Get Decked Out For Upcoming Victorian Festival

In preparation for the upcoming Victorian celebration, the Northville Historical Society is hosting a Victorian Festival Clothing Sale this Thursday, September 4th from 12 Noon to 7 PM and Friday, September 5th from 12 Noon to 5 PM at Mill Race Village.

Mill Race Village is located at 215 Griswold in Downtown Northville. All proceeds from the sale are used to maintain and support the Village.

This is the perfect opportunity to line up your attire for the festival held the following weekend of September 13th and 14th.

July Market Report

According to RealComp, our local MLS, the market activity trend reflected a 15% increase in activity over the same period last year for the seventh straight month in 2008. Additionally, Pending sales were up significantly over the same period in 2007.

While interest rates have remained low, values have continued to trend downward. The good news is there were more private owner sales in July than foreclosure sales. Also fewer homes are on the market this year than in 2007 reflecting the fact that many people are sitting tight if they don't need to sell.While the news has been dominated by Olympic coverage, reports about legislation affecting real estate have also commanded a lot of attention.

In summary, The American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act includes provisions to help homeowners keep their homes.Additionally, it provides a tax credit of up to a $7,500 (10% of the purchase price) for first time home buyers. Effectively, it's a 15-year no interest loan with payments of $500 per year.

Bottom line...it's a great market for buyers!

Preserving Plymouth History

The Plymouth Historical Society has created a virtual photo library of images created by early Plymouth resident Charles Draper.

Through photographs, postcards, negatives and glass plate negatives, Draper captured images of Plymouth life and real estate from 1890-1930. With more than 500 images, this fascinating collection presents a glimpse into what life was like in Western Wayne County as the area transitioned from the horse and buggy days into the 20th Century.

Visit the Plymouth Historical Society Museum to view a special exhibit of the inaugural ball gowns of presidential first ladies, now through November 5, 2008

Image courtesy of the Plymouth Historical Society.

3974 Norwich Drive | Canton MI 48188 Just Listed For Lease

Woodlands of Chatterton Village ~ BEST LOCATION IN COMPLEX OVERLOOKING WOODS & WALKING TRAIL!!

Lovely Open Floorplan With Kitchen Open To Dining & Living Rooms With 9ft Ceilings Throughout * Great Room With Cozy Bay Window Overlooking Woods With Walk Trail * Kitchen With Hardwood Flooring, Under Cabinet Lighting, and All Appliances Are Included * Spacious Master Bedroom With Cathedral Ceiling & Huge Walk-in Closet With Organizer * Custom Ceramic Tile Master Bath and Ceramic Surround in Main Bath * 1 Car Attached Garage With Lots of Storage * Complex Boasts Pool, Clubhouse, and Walking Trails * Immediate Occupancy...No Smoking, Pets Negotiable, 1.5 mo SecDep & 1 Year Lease Minimum * With Wooded Views From Every Window, This Will go Fast!

Property information ~ $1,250/Month
1,660 sq. ft., 2 bedroom, 2.1 bath 2 story

First Time Homebuyer Alert, Part 1

If you've been on the fence about whether or not to buy your first home, NOW is definitely the time--before October 1st!

The Mortgage Relief program recently passed by Congress goes into effect on that date and eliminates downpayment assistance programs. In fact, many mortgage lenders have already eliminated the option in anticipation for the October 1 deadline. After that date, the only assistance buyers will be able to get is through their family or friends in the form of gift funds.

Another perfect first time buyer option ends September 30th. Any HUD home purchased by an owner occupant buyer is eligible for $2,500 towards expenses and $100 downpayment options on most homes. Plus, the advantage of a HUD home over a bank-owned home is that your offer will be competing against other owner-occupants during the first week the property is on the market, rather than with investors who pay cash (which banks tend to prefer).

Whether for yourself or someone else you know thinking of taking the leap, the door is closing fast on these great opportunities.

Annexation Plan Goes Down in Defeat

Tuesday, August 5th, Livonia voters and seven Northville Township residents on the old Northville Psychiatric Hospital voted against the plan to annex the 414 acre property.

As a former Northville resident and current Livonia resident, I was conflicted about the debate. Mostly, I'd love to see new life given to this beautiful parcel, regardless of whose responsibility it is.

As it turns out, the developer dropped their $100 million lawsuit against Northville Township in exchange for 100 acres of land. Now that the annexation vote is behind them, that agreement can proceed.

Given the big push in Livonia to stop the annexation, I found it ironic to see this sign at the corner of 6 Mile and Haggerty. Hmmm, I wonder who was behind the stop annexation agenda after all?

31660 Mackenzie Westland MI 48185 Just Listed For Sale

Boulevard Gardens ~ All Brick Maintenance Free Ranch Presents The WOW Factor And Commands A 10! Rich Hardwood Floors, Updated Granite Kitchen With Pantry, Living Room With Fireplace, And 1/2 Bath On Main Level. Newer Roof, Windows, Driveway, Hot Water Heater, 560sf Finished Recreation Area In Lower Level With 14´ x 9´ In-Home Office Or Play Room. All This Plus An Enchanted Backyard With Lush Landscaping, Pond, Brickscaping…HURRY!!

Property information ~ $162,900
1,172sf., 3 bedroom, 1.1 bath Ranch

44453 Savery Drive Canton MI Open Sunday

Hidden Glen Condos ~ We invite everyone to visit our open house in Canton at 44453 Savery Drive this Sunday, August 17th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Come check out this mint 2 bedroom condo backing to a park-like setting. With an updated Kitchen and newer mechanicals, all you have to do is move in, relax & enjoy!

Property information ~ $94,900
South of Ford, West off Sheldon onto Savery

33268 Alvin St Garden City MI 48135 Just Listed For Sale

THE "WOW" FACTOR REIGNS In This Updated To The Max 3 Bedroom All Brick Ranch * From The Rich Hardwood Floors To The Stone Ceramic New Kitchen And Baths, Newer Windows, New Roof, Furnace and Electrical * All Mechanics Are Complete * 14´ x 9´ 3-Season Sun Room, 15´ x 10´ In-Home Office Or Play Room * Mint, Move-In And A Must See!!!

Property information ~ $129,900
972 sqft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath Ranch

The View From an Empty Nest

Yup, today we're officially 'empty nesters' as we spent the day moving our daughter to her new home in Redford.

A few years ago I wondered if it would ever be possible for her to purchase a home on her own, but the HUD home she bought recently has cheaper payments than if she had rented an apartment.

No dogs in the mudroom, parking in the garage again, and using the basement for storage... life is good!

39544 Village Run Northville MI Open Sunday

Country Club Village ~ We invite everyone to visit our open house in Northville at 39544 Village Run this Sunday, August 10th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

With a top of the line stainless & granite Kitchen plus state-of-the-art upgrades throughout, this Country Club condo presents the "WOW" factor.

Property information ~ $329,900
West off Haggerty on Village Run, South of 6 Mile

2 Bedroom, 1.1 Bath Northville Condo Just Listed For Lease

Highland LakesNOW AVAILABLE FOR LEASE, So Bring Your Stuff And Move Right In! Lovely Bay Window in Living Room And Gas Fireplace in Family Room * Updates Galore Including Kitchen Counter Tops, Remodeled Jack-n-Jill Main Bathroom With Cool Vessel Sink and Ceramic Tile * Newer Carpeting, Windows, Hot Water Heater & Washer * All Appliances Stay * Large Patio With Storage Unit and Gas BBQ * 2 Assigned Parking Spaces Plus Tons of Guest Parking * Association Fee Includes Structure Insurance, Grounds Maintenance, Snow Removal, Water & Gas * Enjoy The Many Wonderful Amenities This Community Has To Offer As Well As It's Proximity To Downtown Northville, Shopping & Expressways!

Property information ~ $1,150/month
1,300 sq. ft., 2 bedroom, 1.1 bath

Radon Smadon...Who Cares?

You should because radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. As a tasteless, odorless, colorless gas, there are no physical warning signs of the presence of radon. Testing is the only way to find out.

While radon isn't a certainty in Michigan, there are definitely pockets in the most unlikely places. I've been surprised by high levels (over the 4.0 pCl recommended by the EPA) of radon in some of the homes that have been tested. In one case, it spiked to 70 during a one hour period!

I always recommend my buyers have a radon test done during their inspection period. If radon is found in the home, then the remediation and repair is on the seller's dime and the buyers have peace of mind that it's no longer an issue.

If buyers choose not to test, they not only may be jeopardizing their health but if elevated radon levels are found when they sell the home, they'll be on the hook for remediation.

Better safe than sorry.