4 Key Questions About Down Payments | Arbor Move Team

Down payments can be a challenge to navigate, even for experienced homebuyers.
You know what sounds like an awesome way to buy your dream house? Having enough cash on hand and closing in one day with no money down! It might seem too good of a deal at first – but we promise you’ll thank us later when there are fewer mortgage interest rates (or any other debts) piled onto our plate each month because now all their power will go towards paying off this loan instead of another service such as car insurance or emergencies involving family members who live outside the country where they’re working temporarily until retirement age arrives again next year-and then living together happily ever after

Put more than you think is worth it!
Think about the possible benefits. How much do I need? Even with current market conditions, there might be ways for us to work out a deal that will make sense in both of our worlds and not feel like one party got taken advantage of or left behind during this process- which isn’t always easy but we can try if things get too tight at first:)

Whether you’re thinking of buying soon or planning ahead for a purchase in 2022, now is a good time to clear up any uncertainties and come up with the right strategy for your household.

Buying a house is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, but it doesn’t have to be scary. Clear up any uncertainties and come up with an informed strategy for your household in 2020 or 2022 by taking advantage now!
A lot has changed since homes prices skyrocketed two years ago- now might not seem like as good time as ever before -but there are plenty more questions than answers when trying to buy property these days. What does this mean for people looking at buying soon? Should they wait until interest rates drop even further (which could happen)?

How much should your down payment be?

Your mortgage loan requirements depend on the type. Some, like conventional and FHA mortgages require 3% or more to secure them while others can be had with zero down payment making it easier for you in many ways! If your credit score is a factor then expect an inquiry from each lender before they consider approving anything so keep that top of mind when going through this process with all data points covered just as we did here at our company!.

Is a large down payment always better?

You know what they say: every dollar counts. From a big down payment to emergency funds, if you’re putting yourself in debt it could be putting your finances at risk for years and even affect future spending habits! But don’t give up on this idea just yet – there may still be some good things about buying with cash or using unconventional financing methods like renting-to-own stores where the payments are lower but interest rates higher so that way not only do we save money now by making smaller monthly payments but also reduce our overall cost over time as well because these products often come with low introductory periods which means less total amount spent upfront compared another traditional loan option such as purchasing outright.

What should you consider when setting your goal amount?

Two things you should know before shopping for loans are your budget and eligibility. Loans come in different prices, so it’s important to know what might work best with that amount of money available as well as whether or not there is any special type of credit required (like’]a co-signer). If someone else has an idea on how much they want from a loan then its time consider talking with one experienced Lender because these professionals will be able set expectations correctly!

Do you have to come up with all of it on your own?

Many loan programs allow “gift” funds, which means money given to you by your parents or another family member. You’ll just need a letter stating that the funds are a gift, not a loan, before you can use them.

Need help finding your next home? Get in touch today.

The housing frenzy has quieted a little and maybe you’re ready. Let me know your thoughts.
Here’s a quick link to

Ann Arbor homes for sale:https://search.arbormove.com/search/results/Ann-Arbor-homes-for-sale
Or just Ann Arbor Condos:https://search.arbormove.com/search/results/AA_Condos_all
Or homes with some acreage:https://search.arbormove.com/search/results/A2_Acreage

Whatever you’re looking for, we can help you find, just let us know.We look forward to hearing from you.

October 26, 2021October 26, 2021

Step Inside Creepy, Abandoned Towns In Michigan | Arbor Move

The town of Cephas, Michigan is home to a number of ghostly sites. Abandoned buildings and vehicles dot the landscape as if they were waiting for something – or someone! The residents who once lived there have long since moved on but some may return one day… which makes this former copper mining village worth visiting now before it disappears again into forgotten memories like many other towns that used be fixtures in our history.

Many people do not know about these abandoned places up North where you can find remnants from yesteryear left behind by those who had no choice: Copper Mining Villages (not all still stand). And while we’re at it? Take our word- “Forgotten Memories?” No more!”

As you approach the town, there are literally dozens of vehicles littering the side of the road, including everything from retro cars to massive construction equipment.

This place is massive. Abandoned homes, workshops, and mysterious locked buildings stand on every corner.

Abandoned properties are some of the most interesting places in America. They have a sense that something bad happened there, but you can’t quite put your finger on what it is…
Planning to explore an abandoned town? Be sure not trespass! Some ghost towns are public while others may only be accessible with permission from their property owner so please respect everyone’s privacy when exploring these locations regardless if they’re open or closed off for touristic reasons

ABANDONED TOWN IN MICHIGAN

Michigan is not typically thought of as a ghost town destination, but you will find abandoned communities and buildings throughout the state. One place in particular that should be on your list when traveling through Michigan? The local asylum with its haunting history waiting for visitors to uncover! The local abandoned asylum is doubtlessly one of the scariest places in Michigan, and visitors certainly won’t be surprised to uncover forgotten copper mines.

Are there any hiking trails to abandoned places in Michigan?

Michigan is a state full of surprises, especially if you are enthusiastic about adventure seeking. Hiking to abandoned places is truly thrilling, and one of the best abandoned hikes in the state is along an old railroad trail. As exciting as this may sound, exploring creepy places is not for everyone. Fortunately, there are many epic and diverse hikes awaiting the adventurous visitor. If you’re uncertain of which to take, ask a local! They’re sure to have a suggestion that will quench your appetite for adventure.

What ghost towns can you find in Michigan?

Abandoned places in Michigan are not just for people with an interest in nature. They can be seen as Mother Nature reclaiming her kingdom, so if you find yourself here and love it then take some time to explore what’s waiting for your eyes! Fayette is a creepy abandoned town that some have found solace in, and it is just one of several ghost towns in the state. Watson is a community that’s nearly abandoned, and it is one of many teeny tiny communities in Michigan. Whether you want quaint and cute or abandoned and creepy, you’ll find the perfect community for you here in Michigan.

If you have any suggestions for great place in Michigan, please reach out to sales@arbormove.com and if you’re interested in buying or selling your home in southwest Michigan please consider using the Arbor Move Team for all your real estate needs.

October 15, 2021October 15, 2021

5 Home Features Buyers Are Looking For | Arbor Move Team

The housing market typically slows down in the fall, so if you’re thinking of selling in the near future, it may take a little more effort to stand out from the crowd. Knowing what buyers want and making a few smart updates can help make your home more marketable and improve your selling price. Are you considering a home sale soon? Here’s what potential buyers might be looking for this fall:

Safety Features

You could consider replacing your garage door, installing an alarm system, or repairing your fence. Anything that increases the safety and security of your house is a no-brainer value addition.

Energy-Efficient Enhancements

Making your house more energy-efficient has two advantages: It benefits the environment and lowers utility costs. Most purchasers are glad to pay extra for both.

Plenty of Storage

Storage is always more expensive than anything else. If you can, add extra storage to your property before putting it on the market, perhaps with a set of garage shelves or a closet system.

Functional Fun

Can you brighten up your abode? This might include adding an outdoor kitchen, creating a movie theater room, or putting up a tiny fire pit in the garden. As we’ve seen over the last several months, outside areas are increasingly important. If you live in a property with an outdoor area, buyers might be drawn to homes that have something fun and unique like an outdoor kitchen or movie theater room. Health-Forward Add Ons Modern housebuyers will want homes with no-touch faucets, mudrooms, air filtration systems and other health and convenience features. Those who already have pets will also want properties with pet doors and areas for feeding and playing!

Health-Forward Add-Ons

Modern housebuyers will want homes with no-touch faucets, mudrooms, air filtration systems, and other health and convenience features. Those who already have pets will want homes with pet doors and dedicated areas for feeding and playing.

And finally, as a bonus, you could consider adding or upgrading to some Energy Efficient Features

Lowering utility costs isn’t just good for the environment; it’s great news for your bank account too! If you can get energy efficient furnace or air conditioning systems installed before putting your house on the market, many buyers will see that as a plus. Plenty of Storage Space This is something everyone knows they need but never seems to have enough storage space inside their homes. You might consider adding some extra closets or shelves in garages and basements if selling soon.

For more information, check out our buyers guide: https://www.arbormove.com/buyers

Buy Your First Home

Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start!

Don’t be daunted by the leap into unknown waters! Buying a home for the first time may seem like an overwhelming process, especially when you have no idea where to start, but that’s why we’re here for you. Learn more about the process of obtaining a mortgage, finding the perfect home, and making an offer, and you’ll be on your way to owning your very own home in Ann Arbor! Start with this guide: https://www.arbormove.com/first-time-home-buyers

Would you like a listing alert for homes specific to your wants and needs? That’s simple and we are happy to set it up for you, just click on this link and let us know what you’re interested in seeing: https://www.arbormove.com/instant-alert

Are you eager to see homes right now? How about preview ones that are not yet on the market? We can help you there! Check out these Ann Arbor Coming Soon Homes: https://search.arbormove.com/search/results/homes-coming-soon-ann-arbor

And one last link, the Ann Arbor quick search links for those Michigan Football fans, University of Michigan employees, St Joes Hospital employees, and everyone working and playing in Ann Arbor, here’s the quick picks for the best Ann Arbor homes for sale: https://www.arbormove.com/ann_arbor_real_estate

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out by email at sales@arbormove.com or phone 734-436-3433 (also text) and we will get right back to you.

October 13, 2021

An Escalation Clause | Arbor Move Team

An escalation clause is within a contract between the buyer and the seller of a home, stating that if another offer on the house is accepted (by the seller) during the period when this escalation agreement is in force, then the sale price will be increased to match that of that other offer.

To be more specific, it means that if an escalation clause is written into your real estate contract, and you are in first position by having your offer accepted on any day after your escalation takes effect while there are competing offers still valid or pending, then your closing price will escalate to match all competing offers’ highest prices rather than just one higher than yours. This escalation clause can win you the house without paying as much as you are willing.

This escalation clause does not apply if the seller accepts your offer without an escalation agreement. This escalation clause does not come into play unless you are in competition with other buyers, or are negotiating for a home where there are more than one offers on the table at once. To reiterate, this escalation clause can win you the house without paying as much as you are willing only under certain circumstances.

Let’s explore how an escalation clause might look in a contract:

Purchaser hereby agrees to pay $_ more than the highest verifiable offer up to $__.

Let’s imagine there are thee offers on a house. Typically, in this scenario, there’s a deadline to have your ‘highest and best’ offer in. Let’s pretend our offer has a sale price of $300,000 with an escalation clause that reads “Purchaser hereby agrees to pay $2000 more than the highest verifiable offer up to $320,000.”

The second offer is a flat offer of $312,000.

With all other parts of the contract being the same, our final sale price would be $314,000. As you can see, we didn’t pay what we were willing to go to, which would have been $320,000.

As you can see by this example, it’s a nice ‘ebay style’ way to bid on a house. There are some agents who state, “No escalation clauses” and often this says to me, they are old school and just can’t figure it out.

I have some other tricks I would add to beef up the offer and make sure we are the strongest possible buyer. I would include an appraisal bridge, a refined inspection clause, among others. If we were the first offer in, I might suggest we offer a ‘signing bonus’ which is something most agents have not thought about. Agents often put an expiration date on an offer to try to force the signature and acceptance of the contract. This does nothing but irritates the seller, instead let’s offer a signing bonus of $2000-$5000 if the seller signs before a certain DATE and TIME. If your realtor isn’t talking to you about ways to beef up your offer, it may be time to think about hiring a realtor with a little more experience, as this market can be tough, and losing house after house will wear on you. As a seasoned realtor, I always call the listing agent before I write a contract to find out what the seller needs are, is it occupancy, a quick closing, or something else? If your realtor isn’t making that call, it’s a red flag. You don’t throw a brick through the window with an offer to buy the house, you want someone who will knock on the door and see what it’s going to take to get it, right?

Listed on this page are some additional buyer resources:

https://www.arbormove.com/buyers

If you’re interested in purchasing a home in the Ann Arbor area, a quick search page is here:

https://www.arbormove.com/ann_arbor_real_estate

As always, if you’re interested in buying or selling your house in the Ann Arbor area, please reach out to me, Middy Matthews at 734-239-3796. If you’d like to browse the web site, https://ArborMove.com will get you there or send us an email at Sales@ArborMove.com

_________________________________________________________________________________

This document is not intended to be legal advice and doesn’t serve to establish an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author of this article. It is recommended that all parties seeking real estate advice consult with an attorney licensed to practice law within their state’s borders before taking action on any real estate transaction.

________________________________________________________________________________

October 12, 2021October 12, 2021

Housing in the Ann Arbor area | Arbor Move Team

key chain home form on the coin in the middle of the puzzle

Ann Arbor, Michigan is a great place to live. It’s home to the University of Michigan and has some of the best schools in the country. With so many excellent academic institutions, it’s no surprise that Ann Arbor attracts people from all walks of life. Whether you’re looking for single family homes or apartments close to downtown, this guide can help you find your new home!

Ann Arbor offers a variety of housing options, from condominiums and townhouses to single family homes. Depending on the area you choose (downtown vs. outside) prices can vary greatly as well!

Condos: https://search.arbormove.com/search/results/AnnArborCondos

Single Family Homes: https://search.arbormove.com/search/results/AnnArborSingleFamilyHomes

Downtown Homes/Condos: https://search.arbormove.com/search/results/AnnArborDowntown

Not Downtown Homes/Condos: https://search.arbormove.com/search/results/AnnArborNotDowntown

– If you’re looking for downtown living, it’s important to be mindful of noise levels and late night activities that may disturb you.

– If you’re a student looking for an apartment, it’s important to be mindful that leases can vary in length from month to month or year to year! Be sure to check with your landlord before signing on the dotted line.

– The University of Michigan offers many resources and housing options when it comes finding off campus living arrangements. Check out their website for more information: https://housing.umich.edu/

Neighborhoods in Ann Arbor

are known for their charm.

Neighborhoods in Ann Arbor are known for their charm. There is a variety of housing options available, from trendy condos to sprawling mansions with acres of land. The median home value was $347,000 as of January 2021 according to Zillow’s Home Value Index which makes it the highest among all Michigan cities . In addition , there is always an abundance of things going on around town that residents can enjoy such as music festivals and art exhibits at local museums.

In addition , there is always an abundance of things going on around town that residents can enjoy such as music festivals and art exhibits at local museums. For those who work downtown or want easy access to public transportation, living close by may be a must. You can find local events and venues in the local paper, The Observer: https://annarborobserver.com/eventbody.html

Or for some world class concerts, check out UMS: https://ums.org/

For more information on the Ann Arbor Schools: https://www.a2schools.org/

As always, if you have any questions or need help finding your new home, contact us today. We are here to help! 🙂

October 12, 2021October 12, 2021

Ann Arbor Area Board of REALTORS® Market Update

Businessman with smart phone looking away while sitting near window at workplace

Nationwide, existing home sales were down slightly in August, falling 2% after two
consecutive months of increases, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The
decline in existing home sales coincides with rising sales prices, which have continued to
soar into fall, with the median sales price of existing homes up 14.9% compared to last
year. Declining affordability has had a significant impact on homebuyers, many of whom
have been priced out of the market and are choosing to wait for sales prices to ease before
resuming their home search.

As you can see here there are over 500 homes for sale in Ann Arbor currently:

https://search.arbormove.com/search/results/homes-for-sale-ann-arbor

New Listings decreased 23.3 percent for Single Family homes and 27.6 percent for
Townhouse/Condo homes. Pending Sales increased 23.6 percent for Single Family homes
and 23.8 percent for Townhouse/Condo homes. Inventory decreased 51.0 percent for Single
Family homes and 52.1 percent for Townhouse/Condo homes.

Median Sales Price increased 18.0 percent to $360,000 for Single Family homes but
decreased 0.4 percent to $236,000 for Townhouse/Condo homes. Days on Market
decreased 39.4 percent for Single Family homes and 36.4 percent for Townhouse/Condo
homes. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 59.4 percent for Single Family homes and
63.2 percent for Townhouse/Condo homes.

Explore different areas here:

https://www.arbormove.com/areas

There are signs the market may be shifting, however. New listings have continued to hit the
market, bucking seasonality trends commonly seen in the fall, a time when listing and sales
activity typically slows as children return to school. As inventory increases, competition for
homes may soften, and could even bring a moderation in sales prices, which, after 114
months of year-over-year gains, would be music to the ears of homebuyers throughout the
country.

^{###The “Monthly Housing Statistics” published each month by the Ann Arbor Area Board of REALTORS® represent
the housing activity of the Multiple Listing Service and not necessarily all the housing activity that has occurred
in Washtenaw County. If you would like more details or information about our statistics, please email
mls@aaabor.com.
Days on market (DOM) figures are indicated only for that particular current listing. If the property was taken off
the market and then re-listed, the count starts over and would not necessarily reflect the total days the
property has been available for purchase since it was first made available.}

Mortgage interest rates have dropped to near-historic low and are staying there for the time being. The housing frenzy has ended and we are seeing more and more houses on the market right now. So, that answer is a solid YES, it’s a great time to buy!

Maybe you’re more interested in a single family home close to downtown?

1437 E PARK PLACE – MLS #3284314 – Property located in Ann Arbor – Ann Arbor Real Estate Search – Search Ann Arbor Homes for Sale

Maybe Ann Arbor isn’t for you and you’re looking for a home on the water?

4735 MIDLAND DRIVE – MLS #2210079909 – Property located in Hamburg – Ann Arbor Real Estate Search – Search Ann Arbor Homes for Sale

Let us know what you’re looking for and we are happy to help you get started, even if it’s not right away, just let us know. From lending to closing, we can help you every step of the way.
If you’d like to schedule a quick call, please sign up here:

Phone Call – Middy Matthews – Arbor Move Team Schedule a quick call with me.

Hunting for your new home is hard, but we hope to make that easier. Sometimes you think you want one city, but would like to see what surrounding areas have to offer, so if you’re up for exploring, here are some quick links. Keep this email or bookmark the links you like, as the homes will change. These links will get you just the homes that came on the market in the last week.

If your current search emails aren’t delivering what you want to see, can I customize that to your preferences. Let me know what you’re looking for and I’ll get that changed for you right away.

Did I miss any? Let me know.

October 1, 2021October 1, 2021

Don’t Skip These 5 Fall Maintenance Tasks | Home buying and selling

Your home is a huge investment — an investment you’ll want to protect for the long haul. That means proper maintenance is key! Completing seasonal chores can help extend the life span and cut down on repair/renovation costs of your house while also increasing its value in today’s competitive market environment; after all, who doesn’t love saving money?!
A few simple tasks like power washing or filling cracks will add years onto what might have been considered just another “spring cleaning.” As always though make sure that any work done meets specific criteria (code requirements) before attempting anything too risky such as installing new flooring when there may already be issues with weakness below ground level from previous flooding disasters .

Fall is the best time to get your home in tip top shape. And with five must-do tasks, you can make sure that it stays perfect year round!

Check for and seal any air leaks around windows or doors, which can make it hard to control the climate of your home. In wintertime that means sky-high heating bills as well as uncomfortable living conditions year round!

If you want to protect your home from the damages that can happen with standing water, then it’s important for Gutters and Downspouts maintenance. For example: wind-driven rainwater may cause damage such as leaks or erosion on foundation walls; if an attic access point becomes clogged due to leaves etc., this will stop proper ventilation which could lead everything inside (including insulation) getting wet eventually resulting in expensive losses!
While these problems may not seem major at first glance – we assure they’re anything but trivial once taken into full consideration.

Every year, it’s important to inspect your roof for any signs of wear or damage. At the very least you’ll need an annual inspection- if not more often than that!
A leaky roof can cause huge problems like water contamination which will lead in many cases to costly repairs due both from monetary loss as well as health risks associated with mold exposure; so don’t wait until there are obvious leaks before taking these steps.

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! This is a must. Keep these vital safety devices in good working condition by putting them into test mode, making sure they are all functioning properly with fresh batteries every six months or so of year before storing for the long winter’s night.”

It’s important to have your furnace inspected once per year. The safety of the unit depends on it!
It can pose serious fire hazards, as well as risks associated with general negligence or improper maintenance and these issues may simply go unnoticed if you don’t take a look at yours frequently enough.

You’ll be glad you did it when these tasks are done.
It’s not hard to check off your list, and the payoff is worth more than what went into accomplishing them!

Considering buying a new home? Have questions about your home’s value? Get in touch today.

Middy M Matthews (Lic: 6501383992)
The Arbor Move Team
The More Group MI (Broker Lic.: 6502403145)
2020 Hogback Road, Suite 3
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Call/Text: 734-239-3796
Middy@ArborMove.com
www.ArborMove.com