A Halloween Party will be held at the Ann Arbor District Library . Songs, trick or treats at  9:30 to 10:00 AM and a second party at 10:30 to 11:00. The Treat Parade, begins on Main Street at 11:00 and lasts for 6 hours.  This annual event is a highlight for the children as they dress and walk down Main Street visiting all the merchants where there is balloons in front of the businesses.  Over 50 merchants participate in the Treat Parade, and plan their routes down Ashley, Liberty, Washington, 4th Street and Washington.   A list of the following merchants participating in the Treat Parade can be found here. Bean Stalks Play Café in Saline is also sponsoring a Downtown Boo Bash with the Downtown Merchants from 5-8 P.M. An old-fashion down-town Halloween street party. Burns Park Costume P... 10/31/2008

I believe Santa Claus is Barack Obama. I welcomed a comment today from a reader on a blog I wrote a while back about the political process in this election season.  I specifically noted my daughter who is studying AP Government with a wonderful teacher who will not reveal his political leanings so that all students will feel free to express their opinions.  As a result, she has developed a very good method for evaluating and questioning political facts put before her.  She will happily (gleefully) tell us when we miss the point or if we are wrong. My daughter and I watched all of the debates together.  I read the news in print and online, she went to class and read the news online (print is so old-fashioned), and we both kept each other informed. Following is the comment from a reader, ... 10/29/2008

Dexter Cider Mill, located at 3685 Central, Dexter, MI 48130 on the Huron River is the stop to take for tasting wine from Sandhill Crane Vineyards hailing from 4724 Walz Road, Jackson, MI 49201, Phone (517) 764-0679. They are Open 7 Days A Week (April 1 - December 31) Monday - Saturday 11-6 and Sunday Noon-6.  Click here to view a MAP of the location. Wine Tasting and wine making is a fun past time for many people.  I am very fond of Napa Valley trips.  We have some nice wine tours in Leelanau, too, that we highly suggest, near our place at The Homestead Resort.   The video below is a snippet of tasting.My friends have been to the Sandhill Crane Vineyard, but I have not have had the pleasure yet.  The wine I tasted here is Traminette: “2006 Dry Traminette - Silver Medals - 2007 Taster’s... 10/29/2008

HealthMedia of Ann Arbor, Michigan has been purchased by Johnson & Johnson. Ann Arbor, Michigan is home to Google and now Johnson & Johnson.  The head of the local company will be retained and "operate on a focus of international growth". Growth is what the state of Michigan needs and this is not a situation where we will lose jobs.  Crain's covered the press release and it is all good for Ann Arbor, Michigan. Jobs are NOT expected to be lost. HealthMedia is located at 130 First Street and we wish them continued success!! Welcome Johnson & Johnson. 10/27/2008

Since DST has been extended, you'll want to double-check all of your electronic devices and confirm that the time is correct. Although your your computer and maybe even your digital clock in your car may automatically update, the recent change of dates for Daylight Saving Time may require that these devices be manually changed, as they now may NOT be ready to update to the correct time on the correct date!  I found this out this morning with my "older" blackberry. My alarm went off on it 1 hour late, as it adjusted itself over the weekend to the old DST cutover. The extra month that we enjoyed was actually the result of the Energy Policy Act, which was enacted by Congress back in 2005 and first went into effect last year. So keep an eye on your electronic devices and remember to change ... 10/27/2008

The Ann Arbor area real estate market has been dealing with a buyer's market for nearly 4 years now. While it is comforting, I suppose, that we are not alone in dealing with this market, it can be amusing to hear other parts of the country are just NOW adjusting to the changing marketplace. Take this AP article recently published in the Detroit Free Press. Pretty innocuous article on it's face, but it's that last line that sent me into laughing fits! "You have to be nicer than you used to be," he said. "Your goal is keep people in the deal." "Nicer than you used to be!" This begs the question, "To whom do you need to be nicer?" Your client? The other agents? The dog? Look, I understand the article is to highlight what new, creative things agents are doing to assist their clients in sell... 10/27/2008

We have all heard of Digg, delicious and many other social bookmarking websites but another lesser known site I discovered recently is called Mixx.com. Like its sister sites, Mixx allows visitors to create profiles and designate or bookmark your "favorite" blogs. Offering users similar attributes to a "StumbleUpon", one can also rate your favorite blogs, videos and photos as well. Taking Mixx for a Test Drive As a test, I decided to try out Mixx.com and upload my own Ann Arbor real estate blog as a favorite. Other visitors can vote on the link too. It will be interesting to see what additional traffic and Google power this site will provide. If it's anything like StumbleUpon I can tell by the amount of traffic I receive when someone "Stumbles" my blog. Are You on Mixx? If so share we th... 10/24/2008

Lani Anglin Rosales wrote a post on AgentGenius a few weeks ago on a program called Slide Rocket. It is a free alternative to Power Point. So I tried it out and found it really easy to use. Tomorrow, Friday, October, 24th at 10:00, I am doing a Blogging Seminar at Keller Williams in Ann Arbor, so I created a slide presentation for it.  We are going to have a mystery Activerain Community Builder doing the seminar with me. Now to find out who it is you will have to go and read my Ann Arbor Real Estate Talk blog.  While you are there, I would love it if you can subscribe to my blog either by RSS or email.  I've had the opportunity to speak several times on blogging at different places. The hard part is that you have people with all degrees of where they are. Some are just starting and some... 10/23/2008

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Breast Cancer is Treatable Listen to this song by www.SharingHope.tv I bet you know some one who has had or has breast cancer.  We are in search of knowledge, support, and the cure.  Below is a synopsis or resources that are worth looking at.  The U of M  Cancer Center has a library which is a great help.  You can check out most things for 2 weeks.  One book I found helpful was "Show Me" from Penn State. You can participate in upcoming Michigan events to support breast cancer - listed here Hope starts with each of us.  I have a personal interest and I am a supporter.   You can view or download DBCC’s Suggested Breast Cancer Resources here (Requires Adobe Acrobat).   Here are some other websites that may be of interest: Biden Breast Health Initiative: A no... 10/22/2008

A while back we set up a online Home Buying Quiz that was well received by other home buying professionals around the country. I wanted to share it here for any home buyers who might be interested in learning real "meat and potatoes" information that is difficult to find anywhere else. There are some local Ann Arbor related components, but for the most part the information will be useful for home buyers around the country. Note: On quiz page six Standard Federal was a large regional lender. Take a look: ANN ARBOR REAL ESTATE BUYING QUIZ   And if you are intereted in buying a great home from a loyal, experienced, buyer focused real estate company, give us a call ! Jon Boyd, Broker/ManagerThe Home Buyer's Agent of Ann Arbor, Inc.Click here for more Ann Arbor real estate informationmember ... 10/21/2008

 We could all use something positive. "Ghosting" is a fun Halloween tradition of doing something nice for your neighbors and friends. In the spirit of "paying it forward", everyone needs more positive touches in their life. In our current world filled with constant negative news, Ghosting It Forward is an effort to spread some positive touches to neighbors locally or friends virtually. Whether it is an anonymous note of thanks to your neighbor, a bunch of flowers, a bar of chocolate, an inspirational book or movie, or just a smiley face, Ghosting It Forward will energize people who send and receive the positive touches. To join us in "Ghosting It Forward". I have done this before in Ann Arbor, Michigan and watched the delight in the recipients face; just find instructions and you can ge... 10/21/2008

Just outside of Ann Arbor is the Village of Dexter. The Dexter Cider Mill is Michigan's oldest continuously operated cider mill.  It was built in 1886.  Michigan's autumn nectar needs a sweet accompaniment; fresh fried cider- mill doughnuts.  Yes, I will take a "hole" bagful please.  They have quick bread mixes, caramel apples, pastry and other goodies. Just swing by 3685 Central Dexter, MI 48130.  Hours of operation are generally from Wed - Sunday, or call 734- 426-8531 to find out details and closing date. Owner is Nancy Steinhauer, Steinhauer489@cs.com.  You'll catch me sampling some of this local adult nectar. A couple of glasses of wine prevents me from whining about the Ann Arbor Real Estate Market.  We are the ambassadors and relocation experts and are here to welcome you and you... 10/20/2008

In January of this year, I posted on the Ann Arbor Area Board of Directors needing to make a decision on the continued use of the Supra-Key.  I sent the post to our IT Director and he forwarded the post to our Supra Representative.  With over 93 comments they heard and are responding. Our main issue was with all the data sharing, we were having problems with Realtors from other MLS's showing our properties and us having to drive all over Washtenaw County to open up the doors since they did not use the electronic lockboxes. In an effort to retain our business, they are working with the Ann Arbor Area Board to be Beta Testers for the Blackberry Solution. This Tuesday those of us who volunteered to test the E-Key with our Blackberry phones will go to the Ann Arbor Board Offices and get the... 10/19/2008

 MMM. How sweet it is.  Just waddle on over to 116 East Liberty.  We got all sorts of treats to sample. (No tricks here).  They have some mini sizes or standard sizes.  The best was the red velvet cake.  I hope to go back to try the bumpy cake.  They have a seating area, soft drinks and are all decked out for Halloween.  You can call ahead for orders at 734-222-1801.  Check out the CupCakeStation web site.  www.cupcakestation.com for other sweets.  For other Ann Arbor information and why we love promoting and selling Ann Arbor Real Estate visit us. 10/19/2008

Don't let your dryer start a fire; keep your home safe and sound.  Dryer Vent Wizard professionally inspects and cleans clothing dryers for homeowners and in commercially-owned buildings. Poorly maintained dryer vents cause fire hazards and cost substantially more to operate.         Why Dryer Vent Cleaning is so Important! •·                     Dryer vents clogged with lint cost $18-24 more per month. •·                     There are 15,500 fires every year caused by dryer vents. •·                     Dryer manufacturers recommend you clean your dryer vent every year. •·                     Regular dryer vent maintenance prolongs the life of your dryer.   Our services include: •·                     Dryer vent cleaning •·                     Dryer vent repair •·                     D... 10/14/2008

How is it that the dryer is so hot and the clothes are still damp?  Isn't it the heat that actually gets the clothes dry?  Yes, heat plays a part in drying your clothes, but air-flow and proper venting also plays an important part.   The heat, along with moisture and lint, must be able to escape in order for clothes to dry properly.  A mechanical problem or faulty thermostat could be the problem, but most of the time, this is caused by a blockage in the dryer exhaust ducts.  When the hot, damp air is unable to escape through the duct system to the vent outdoors, it stays in the drum, with your clothes.  The heating element continues to produce more heat, causing the dryer to overheat and cause damage to the appliance and your clothing.   This causes your dryer to work harder, consuming ... 10/14/2008

Housing statistics for the Ann Arbor Board of Realtors for September 2008 Average list price YTD (thru September 2008) at $232,076 down from $265,385 in September 2007 Average Sales price YTD (thru September 2008) at $220,089 down from $252,724 in September 2007  On a positive note vacant land prices YTD are up nearly $10,000.   Based on information from the Ann Arbor Area Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service for the period January 2007 through September 2008.   Prices have fallen mostly inpart to the large number of foreclosured homes that are being sold far below owner occupied home prices.  On average a foreclosured home sells for 20-25% less than an owner occupied home.         10/13/2008

How can I tell you what Ann Arbor is like? Watch YOUTUBE Video from Google Employee Capturing the perfect local nuances of a place and communicating them can be difficult, but this video does a perfect job of what living downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan is like.  Yes, there are a couple places I would like  to live like living in an Ann Arbor Liberty Lofts, or prime Ann Arbor location of Loft 322, or even an apartment brings you to a huge selection of parks, eateries, clubs, educational arenas, and here to a career at Google, all within walking distance. Try the walking score index for your area.  Use it to find a walkable neighborhood.  If you are coming to Ann Arbor, we will welcome you with open arms.  If you are are local or relocating, and looking for some real estate guidance, conside... 10/11/2008

I haven't written a blog for a while.... I've been reading others and commenting on their blogs. I've notice some agents are prospering and others....not doing that well.  Well I didn't come to talk about other agents business.  This for the buyers who are thinking about purchasing or riding the fence waiting for a steal. Well just others agents have stated. This couldn't be a more perfect time to purchase. This blog isn't for me to drum up leads. Though it's to put a seal of approval of others are saying. If you happen to be an Investor or First Time homebuyer. This is your time.  Sales here in the Ann Arbor have decline a bit but houses are still selling. There homeowners that are very motivated and even assist you with concessions if you needed it. The most important thing for buyers... 10/10/2008

  One of the ten under-reported challenges home buyers face these days is bribes the seller or listing agent offers to the agent/brokerage who brings in the buyer. You can download the whole report from the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents website here. If for some reason you can't download it from the national site it is also available on our local site here: http://www.buyersagentannarbor.com/200711091638Challenges.pdf But, what is more fun, is actually seeing a "bribe" example. This is a 52" flat panel TV set probably worth close to $1,700 that was offered to me in an email this morning from a designated agent in our market, for bringing in a contract on the condo he has listed. If you are buying a home do you want your agent or designated agent taking a bonus or "bribe... 10/09/2008