In a procrastination mode over the course of the last half hour or so, my daughter Sara and I were IMing.  She is in Boston; I am in Ann Arbor.  Today we were brainstorming a slogan for the personal food service company she is contemplating starting.  It's important to suggest the right thing and be memorable in a slogan.  It's probably most important to avoid suggesting the wrong thing.     As a live-in cook while pursuing her undergraduate degree at UofM, Sara knows how to plan, shop for and prepare nutritious and delicious meals, breakfast through dinner.  It was that qualifier that recently earned her a position as a personal cook to a travelling businessman who wanted to eat more healthily and perhaps lose some weight.  She realized there are probably plenty more like him out there... 10/28/2010

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is located in the Kerry Town section of Ann Arbor. Every May through December the Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 7 AM to 3 PM. On October 30th, the farmers market is holding the 2nd annual pumpkin festival for kids. The kids can come dressed in their Halloween costumes and "Trick or Treat" with all the vendors. While supplies last there will be a pumpkin carving activity between 1 and 3.                                             October 30th is the Saturday before Halloween so all the wonderful fall vegetables, and flowers will be there. After the kids trick or treat and participate in the all the activities, free cider and donuts will be served in KerryTown. Read the reviews on Yelp, with maps to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. You ca... 10/21/2010

What Defines the Old West Side? The Old West Side is an historic residential neighborhood of about 2000 homes whose architecture, streetscape, history, and environment are uniquely characteristic of 19th century Midwestern America. The Old West Side neighborhood is bounded by South Main and the Ann Arbor Railroad tracks on the east, Huron on the north, generally the Eberwhite area on the west, and Pauline on the south. For the exact boundaries of the Old West Side, refer to an on line map.  The tree lined topography is sloped slightly to the northeast.  Streets are laid in grid format, except West Liberty which was a trail and runs “southwest/northeast.” Newer blocks are curved streets and cul-de-sacs. What Is the Old West Side Community/Historic District About? A non-profit Old West Si... 10/20/2010

Inventory in Ann Arbor continues to drop. Last month there were 661 homes for sale with 19.67% under contract. This month that number has dropped to 654 homes for sale with 22.8% under contract. This gives us a 7.7 month supply of housing for the Ann Arbor school District which is the same as last month. As has been the case all year, under $400,000 the market is much more competitive, with the months supply of housing ranging from 6.2 - 7.8 month supply of housing which is still considered a balanced market. Over $400,000 the months' supply of housing is consistently over 9 months. Over $1,000,000, we have 30 months supply of housing.In spite of the low inventory under $400,000, houses still have to be in excellent condition and priced competitively in order to sell. Even with limited... 10/19/2010

If you have ever wondered if Ann Arbor was more than a small, pretty town anchored by the University of Michigan, a recent article by Tom Walsh in the Detroit Free Press set the record straight. Far more than being the temporary academic home for 41,000 students, the town's permanent residents include big names in business, industry, and politics as well as education. In addition, the economy of Ann Arbor is becoming ever more diverse, so it can attract the type of young talent that passes through the University.  So who lives here, making it, in Walsh's words, a "power center"? As noted in our recent blog, Ann Arbor Is Becoming  Michigan's Center of Power, corporate executives from the car companies, noted political figures, and other business notables call Ann Arbor home. Though Ann A... 10/15/2010

For those "in the know," the place to call home in southeast Michigan is Ann Arbor . We've recently pointed out a number of reasons why people of all walks of life enjoy living here, but the number of affluential (and influential!) people and companies choosing our city may come as a surprise. Proximity to the University of Michigan plays a role in this influx. According to Lou Glazer, president of the Michigan Future think tank, 80% of all jobs being created in the US economy are knowledge jobs - those that require higher education and skill levels. "If place matters, and it does, in attracting talented young professionals, Ann Arbor is the leading edge of such places in the state," Glazer said. Of course, Ann Arbor offers a lot more than just the UM connection, but it's an important o... 10/12/2010

Autumn is officially upon us. The beautiful fall foliage in Ann Arbor is breathtaking, but it can also can mean occasional headaches for homeowners. Those with smaller lots, or fewer trees, will benefit from the city's decision to replace curbside leaf pickup with weekly collection from compost carts (purchased from the city and stored on the owner's property). But a new program offered by the Arbor Environmental Alliance (AEA) could better serve those with more spacious lots and a greater number of trees.AEA will pick up leaves and organic waste, curbside at your home, three times between October 15th and December 15th. The leaves and other organic material collected by AEA will be composted, and used in projects generated by AEA. Additionally, trees will be planted by AEA to offset e... 10/08/2010

If you want to sell your condo in Ann Arbor, your ideal buyer might be a student or his or her parents.  Given the increasing price of student housing, ownership might be a cost effective option, especially if the student is locked into a professional program that will tie him to the area for a while.  Maybe you are ready to find a bigger home, but the space in your condominium would be perfect for a student, who might have a roommate or a family. Your first thought might be to rent the place out -in line with Fair Housing standards, of course, as we discussed in our past blog.  Being a landlord has its advantages, but if you want to sell, this can be a good time to do it.  Students are back in school, and may be thinking of alternative housing next semester after a few months in studen... 10/06/2010

A new academic year is upon us, and with it, thousands of University of Michigan students are returning to Ann Arbor. And returning students means an increased need for housing. In this two-part blog, we'll look at two different scenarios which could conceivably affect you, as a homeowner. First, consider this statement: I'm a homeowner, who's thinking of renting a room in my home. Does this describe you? If so, you probably have at least one extra bedroom (or more), and are willing to share other areas of your home (like the kitchen and living room) in order to bring in some extra money. It's a common practice, especially in cities like ours with major universities, and can provide a host of benefits in addition to the income boost. You should be aware, however, of the fact that there ... 10/01/2010

The very same Michigan Theater on Liberty Street here in Ann Arbor, where solar panels were recently installed, is known for its eclectic program of film offerings, iincluding the Summer Documentary Series and a wide variety of indie films, which enrich the local culural scene. The theater's Historic Auditorium is also known of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. The theater also hosts a series of children's stage productions entitled "Not Just For Kids," and a concert series entitled "The Legends of Rock & Roll."What makes the Historic Auditorium special is its crown jewel - a 1927 Barton theatre pipe organ. The Historic Auditorium was built during the days of silent film, when the action on the screen was accompanied by live music. The organ is one of 7,000 organs installed in American ... 09/28/2010

One bedroom condo for sale in Pittsfield Village at 2306 Parkwood, Ann Arbor. Pittsfield Village is located minutes to downtown Ann Arbor. The Village went through a co-op to condo conversion in 2009, so it is easy to get financing now. Now instead of Shares in the co-op you are given a warranty deed at closing. There are numerous amenities in the Village, swimming pool, tennis courts, volley ball court and numerous playgrounds. The ground are kept sparkling. This one bedroom unit at 2306 Parkwood is listed at $48,000 and is in fantastic condition with newly refinished hardwood floors, and backs to a tree line.     Affordable and Adorable! - $48,000 Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Parking Spaces: 2 car garage Year Built: 1946 Subdivision: Pittsfiled Village Condomimium School District: Ann Arb... 09/25/2010

Condo for sale in Ann Arbor, located in Walden Hills...2130 Pauline. Great location in Walden Hills Complex – 2 seconds to indoor pool, exercise and racquetball. Parking in your own assigned carport. And your own 3-season enclosed patio to enjoy! Walden Hills condos are between 800 and 1000 square feet. Owner purchased for over $135,000 and is now ready to let it go for $69,900 with all the updates. Remodeled kitchen and baths, 2 bedroom and 2 baths. Walden Hill Condo Community is on a bus route and only a few miles to the University of Michigan. Located in the Dicken Elementary School District.   **************************************** Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-216-2822 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com Our TEAM of 6 buyer associates are available to help you relocate to A... 09/24/2010

Marie Antoinette said, "Let them eat cake," and in Ann Arbor the place to do just that is at Cake Nouveau. Owner Courtney Clark (familiar to many from the Food Network and TLC) is an award-winning French pastry chef. Earlier this year, she found herself needing more space for classes and a showcase storefront, so she has relocated to 1924 Packard Street. Courtney is given to rather whimsical decorating tastes; Cake Nouveau features a pink awning, green and purple tile, and pink and purple walls accented by swirling white stripes. Half of the store is dedicated to retail sales; the other half is a cake decorating station. The range of available flavors at Cake Nouveau is virtually unlimited. All cakes are made with alternating layers of cake and buttercream filling. Patrons can select bo... 09/24/2010

Allen Creek is the site of the first settlement in Ann Arbor, and it still runs through the city's west side. The creek was named for Ann Arbor's co-founder, John Allen, in 1824. The main branch of Allen Creek runs northward roughly parallel to the Ann Arbor Railroad tracks, starting at Pioneer High and flowing into the Huron River just below Argo Dam. Near the creek lies Allen Creek Condominiums. Built in 1988, the cozy complex features two decks, walk-out lower levels, fireplaces, and garage parking. In 1846, William Maynard laid out the first section of the Old West Side, from First to Fourth Streets. When Ann Arbor began developing in the 1850s, many businesses were located along Allen Creek. Four tanneries on the creek used its water to soak cowhides, and pelts of wild animals trap... 09/17/2010

Ann Arbor Area includes many different areas throughout Washtenaw County. If you are thinking of moving to the Ann Arbor Area and prefer to not be in the City then take a look at each of the following Villages or Townships that make up Washtenaw County.  Each Township, Village and City is unique so I encourage you to spend a day eating breakfast in one, lunch in another and dinner in another one. Finding a home is more than a house, it is integrating into a community, meeting new friends, attending new schools and participating in a local church or synagogue.         Barton Hills Village Village of DexterManchester Village Ann Arbor Township Augusta Township Bridgewater Township Dexter Township Freedom Township Lima Township Lodi Township Lyndon Township Manchester Township Northfield T... 09/15/2010

The city of Ann Arbor is becoming a magnet for awards and recognition from various sources. The American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) recently named Ann Arbor to its list of country's 75 Best College Towns and Cities for college students. Ann Arbor ranks #2 (of 20) among small cities (those with populations of 250,000 to one million residents) on the AIER's College Destination Index. That ranking is up from #3 last year.The Institute looks past the most frequently used factors in choosing a college, including the schools themselves, costs, academics, and athletic programs. Their criteria analyze other less used but equally important variables. Rather than focusing on the schools themselves, the AIER looked at the types of opportunities - social and economic - which are availab... 09/14/2010

Are you curious about the most expensive homes sold in Ann Arbor? I think most people want to know what sells in the luxury Ann Arbor market, so I have included the top three sales.  All of these sales are in the Huron High School district.  Click on ths link to view RES - Multi-Column in Washtenaw County.  Take a look at the sales below and I have included the active luxury homes in Ann Arbor- can you guess which ones will sell in September? If you are an Ann Arbor home seller and want to know how to get home seller advantages; click here. Kathy Toth and Team - Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts Keller Williams 734-669-0337 09/13/2010

Ann Arbor Michigan Real Estate: Fairway Woods, Stonebridge, Ann Arbor MI Do you golf or like to have gorgeous views?  If you live in Stonebridge, we want to hear your comments.View Larger Map As we have been saying - Stonebridge is a picture perfect golfing community south of Ann Arbor and makes an idea relocation destination for all including couples young and old or a growing family!  Fairway Woods is one of those great neighborhoods in Stonebridge - these condo units in Fairway Woods share a design theme with four other Stonebridge communities; Crooked Sticks, Doral Creek, Fairways and Twin Islands which is based on four different floor plans. Units in Fairway Woods range from 1700 square feet ranch style properties to a 2400 square foot two story home! Most of the units are three be... 09/12/2010

September Ann Arbor Real Estate Podcast - Benefits of Investing and the Opportunities Available in Today's Ann Arbor Real Estate Market Ann Arbor Real Estate Podcast for September 2010: This month's edition covers Ann Arbor real estate market activity and then and we'll talk about the benefits of investing and the opportunities available in today's market! Let us make owning a piece of Ann Arbor (one the top 10 cities to raise a family in the US) a reality. Features special guest Terri Murphy of US Learning. Related Posts Take Advantage of Ultimate Buyer's Market in Ann Arbor, Michigan; See VideoNumber of Ann Arbor Area Homes Sold are up Year to Date 2010Michigan Real Estate Results Year To Date Are Up Click here to search all Ann Arbor Area Michiganhomes and condos with pictures and t... 09/12/2010

Lakewood Subdivision in Ann Arbor is located off of Jackson Road, west of Interstate 94. Centered around Lakewood Elementary School, the neighborhood is full of trees, and is primarily composed of colonials, small ranches, and custom-built tri-level homes. Lakewood is just minutes from downtown Ann Arbor, Westgate shopping center, Quality-16 movie theater, Liberty Athletic Club and many other shopping and dining opportunities.With such easy access to the freeway, and with so many convenient amenities, new residents are in for a delightful surprise. One of the more popular parks in Ann Arbor is Dolph Park. Dolph is bordered on the west and north by Wagner and Jackson Roads (two of Ann Arbor's busiest). Parking is available in the main lot off Wagner Road. Despite being in the midst of ci... 09/10/2010