Posts Tagged ‘Washtenaw County’
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Monday, April 25th, 2011
 More new homes now will come with energy labels that estimate monthly energy bills, allowing buyers a different way of shopping for homes. The energy labels have been compared to the miles-per-gallon ratings available for cars, which give insight into a car’s fuel efficiency. Likewise, more builders now will give new-home buyers greater insight into how much the home will cost them in utilities–so they have a better gauge to judge the upkeep costs of a home.
Environmental efficiency has become an increasingly important factor in home buying decisions due to rising energy costs. Energy efficient appliances and energy efficient lighting were “very” or “somewhat” important to a majority of home buyers, and heating and cooling costs were at least “somewhat” important to 88 percent of buyers, according to the 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers by the National Association of REALTORS®.
PulteGroup Inc. and Residential Energy Services Network also have teamed up to roll out energy efficiency labels on PulteGroup homes this year. The homes will be tested using the RESNET Home Energy Rating System Index, a measure of energy performance that is recognized by government agencies.
“Providing clear, visible energy ratings for homes makes sense for today’s energy-conscious consumers who want to save on their utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint,” says Steve Baden, executive director, RESNET. “Marketing the energy efficiency of homes is a winning proposition for home buyers, builders, and the environment.”
While these labels apply to new homes, the USA Today recently reported that the U.S. Department of Energy is developing a home energy score for existing homes, which it plans to launch nationally this fall.
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine
As always, we here at Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your Ann Arbor home buying, home selling, rental or other Ann Arbor area real estate needs. We cover Chelsea Homes, Dexter Homes, Ypsilanti Homes, Saline Homes, and the entire Washtenaw County area as well as Western Wayne County, and parts of Livingston, Lenawee, Oakland, and Monroe Counties.
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: chelsea homes, dexter homes, energy bills, energy labels, energy ratings, energy-efficient, home buyers, home buying, home energy score, saline homes, shopping for homes, Washtenaw County, ypsilanti homes
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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Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
Explore the Ann Arbor Area Real Estate Market using our Mobile Phone Application!
Ready To Explore ? http://www.prusnyder.com/iphone
Search from thousands of MLS listings in a list or interactive map view and see:
» Complete Listing Details
» High Resolution Pictures
» Virtual Tours
Features:
» Contact the Listing Agent with One click
» Get directions and create your own personalized house tour
» Explore the Neighborhood
» Schools
» Recent Sales
» Restaurants
SEARCH FOR ANN ARBOR AREA HOMES
In our commitment to being the Local Innovation Leader, we at Prudential Snyder & Company would like to invite you to CLICK TO THE FUTURE of Real Estate!
As always, we are here to assist you with any of your 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 Home Search, Ann Arbor Homes, Ann Arbor MI, iphone, mobile apps, Mobile Phone Search, Real Estate, Realtors, Search Ann Arbor Homes, Sell My Home, Washtenaw County
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
Transaction fees are charged by some real estate companies for services above and beyond the services normally received through the payment of commission on a sale. They are referred to as a transaction fee, compliance fee, paperwork retention fee, administration fees, and often cost several hundred dollars.
Consumers should be aggressive in asking for a detailed explanation of the additional service they are receiving when paying one of these fees. If you are satisfied with the explanation then you can go forward in your Real Estate Broker relationship. Just remember, these should be “added” services not a service normally provided through the payment of a commission on the sale. If you are not satisfied with the explanation, or you discover your required payment of the fee after you have entered into a contract with a Broker, then negotiate with the Broker and have them lowered or removed.
In Alabama, these fees were legally challenged and were found to be in violation of that state’s real estate law.
When searching for a real estate agent to assist you in the Greater Ann Arbor Area or Washtenaw County with your sale or purchase of real estate, make sure you inquire as to whether their company charges transaction fees. Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors does not charge any transaction fees. We are here to assist you with any of your 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, commission, Prudential Real Estate, Prudential Snyder & Company, Real Estate, real estate fees, transaction fees, Washtenaw County
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Thursday, January 14th, 2010
Welcome Home to all of the first time homebuyers that will receive the Federal First Time Buyer Tax Credit! In the Greater Ann Arbor Area and across Washtenaw County, we have seen an significant start in housing inventory as buyers all over the lower half of the state started taking advantage of the 3 major reasons to buy purchase now:
- The interest rates are still low.
- The inventory list prices are competing in the downward pricing trend.
- The Buyers Tax Credits are available.
So, if you haven’t made a home purchase and you feel you would like to investigate that option, please contact one of our experienced Agents to help you create your personal action plan.
The weather may be chilly, but don’t be left out in the cold! You can call one of our Buyer Specialists today for your complimentary home purchase coaching session. It’s free of obligation, so take advantage of it.
As always, Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your 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 Home Search, Ann Arbor Homes, Ann Arbor MI, coaching, interest rates, Real Estate, Search Ann Arbor Homes, Tax Credit, Washtenaw County
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Thursday, January 14th, 2010
 We’ve all seen dogs in jackets, sweaters and boots, but is it really more than a fashion statement? Absolutely! If you live in the Greater Ann Arbor Area, you know it’s cold outside!
Even though it’s winter, Fido’s got energy stored up and still needs to go for walks or spend time burning energy off in the yard. According to VetInfo.com, it really is important for short-haired animals that are going to spend any time outdoors in the frigid cold be bundled up. Sweaters or jackets are recommended, as well as limiting the amount of time they’re outside as they can get hypothermia just like people do.
If your dog will wear boots (mine prefer to eat them) it will help protect their pads, which dry out in the winter. If they won’t wear them, use Bag Balm to keep them from cracking and drying (great on dry noses and ears, too, plus it’s non-toxic if they lick it). If Fluffy the Cat goes outside, Bag Balm is good for her paws too.
Make sure that you keep Fido’s tags up to date. More pets are lost in the winter than any other time because familiar smells and landmarks can be buried in the snow.
If you have a pet that spends any time outside at all, you’ll want to provide them with some kind of shelter from the elements. There are lots of different dog houses available, or they can be made inexpensively and filled with straw or old blankets to add extra warmth.
From dog houses to family homes, we’re here to help out whenever we can. Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors is here to assist with all of your family’s 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 MI, dog house, dogs, family, pets, Prudential Real Estate, Realtors, Washtenaw County
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Some of my favorite childhood memories involved raking leaves and playing in their giant piles at my grandmother’s home. We would spend what felt like eternity raking them up, only to splay them back across the lawn with our tunneling and jumping, and then start all over again. My family left Michigan in the 70’s and moved to South Texas. Mesquites were the only trees we saw beyond the grapefruit orchard I lived in. We never got the changing colors. I didn’t have to rake a leaf for almost 15 years.
The childhood glee has tarnished. Now I begrudgingly rake the leaves up and pile them into bags and curse my aching back and blistered palms. Yet, I wouldn’t trade it. Those of us lucky enough to live in Tree Town and it’s surrounding areas are enveloped by amazing beauty daily. Take a walk around the block on any given Saturday and listen to the next generation of children laughing and playing in the leaves. It’s sure to bring back some fond memories and make you smile.
If you’re looking for a lovely afternoon adventure, take a drive down Michigan Avenue out to the west and into the Irish Hills area. The winding roads and hilly terrain create an autumn rainbow of colorful trees. Stop in Saline at Coleman’s Corn Maze or at any one of the fabulous orchards for cider and donuts and a hayride. The state tourism site gives a full list of all of the local Cider Mills and orchards at www.michigan.org.
There’s nowhere quite like Michigan in the Fall, so get out and enjoy!
As always, Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any real estate related needs. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays or 734-660-0105 nights and weekends. We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or you can visit our website at www.prusnyder.com. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
Check out this week’s Old West Side sales:
1812 Abbott
List Price: $249,900 Sold Price: $230,000
516 N Seventh
List Price: $319,900 Sold Price: $305,000
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Tags: Add new tag, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Homes, Ann Arbor MI, cider mills, corn maze, Fall, Real Estate, Washtenaw County
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Friday, September 11th, 2009
LET’S GO BLUE – LET’S DO IT AGAIN!
MICHIGAN VS NOTRE DAME
The Michigan Wolverines plan to be victorious yet again this Football Saturday! The University of Michigan Football Team welcome Notre Dame to the Big House this Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
THE HISTORY OF MICHIGAN VS NOTRE DAME
The University of Michigan first played Notre Dame in 1887. The mighty Wolverines won the first eight football games, until 1909 when Notre Dame beat their Maize and Gold rivals. Michigan canceled the following year’s and boycotted Notre Dame for many years to come. Notre Dame Football Coach Elmer Layden said ENOUGH and scheduled a a game with the Wolverines in 1942. The University of Michigan beat the then #1 Notre Dame in the Notre Dame Stadium. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
CLICK HERE FOR A MAP OF THE BIG HOUSE
1942 – MICHIGAN VS NOTRE DAME
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Tags: Ann Arbor Homes, Ann Arbor House, Downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan VS Notre Dame, The Big House, The University of Michigan Football Stadium, Washtenaw County
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
Recent Sale in Burns Park
1520 Morton Ave
List Price: $579,000
Sale Price: 494,000
DOM: 73
Closing Date: 8/25/09
THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A BUYER AGENT
Purchasing a home is one of the most important steps that you will take in your lifetime. Besides being one of the largest financial investments that you may ever make, today it has easily become one of the most complex. Entering into a Buyer Agency Contract will be the first and most important step that you will take in the home buying process.
So what is Buyer Agency?
Michigan law requires real estate licensees who are acting as agents of sellers or buyers of real property to advise the potential sellers or buyers with whom they work of the nature of their agency relationship.
A buyer’s agent, under the buyer agency agreement with the buyer, acts solely on behalf of the buyer. The buyer’s agent will have a fiduciary responsibility to negotiate on your behalf. Working with a buyer agent is beneficial for so many reasons.
- Your buyer’s agents will provide help and support throughout the entire process.
- Buying or selling a home requires numerous disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, deeds and so much more. An experiences real estate professional will have the expertise to walk you through the home buying process.
- Your buyer agent can provide important information on each property that you are interested in learning more about. They can also provide crucial local community information on utilities, zoning and more. You can’t find everything on the internet; let your Realtor lead the way!
- Benefit from your buyer’s agent negotiating experience. There will be many factors involved in your real estate transaction including but not limited to price, date of possession, possible repairs or concessions, financing or furnishings. Your buyer agent can advise you as to what’s worth negotiating.
- Your buyer agent can speak the language. Odds are you don’t know the difference between a CTS status from a PUD. You can understand why it’s important to enter into a Buyer Agency Contract with your real estate professional who is immersed in the industry.
- Most people only buy and sell real estate a few times in their entire lifetime. Your buyer agent spends every single day in the real estate business and is up to date on recent laws and possible regulation changes. Realtors handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Working with an expert in the industry is crucial.
- Most often Realtor compensation is at the expense of the seller.
SEARCH FOR ALL AVAILABLE LISTINGS
Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
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Tags: Ann Arbor Homes, Ann Arbor House, Buyer Agency, Chelsea, Dexter, Downtown, Foreclosures, Livingston County, Michigan Football, Prudential Real Estate, Prudential Snyder & Company, Realtor, Saline, The University of Michigan, Washtenaw County, Ypsilanti
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
Recent Sale on The Old West Side
421 W. Jefferson
List Price: $379,900
Sale Price: $349,000
DOM: 2
Closing Date: 8/26/09
THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO PURCHASE YOUR FIRST HOME!
A tax credit of up to $8,000 is available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Time is running out!
Top 5 frequently asked questions about the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit:
1) Who is eligible to claim the tax credit? First-time home buyers who purchase any kind of home are eligible for the tax credit. It’s important to know that the home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The purchase date is the date when the closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner.
2) What is the definition of a first-time home buyer? The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principle residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law will look into the history of both home buyer and his/her spouse.
3) How is the amount of the tax credit determined? The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8000.
4) Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit? Yes, there are. The income limit for a single taxpayer is $75,000. For married tax payers filing a joint return, the income limit is $150,000.
5) What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit? Any home that will be used as a principle residence will qualify for the credit. This includes attached homes like townhouses and condominiums; single-family detached home, manufactured homes, and even houseboats. Keep in mind that you cannot purchase a home from any ancestors (parents, grandparents) or lineal descendants (children, grandchildren, or your spouse.
Contact you tax advisor or your local mortgage lender for more information.
SEARCH FOR ALL AVAILABLE LISTINGS.
Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
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Tags: Ann Arbor Homes, Ann Arbor House, Chelsea, Dexter, Downtown Ann Arbor, First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit, Kerrytown, Saline, The Old West Side, The University of Michigan, Washtenaw County, Ypsilanti
Posted in Ann Arbor Real Estate |
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More new homes now will come with energy labels that estimate monthly energy bills, allowing buyers a different way of shopping for homes. The energy labels have been compared to the miles-per-gallon ratings available for cars, which give insight into a car’s fuel efficiency. Likewise, more builders now will give new-home buyers greater insight into how much the home will cost them in utilities–so they have a better gauge to judge the upkeep costs of a home.
