Starting a family is a big decision, as is choosing a place to call "home."  Ann Arbor, according to a new Kiplinger.com report, is suggested as one of the Top Ten  cities in the country for families. This won't come as a surprise to those already raising families in Washtenaw County; we already know the many benefits of living in Ann Arbor. The report uses three criteria important for anyone (not just families) as a baseline: the state of the city's economy, the liveliness of the local culture, and the rate of job growth. Then, they factor in some important issues for families: an already-strong presence of families with kids, low crime rates (their figures were provided by the FBI), the quality of the public education system (using ratings from Great.Schools.org), and the availability... 09/07/2010

*********************************************** 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 Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI. Free Home Evaluation Search the Ann Arbor Area MLS. Google Profile Market Reports in Real Time Updated Weekly Profit from Technology for Realtors and Lenders 09/03/2010

The Ypsilanti-based Clean Energy Coalition (CEC) is the parent organization for the newly-formed XSeed Energy, "Ann Arbor's Community Power Project."  XSeed's inaugural project, approved at their August 12 meeting by the Historic District Commission, will be the installation of solar panels at the Michigan Theater at 603 East Liberty Street. Using funding from community donations and grants, XSeed Energy was created with the goal of developing renewable energy projects in Ann Arbor.  Profits will be recycled back into an ‘Energy Bank' to fund ongoing renewable energy installations. The goal - and hence, the name - is to ‘seed' community funded, and possibly community owned, power projects in Ann Arbor. For this first project, a set of 60-foot solar panels will be placed on the south-fac... 08/31/2010

Ann Arbor Michigan Real Estate: Bridgefield Estates Ann Arbor MI Birdgefield Estate Pictures Below: Do you have some favorites you want to share?   Bridgefield Estates is a fantastic 39 acre residential community located on the South East side of Ann Arbor. With 10 acres of natural landscape and parks that was set aside at the beginning of construction, it is no wonder that this community is popular with residents. With 65 units constructed between 2001 and 2003 by V&T Builders there are 15 floor plans and the homes range from 1500 to 2500 square feet with various interior upgrades, including hardwood floors, crown molding and more! The community is close to several parks, including the popular Lillie Park and a 500 acre nature preserve. The subdivision has an active homeowners associat... 08/29/2010

Ann Arbor Real Estate: 1181 Freesia Court, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105 Nielsen Square Condo - allow your Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts tour you through this condo at 1181 Freesia Court, Ann Arbor 48105 Bedrooms: 2  Bathrooms: 1.1 Square Feet: 1915  UNIVERSITY DISTRICT. CLOSE TO THE U OF M MEDICAL CENTER, SHOPS, MAIN CAMPUS, GALLOP PARK, DOWNTOWN, AND RESTAURANTS. THIS 2 BEDROOM 1.1 BATH CONDO HAS EVERYTHING YOU WOULD WANT IN A HOME. MAIN LIVING AREA HAS SOARING CEILINGS & UPDATED KITCHEN & BATH. LARGE WINDOWS FILLS IN THE LIGHT. UPSTAIRS LOFT OVER LOOKS THE FAMILY ROOM. PERFECT FOR A GREAT ROOM, PLAYROOM, STUDY OR STUDIO. COURTYARD IS BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED & HAS COMMON SEATING AREAS NEAR THE QUAINT GAZEBO. A GENUINE PIECE OF ANN ARBOR REAL ESTATE in Nielsen Square. Related Links See Extra Pho... 08/29/2010

With more than 50 individual coffee shops available to residents, it's a fact that Ann Arbor definitely loves coffee. David Myers, owner of Mighty Good Coffee Roasting Company, is making the most of that affection. As artisan roaster Mighty Good Coffee moves into its fifth year in business, they will physically move from their tiny (less than 200 square feet) storefront at 118 S. Main Street, to a 2,200 square foot combination café and roasting operation at 217 N. Main Street. The move will allow seating for 24, with ample space for special events and coffee classes. The move will allow Mighty Good to expand their menu of edibles. Additionally, it will give customers the opportunity to watch and learn about the roasting experience, as well as to buy beans directly from the roaster. And ... 08/27/2010

From July 30 through August 5, Ann Arbor played host to the National Training Institute's (NTI) annual trade show. The trade show is designed to attract vendors seeking to provide information about their services and products to the electrical industry. The University of Michigan campus was "home for a week" to over 2,000 NTI participants and, according to Mary Kerr (president/CEO of the Ann Arbor Convention & Visitors Bureau), NTI participants were expected to infuse over $5 million into Washtenaw County. This was the second NTI convention to be held in Ann Arbor. This is in large part because of the University of Michigan's strong record of union support, which creates a conducive environment for the NTI programs and course offerings. The group also has many "training partners," compa... 08/24/2010

View Larger Map Turnberry Village is a great development of 90 townhouse and gorgeous cape cod style units which make great homes for couples or families! Located in a popular area close to all amenities (including a park!) this 90 unit development has it all. Units allow pets and contain attached garages and full basements. Constructed by C.A. Kime, Inc between 1996 and 1998 this development has reasonable monthly association fees of around $205 per month. The association takes care of all exterior maintenance and snow removal in the winter. Parents will be happy to know that children attend award winning Ann Arbor schools. Tour inside schools. Residents pay Ann Arbor taxes. (more photos can be found here) Turnberry Village Condominium Units are located in popular south side of Ann Arb... 08/23/2010

As we head into the tail end of summer, we are beginning to notice that the market is stalling a little and has become slow. What I mean by slow is that there are not a lot of buyers out there with a real urgency to buy. Homes are still coming to the market, but they are not being absorbed as quickly as normal. Under $400,000, the months' supply of inventory is actually increasing - not decreasing as is normal for this time of year. Above $400,000, the inventory is decreasing or staying the same, more due to sellers giving up, versus homes selling. Above $1,000,000, there is an 11% increase in months supply. The total listing inventory for Ann Arbor is down 2.8 percent from last month, and year to date it is down 5.5%. The good news is that homes that are priced right are still selling... 08/20/2010

From January 1st to August 1, 2010 this is the price per square feet with regard to style of houses or architecture, courtesy of http://www.affinityvaluation.com/.Based on sales data, the three stories are commanding the highest price per square feet, with bi levels obtaining the least. This is for the schools in our area 82: Bach, Eberwhite or Haisley for elementary school; Slauson or Forsythe for middle school (depends on location) and usually Pioneer High School. In order of style preference by sq ft htere is the result: bi level, tri level, quad, 2.5 story, ranch, 2 story, 1.5 story or cape cod and 3 story. To see another Ann Arbor Real Estate Market analysis by schools, click here. For ongoing Ann Arbor Real Estate Market Trends, click here. To find out what your Ann Arbor Area hom... 08/17/2010

This is the ultimate buyer's market in Ann Arbor, Michigan. That means that people should be buying. That requires those of us in the real estate business to make sure that our clients know why to buy, where to buy, how to buy and what to buy!If you are looking at Ann Arbor Area foreclosure deals, talk to us; banks hire us to sell these properties so we know about them before they hit the market. If you want free buyer reports, let us know. See video below discussing timing and buying opportunities from Keller Williams Realty. Our buyers mirror what buyers want across the Nation.  We are here to help you with your financing resources and the help you find the best investment.  According to the National Association of Realtors®, this is what buyers want from their agents.  We are committ... 08/17/2010

One of Ann Arbor's cultural icons, the Blackbird Theatre, has established its permanent nest at the SH\'aut\ Cabaret and Gallery, 325 Braun Court in Kerrytown - right across from the Farmers Market. After a year of experimenting with various locations and after seven years at the Children's Creative Center on Pauline Boulevard,  the Blackbird has roosted in its new spot. Founding artistic director Barton Bund feels confident that the company will continue to grow and thrive in its new locale.Last Tuesday evening, Bund's celebration of the Blackbird's new home also ushered in a new era of dynamic, cutting-edge artistic endeavor for downtown Ann Arbor. In addition to  consistently offering a diverse body of original work, the Blackbird offers free educational programs, and performance opp... 08/17/2010

Your reputation matters...both to consumers, clients and other Realtors. Have you ever been told by another agent, I have another offer but would rather work with you? Your reputation matters because they know you will: 1) Communicate 2) Use good lenders 3) Stay on top of contingencies 4) Not have to track you down 5) Negotiate fairly but not be hard to deal with ************************************************************* 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 Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.   Free Home Evaluation Search the Ann Arbor Area MLS. Google Profile Market Reports ... 08/16/2010

As of last Thursday, there are big changes beginning near the Ann Arbor Downtown Library. Fifth Avenue from Liberty to Williams is now closed, and will remain so for at least a year. The northern section of the Library's porch is closed, and handicap access has moved to William Street (with a new incline that ends across from the automated door). Bike hoops are now near the flagpole. So why are all of these changes being made?At present, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is building an underground parking deck on the Library Lot site, which is the cause of the immediate (and ongoing) disruption. However, the top of the lot has been - and remains - under discussion. Several months ago, the League of Women Voters hosted a public meeting about possible uses for the Library Lot. At t... 08/13/2010

If you're an Ann Arbor homeowner, or perhaps considering a move to a condominium in the Ann Arbor area, you'll definitely want to take a look at Barclay Park Condominiums. Situated on the northeast side of town, Barclay Park offers the best possible combination of urban and rural living.Barclay Park is located next to the 14-acre Oakwoods Nature Area, which provides ample space and opportunities for bird watching. Within the private community itself, there are several ponds, and a boardwalk which overlooks Lake Ariel. You can also enjoy the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, just a short distance away at the University of Michigan. If basking in nature sounds appealing, Barclay Park is definitely the place for you.Despite the fact that Barclay Park offers rural ambience, you'll have no worries... 08/10/2010

Price Per Square feet data for Ann Arbor Real Estate in these schools: Eberwhite, Bach, Burns Park, Tappan and Slauson, along with Pioneer High School.  Ann Arbor median price per square feet is trending up over the last 12 months; between $140 to $130 per sf. See summary charts of the Ann Arbor Real Estate Market at bottom of post. The median sold prices of all Ann Arbor Real Estate areas compared to July 09 are up 4.3 percent, and asking prices are down 4.9 percent. Many sellers' are listing their homes for the Summer market. Ann Arbor Real Estate is stabilizing and with the current low interest rates and incredible real estate values. To find out more about Ann Arbor Real Estate Market Statistics for all of Ann Arbor, continue reading.                 The market is broken down into a... 08/10/2010

Ann Arbor median price per square feet is trending up over the last 12 months; between $140 to $130 per sf. See summary charts of the Ann Arbor Real Estate Market at bottom of post. The median sold prices of all Ann Arbor Real Estate areas compared to July 09 are up 4.3 percent, and asking prices are down 4.9 percent. Many sellers' are listing their homes for the Summer market. Ann Arbor Real Estate is stabilizing and with the current low interest rates and incredible real estate values. To find out more about Ann Arbor Real Estate Market Statistics for all of Ann Arbor, continue reading.                 The market is broken down into areas by the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors with a map below and insight into each neighborhood and school area is provided.                Pete Henders... 08/10/2010

Ann Arbor Price Per Square Feet Trends Up Allen, Burns Park, Thurston, King, Angell, Tappan, Clague, Huron Schools Ann Arbor median price per square feet is trending up over the last 12 months; between $140 to $130 per sf. See summary charts of the Ann Arbor Real Estate Market at bottom of post. The median sold prices of all Ann Arbor Real Estate areas compared to July 09 are up 4.3 percent, and asking prices are down 4.9 percent. Many sellers' are listing their homes for the Summer market. Ann Arbor Real Estate is stabilizing and with the current low interest rates and incredible real estate values. To find out more about Ann Arbor Real Estate Market Statistics for all of Ann Arbor, continue reading.                 The market is broken down into areas by the Ann Arbor Area Board of Re... 08/10/2010

Ann Arbor median price per square feet is trending flat over the last 12 months; between $140 to $130 per sf. See summary charts of the Ann Arbor Real Estate Market at bottom of post. The median sold prices of all Ann Arbor Real Estate areas compared to July 09 are up 4.3 percent, and asking prices are down 4.9 percent. Many sellers' are listing their homes for the Summer market. Ann Arbor Real Estate is stabilizing and with the current low interest rates and incredible real estate values. To find out more about Ann Arbor Real Estate Market Statistics for all of Ann Arbor, continue reading.                 The market is broken down into areas by the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors with a map below and insight into each neighborhood and school area is provided.                Pete Hende... 08/10/2010

Ann Arbor Real Estate Price Per Square Feet Trends Up Bryant-Pattengill, Allen,Tappan, Scarlett, Pioneer or Huron Schools Ann Arbor median price per square feet is trending up over the last 12 months; between $140 to $130 per sf. See summary charts of the Ann Arbor Real Estate Market at bottom of post. The median sold prices of all Ann Arbor Real Estate areas compared to July 09 are up 4.3 percent, and asking prices are down 4.9 percent. Many sellers' are listing their homes for the Summer market. Ann Arbor Real Estate is stabilizing and with the current low interest rates and incredible real estate values. To find out more about Ann Arbor Real Estate Market Statistics for all of Ann Arbor, continue reading.                 The market is broken down into areas by the Ann Arbor Area Boar... 08/10/2010