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Mortgage changes affect Ann Arbor buyers
2007-08-10 19:26:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next couple of weeks with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.As you probably know the mortgage industry is wreaking havoc on the stock market this week. What you might not know is that most lenders have already suspended all 2nd mortgages indefinitely. Also new this week is some are pulling 6% seller concessions. We have a closing today with a 6% seller credit 100% financing that the lender said they will only allow 3% today, the day of closing....(a waiver was granted) but changes are happening quickly. This is important if you have buyers who are trying to purchase zero down and using seller credits. FYI - If you have anything in the works get it under contract so that the lenders will honor the loan programs they were quoted. Or next week they may not qualify to buy anything. You can also check the Fannie Mae site for the updated dictum regardi...
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2007 House Closing Costs by State-Including Ann Arbor, Michigan
2007-08-10 14:10:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next couple of weeks with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan .2007 House Closing Costs by State -New York still tops the list as the state with the highest closing costs. See where yours ranks.Kathy Toth & Teamhttp://www.kathytoth.com/
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How to Avoid Closing Day Glitches in Ann Arbor
2007-08-09 18:27:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next couple of weeks with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.How to Avoid Closing Day Glitches - From walk-through surprises to buyer's remorse, closing day can be a nightmare. Here's how to make it go smoothly.Kathy Toth & Teamhttp://www.kathytoth.com/  

307 Second Street, Ann Arbor
2007-08-07 19:09:00
 A rare treasure to be held, this masterpiece of renovation is located in the heart of Ann Arbor . Truly a turn key property, this home is just three blocks to main street dining, entertainment, YMCA and Bach Elementary School. This 1901 Bungalow has been painstakingly and lovingly refurbished with new foundation, footers, drain tile, sump pump and floor. The beautiful new kitchen features natural maple cabinets, under-cabinet lighting, and granite countertops.  Full finished basement has daylight windows and a gas fireplace perfect for home entertainment. Kathy Toth & Teamwww.KathyToth.com
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111 Worden, Ann Arbor
2007-08-03 18:03:00
  Take one look at this two-bedroom home and you'll fall in love!  This immaculate Westside gem has lots of character.   Gleaming hardwood flooring adds warmth to the living room.  Recent updates include a newer roof, air conditioner, dishwasher, bath, and garage door opener.  Also recently added were newer windows with top down/bottom up blinds. The full finished basement offers a nicely finished study and exercise area. The interior has been freshly painted, as has the laundry room floor. The children and pets are safe to run free in the fenced-in yard. Enjoy the tranquility provided by the quiet tree lined street. Settled in a superb location, you'll be close to town and within walking distance to Veterans Park.  Home warranty included. Kathy Toth & Teamwww.KathyToth.com 
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Near Ann Arbor - Hamburg Township in Michigan - Lakelands Trail
2007-08-02 00:39:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next couple of weeks with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan . The Lakelands Trail State Park traverses Hamburg Township in a manner which is mostly parallel to M-36.The Lakelands Trail State Park in Hamburg Township is maintained and operated by Hamburg Township and the Friends of the Lakelands Trail in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. No state park permit is required to use the trail.Lakelands Trail State Park is one of four linear state parks in the Michigan State Park system that have been converted from abandoned railroad corridors. This trail currently is completed between Stockbridge and Pinckney, and has now been completed through Hamburg Township. It passes through wooded areas, rolling farmland, lakes, marshes, parkland, commercial and residential properties. It is approximately 20 miles long wit...
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Ann Arbor Agent at the Star Power Annual Conference
2007-07-30 16:40:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next couple of weeks with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.Well I am glad to rejuvenate here in Phoenix, AZ at the Star Power Annual Conference where over 170 top REALOTR Stars come to teach, share and learn from other professionals. I am happy to report about some of the sessions I have attended in the upcoming blogs. The sessions run from July 25th through July 28th. Already I am inspired by new ideas and am armed with tools to make some changes in our home market in Ann Arbor, MI. Pictured here, is the founder and internationally acclaimed educator and trainer Howard Brinton and myself in between classes.I am thrilled to be a part of this forward-thinking progressive group of 1800 professionals.Kathy Toth & Teamhttp://www.kathytoth.com/
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Free Link to Ann Arbor, MI REALTOR Web Directory
2007-07-26 00:14:00
We extend an invitation to post your real estate related link on our Ann Arbor real estate site with reciprocal links at  http://www.guaranteeteam.com/real.h tm If you are a REALTOR, mortgage broker, home inspector or other real estate service provider, please send me a detailed link description here: info@KathyToth.com  Your link will be posted here and a reciprocal link would be appreciated…this may help all of us in SEO.  We would love any Ann Arbor Michigan real estate referrals and will give them concierge service.  The links are hand posted html so make sure to use your important key words for your area. Thanks, Kathy Toth & Teamhttp://www.kathytoth.com/ 866-Own-This
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Ann Arbor Arts Fair in Ann Arbor, MI, Washtenaw County
2007-07-24 21:44:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next couple of weeks with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.Who says the dog days of summer are here? It was a perfect day at the Ann Arbor Art Fair s in Ann Arbor, MI in Washtenaw County . Nearly 1,100 juried artists from around the country show up. The event covers blocks of downtown Ann Arbor and is closed to through traffic. Any one who knows me knows I hunt for jewelry and this is a true summer celebration. These days are anything but “lazy” in Ann Arbor. This fair runs from Wed through Saturday. You can get look at shuttles and maps at www.ann-arbor.org. I snapped a couple of pictures below. Kathy Toth & Teamhttp://www.kathytoth.com/ 
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New Apple Store in Ann Arbor
2007-07-23 19:56:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next couple of weeks with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.Well I got to visit the new Apple store in Ann Arbor, MI, Washtenaw County. It opened Saturday in the Briarwood Mall. I tested the Iphone by texting and making a call. The intuitive picture resizing was cool...just pinching your index finger and thumb along the screen allows the pictures to be re sized. I like the way you can scroll through notepad pages. It looks like you are lifting the corner of each page as you view the next one. While I would love to have one of these, I think I will be staying with my work horse Treo to keep all my contacts synched with our data base. The Treo is working fine and since "it ain't broke", I will continue to receive all my email from info@KathyToth.com and be productive with this tool. It is good to know what technology tools are out the...
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Mortgage Questions in Ann Arbor
2007-07-17 17:14:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next couple of weeks with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.Answers posted from top consumer articles available through Broker Agent News:Know Your Option ARM Choices Well - Like a chainsaw, these new and popular adjustable mortgages can be useful or harmful, and the risk is borne entirely by the user.It's "Buyer be Ware" on Sub Prime Loans - Just because they'll lend you money doesn't mean they're not trying to get all you have.Mort gage Pre-Approvals Not Worth the Paper - Brokers complain the information isn't verified, and is often inaccurate.Kathy Toth & Teamhttp://www.kathytoth.com/
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The Ann Arbor Board Market Statistics for June
2007-07-12 21:45:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next couple of weeks with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.The residential units sold year to date were 1,380 vs. 1,626 last year. Last June 404 units were sold vs. this June 364 were sold. So sales are down about 10 percent. The condo units sold year to date were 318 vs. 388 last year. Last June 88 units were sold vs. this June 93 units were sold, up slightly. The total sales volume is down for the year both in year to date and in June 06 compared to June 07. SO current market conditions provide buyers with a strong opportunity to obtain maximum value. It is a great time to be an investor/buyer in Ann Arbor now. Interest rates are still stable and there are lots of choices as inventory is plentiful. For quarterly market conditions reports, see http://www.kathytoth.com/.Kathy Toth & Teamhttp://www.kathytoth.com/
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Head Count Shows Shifting Population - Is This Happening in Ann Arbor?
2007-07-12 00:24:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next couple of weeks with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.The country's fifth largest city is in the desert, according to the latest Census Bureau estimates. And though it is only half the size of the next largest city, the nation's No. 1 city in terms of population has more than twice as many people as its closet rival.Yup, New York reigns supreme as the largest city in the United States, with a population of 8.2 million. The next largest city is Los Angeles, which has just 3.8 million residents.Chicago is third with 2.8 million inhabitants and Houston is fourth with 2.1 million.Phoenix, the aforementioned desert city, moved into fifth place, according to the latest count, moving ahead of Philadelphia. The head count in Phoenix in 2006 was 1.5 million. In Philadelphia, it was 1.45 million.The switch is further evidence of a shift in th...
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1777 Weatherstone, Ann Arbor
2007-07-12 00:12:00
   This delightful first floor Ranch offers laminate flooring throughout, lovely Southern exposure, incredible pond views and a clubhouse with a pool.  The kitchen boasts gorgeous cabinetry, distinctive lighting, abundant counter space and a pass through overlooking the living room.  A gas fireplace with mantel is the centerpiece of the bright, airy living room.  Escape to the wonderful master bedroom suite complete with private bathroom that offers a double sink vanity, oversized mirror, a soaking tub, and separate shower.  Spend summer days in the lovely screened porch overlooking the back yard and pond.  Benefit from a great location with easy access to I-94 and shopping.Kathy Toth & Teamwww.KathyToth.com
More About: Ann Arbor , Tone

Ann Arbor: When Should Homebuyers Jump In?
2007-07-10 16:24:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next couple of weeks with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.Investors who time any market hope to buy at the nadir and sell at the zenith, but homebuyers have a trickier time knowing when to sit on the sidelines and when to jump in. The reason? There are several.Buying a home is one of the largest financial investments a homebuyer will make. Transaction costs are expensive enough that homeowners remain in their homes approximately six years before trading up or down. As the recent buyer's market shows, homes aren't liquid, and may not find buyers at the price and in the time frame that sellers prefer.On the other hand, homeownership provides significant benefits including property rights, tax benefits and other government subsidies including support for a mortgage lending market, quality of life, appreciation, and equity.Since two factors...
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University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
2007-07-06 16:21:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next 20 days with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan . Home of the Wolverines Burton TowerU of M Marching Band practicing before a game.Kathy Toth & Teamhttp://www.kathytoth.com/
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MICHIGAN ECONOMY STABILIZING (Ann Arbor)
2007-07-05 20:01:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next 20 days with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan .REPORTS COMERICA BANK'S MICHIGAN BUSINESS ACTIVITY INDEXDETROIT / June 27, 2007 - The Michigan Business Activity Index compiled by Comerica Bank increased 1 point in May to 104, the same reading it recorded in February and March. Over the first five months of 2007, our index has averaged 1 percent below the average for all of 2006."The Michigan economy has not clearly hit bottom yet, but for now it appears to be stabilizing," said Dana Johnson, Chief Econ omist at Comerica Bank. "The improved tone is apparent in most of the ten components that make up our index. However, I won't be confident that Michigan is set to grow until I see the national economy do better and I see a settlement in the critical national contract talks between the car companies and the United Auto Work...
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2265 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor
2007-07-03 17:08:00
     $183,000MLS#2709804Settled in a fantastic location, this wonderful second floor ranch has it all. You're within walking distance to the grocery store, bagel shop, drug store, University of Michigan football stadium, and much more! The screened porch faces south overlooking the pond. Study could be converted to a third bedroom or a formal dining room. Maple kitchen cabinets and tile flooring add warmth and charm to this home. Garage is located at the end of the sidewalk. Association fee includes internet, water, and maintenance.Kathy Toth & Teamwww.KathyToth.com
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A Big Relay Thank You From Dexter, MI (Ann Arbor)
2007-07-02 23:54:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next 20 days with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan. Thank you to everyone that helped makethe 1st annual Relay For Life of Dexter a success!Because of you, the American Cancer Society is able to continue working to find a cure.Relay For Life of Dexter has raisedover $56,000 - and donations are STILL COMING IN!Remember, fundraising will continue tocount towards our total up until the end of August.Any last minute donations can be sent to:American Cancer Society Attn: RFL of Dexter 2010 Hogback Road Suite 4 Ann Arbor MI 48105This was submitted with thanks from people like our valued clients and avid community supporters, Julie, Steve and Braedy Wineman"Braedy and I are pleased to announce that we were able to raise $1035 for the American Cancer Society! (The event brought in more than $50,000! Not bad for our first relay here in Dexter.) Of c...
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Housing Counsel: The Quagmire Called Square Footage in Ann Arbor
2007-06-29 16:07:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next 20 days with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.Question: We are under contract to purchase a downtown condominium unit. This is a resale situation. The seller's real estate agent has represented the unit to contain 860 square feet.However, when my wife and I physically measured the apartment, we can only come up with 830 square feet.Is there a formal method of making these measurements? Obviously, we do not want to pay for more than we are actually getting.Answer: There is an old expression that when there are two lawyers, there will be three opinions. In real estate, when you are trying to analyze square footage, you may actually get four or five opinions.Measuring square footage has become a hotly debated topic to which there is no real answer.Although there are industry standards when measuring single family houses and office and apar...
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Treat Bankruptcy Symptoms Early in Ann Arbor
2007-06-28 20:38:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next 20 days with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.How do you know when you are at risk for bankruptcy?Your failing financial health will exhibit symptoms similar to those homeowners experience when they contract the fear of foreclosure -- tightening in the household budget, shortness of cash, and a general feeling of financial malaise.For non-homeowners the only pain missing is a mortgage interest rate adjustment which can be a real pain in the assets.Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA), with its new counseling requirements and stiff rules helped reduce bankruptcies by 70 percent from a record high level in 2005.Some of the decrease was due to the end of unusually high number of bankruptcies filed to beat the deadline on the newer, tougher rules, but some of the decrease also came from the counseling require...
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Open House in Ann Arbor Area
2007-06-27 15:45:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next 20 days with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.We will be hosting Open Houses Sunday, July1 from 2 - 4 pm on 26 Cavanaugh Lake Rd - fantastic lakefront. In Chelsea, MI 48118Here is a quick review of the property itself.http://www.kathytoth.com/custompag es_propdetail.php?id=70194See you there for some sun on the dock.Sincerely,Kathy Toth & Teamhttp://www.kathytoth.com/
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Appraisals and a Tale of Two States - How Will It Effect Ann Arbor?
2007-06-26 16:09:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next 20 days with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.The appraisal process is supposed to represent the independent valuation of properties by unbiased professionals, people paid for their opinion -- whether their opinion is higher or lower than clients might like.This idea that appraisers should stick to the truth does not necessarily make them the most popular folks in town. Independent views are great in theory, but sellers often would like to see higher estimates while buyers might prefer more conservative valuations. Loan officers, also, are among those who frequently prefer steeper valuations because elevated prices make it easy to reach loan-to-value ratios.Because sales, commissions and fees are dependent on solid valuations, appraisers are often pressured to assure that a given value is reached. If pricing targets are not met, say apprais...
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Home Improvement Pitfalls in Ann Arbor
2007-06-25 20:28:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next 20 days with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.Click on the links below to read more on home improvement pitfalls.Ten Mistakes Do-it-Yourselfers Make - Home improvement projects often require more time and money t han you expect. Four experts share the ten most common mistakes.Top Ten Mistakes of DIYers - Knowing what you can do and what you can't tops the list of the biggest and most common mistakes weekend warriors make on home projects.Have You Over Improved Your Home? - It's not a problem unless you spend so much on improvements that you can't get your money back.Kathy Toth & Teamhttp://www.kathytoth.com/
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How to Handle Low Ball Offers in Ann Arbor
2007-06-22 15:58:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next 20 days with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan.If your house has been on the market for quite a while (3 to 6 months), you may have already dropped your price and now you're waiting for the buyers to rush in and make wonderful offers on this now-priced right property. And then it happens.The lone buyer does appear, like a bandit in the night and offers you even less than what you just agreed to. Quite a bit less -- about 10 percent less. So on your $350,000 house, that you just dropped to $324,000, you now have an offer for $299,000. With a seller subsidy request of $5,000. At this point, your net is $294,000.So how do you handle such a low-ball offer. Well, first of all -- don't panic, get angry or lose sleep. Especially, don't reject the offer right off the bat and tell them to come back when they're serious. Remember, it&#...
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Howell Michigan Challenge Balloon Festival (by Ann Arbor)
2007-06-21 18:43:00
If you want to be on national TV show House Hunters for ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, you can be featured on HGTV if you buy a home in the next 20 days with Kathy Toth & Team, Ann Arbor , Michigan .     &n bsp;      & nbsp;               ;      &nbs p;      &nb sp;     On Friday 6/22, Howell launches the 2007 Michigan Challenge Balloon Festival . More than 50 spectacular hot air balloons will fill the sky. On earth below, you can enjoy skydivers, stunt kites, live music, carnival rides, a skate board exhibition, children's activities. The fun goes through Sunday. This is a short drive from Ann Arbor, just North on US 23 and West on I96. Follow the signs. Go early in the morning when the balloons launch. For more information, including a complete schedule of festival events, visit http://www.michig...

3033 Lakehaven, Ann Arbor
2007-06-21 18:26:00
   $97,900MLS # 2705042Fabulous end unit with cul-de-sac location backs to a landscaped hill for maximum seclusion. Recently updated chef's kitchen features Corian countertops, matching white appliances, and new pergo flooring, which also flows into the entry, and dining area. You're sure to appreciate the newly updated bathrooms and carpeting with upgraded padding. Spend chilly nights in front of the cozy electric fireplace in the living room.  The work area or office in laundry area comes complete with built-in upper storage. Enjoy summer barbecues on the great tumbled brick paver patio with privacy divider walls. All this and conveniently located! Blanket debt: $300/maintenance & taxes, $564/reserves, $143.Kathy Toth & Teamwww.KathyToth.com 
More About: Ann Arbor , Lake , Haven

2347 Fernwood, Ann Arbor
2007-06-21 18:21:00
   $71,800MLS # 2702322 This co-op in a bright and sunny fabulous location backs to a common area! Wonderful cathedral ceilings greet you upon entering the light filled living room.  Gleaming hardwood flooring throughout and crisp white baseboards add the perfect finishing touches to this home. Upgrades include recent basement flooring, a remodeled bathroom and fresh paint.  Enjoy pool, tennis, volleyball and parks, all this plus the benefits of owning.  Appliances are included! Conveniently located near shopping, schools, US-23 and public transportation.  A tree by the deck and a rose bush allow for summer privacy. Around $1,000 in landscape upgrades including plants/shrubs and a Lilac tree in the front. The association fee is $334.00/mo. and includes water, sewer, garbage, exterior maintenance (including roof, decks, siding, painting), landscaping, and snow removal.Kathy Toth & Teamwww.KathyToth.com 
More About: Ann Arbor , Fernwood

3871 Highlander Way, Ann Arbor
2007-06-21 18:01:00
      $349,000MLS# 2708205A surprising nature lovers retreat awaits!  You're sure to appreciate the open floorplan and large bedrooms in this contemporary 2 story. The formal dining room could be used as a library or den. New tile flooring has been added to the entrance, kitchen, and eating area. Spacious living room boasts new carpeting and an elegant fireplace with a custom mantle and ceramic surround.  Master bedroom suite has vaulted ceilings. Fully finished walk-out basement features a light-filled, professionally finished family room as well as a full bath.  Appreciate privacy, trees, and birds from the deck or patio.Kathy Toth & Teamwww.KathyToth.com 
More About: Highlander , Ann Arbor , Lander

3194 North Territorial W, Ann Arbor
2007-06-21 17:57:00
     Located in Ann Arbor , this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom custom built family home sits on 7.68 acres and lies within the Dexter community school district. Every room comes with awesome views. Chef's kitchen comes complete with ample cabinet space, Corian countertops, matching black appliances, and stylish lighting. The two tier patio leads to a large deck with perennial gardens and fountain, perfect for summer evenings. Enjoy wildlife at its best. The house is set back off the road with a pasture area that would be perfect for horses or weekend football games.  A pole barn allows for extra storage space and toys. Maintenance-free exterior means your weekends can be spent enjoying the outdoors. The impeccably finished basement with gas wood stove is perfect for children and also features an office.This home is also available on 10.68 acres for $545,000.Kathy Toth & Teamwww.KathyToth.com
More About: North , Tori , Rial , Terri