Listen Up 1st Time Buyers...Free $$ and Details on the $8,000 Tax Credit

If you've been renting an apartment or leasing a home for awhile in Northville, Plymouth or the surrounding area, this might be the perfect year to buy your first home.



In addition to the low interest rates and great deals out there right now, the big advantage to buying before the end of 2009 is the $8,000 tax credit enacted by Congress this year to stimulate the housing market. Unlike the 2008 credit, the 2009 tax credit does not have to be paid back.

Here's a great video about the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit with answers to a lot of questions you might have:



Plus here's a matrix outlining the tax credit. And if you'd like to explore your housing options further, give me a call!

January 2009 Market Report

I know, its the first day of March, but better late than never.

The January statistics issued by our local MLS Realcomp indicated home sales continued their upward trend. In fact, sales increased 25.7% over January 2008.

Most home sellers who don't have to sell are staying put or leasing until things start to recover. Most homes on the market are well priced and inventory is down 21.1% over January 2008.

The first-time home buyer market remains strong and should continue with the recent passage of the $8,000 credit for first time buyers, which unlike the 2008 credit, doesn't have to be paid back. That's a nice incentive, which should hopefully spur more sales enabling move-up buyers to make their moves.

With changes every day, it's hard to keep up, but here are a few interesting stories I've come across:

• Freddie Mac to let residents rent homes after foreclosure
• MSNBC FirstRead's explanation of the Homeowner Afforability and Stability Plan
• A blog post with several resources for laid off workers
• Detroit Free Press article with advice for tax appeals

By the way, if you know anyone Michigan homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments who might be facing foreclosure, please have them visit Save The Dream operated by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). Their toll-free number is 866-946-7432 and directs homeowners to a foreclosure prevention counselor in their county.

Southeast Michigan December 2009 Market Report

Residential sales ended 2008 up 19% higher than 2007 with December's strong finish. In fact, according to Realcomp, every county in the entire MLS showed increased sales and pending sales, which bodes well for 2009.

Sales for the entire MLS during December 2008 were up 31.6% over December 2007, reflecting the 12th straight month of growth.

Strong 2008 starter home sales (those priced under $125K) were up 61% over 2007 due in large part to affordable home prices and low interest rates.

Even though December's inventory was down over 18% over December 2007, the supply of homes remains greater than the demand. Therefore homes selling in this buyer's market are priced to sell.

Market activity has started strong this year. It's still a wonderful time for first time homeowners to take advantage of low interest rates and values.

17438 Farmcrest Ln | Northville MI 48168 Just Listed For Sale

A NORTHVILLE BEAUTY…Updated And Shows Like A Model! Hardwood Floors, Berber Carpeting, New Colors, Absolutely Perfect New Kitchen With All The Amenities * Door Wall Leads To Brand New Decking * Updated Baths & Large Library For Home Office * Professionally Finished Lower Level Adds 1000sf With Wet Bar * Newer Dimensional Roof, Recreational Area, And Sprinkler System

Property information ~ $359,900
2,626sf, 4 bedroom, 2.1 bath Colonial

Northville Veteran's Day Tribute

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the Armistice was signed ending World War I. Veteran's Day was established to honor that momentous event.

Today, the Northville VFW along with the Ladies Auxiliary and a number of other veterans gathered around the flagpole at 11 AM.

The brief ceremony honored the service of veterans past and present, ending with a 21-gun salate and taps.

Afterward, the Ladies Auxiliary provided a lunch of sausage and biscuits.

September Market Report

As if the Michigan economy didn't have enough challenges, the past month of national and world financial chaos certainly hasn't helped.

Even with all those challenges, the Southeast Michigan counties of Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, and Macomb all experienced higher sales volumes than last year for the month of September. Depending on the zip code, the number of September sales in Plymouth increased 48.5%, Livonia between 30-54%, Northville 15-175%, Westland 22-100%, and Canton 27-29%. However, sale prices are continuing to decline.

The good news is that between the higher number of sales and Sellers choosing to wait out the market and not putting their homes up for sale, the inventory of homes on the market was down 16.43%.

It remains a great market for buyers, especially those with good credit, first time homebuyers, or those who don't need to sell anything to buy. There are some smokin' deals out there, particularly if you want to put in a little sweat equity. Additionally, lots of investors are jumping into the market hoping to take advantage of the low prices to position themselves well for the market's turn.

With the financial bailout, auto merge rumors, job insecurity, and presidential politics, we're still in for some rough months ahead. Best to batten down the hatches, cut where you can, and hang on for the ride.

Summary of Economic Stabilization Act by the National Association of Realtors
Tax Credit to Aid First Time Homebuyers by the Internal Revenue Service

Hospital Redevelopment Slogs Along

I've written about the Northville Psychiatric Hospital redevelopment efforts for over four years now and now there's a new fly in the ointment.

A group of local residents have filed suit against the Northville Township Board alleging violation of the Open Meetings Act. The next Township Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night, October 16th which should be interesting.

Somehow I don't think we're going to see redevelopment on this 400+ acre parcel anytime real soon.

See also:
Annexation Plan Goes Down in Defeat
The Great Annexation Debate
Another Round, Another Deadline

Highlights from the 2008 Victorian Festival

Although the rain cancelled many Saturday activities, it didn't dampen spirits. This year's Victorian Festival in Northville was enjoyed by many, including those decked out in their Victorian finest.

I particularly enjoyed see the vintage baseball game featuring the Northville Eclipse against the Greenfield Village's Lah-De-Dahs. A kinder, gentler game played without gloves, I was surprised to learn these two teams are just a few of the many in a vintage baseball league.

Mill Race Village was in full swing with lots to see and do as the Basket Guild demonstrated basket weaving, the Country Store sold their wares, school was in session at Oak Wash School, and Victorian Teas were hosted at the Cady House.

The annual Victorian Festival celebrates Northville's past. If you've never attended this special event , be sure to put it on your calendar next September.

Come Celebrate Northville's Past

Fall is in the air and Northville's 20th Annual Victorian Festival is just around the corner.

Kicking off with a Parade through Downtown Northville Friday, September 12th, the Victorian Festival celebrates a simpler time. The downtown area is transformed into a Victorian Village with period costumes, horse-carriage rides, storytellers, musicians, and entertainment.

A highlight of the event for pet owners is the Pooch Stroll and Great Dog Expedition from 9:00-11:15 AM Saturday morning at Ford Field. The event is free and there will be prizes awarded, like the best dog Victorian costume.

Other events include a Victorian Fashion Show and Tea, AAUW Sponsored Home Tour, vintage baseball all three days at Ford Field, and lots of games and contests at Mill Race Village.

This year's festivities run through Sunday, September 14th with lots of food, tons of entertainment, and fun for everyone.

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.

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?

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

39544 Village Run, Northville MI 48168 Just Listed For Sale

Country Club Village - State Of The Art Kitchen With Granite & Stainless Steel Package With Planning Station - Thermador, Viking And Top Of The Line Appliances, Bamboo Planked Hardwood Throughout The Condo, 2 Fireplaces With Furnace Grade Remote, Home Automation System; All Rooms Wired With Cat 5e Cable; Positively A Must See For All The Upgrades!

Property information ~ $344,900
2,379 sqft, 3 Bedroom, 2.1 Bath Ranch

The Great Annexation Debate

I first wrote about the old Northville Psychiatric Hospital property back in 2004 when the State of Michigan accepted a bid from a local developer on the property.

Fast forward 4 years, and the property is still entrenched in a quagmire. Now, because of difficulties between the developer and the Township, Livonia residents will have a chance to vote on August 5th whether or not to annex the property to Livonia.

Read the Livonia Chamber of Commerce's Question & Answers Report, check out the pros and cons and decide for yourself what the best course of action is for this property.

All I DO know is that this site along 7 Mile has been an eyesore for far too long!

42516 Lake Success, Northville MI Open Sunday

Highland Lakes - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 42516 Lake Success Drive this Sunday, June 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

This 2 bedroom, 1.1 bath condo features an updated Kitchen, spacious bedrooms, renovated bathrooms, and partially finished lower level. Come check out the many wonderful amenities this community has to offer!

Property information - $112,900
West of Meadowbrook, South off 8 Mile on Silver Springs, Right on Lake Success

47153 Dunsany Northville MI Open Sunday

We invite everyone to visit our open house at 47153 Dunsany this Sunday, June 22nd from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

This totally updated 4 bedroom, 2.1 bath "Pottery Barn" Colonial sits on a beautiful half-acre wooded lot.

Property information - $265,900
East of Beck, North off 8 Mile on Lanthorn, Left to Dunsany

A Day For Memorials

How did you celebrate this Memorial Day holiday? Did you attend a parade? Did you visit a cemetary? Or was it just a rare day off?

For the first time in more than 30 years, I marched in a parade, bringing back a flood of memories.

I was born on "traditional" Memorial Day, May 30th. My first birthdays were spent watching, and later being in a parade, followed by a big family picnic complete with a birthday cake.

As a former Marine, I've always held a soft spot in my heart for veterans and all things Marine. So after I joined Northville's Marine Corps League earlier this year, how could I say no to walking in the Memorial Day parade.

The day was perfect...just the right temperature, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Northville High School Marching Band, and the crowds lining the street to honor the veterans riding motorcycles, marching, and riding in cars.

It was wonderful to hear the support from the crowd, something that was unheard of in the 1970s when I served. A moving ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial in Rural Hill Cemetary capped off the morning.

Wherever you are, whatever you did, I hope you paused a moment to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy.

Unlike the Memorial Days of old, my birthday falls on Friday this year. Today was extra special though...Daniel and I celebrated our 24th Anniversary!

47153 Dunsany Open Sunday, 5/25

Northville Estates, Northville MI - We invite everyone to visit our open house this Sunday, May 25th at 47153 Dunsany from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This 4 bedroom, 2.1 bath homes is updated throughout with "Pottery Barn" flair and sits on a wonderful wooded lot North off 8 Mile on Lanthorn, just East of Beck Road.

Property information

19661 Northridge Dr Open Sunday, 4/27

Northridge Estates - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 19661 Northridge this Sunday, April 27th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Conveniently located West of Haggerty, just north off 7 Mile this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo is updated from top to bottom.

This is just one of hundreds of homes being held open during The Big Open House. The event promises to be the biggest open house day in Michigan history.

Property information