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Archives: April 2018

How to Make a Wants Vs. Needs List for Your Home Search

It’s spring, which means home buying season has officially arrived! If you’re on the hunt for a new home, chances are you’ve already thought about the features you’d like to have.

However, one important part of searching for homes is making a distinction between your needs and your wants. Needs are amenities or features you can’t live without, while wants are things that you’d like to have (but they ultimately wouldn’t affect your home buying decision too much).

Two-story suburban home with a large garage and grey shutters.Ideally, you’ll want to come up with this list of needs (e.g. 3 bedrooms, under $200k, close to schools) and wants (e.g. fiber internet connection, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets) before you start looking for homes. This will save you time along the way as you browse dozens, maybe hundreds, of homes online or in person.

Here’s a guide for distinguishing between your wants vs. needs:

Your Needs

To begin, come up with a list of priorities. What are some features or amenities that are non-negotiable? Do you need a home with a certain number of bedrooms? Maybe it has to be in a specific location — close to public transit, near a popular attraction, or within a local school district.

Write your priorities down on paper or in a smartphone app to better visualize what you need in a home. Here are some things to consider: Continue reading

2609 Lillian, Ann Arbor MI Home at Forestbrooke Subdivision

2609 Lillian, Ann Arbor MI 481042609 Lillian, Ann Arbor MI Home for Sale at Forestbrooke

SOLD! Updated tri-level located in Forestbrooke subdivision on Ann Arbor’s east side close to shopping, restaurants, and expressways. Details include:

  • 2102 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.
  • Living room has a cozy wood burning stove and opens to the patio and back yard with privacy fencing.
  • Kitchen is updated with butcher block counters and new appliances.
  • More photos and details
  • MLS# 3255829
  • Listed for $309,900

For a private showing for 2609 Lillian or to receive more information, contact us at The Bouma Group Realtors today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. Learn more about the Forestbrooke community here!

2527 Devonshire, Ann Arbor Hills Area Home for Sale

2527 Devonshire, Ann Arbor MI 481042527 Devonshire, Ann Arbor Hills Home for Sale

SOLD! Traditional colonial situated on a large lot in the coveted Ann Arbor Hills neighborhood. Features include:

  • 2559 sq. ft., +390 in finished lower level, 4 bedrooms and 2.1 baths.
  • Beautiful hardwood floors throughout the home with tile in the bathrooms.
  • Vaulted master bedroom has dual closets and a private bath.
  • More photos and features
  • Virtual tour
  • MLS# 3255710
  • Listed for $624,900

For more information on 2527 Devonshire or to request a private showing of this home, contact the Ann Arbor Real Estate specialists with The Bouma Group today at 734-761-3060 or email info@bouma.com. View photos and a description of the Ann Arbor Hills neighborhood here!

8254 W. Waters Rd., Ann Arbor Home with Saline Schools

8254 W. Waters Rd., Ann Arbor MI 481038254 W. Waters Rd., Ann Arbor MI Home on 3 Acres

SOLD! Private wooded setting for this spacious home on 3 acres in Lodi Township. Details include:

  • 1996 sq. ft., +1190 in finished lower level, 4 bedrooms and 2 baths.
  • Vaulted living room has lovely stone fireplace and is open to the dining area and kitchen.
  • Master bedroom is also vaulted and offers a private bath with a spa tub and access to a private deck.
  • Walk-out lower level is finished with a family room and bedroom.
  • 30′ x 40′ pole barn.
  • More photos & features
  • Virtual tour
  • MLS# 3255833
  • Listed for $429,900

For more information on 8254 W. Waters or to request a private showing, contact the real estate specialists with The Bouma Group at 734-761-3060 or email info@bouma.com.

2900 Signature Blvd., Ann Arbor Condo at Cambridge

2900 Signature Blvd., Ann Arbor MI 481032900 Signature Blvd., Ann Arbor MI 48103 Cambridge Condos

SOLD! Light-filled unit with an open floor plan and great Ann Arbor location at Cambridge Condo complex. This 2 story unit offers:

  • 1488 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths.
  • Soaring vaulted living area is open to the kitchen and dining area and has sliding doors to the balcony style deck.
  • Master bedroom is also vaulted and features a walk-in closet with built-ins.
  • Lower level has a finished space for a rec room or study.
  • 1-car attached garage.
  • More photos & features
  • Virtual tour
  • MLS# 3255624
  • Listed for $259,900

To request a private showing or learn more about 2900 Signature Blvd., contact the Ann Arbor Condo specialists with The Bouma Group, Realtors today at 734-761-3060 or email info@bouma.com. View photos and amenities for Cambridge Condos here!

Hometown Village of Ann Arbor Subdivision Report for 2017

Hometown Village of Ann Arbor Year End Report – 2017

2017 was a terrific year for Hometown Village of Ann Arbor, with 11 homes sold; The Bouma Group being involved with 1 of them. The amount of sale increased by 4 homes compared to the previous year. Offers ranged from being similar and distant to the listing price.Hometown Village of Ann Arbor

Sold Homes:

  • $398,000. 1311 Timmins Dr., Ann Arbor. 1954 sq. ft., + 700 in finished lower level, 3 bedrooms and 2.2 baths.
  • $380,000. 1371 North Bay, Ann Arbor. 2755 sq. ft., + 1000 in finished lower level, 4 bedrooms and 3.1 baths.
  • $379,900. 1484 Chapleau Dr., Ann Arbor. 2730 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths.
  • $371,000. 1281 Timmins Dr., Ann Arbor. 1849 sq. ft., + 550 in finished lower level, 5 bedrooms and 3.1 baths. Listed by The Bouma Group
  • $370,000. 1668 Chapleau Dr., Ann Arbor. 1842 sq. ft., + 800 in finished lower level, 4 bedrooms and 2.2 baths.
  • $365,000. 1620 Chapleau Dr., Ann Arbor. 1990 sq. ft., + 600 in finished lower level, 4 bedrooms and 2.1 baths.
  • $362,501. 1264 Timmins Dr., Ann Arbor. 1750 sq. ft., + 800 in finished lower level, 3 bedrooms and 3.1 baths.
  • $360,000. 1304 North Bay, Ann Arbor. 3073 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2.1 baths.

For a complete list of Sold Homes at Hometown Village of Ann Arbor, contact us at (734)761-3060

So far this year, 1 home has sold in Hometown Village of Ann Arbor with a sale price of $396,000, which is an increase of 8.5% compared to the average sale price of $364,391 in 2017. The average price per square foot for the 11 homes sold in 2017 is $171.00, which is an increase of 11% in comparison to the A$/SF of $154.00 in year prior. For more details and information about Hometown Village of Ann Arbor, contact the real estate specialists with The Bouma Group at (734)761-3060 or by emailing info@bouma.com. View the previous market report for Hometown Village of Ann Arbor here!

140 Ashley Mews, Downtown Ann Arbor Brownstone Condo

140 Ashley Mews, Ann Arbor MI 48104140 Ashley Mews, Downtown Ann Arbor Brownstone Style Condo

SOLD! Situated right in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, this stately Ashley Mews brownstone offers:

  • 2062 sq. ft., +404 in the finished lower level, 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths.
  • Dining room adjoins the upgraded kitchen that overlooks the 2 story living room.
  • 2 bedroom suites, each with a private bath and lots of closet space.
  • Family room in the finished lower level.
  • 2 car attached garage.
  • More photos & details
  • Virtual tour
  • MLS# 3255699
  • Listed for $975,000

To learn more about 140 Ashley Mews or to request a private showing, contact the downtown Ann Arbor Condo specialists with The Bouma Group today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com. View more photos and amenities for the Ashley Mews community here.

470 Preston Circle, Dexter Home at Dexter Crossing

470 Preston Circle, Dexter MI 48130470 Preston Circle, Dexter MI Home at Dexter Crossing

SOLD! Great location within walking distance of stores, restaurants, schools, and downtown Dexter. 470 Preston Circle features:

  • 1293 sq. ft., +300 in finished lower level, 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths.
  • Hardwood flooring throughout the living room and dining/kitchen combo.
  • Master bedroom suite has a private bath.
  • Freshly painted deck to enjoy the upcoming summer.
  • More photos & details
  • MLS# 3255700
  • Listed for $262,900

For more information or to schedule a private showing contact The Bouma Group, Realtors today at 734-761-3060 or email info@bouma.com. View photos and amenities for Dexter Crossing here!

4350 Pine Ridge Ct., Ann Arbor MI Condo at The Arbors

4350 Pine Ridge Ct., Ann Arbor MI 481054350 Pine Ridge Ct., Ann Arbor MI Condo at The Arbors

SOLD! Lots of living space in this freshly painted and updated condo at The Arbors. This 2 story unit offers:

  • 1286 sq. ft., +700 in the finished lower level, 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths.
  • Vaulted living room has skylights, new engineered wood flooring, and a cozy fireplace.
  • Lower level is finished with a family room with french doors opening to the patio with a pond view.
  • More photos and features
  • Virtual tour
  • MLS# 3255523
  • Listed for $324,900

For more information or to schedule a private showing for 4350 Pine Ridge Ct., contact the Ann Arbor Condo specialists with The Bouma Group today at 734-761-3060 or email info@bouma.com. See photos and amenities for The Arbors complex here!

812 Pauline Blvd., Ann Arbor Home in Allmendinger Heights

812 Pauline Blvd., Ann Arbor MI812 Pauline Blvd., Ann Arbor MI Home in Allmendinger Heights neighborhood

Off the Market. Walk to the Big House from this cape cod with tons of potential in the Allmendinger Heights neighborhood. This home offers:

  • 1386 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.
  • Currently used as a duplex with a 2 bedroom unit on the first level and a 1 bedroom unit on the second level.
  • Located right across the street from Allmendinger Park.
  • More photos and details
  • MLS# 3255471
  • Listed for $430,000

For a private viewing of 812 Pauline Blvd., or to learn more about this Ann Arbor property, contact The Bouma Group, Realtors today at 734-761-3060 or email info@bouma.com. View photos and details for Allmendinger Heights here!