Posts Tagged ‘Real Estate’
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Thursday, February 24th, 2011
Ann Arbor Realty relies on data to inform future buyers and sellers. We strive to provide accurate information to help you make informed decisions about future housing plans .
 Ann Arbor, Michigan is a city in southeastern Michigan with a population of slightly more that 100,000. It is home to the University of Michigan as well as numerous hi-tech businesses. The recession that gripped much of the state of Michigan and most of the country has been softened in Ann Arbor by the entrepreneurial spirit created by the University of Michigan through the spin-off of businesses it has created in new and emerging fields. Consequently, Ann Arbor housing appears to be stabilizing and appreciating faster that the rest of the state.
According to the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors, the total real estate sales for January 2011 are up 15.7% over January of last year. Single family homes have increased 8.5% year to year and condominium sales posted a strong increase of 26.6% when compared with last years figures. Strong activity in the month of December as well as the past six months indicates a possible return for the Ann Arbor realty. While it is still prudent to be cautious about an exuberant return, individuals should be prepared to see Ann Arbor area real estate values increase.
Ann Arbor Realty – Facts that Tell a Story
- Ann Arbor houses January, ’11 sold units increased 14 units from January ’10.
- homes spent an average of 8 days less on the market before being sold in January 2011.
- the median sales price for a residential home increased from $124,250 to $130,000.
- there were 127 Ann Arbor houses newly listed for sale in the month of January 2011.
Many neighboring communities in this marketplace are selling as well. For example, Ypsilanti homes are selling extremely well with 12 home sales in January. Homes were on the market for 104 days on average last year. However, homes in Ypsilanti that sold were on the market for an average of just 73 days. Ann Arbor area real estate is increasing in the surrounding area including Chelsea and Dexter.
Ann Arbor Houses – More Housing Data
The latest statistics for Ann Arbor area houses and real estate trends from the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors state that as of February 10th 2011 the average listing price for a home was $177,683. This is a increase of $2,003 when compared to the same period last year. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in the Ann Arbor area are Burns Park , the Old West Side and the neighborhoods adjacent to the University of Michigan’s North Campus.
The local Area Board of Realtors believes that real estate market is becoming more active. While prices may not have recovered their record values as of yet, they are starting to reflect the real conditions of the market in Ann Arbor housing.
You can search Ann Arbor houses here or contact Prudential Snyder & Company, Realtors, a local Ann Arbor realty company to get more data or learn about housing opportunities. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
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Tags: Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor House, Ann Arbor Houses, ann arbor real, Ann Arbor Realty, buyer, buyers, Chelsea, family, Home, Homes for Sale, MI, michigan, Real Estate, Realtor, Realtors, Saline, Search, Sellers, single family homes, Ypsilanti
Posted in Ann Arbor Homes, Ann Arbor Realty, Ypsilanti Homes |
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2011
An energy efficient home is one that uses substantially less energy than the average American Home. These “high-performance” homes are more comfortable and healthy, a great added benefit for the owner. A truly efficient home starts off using 30% less energy than the average home, and can increase in some cases to being a home that creates more energy than it uses.
 The Home Energy Rating System, or HERS scale, is a convenient measure of the efficiency of a home. The scale goes from zero to a theoretical maximum of 500. Like a golf score, lower is better, with a zero being a zero-energy home (one that averages zero net energy use over the course of a year), and a score of 100 being the average new home built to energy code minimum. Each point added represents a 1% increase in energy efficiency. Older, leakier homes with minimal insulation can score well over 200 on the HERS scale, and these homes can benefit the most from a basic home retrofit.
A well-insulated home with geothermal heating and cooling and efficient mechanical and electrical systems can score in the low 40′s, while the addition of solar panels can bring this down into the 20′s. These are homes that cost very little to operate, sometimes as low as $40 or $50 per month. Generous federal and utility company incentives for renewable energy can make these “deep green” upgrades have a payoff period of less than 12 years, while a more basic retrofit package can have a payoff period of 7 years or less.
The real benefit of an energy efficient home lies in its comfort and healthy air quality. This is something that has to be experienced to understand the difference. Our customers tell us they can feel the better air quality, and could not go back to living in a home that was not upgraded. With up-front low-interest financing programs and generous incentives, there has never been a better time to realize the benefits of an energy efficient home!
Information courtesy of Meadowlark Energy.
As always, we here at Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your Ann Arbor Area home buying, home selling, rental or other Ann Arbor real estate needs.
Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
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Tags: Add new tag, Ann Arbor House, average home, create more energy, efficient home, geothermal heating, HERS, home buying, Home energy rating system, home selling, Real Estate, rental
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Friday, January 14th, 2011
Congratulations to Laura Shope, Prudential Snyder & Co., REALTORS®, for receiving the 2011 Environmental Awareness Award from the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors!
Laura has embraced green initiatives in her work in the Ann Arbor real estate industry for many years and is passionate about environmental awareness. She is a leader in this area as illustrated by her involvement in the following:
- She was the first to earn the EcoBroker designation in Ann Arbor in 2004 and was invited to be a national instructor in 2008. In 2008, Laura also participated in the revision of the EcoBroker curriculum. In July 2008, she was invited to be a key speaker at the EcoBroker Conference. Also in July she conducted the EcoBroker certification course for more than 50 agents in Fort Collins, CO and 16 agents at Prudential Snyder and Company, REALTORS® the following March.
- She is regularly consulted by EnHouse, Clean Energy Coalition, and the City of Ann Arbor for a REALTOR® perspective of energy-efficient issues.
- She has had many listings with energy-efficient features.
- Since 2004, she has been bringing awareness to consumers through her participation in the Mayor’s Green Street Fair.
- Working with banks, they now offer green financing options.
- She educates all clients on energy-efficiency and environmental issues during the home buying process and maintains a green service providers list.
- Growing Hope is a federally recognized 501c3 nonprofit organization. It advocates healthy food, manages an urban farmers’ market and trains youth and adults on how to make positive investments in their future. Laura helped purchase their Ypsilanti property, found a private investor for financing, and contributed hours and money toward the success of the programs.
- Laura is currently working towards providing housing for those who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity - to many of the chemicals routinely found in common building materials. Her education of builders and suppliers has been a significant contribution towards solving this problem and creating homes for those who have needlessly suffered.
Please join us in congratulating Laura! We are very proud of all of her hard work and accomplishments!
For more information on the EcoBroker programs, please feel free to call Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors! 
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Tags: Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Area, Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors, Ann Arbor House, Clean Energy Coalition, EcoBrokers, energy-efficient, environmental awareness., Prudential Snyder & Company, Real Estate
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
Today we take a brief departure from our “Ann Arbor Real Estate Series” to announce: “J. D. Power and Associates Ranks Prudential Real Estate Highest in Satisfaction Among Home Sellers.
Real Estate consumers have spoken. Prudential Real Estate Network ranks “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms,” in J. D. Power and Associates 2010 Home Buyer/Seller Study.
The study measures customer satisfaction of home sellers and buyers with major national real estate companies and includes 3,096 evaluations form 2,817 respondents who bought or sold a home between March 2009 and April 2010.
Among home sellers, Prudential Real Estate scored highest on a 1,000-point-scale. “This distinction underscores the satisfaction level and consistency of our network through challenging times in our industry,” said Jim Mallozzi, Chairman and CEO, Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services. “Affiliate to affiliate, our sales professionals are the local market experts who market and price homes right, while providing attentive service. The more you know us the more you love us.” Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
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Tags: Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor House, home buyer, home sellers, J.D. Power anad Associates, prudential, Real Estate
Posted in Ann Arbor Realty |
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
We gave an quick snapshot last week of some of the pitfalls that catch first time investors who are contemplating purchasing real estate as income property. Another major area of consideration: property management.
- How do make sure that your tenants are credit worthy and able to make their monthly rent?
- When there is a backed up toilet at 2 a.m., do you want your tenants contacting you about repairs?
- If the rent is two weeks late, are you comfortable approaching the tenants for the funds?
- If there are roommates involved, how do you insure that the rent is whole if one moves out?
These are questions every landlord should consider…and there are many more. If you’re not completely comfortable being the “go to” person when issues arise, perhaps you should consider a property management company.
Prudential Snyder & Company provides full service property management for single family homes, duplexes and small to midsized multi-family buildings. We can handle credit checks, rent collection, maintenance and repairs, and everything else that goes with being a landlord. We’re here to make our client’s lives as easy as possible.
If you’re interestged in learning more about investing in real estate, please give us a call. We can help you learn about the profits and pitfalls and assist you in making an educated decision as to whether or not it’s right for you.
As always, Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your Greater Ann Arbor Area rental, home buying, home selling or property management needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or at 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available anytime via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
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Tags: Ann Arbor, credit checks, duplexes, home buying, home selling, investors, landlord, multi-family, property management, Real Estate, rent collection, rental, single family homes, tenants
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Monday, June 7th, 2010
Why Use A Buyer’s Agent Experienced in Buyer Represenation?
Buying a home is no small matter. Besides being the largest financial transaction you may ever undertake, it’s probably also the most complex. There are many good reastons to work with a qualified real estate professional. Ask them to explain exactly what Buyer’s Agency is and how important it is to making sure that your needs are met. Make sure you s ign an agency disclosure to have them represent you.
When you work with an experienced Buyer’s Agent, you’ll be served, not sold. Your interests become their interests. Buyer’s Agents will act solely on behalf of the buyer. Buyer’s Agents will disclose to the buyer known information about the seller or property which may be used to benefit the buyer.
Please discuss with your real estate agent the various agency relationships available to you before you disclose ANY confidential information to a real estate licensee regarding a real estate transaction.
As always, we are here in the Greater Ann Arbor Area to assist you with any of your home buying, home selling, rental or other real estate needs. Plus we have a great network of Agents across the US who can assist with properties in other areas. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We are also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
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Tags: Add new tag, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Home Search, buyers agency, buyers agent, home buying, home selling, Real Estate, Realtors, rental
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
 Your Real Estate Agent will manage the “meet & greet” and have fliers and information available for the public, manage the online advertising and signage to increase traffice, but you can make or break an Open House with your preparedness.
- Make sure the home is sparkling clean and odor free.
- Remove vehicles from the driveway so guests have a place to park.
- Open all blinds and drapes to let the light in.
- Turn on the lights in every room so that each room is inviting.
- Do not use heavy perfumed cleaners, spices or air fresheners – those people with allergies will be driven right out of the house.
- Put pets in a safe, quiet area, or take them with you.
As always, Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your home buying, home selling, rental or other real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
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Tags: Ann Arbor, home buying, home selling, Open House, Prudential Snyder & Company, Real Estate, Realtors, rental
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Monday, May 17th, 2010
 We’ve all heard the jokes about there only being two seasons in Michigan…Winter and Construction. Since it’s now warm outside, the orange barrels have begun popping up everywhere.
You’ll find that the Michigan Department of Transportation (DOT) has two great webpages that will help you navigate around the construction.
The first allows you to search by Washtenaw (or any other county) and specific city (Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Detroit, etc) to show you where there are lane closures: http://mdotwas1.mdot.state.mi.us/public/LaneClosure/index.cfm. The second takes you to an interactive map to show you real-time traffic patterns in the area: http://mdotwas1.mdot.state.mi.us/public/drive/rtt.cfm#1.
If you’re in town looking at homes, new to the area, or just in need of a quick reference for an address, the M-DOT site also has area maps not only for area roadways, but for bike and parks. They also have up north guides to snowmobile/atv paths, campgrounds, and much more.
If you’ve got any other quick tips or sites to assist with summer navigation, please let us know!
As always, Prudential Snyder & CompanyRealtors are here to assist you with any of your home buying, home selling, rental or other real estate needs.
Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
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Tags: Ann Arbor, home buying, home selling, MI road construction, Real Estate, rental, Washtenaw County, Ypsilanti
Posted in Ann Arbor News |
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
We all know that the summer seems to be the time when most people move in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas, but don’t let that stop you from putting your home on the market. It’s a great time to sell your home now…
As always, we are here to assist you with any of your home buying, home selling, rental or other real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
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Tags: Add new tag, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Homes, home buying, Home Search, home selling, Real Estate, rental
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Thursday, April 8th, 2010
This week, the big Real Estate newsmaker is a government program called Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA). As of Monday, April 5th, the Treasury Department released this new directive as an addendum to the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). HAFA provides incentives to Servicers(Banks) and Borrowers who utilize a short sale or deed-in-lieu to avoid a foreclosure on an eligible loan under HAMP.
Some of the new benefits of HAFA:
- Servicers may not require a cash contribution or promissory note from the borrower.
- Requires that borrowers be fully released from future liability for the debt.
- Allows the borrower to receive pre-approved short sale terms PRIOR to listing the property.
- Short sale timelines are being tightened significantly for HAFA participants, so it will alleviate the lengthy process now stigmatizing short sales.
To learn more about the program, eligibility criteria, and how it may affect the future of the real estate market in the Greater Ann Arbor Area, contact us! We have trained Realtors who are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the Short Sale process. We know the paperwork, the expectations, and the pitfalls of working with the banks. We will work diligently to make sure that the process is as low stress as we can make it.
As always, we are here to assist you with any of your home buying, home selling, rental or other real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
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Tags: Ann Arbor, deed-in-lieu, Distressed Homes, HAFA, HAMP, Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives, Home Affordable Modification Program, home buying, home selling, Real Estate, Realtors, rental, Short Sale, treasury department
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate, Foreclosures and Short Sales |
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