homes for sale in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the county seat of Washtenaw County, come in all sizes, shapes, colors and prices. Prices start at under $100k for older properties, condominiums and “pre-foreclosures” and top out at $20 million for a 120 acre “sanctuary”. Architectural styles range from classic to modern, ranch to Nantucket. With one district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there is truly something for everyone in the Ann Arbor homes for sale listings.

The land comprising Ann Arbor was originally purchased from the federal government for $800 by speculators John Allen and Elisha Rumsey in 1824. Needless to say, property values have increased dramatically since that time. The story goes that John and Elisha both had wives named Ann and that the original “arbor” consisted primarily of burr oak.

The city has strived to remain true to its “Tree Town” nickname, preserving numerous acres for parks and recreation areas. Some say that there are nearly as many trees as residents in Ann Arbor. Founded in 1824, incorporated as a village in 1833 and chartered as a city in 1851, Ann Arbor has a long and interesting history. Originally, the founders had hoped that their village would become the state capital, even setting aside forty acres of land for the purpose. But, when Lansing was selected in 1836, the land was donated to the University of Michigan, beginning Ann Arbor’s history as a “college town”.

The original 40 acre donation is now part of the Central Campus, one of the three residence halls at the university. Even with the sixth-largest campus housing system in the United States, there is still a large market for off-campus housing, primarily in the form of condos and lofts. Advertising in the Ann Arbor homes for sale listings often targets graduate students, research assistants, faculty and their families, by relating the location of the house to the university. With undergraduate programs ranging from literature to engineering, one of the largest research facilities in the country and numerous popular athletic teams, the University of Michigan attracts both people and employers to the area. Employers are attracted by the students. Likewise, students often stay in the area, because of the employers. Some stay to complete graduate programs. Others find careers at the university, which provides about 30,000 jobs to Ann Arbor residents. The resident population is continuously growing.

Buyers and investors may see a large number of properties coming on the market over the next two years. Pfizer, the city’s second largest employer, announced in January 2007 that it would be closing the large research facility located there by the end of 2008. Lay-offs and other changes in the automotive industry may also cause an increase in the number of homes for sale in Ann Arbor, Michigan, although the impact will likely be less dramatic than in other parts of the state, since new employers are constantly moving in. Google recently announced plans to open an office employing around 1000 people.

The number of Ann Arbor Homes for Sale is constantly changing. At the time of this writing, one popular realtor had over 350 listings for the area. Efforts by the city government to control “urban sprawl” has meant less new building and fewer new homes than in some areas. Newly built homes account for less than 10% of total listings. Disturbingly, there are more than 50 homes in pre-foreclosure status in Washtenaw County.
Foreclosure can severely damage credit ratings.

Sometimes, there are alternatives for these owners willing to work with potential buyers on lease option agreements. Lease option (also called rent to own) is also an alternative for people with poor credit ratings, willing to work to improve and for those with no savings for down payments and closing costs. In fact, there are simple, but creative solutions for all buyers and options for any seller that is frustrated with seeing the for sale sign in the front yard for months on end. There is a buyer out there for every one of the homes for sale in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Buy-Sell-Michigan-Real-Estate.com are real estate investors who can help find motivated buyers a home if they can’t get traditional financing and help motivated sellers sell their homes on terms or for cash.

You Can Find Homes for Sale in Brighton MI on Websites Easily

If you want to buy or sell your home you can look at advertisements in the homes for sale section of the media or websites. But you also need practical advice and street smart insight to guide you right. It is your big investment and there is a lot of money at stake, so it helps to understand the inner workings of a real estate transaction. Making informed decisions can make you profits.

Sell Homes

* When you sell your home you should be aware that the buyer’s market is slow as there are more homes for sale than buyers. Oversupply can bring down the prices.
* Your house location and condition and amenities are very important as price depends on these factors. Listing price is very important as it should be correct. It should not be overpriced or under priced.
* Seasonal changes affect the housing market as during spring it tends to improve and comes down during winter.
* You need to set a realistic price by doing your research of the real estate market and set it according to current trends. Seek the guidance of an agent to appraise your house to get the correct estimate.
* If you need repair work make sure it will payback. Expensive renovation may inflate your price beyond the market value.

Buy Homes

When you buy your home you should let your agent do your negotiations. He knows your needs. If you observe what is important to the seller you will be able to judge his circumstances and make a good buy. A written offer is given to the owner of the home by the buyer which may be rejected and a new offer has to be made in writing. Changes are made according to both parties. A deadline is agreed to which both parties agree to finalize the deal. Try to get recommendations from others who had successfully planned their Homes for sale in Brighton MI with the help of a good agent. Consult two to three agents before finalizing the best one.

You Can Make Your Offer Depending On;

* Survey of the property
* Repair work that needs to be done
* Legal Review
* Inspection

Once a full agreement by both sides is complete then it becomes legally binding to both. The buyer then pays 5 percent of the deposit which becomes part of the down payment.
Homes for sale on websites is the right place to study the home buying and selling market trends, before you decide on your investment.

What is a Real Estate Auction?

Contact An Agent
 
A real estate auction is something that many consider to be a win-win situation: a house is sold quickly to qualified buyers who essentially decide its value with their highest bid. How does it work?

Properties are pre-inspected and buyers are pre-approved. Buyers and sellers all come to the same place, wherever the auction is located, and the properties are presented. After that, it’s pretty much what you picture when you think of an auction—the auctioneer gets things started, and buyers indicate the price they’re willing to pay by raising paddles or cards. The property is sold to the highest bidder, and paperwork is signed on-site.  Closing typically happens very soon after the auction, usually within 30-45 days, so buyers must be financially ready to pay their closing costs fairly quickly.

Homes that appear in real estate auctions are often distressed properties or foreclosures being sold by a bank or lender, but non-distressed properties can be sold this way, too. Usually the properties are open for a few weeks prior to an auction for interested potential buyers to go in and take a look around. They’re supposed to be pre-inspected, but you can always pay for your own inspection too—just realize that you may be paying for a service on a home you may not even come to own.

The details will be different depending on the organization of the auction, so know that there may be other procedures or requirements. Sometimes, for example, a property is on “reserve”, which means that the seller as to approve the final price. Other times there may be financing available. And sometimes there will be extra fees tacked on to the final price you pay for the home, like an auctioneer’s fee or a buyer’s premium. It all depends.

While there are benefits to buying and selling via auction, there are drawbacks as well. Though auctions do allow sellers the advantage of avoiding carrying costs by selling their homes very quickly, the buyer can be at a disadvantage if they don’t have a real estate professional walking them through the home buying process. And even if a buyer finds a property they really like, they may not be able to afford the highest bid.
For more information on real estate auctions, check in here and here.

Well Priced Homes for Sale in Troy Mi

Throughout Troy Mi there are a number of properties that have become available for buyers that are looking for a great deal on a house. With the real estate market starting to make a comeback there are some families that are beginning to take a closer look at the discounts that have been made possible by the number of home foreclosures. Through the listings of homes for sale Lafayette LA residents can find bargains on bank owned properties that allow them to move into a foreclosed house in a short time frame. Being vacated by the owners that were unable to make their mortgage payments many of the homes for sale in Troy Mi have been discounted to help them sell.

Although the real estate market has been depressed and sales of homes have been low, the market is beginning to make an upswing and with the number of houses that are being purchased the pricing of the houses is starting to increase slowly. By working with a realtor who know

s the areas and understands the complexities of buying foreclosed and bank owned properties it is still possible to take advantage of the lowest prices that real estate has seen in more than a decade and buy one of the homes for sale in troy mi. Before the interest rates start to climb and housing market makes a full recovery a few smart buyers are making sure that they can buy a house that fits their needs and is priced right for them to make a purchase. Working with a realtor it is possible to buy a house and save thousands of dollars before the prices go up.

When buyers start contacting and showing interest in your property, schedule an open house to enable them to view your home. The biggest mistake you can make here is not to clean up and clear out the clutter for the open house. A clean house is very easy on the eyes and buyers are actually turned off by unkempt homes. Clean every inch of the property, especially the areas that get cluttered quickly, such as the basement or the garage.

Clean the air as well and even make it fragrant with flowers or air scents. Manicure your lawn, take down clotheslines and throw your trash. Change all your linens, including your curtains and bedding. When it comes right down to the negotiations, make sure you not all the improvements you have made on the property. This way, you increase your chances of selling your home before all those cheap homes for sale in the market.