Practice Doesn't Make Perfect in Ann Arbor--The Beginning of the End f
2009-08-30 23:05:00 Even before the 2009 season gets underway, controversy and scandal has found its way back onto the Michigan campus. On Saturday, Michael Rosenberg and Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press reported that the Wolverines have "consistently violated NCAA rules governing off-season workouts, in-season demands on players and mandatory summer activities under coach Rich Rodriguez." According to six current or former Michigan football players, practice sessions typically exceeded limits set by the NCAA and that members of the team's quality control staff were present for off-season scrimmages, another violation.The players, speaking on the condition on anonymity because they feared repercussions from coaches and fans, revealed that the time demands negatively affected academic performance and that players were forced to sign...
Uh-Oh In Ann Arbor? Wolverines Anxiously Awaiting News On Incoming Freshmen
2009-08-07 02:08:00 Only a week ago, everything seemed to be going swimmingly in Ann Arbor for second-year coach Rich Rodriguez.At least, as well as it can go for a coach who went 3-9 last season at one of the greatest football programs in college football history.Rodriguez even felt confident enough to toss out a joke about 2008, recalling "getting my brains beat in" when he spoke at the Kickoff Luncheon in Chicago.But that quote isn't the one Wolverine fans will remember.Instead, Michigan fans were rejoicing when they found out from Rodriguez that all of Michigan's incoming freshmen had qualified, as this Detroit Free Press article from July 27 relates.Um, scratch that....
The Ann Arbor News hitting the presses a last time
(AP)
2009-07-23 10:41:00 AP - Geoff Larcom has covered higher education, written columns and led sports coverage at The Ann Arbor News. His final assignment: the newspaper's own obituary after 174 years.
Luxury Homes in Ann Arbor and in the National Market
2008-11-30 12:29:00 The International Luxury Home Market Report looked at 38,380 homes on the market this week to determine what is happening nationally in the luxury real estate market. It appears that the buyer's market is in full swing in this market segment. Average days on market is 150 with median price per square foot about $300.00. The full report can be viewed here. The top 10 most expensive zip codes in 31 market cities were examined. Atlanta Honolulu Raleigh Durham Austin Houston Sacramento-Tahoe Baltimore Las Vegas Salt Lake Boston Los Angeles San Diego Charlotte Miami San Francisco Chicago New York Seattle Cleveland Orlando Silicon Valley Dallas Philadelphia Tampa Denver Phoenix Twin Cities Detroit Portland Ventura   Washington DC Source: Altos Research LLC The global financial market meltdown has created a wait and watch mentality across price ranges.  Buyers at the very top are citizen...
Asbestos and Your Health, Tips for Remodeling your Ann Arbor Home
2008-11-25 19:15:00 I was recently contacted by Jesse Herman, the Awareness Coordinator at the Mesothelioma Cancer Center . Lately Jesse has been reaching out to real estate bloggers in efforts to getting some of our information published. As she reached out to me, I told her I would be glad to help her get the word out to the danger of asbestos in remodeling. Homes built before 1980 likely have asbestos insulation in them. When homeowners remodel, they may expose themselves to asbestos, which could lead to the deadly cancer called mesothelioma. There are many environmentally safe and healthy ways to insulate your home. In Ann Arbor some of our most desireable area's are in downtown area of Ann Arbor, Burns Park and The Old West Side. The homes built during this time period are built between 1860-1940. Used as a form of insulation for pipes and attics throughout the twentieth century, asbestos is a mineral found in the environment. Although a naturally occurring substance, this mi...
Listings Available in Loch Alpine Area of Ann Arbor, Michigan
2008-11-19 12:42:00 Loch Alpine has 8 current listings available and 14 sold homes this year so far. For further details and upcoming homes, call us a (734) 669-0337. Loch Alpine Active Homes XPROP - Multi-Row View Loch Alpine Sold Homes RES - Complete Plus Average sold price was $300,757.10 Average days on market was 69.7 which is under average market time. 4266 Glen Eden Court has 2 videos below and virtual tour if we can brag on this home Click here to Search the MLS for all listings! Below, find 3 related Loch Alpine videos on youtube. We have participated in selling and bringing buyers to many of these homes. We have moved over 89 families this year. Many of our Ann Arbor Real Estate sellers and buyers would love to tell you about us. _______________________________-_______________________________-_______________________________-_____________ Related Links Loch Alpine Community Amenities | Clic...
Condo Market Reports for the 3rd Quarter in Ann Arbor
2008-11-15 15:52:00 The 3rd quarter market reports for condos in Ann Arbor. Once a month I publish these reports created by Big House Data, a firm I use in Ann Arbor to scrub the data from the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors. The number of listings of condos in Washtenaw County was down, the solds were up and the sale price was up from Oct 2007 to Oct 2008. The up price was 1.5% but this is still UP ! This is a good sign because as we decrease our inventory the sales prices will stabilize. Search the Ann Arbor MLS To view more reports and graphs go to Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk. These 3trd quarter reports are only for Ann Arbor. To view Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti, Whitmore Lake you will need to view on my other blog.
Best Places to Raise Kids - Ann Arbor, Michigan Ranked High
2008-11-12 15:19:00 Best Places to Raise Kids - Ann Arbor Ranked High BusinessWeek teamed up with OnBoard Informatics, provider of real estate analysis, to create a list of each state's best affordable towns for raising children. Factors in the analysis was school performance, affordability, safety, cost of living, air quality, job growth, racial diversity, parks, ball fields, zoos, recreation centers, museums, and theaters. Among the top ranked were Mount Prospect, IL Phoenix, AZ, Columbus, OH, and our very own Ann Arbor, MI, Huntsville, AL, Lexington, KY. Also mentioned was that Ann Arbor is the most kid-and cost-friendly city in Michigan. The Web site establishes it as one of the best college towns in the United States for its acres of parks, galleries, museums, restaurants, boutiques and seven gold courses. It reported our population as: 118,194 and median household income as: $87,061. Just click for more Ann Arborl community and school information on Ann Arbor, Brighton, Michigan ...
Do we need some lateral or innovative thinking about now in Ann Arbor?
2008-11-08 02:47:00 Did you ever think you are in your box and you need to get out? Maybe you are in your box and don’t know you are stuck. There is a whole world of music out there that you might have not heard. Just take a 2 minute look at this Japanese water fall to get a fresh perspective on water and the messages you see. Are you thinking out of the box? Inside The Box Thinking inside the box means accepting the status quo. Charles H. Duell, Director of the US Patent Office, said, “Everything that can be invented has been invented.” In 1899,he was in the box! Outside the Box Thinking outside the box requires questioning; different thinking and leaving the comfort zone: Willingness to take new perspectives with day-to-day work. Openness to do different things and to do things differently. Focusing on the value of finding new ideas and acting on them. Striving to create value in new ways. Listening to others. Supporting and respecting others when they come up wit...
Ann Arbor, Saline and Ypsilanti Township "Short Sales"
2008-11-06 01:44:00 Short Sales are getting alot of attention in the Ann Arbor Area. A short sale is when a home owner owes more on their home than the current market conditions will allow them to sell for. You may have heard the it said this way, "the seller is upside down on their mortgage. Buyers are able to purchase these homes for less than the what is owed to the banks. To purchase a short sale in the Ann Arbor Area, it is important to have lots of patience. Typically a short sale takes a minimum of 12 weeks to work through the process in Ann Arbor, Saline and Ypsilanti Township. Today I am going to have you look at the Short Sales available in 3 communities in Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor, Saline and Ypsilanti Township. Click on each link below and it will take you to the available homes in each community.I will be posting on different communities throughout Washtenaw County and the homes available to be sold short. Ann Arbor Saline Ypsilanti Township ***Make sure you work with a Realtor that un...
Polling Places in Ann Arbor and Preview of the Ballot
2008-11-04 04:15:00 Not sure where to go vote living in Ann Arbor, Saline or Washtenaw County? Want to see a ballot before you go into the polling place? WXYZ has a link on their site where you can click on to see your polling place. To see a preview of your ballot before you go into the voting booth go here. I tried it last night as I wanted to read over the proposals on the ballots and found them both to be very helpful. I f you are registered to vote in Michigan, just put your name in and it will show you the place to go and the ballot.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS from Ann Arbor Police and HALLOWEEN BUFFET at AACC in
2008-10-31 20:34:00 TRICK-OR-TREATING MAY TAKE PLACE IN ANN ARBOR NEIGHBORHOODS ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, BETWEEN 5 AND 8 P.M. Halloween is the children’s night for tricks and treats … ghosts and goblins … haunts and horrors. Unfortunately, some of the horrors are all too real. Every year, on Halloween, many children suffer from auto accidents, fire injuries, falls, cuts, bruises or poisoned treats. Be aware and be informed so your children can have a safe, enjoyable Halloween. Supervise your children’s evening, and stay in neighborhoods that are well-lit and familiar. Here are more precautions to help keep your Halloween happy. RISKY ROADWAYS • Children become careless from excitement and may run into the road. • Dusk is the time of poorest visibility for drivers. Try to Trick or Treat while it is still daylight. • Choose a costume that is easy to walk in, easy to see out of and can be seen by car drivers. • If the Trick or Treating lasts into the night, w...
Halloween Events around Ann Arbor Area
2008-10-31 15:22:00 A Halloween Party will be held at the Ann Arbor District Library . Songs, trick or treats at 9:30 to 10:00 AM and a second party at 10:30 to 11:00. The Treat Parade, begins on Main Street at 11:00 and lasts for 6 hours. This annual event is a highlight for the children as they dress and walk down Main Street visiting all the merchants where there is balloons in front of the businesses. Over 50 merchants participate in the Treat Parade, and plan their routes down Ashley, Liberty, Washington, 4th Street and Washington. A list of the following merchants participating in the Treat Parade can be found here. Bean Stalks Play Café in Saline is also sponsoring a Downtown Boo Bash with the Downtown Merchants from 5-8 P.M. An old-fashion down-town Halloween street party. Burns Park Costume Parade will begin at 2:15 on Friday. This is held and sponsored by the Burns Park PTO and the children dress in costumes, and walk around Burns Park and the block surroundin...
Dexter Cider Mill, Ann Arbor Area Residents Don’t Go There Just For C
2008-10-29 18:40:00 Dexter Cider Mill, located at 3685 Central, Dexter, MI 48130 on the Huron River is the stop to take for tasting wine from Sandhill Crane Vineyards hailing from 4724 Walz Road, Jackson, MI 49201, Phone (517) 764-0679. They are Open 7 Days A Week (April 1 - December 31) Monday - Saturday 11-6 and Sunday Noon-6. Click here to view a MAP of the location. Wine Tasting and wine making is a fun past time for many people. I am very fond of Napa Valley trips. We have some nice wine tours in Leelanau, too, that we highly suggest, near our place at The Homestead Resort.  The video below is a snippet of tasting.My friends have been to the Sandhill Crane Vineyard, but I have not have had the pleasure yet. The wine I tasted here is Traminette: “2006 Dry Traminette - Silver Medals - 2007 Taster’s Guild Int’l. Competition & 2005 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition; 2006 & 2007 Jefferson Cup Invitational - Certificate of American Merit award. Floral notes on the nose, wi...
Blogging Seminar and Mystery Active Rain Dude speaking in Ann Arbor
2008-10-23 14:34:00 Lani Anglin Rosales wrote a post on AgentGenius a few weeks ago on a program called Slide Rocket. It is a free alternative to Power Point. So I tried it out and found it really easy to use. Tomorrow, Friday, October, 24th at 10:00, I am doing a Blogging Seminar at Keller Williams in Ann Arbor, so I created a slide presentation for it. We are going to have a mystery Activerain Community Builder doing the seminar with me. Now to find out who it is you will have to go and read my Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk blog. While you are there, I would love it if you can subscribe to my blog either by RSS or email. I've had the opportunity to speak several times on blogging at different places. The hard part is that you have people with all degrees of where they are. Some are just starting and some want deeper knowledge on how to get better SEO. So I will take the basics and our mystery AR Dude will take the more difficult topics. Thanks to Bill Gasset, and Bills post on AmericanTowns, I sent...
Ghosting It Forward - Pay It Forward for Ann Arbor Neighbors/Friends before
2008-10-21 19:49:00 We could all use something positive. "Ghosting" is a fun Halloween tradition of doing something nice for your neighbors and friends. In the spirit of "paying it forward", everyone needs more positive touches in their life. In our current world filled with constant negative news, Ghosting It Forward is an effort to spread some positive touches to neighbors locally or friends virtually. Whether it is an anonymous note of thanks to your neighbor, a bunch of flowers, a bar of chocolate, an inspirational book or movie, or just a smiley face, Ghosting It Forward will energize people who send and receive the positive touches. To join us in "Ghosting It Forward". I have done this before in Ann Arbor, Michigan and watched the delight in the recipients face; just find instructions and you can get started "Ghosting It Forward". No tricks, just all Good Treats.
Halloween Events around Ann Arbor, Saline and Washtenaw County
2008-10-21 15:41:00 A Halloween Party will be held at the Ann Arbor District Library . Songs, trick or treats at 9:30 to 10:00 AM and a second party at 10:30 to 11:00. The Treat Parade, begins on Main Street at 11:00 and lasts for 6 hours. This annual event is a highlight for the children as they dress and walk down Main Street visiting all the merchants where there is balloons in front of the businesses. Over 50 merchants participate in the Treat Parade, and plan their routes down Ashley, Liberty, Washington, 4th Street and Washington. A list of the following merchants participating in the Treat Parade can be found here. Bean Stalks Play Café in Saline is also sponsoring a Downtown Boo Bash with the Downtown Merchants from 5-8 P.M. An old-fashion down-town Halloween street party. Burns Park Costume Parade will begin at 2:15 on Friday. This is held and sponsored by the Burns Park PTO and the children dress in costumes, and walk around Burns Park and the block surrounding...
Ann Arbor Area Realtors to Beta Test the Supra e-KEY for Blackberry Phones
2008-10-20 05:27:00 In January of this year, I posted on the Ann Arbor Area Board of Directors needing to make a decision on the continued use of the Supra-Key. I sent the post to our IT Director and he forwarded the post to our Supra Representative. With over 93 comments they heard and are responding. Our main issue was with all the data sharing, we were having problems with Realtors from other MLS's showing our properties and us having to drive all over Washtenaw County to open up the doors since they did not use the electronic lockboxes. In an effort to retain our business, they are working with the Ann Arbor Area Board to be Beta Testers for the Blackberry Solution. This Tuesday those of us who volunteered to test the E-Key with our Blackberry phones will go to the Ann Arbor Board Offices and get the software installed. The training will take about 2 hours so I will report back to members of Activerain that use the E-Key for accessing homes with our Blackberry's phones. Yea, excited a...
Have you tried the Ann Arbor Cupcake Station? See video
2008-10-20 05:27:00 MMM. How sweet it is. Just waddle on over to 116 East Liberty. We got all sorts of treats to sample. (No tricks here). They have some mini sizes or standard sizes. The best was the red velvet cake. I hope to go back to try the bumpy cake. They have a seating area, soft drinks and are all decked out for Halloween. You can call ahead for orders at 734-222-1801. Check out the CupCakeStation web site. www.cupcakestation.com for other sweets. For other Ann Arbor information and why we love promoting and selling Ann Arbor Real Estate visit us.
September Market Reports for Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor and Sali
2008-10-20 02:06:00 Are home selling in Ann Arbor ? Yes, actually the number of homes selling are up. Now the problem for sellers is the prices are down. Boo........... If you want to see the charts go to Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk to see the graphs and charts, with year to date comparisons, the inventory and sales prices. There will ALWAYS be a need for people to buy and sell. Right now, we are in a Buyers Market as are most states. So really all that means is that the buyers have more to choose from and those homes that are selling are in great condition. The forclosure's and short sales are still accounting for 1/2 of all the sales. This is forcing home sellers who to lower their prices to stay competitive with the current market conditions. The average price for home sales in Washtenaw County was $250.315.00 down almost 15.5% from September of 2007. What that means is on a home that would have sold for $300,00.00 in September of 2007, is now able to sell at a value of $245,000. Of course th...
Ann Arbor Condo Market Reports for September
2008-10-20 01:29:00 The condo market in Ann Arbor saw less than a 1% decrease in prices for September 2008 from September 2007. Year to date condos' are down 8.5% in Ann Arbor. The good news for condo buyers in Ann Arbor is that the inventory is also down by 32.75%. For the month of September the condo listings are down 24%. Less inventory on the market is a good thing. Price your condo right, and be in excellent showing condition and your condo will sell. In Ann Arbor we have so many buyers that are attending school at the University of Michigan for only a few years that many chose to buy a condo so they can focus on school. Average days on the market for condo sales in Washtenaw County is 91. To see the graphs in detail, visit Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk. You can begin you condo search at Search Ann Arbor Houses.
What is Ann Arbor, Michigan like? Watch Video from Google Employee, Insider
2008-10-11 15:30:00 How can I tell you what Ann Arbor is like? Watch YOUTUBE Video from Google Employee Capturing the perfect local nuances of a place and communicating them can be difficult, but this video does a perfect job of what living downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan is like. Yes, there are a couple places I would like to live like living in an Ann Arbor Liberty Lofts, or prime Ann Arbor location of Loft 322, or even an apartment brings you to a huge selection of parks, eateries, clubs, educational arenas, and here to a career at Google, all within walking distance. Try the walking score index for your area. Use it to find a walkable neighborhood. If you are coming to Ann Arbor, we will welcome you with open arms. If you are are local or relocating, and looking for some real estate guidance, consider us your Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts at info@KathyToth.com. GO Blue!
Haunted Houses in Ann Arbor?
2008-10-07 18:49:00 Our area in Michigan has one of the highest foreclosure rates. I thought some of you might appreciate this joke below. I am certain of our future here in Washtenaw County. We are better off than other areas of our state. Our employment rate is better, our foreclosure rate is better and our prognosis is good. The Ann Arbor real estate market is coming close to the bottom. The only problem with the bottom is knowing when it hits. Usually it becomes evident when it has turned around and you miss the very bottom. The interest rates are still fantastic. There are some investment properties that are huge deals. See some of these duplexes in Chelsea, MI for example Stop by our ANN ARBOR HOME BUYER SEMINAR on Oct 28th to invest in some great deals. Click here to search all Ann Arbor area Michigan homes and condos with pictures and tours - FREE! Kathy Toth and Team www.KathyToth.com Keller Williams Realty
Ann Arbor looks pretty good...Is Your Area at Risk?
2008-10-05 18:54:00 PMI Mortgage Insurance Company, has a report out on the largest Metropolitan Areas and the expected decline in home prices the next two years. PMI Mortgage Insurance is one of the largest Insurance Companies in the nation for insuring mortgages like FHA and VA loans. The fall report is for the second quarter statics in 2008. It is based on the Office of the Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) You can read the entire PMI Mortgage Report here. You can read just the Metropolitan AREA Report here. According to this Ann Arbor is low risk for continual falling prices. That puts a smile on my face and we can only hope. I think that may be because Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor in particularly have been leading the nation and maybe we have already bottomed out. Check out your area and see what the static’s show for your city, you can leave it in your comments below.
Ann Arbor looks pretty good...Is Your Area at Risk?
2008-10-05 18:54:00 PMI Mortgage Insurance Company, has a report out on the largest Metropolitan Areas and the expected decline in home prices the next two years. PMI Mortgage Insurance is one of the largest Insurance Companies in the nation for insuring mortgages like FHA and VA loans. The fall report is for the second quarter statics in 2008. It is based on the Office of the Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) You can read the entire PMI Mortgage Report here. You can read just the Metropolitan AREA Report here. According to this Ann Arbor is low risk for continual falling prices. That puts a smile on my face and we can only hope. I think that may be because Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor in particularly have been leading the nation and maybe we have already bottomed out. Check out your area and see what the static’s show for your city, you can leave it in your comments below.
Buyer Agents Needed in Ann Arbor for Missy Caulk TEAM
2008-10-05 03:18:00 Friday, I sent this letter, via email out to some select agents in Ann Arbor and throughout Washtenaw County. I decided I would post on it in case I overlooked someone. Dear _____, If you are receiving this email then either myself, or someone on the Missy Caulk TEAM has recommended you. I am in need of a minimum of two buyer agents, if not more. I have more leads coming into my search site, Search Ann Arbor houses, than we can follow up with and take care of. I get leads from potential buyers all over Washtenaw County. I know many of you receiving this email are experienced agents, but perhaps your business has slowed down this year and you need more business. If you are interested, please send me an email and next week I will set up appointments to meet with you. If you are doing all the business you need at this time, then I am happy for you and you can disregard this email. If you can recommend a good aggressive agent in your Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County office y...
Buyer Agents Needed in Ann Arbor for Missy Caulk TEAM
2008-10-05 03:18:00 Friday, I sent this letter, via email out to some select agents in Ann Arbor and throughout Washtenaw County. I decided I would post on it in case I overlooked someone. Dear _____, If you are receiving this email then either myself, or someone on the Missy Caulk TEAM has recommended you. I am in need of a minimum of two buyer agents, if not more. I have more leads coming into my search site, Search Ann Arbor houses, than we can follow up with and take care of. I get leads from potential buyers all over Washtenaw County. I know many of you receiving this email are experienced agents, but perhaps your business has slowed down this year and you need more business. If you are interested, please send me an email and next week I will set up appointments to meet with you. If you are doing all the business you need at this time, then I am happy for you and you can disregard this email. If you can recommend a good aggressive agent in your Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County office y...
Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County Home Sellers
2008-10-04 04:00:00 Today the Housing Bail out was signed into law. It is not a rescue for the homeowners but for the investors who packaged these loans together.Wall Street hedged their bets on the homes increasing in value and they lost. If you live in Ann Arbor, you know it is true. If is not a pretty picture out there. When Pfizer left it brought down all the home values in your neighborhood. You know it. If you live in Ann Arbor or Washtenaw County you know in the past we have only encountered a plateau during recessions and then bounced back. A plateau is a flat line; it is not a down line. We are in a down line, and have been for several years. If you don't have to sell, DON'T. If you have your home on the market, and get a low offer, SELL. Don't wait; we are just beginning this wild ride. Homes are selling; the ones priced right, the ones in great condition. Foreclosures and "short sales" are selling. I checked the Ann Arbor MLS last week for closings in September. Guess wha...
Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County Home Sellers
2008-10-04 04:00:00 Today the Housing Bail out was signed into law. It is not a rescue for the homeowners but for the investors who packaged these loans together.Wall Street hedged their bets on the homes increasing in value and they lost. If you live in Ann Arbor, you know it is true. If is not a pretty picture out there. When Pfizer left it brought down all the home values in your neighborhood. You know it. If you live in Ann Arbor or Washtenaw County you know in the past we have only encountered a plateau during recessions and then bounced back. A plateau is a flat line; it is not a down line. We are in a down line, and have been for several years. If you don't have to sell, DON'T. If you have your home on the market, and get a low offer, SELL. Don't wait; we are just beginning this wild ride. Homes are selling; the ones priced right, the ones in great condition. Foreclosures and "short sales" are selling. I checked the Ann Arbor MLS last week for closings in September. Guess wha...
Mike Lorenc, Google Ann Arbor Interview by Missy Caulk
2008-10-01 00:25:00 Today the Saline Chamber of Commerce held a Lunch and Learn at Stonebridge Golf Club. Michael Lorenc spoke from Google. Mike and his wife Amy were my buyer clients last year when they moved here from Poland, where Mike was head of Google in Poland. Imagine my surprise when I said "hello" and he told me Amy had told him I would be there. Wow, how would she know THAT? Earlier today I was downloading the Twitter Application for FaceBook and to test it out, I twitted I was going to the Saline Chamber meeting to hear a past client from Google speak. Ahhh, the nature of Web 2.0! After the lunch and meeting where Michael spoke I cornered asked him if he would answer a few questions for my blogging friends on Activerain. He agreed. You will have to watch the video, I did with my flip to hear the answers. What does Google think of Duplicate content? Should be join all these Social Networks? Does he Twitter? Is it good to put our blog feeds into all these social networks? Is PR (Google Page ...
Mike Lorenc, Google Ann Arbor Interview by Missy Caulk
2008-10-01 00:25:00 Today the Saline Chamber of Commerce held a Lunch and Learn at Stonebridge Golf Club. Michael Lorenc spoke from Google. Mike and his wife Amy were my buyer clients last year when they moved here from Poland, where Mike was head of Google in Poland. Imagine my surprise when I said "hello" and he told me Amy had told him I would be there. Wow, how would she know THAT? Earlier today I was downloading the Twitter Application for FaceBook and to test it out, I twitted I was going to the Saline Chamber meeting to hear a past client from Google speak. Ahhh, the nature of Web 2.0! After the lunch and meeting where Michael spoke I cornered asked him if he would answer a few questions for my blogging friends on Activerain. He agreed. You will have to watch the video, I did with my flip to hear the answers. What does Google think of Duplicate content? Should be join all these Social Networks? Does he Twitter? Is it good to put our blog feeds into all these social networks? Is PR (Google Page ...
Roadblocks to Successful Closings in Ann Arbor
2008-10-01 00:24:00 Roadblocks to a Successful Closing in Ann Arbor One of the documents we send out to our sellers and buyers after they are under contract are potential roadblocks to a closing. They can be from various people involved in the transaction. It is not negative just an information piece we put together to help them understand things beyond our control can occur. I was supposed to have two closings this week; one buyer purchasing my listing went in to work and found her job was lost. The second one, found out he could not get his money out of China. So events beyond our control happened. There is so particular order to this. THE LENDER •1. -; The lender does not properly qualify the buyer. •2. -; Lender wants property repaired before closing •3. -; Lender pulls a "bait and switch" on the buyers. •4. -; Lender loos...
Roadblocks to Successful Closings in Ann Arbor
2008-10-01 00:24:00 Roadblocks to a Successful Closing in Ann Arbor One of the documents we send out to our sellers and buyers after they are under contract are potential roadblocks to a closing. They can be from various people involved in the transaction. It is not negative just an information piece we put together to help them understand things beyond our control can occur. I was supposed to have two closings this week; one buyer purchasing my listing went in to work and found her job was lost. The second one, found out he could not get his money out of China. So events beyond our control happened. There is so particular order to this. THE LENDER •1. -; The lender does not properly qualify the buyer. •2. -; Lender wants property repaired before closing •3. -; Lender pulls a "bait and switch" on the buyers. •4. -; Lender loos...
Ann Arbor Library to be Torn Down and Rebuilt
2008-09-23 03:18:00 The Ann Arbor District Library Board has voted to tear down the main library downtown and build a new one in its place. Recently the Library posted a survey online with over 6,000 people responding. The survey asked how space at the library should be allocated, and about a proposed underground parking structure beneath the current surface lot next to the library. More than half of those who responded to the survey, said Ann Arbor needed a renovated or new downtown library. Around 14 percent said they did not agree a new or renovated library is needed. The 50-year-old building has been renovated twice already with the latest being in 1990. I recently posted on all the new branch libraries in Ann Arbor have been built with sustainable design and materials. The current building also does not comply with Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards, although accomodations had been accomplished. This will be far better. Ann Arbor is environmentally conscience, tearing down...
Ann Arbor Library to be Torn Down and Rebuilt
2008-09-23 03:18:00 The Ann Arbor District Library Board has voted to tear down the main library downtown and build a new one in its place. Recently the Library posted a survey online with over 6,000 people responding. The survey asked how space at the library should be allocated, and about a proposed underground parking structure beneath the current surface lot next to the library. More than half of those who responded to the survey, said Ann Arbor needed a renovated or new downtown library. Around 14 percent said they did not agree a new or renovated library is needed. The 50-year-old building has been renovated twice already with the latest being in 1990. I recently posted on all the new branch libraries in Ann Arbor have been built with sustainable design and materials. The current building also does not comply with Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards, although accomodations had been accomplished. This will be far better. Ann Arbor is environmentally conscience, tearing down...
Rock You !...in Ann Arbor
2008-09-22 06:52:00 Back in August, Benn Rosales, founder of Agent Genius, posted on a great tool, called Rock You. It is a lot like slideshow, but you can add music. I immediately went to my WordPress.org blog and tried it out, Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk. You can also immediately submit it to your FaceBook and other social network sites. Well, you know me............. Every new toy I have to try out. I really like it. You can log on to Rock You and try it or go to Benn's post to check out all the ways to use it and see examples of the different presentations. I have a new listing going in tomorrow so here is what it looks like. Oh yea, it is FREE !
Rock You !...in Ann Arbor
2008-09-22 06:52:00 Back in August, Benn Rosales, founder of Agent Genius, posted on a great tool, called Rock You. It is a lot like slideshow, but you can add music. I immediately went to my WordPress.org blog and tried it out, Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk. You can also immediately submit it to your FaceBook and other social network sites. Well, you know me............. Every new toy I have to try out. I really like it. You can log on to Rock You and try it or go to Benn's post to check out all the ways to use it and see examples of the different presentations. I have a new listing going in tomorrow so here is what it looks like. Oh yea, it is FREE !
Dhu Varren Ann Arbor "We Want New Carpet"
2008-09-19 01:02:00 Broker Bryant wrote on a final walk through that has inspired this post. I have sold five homes in Dhu Varren over the years. This situation occurred at the closings of one of those homes. AT THE CLOSING TABLE, the Buyer Agent, "there is a HUGE spot on the carpet and we want new carpet." "Well, I'm sorry but, my sellers have moved out of country and you should have let me know last night after your walk-through. However, as my clients have moved out of country, I will pay to have it cleaned." No, they wanted new carpet. It was huge. So I stopped the closing, and said I am going to the house to look at the spot before I try to reach my clients. I did. The HUGE spot was less than the size of a quarter. That's IT! I called the sellers and they said they had forgotten about it, until the moved. They had tried to have it cleaned a long time ago and it would not come out. I went back to the closing and told them, "the spot is the size of a quarter. It...
Dhu Varren Ann Arbor "We Want New Carpet"
2008-09-19 01:02:00 Broker Bryant wrote on a final walk through that has inspired this post. I have sold five homes in Dhu Varren over the years. This situation occurred at the closings of one of those homes. AT THE CLOSING TABLE, the Buyer Agent, "there is a HUGE spot on the carpet and we want new carpet." "Well, I'm sorry but, my sellers have moved out of country and you should have let me know last night after your walk-through. However, as my clients have moved out of country, I will pay to have it cleaned." No, they wanted new carpet. It was huge. So I stopped the closing, and said I am going to the house to look at the spot before I try to reach my clients. I did. The HUGE spot was less than the size of a quarter. That's IT! I called the sellers and they said they had forgotten about it, until the moved. They had tried to have it cleaned a long time ago and it would not come out. I went back to the closing and told them, "the spot is the size of a quarter. It...
Ann Arbor Art Walk
2008-09-18 13:57:00 This year the Ann Arbor Art Walk is scheduled for Friday, October 17th from 5-10 P.M. and Saturday, October 18th from 12-5 P.M. The Art Walk Guide represents a consortium of galleries, exhibition spaces, visual artists and crafts people in the greater Ann Arbor area. As of this year, Art Walk has taken another big step by joining forces with the Arts Alliance, the Washtenaw County non-profit organization that works for all the arts in this county. Art Walk members have become linked with such efforts as the Artists Census, which made a count of artists in every field working in the county. More than 2000 artists create their work, pay taxes, their craft, and vote in this county, which means that the arts are a major economic sector in Washtenaw County. One of my good friends, Karen Dean is having a special private showing this Saturday, September 20th from 2-5 at 1730 Stonebridge Drive S in Ann Arbor, Mi. Karen will be introducing her newest book, Kitty Kate's Tea P...
Ann Arbor Country Club Facilites Located in Loch Alpine Video Enjoyed by Me
2008-09-18 13:23:00 Ann Arbor Loch Alpine neighbors have a lot to be proud of. Watch this video from top Ann Arbor Real Estate Expert……..Stay Tuned for the Halloween Party invitations. Ann Arbor Country Club _______________________________-_______________________________-_______________________________-_____________ Related Links Ann Arbor Country Club Golf Course | Click here More information about the course at Loch Alpine Listings Available in Loch Alpine Area of Ann Arbor | Click here Loch Alpine Active Listings 4266 Glen Eden Court | Click here You’ll find perfection in this Loch Alpine masterpiece Loch Alpine Subdivision | Click here A Loch Alpine homeowner interviewed Click here to search all Ann Arbor area Michiganhomes and condos with pictures and tours - FREE! Kathy Toth and Team www.KathyToth.com Keller Williams Realty
1535 Patricia, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.
2008-09-17 20:13:00 LinksVirtual TourPhoto GalleryOpen floor planView into kitchenKitchen newer cabinetsMaster bedroom2nd bedroomFrontWalk to AbbotBack of homeside ofhomeSide of homeLower level 1/2 bathDescriptionCHARMING HOUSE, LAOCATED AT 1535 PATRICIA IN ANN ARBOR, MI. VERY OPEN FLOOR PLAN, NEWER KITCHEN, FRESH PAINT, GREAT LOCATION IN HOLLYWOOD PARK SUB. HARDWOOD FLOORS IN KITCHEN, NOOK AND BEDROOMS, UNDER THE CARPET IN THE OTHER 2 BEDROOMS, NEW DRYWALL IN FIN LL. WALK TO ABBOT ELEMENTARY OR CUT THROUGH THE BACKYARD. MOVE IN CONDITION. EASY ACCESS TO M14, DOWNTOWN AND U OF M.FeaturesBedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 1.5Year Built: 1964Subdivision: Hollywood ParkGarage Size: 1.5School District: Ann ArborSquare Footage: 1550Agent Name: Missy CaulkBroker: Keller WilliamsMLS #: 2810642Location1535 Patricia Ann Arbor MI 48104Powered by vFlyer.comvFlyer Id: 1897168
Loch Alpine Ann Arbor Area Builders Custom Home in Dexter Schools
2008-09-17 13:55:00 4266 Glen Eden Court, Ann Arbor, MIchigan 48103 Bedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 2.5Square Feet: 2400 You’ll find perfection in every detail in this builders custom master piece. Impressions begin with Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring and nine foot ceilings. Chef’s kitchen boasts a gorgeous natural Cherry center island with elegant brass knobs, ceramic tile flooring and upgraded appliances. Spend time in the spacious family room, complete with lighted built-in shelving surrounding the fireplace. Marble flooring can be found in the half bathroom. Relax in the luxurious master bedroom with two person jacuzzi, dual sinks, body sprayer in the separate shower, and marble flooring. The finished built-in media room, which has been plumbed for a bathroom. All this and a great quiet cul de sac location and play area included. Related LinksSee Extra Photos and a Virtual Tour for 4266 Glen Eden Loch Alpine &-nbsp; &n-bsp;...
1535 Patricia, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104... "A Sneak Peak"
2008-09-08 23:15:00 1535 Patricia is located in Hollywood Park subdivision in Ann Arbor. The Elementary School is Abbott and the backyard connects to the huge playground. No worries, the playground equipment is far enough way and there is a hedge behind the house. The house is a tri-level with three bedrooms up, kitchen, livingroom, nook and powder room on the first floor with a full finished basement. A total of 1550 square feet. This home will go in the MLS tomorrow, as the owner was having the ugly paneling in the basement removed and dry wall added. It has an updated kitchen and is all brick with new light fixtures, newer carpet, new hardwood floors in the kitchen. There are hardwood floors throughout. So this is a pre-listing post. I'll do a Real Estate Show this week and a Vflyer. But it is a sneak peak for all Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County buyers. Oh the best part, it is priced at $189,900.00. More later.....
Seasons of Life for Ann Arbor Realtor
2008-09-05 13:29:00 I think this is the longest I have gone without a post since I began blogging on Activerain in Dec 2006. Not sure if it was burn out from all the localism posts, I was trying to do or maybe trying to learn Vista and Office 2007, and getting all the files transferred over to the Sony. I just hired a new assistant, and after having Betty for 10 years, there has been a lot of training to do getting my systems up and running with her. However, I'm excited! If my business was not systematized, I would be in a mess. A system is just recording what you do over and over again so no stone is left unturned. We are tweaking some things, and adding some new ones. Colleen will be handing all the Buyer Agents transactions from contract to close. This is new. In the past all the Buyer Agents showed the home, wrote the offers, negotiated the offers, set up inspections, attended inspections, negotiated inspections, talked to the lenders, removed contingencies and set up closings. The ...
So Long, Ann Arbor, Hello London
2008-06-28 03:14:00 It will come as a surprise to many that NTDP early commitment and Wolverine prospect, Jared Knight, has accepted an offer to play with the London Knights of the OHL in the Fall. London used their... This is a content summary only. Visit the vlog for the full story, http://atrainhockey.blogspot.co-m.
David Sedaris presales in Ann Arbor - code posted
2008-06-10 15:58:00 The David Sedaris presale password has been posted: this means that you can buy David Sedaris tickets before the public! The special free pre-sale password for David Sedariss show in Ann Arbor unlocks tickets EARLY. This is your chance to see David Sedaris perform Here are the David Sedaris show details:David SedarisHill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, MIThu, Oct 16, 2008 08:00 PMInternet Presale InfoPresale:Start:Mon, 06/10/08 10:00 AM EDTEnd:Fri, 06/20/08 12:01 AM EDTDavid Sedaris fanclub presale code: Click here to see the David Sedaris presale code. WISEGUY'S TIP: Our toolbar is a great resource for pre-sale codes: Download our presale community toolbar here.
Ann Arbor Area Real Estate Statistics - May 2008
2008-06-09 23:16:00 From the Big House Data Executive Summary: The re-balancing of the Washtenaw County real estate market is under way. New listings are down over 30% for the year, closings are up 23% on the year and the average sales price is down only 10.5%. Sounds like a mixed bag for news with the average sales price thrown ...
Ann Arbor Short Sales
2008-06-09 19:58:00 What you need to know about short sales before you get into trouble! How to Avoid Foreclosure Seminar June 10th &nb-sp; &nbs-p; 6pm - 7pm 3134 Baker Rd Dexter, MI 48130 734-216-7845 Related Links www.AnnArborShortSale.com Do’s and Don’ts for Fending Off Foreclosure in the Ann Arbor Real Estate Market Click here to search all listings in Michigan with pictures and tours -FREE! Kathy Toth and Team www.KathyToth.com Keller Williams Realty
By: Ann Arbor Talks
Ann Arbor Real Estate on the “Rise”?
2008-06-07 02:04:00 Yet another tall apartment building is being proposed in Ann Arbor. This time, the 14-story apartments would aim to target young professionals versus students. The Madison would provide 161 units on East Madison Street between South Fourth and Fifth Avenues. The developers currently have an option to buy the land, which includes seven rentals and an industrial building, from three private owners. Developer, Jeff Helminski, recently submitted site plans to the City of Ann Arbor. The project would require a re-zoning to planned unit development (currently multi-family residential and industrial). The current plan is to offer 15% of the units as affordable housing units while the other 85% would be rented at market rate prices. Helminski believes attracting young professionals to the area will ultimately help to reinvigorate the economy. This new development will likely be discussed at an upcoming work session of the Ann Arbor City Planning Com...
By: Ann Arbor Talks
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