Calling all foodies and those who like a good value – Ann Arbor Restaurant Week begins this Sunday! If you didn’t get your fill of fantastic food over the holidays, you have one last chance without feeling the guilt. Local chefs are putting together special menus to highlight their best culinary skills during this week long celebration. Prices have remained the same as last year, with $12 lunches and $25 dinners. These fixed priced menus generally offer 3 course meals, with a choice of items, and a select few will be offering 2 for 1 deals. Here is a list of participants:

Downtown Ann Arbor Restaurants:

Outside of Downtown Ann Arbor

The Bouma Group welcomes Linda Ansara as the team’s new Leasing Specialist.  Linda past experience as a buyer with the Kmart Corporation, along with a corporate operations background in retail that ranges from high-end products to mass-merchandise to helping those who help others through her not for profit work, make her a strong asset to The Bouma Group real estate team. She brings a finely honed ability to match client needs to find them the perfect leasing opportunity.

Martin Bouma, Team Leader is excited to have Linda as part of his dynamic team of Ann Arbor real estate professionals. With the growing need for home and condo leasing in Washtenaw County, a strong leasing specialist is a true asset.

Martin Bouma and The Bouma Group have been servicing the real estate needs of Washtenaw County for more than 25 years and they bring a unique, personal touch to each transaction. Thorough market knowledge, exceptional follow-through, and cutting edge marketing are the hallmarks of The Bouma Group’s continued success and have made them Ann Arbor’s #1 Realtor for home sales for the past 10 years. For more information on listing your home or condo for rent and leasing opportunities in the Ann Arbor area, contact Linda and The Bouma Group today at 734-761-3060 or linda@bouma.com.

The holiday season is here and promises to be bigger and better than ever in Ann Arbor. There are plenty of holiday activities and unique, local shopping experiences in and around town. Here are a few of the things going on in the month of December.

Saturday, December 3

• 40^th Annual Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale. Dexter Area Historical Museum, 3443 Inverness St, Dexter. 9am-3pm. Hand-made gift items for sale, baked goods, raffle, and a visit from Santa between 10:30-Noon.
• Christmas at the Mansion. Gordon Hall, 8347 Island Lake Rd, Dexter. Noon-6pm. Donation of $1/child and $5/adult. Stroll through the mansion, beautifully decorated by Dexter local businesses along with 6^th grade classes, while enjoying cookies, cider, a live holiday ensemble, and a visit by Santa.
• Saline Holiday Parade. Downtown Saline at 5:30. Annual parade featuring marching bands, floats, horses and more, followed by the arrival of Santa.
• All the Trimmings Holiday Show. Chelsea Fairgrounds, 20501 Old US-12. Free entry and refreshments. A wide array of offerings from jewelry to fiber arts to wood carvings, holiday greens and more.
• 24^th Annual Chelsea Hometown Holiday. Downtown Chelsea, various locations. A fun-filled weekend holiday celebration that begins Friday evening with Santa’s arrival to light the Christmas Tree at Pierce Park at 6pm, followed by many activities and entertainment until Sunday evening. Visit chelseafestivals.com for a complete schedule.
• Santa Visits Kerrytown. 407 N. Fifth Ave. 10am-1pm. Visit with Santa and enjoy live musical performances from local musicians, schools, and groups.

Sunday, December 4

• Christmas at the Mansion. Gordon Hall, 8347 Island Lake Rd, Dexter. Noon-6pm. Donation of $1/child and $5/adult. Stroll through the mansion, beautifully decorated by Dexter local businesses along with 6^th grade classes, while enjoying cookies, cider, a live holiday ensemble, and a visit by Santa.
• 24^th Annual Chelsea Hometown Holiday. Downtown Chelsea, various locations. A fun-filled weekend holiday celebration that begins Friday evening with Santa’s arrival to light the Christmas Tree at Pierce Park at 6pm, followed by many activities and entertainment until Sunday evening. Visit chelseafestivals.com for a complete schedule.

Friday, December 9

• Festive Fridays. Downtown Ann Arbor, corner of Main & Liberty/Washington. Free horse drawn carriage rides, live sidewalk entertainment, and late night shopping.
• Yourist Studio Gallery Annual Holiday Show. 113 Broadway, Ann Arbor. Reception 5-9pm. Annual Pottery Show and Sale by various artists, featuring sculpture, functional ware, beads, and more.

Saturday, December 10

• Sing Along with Santa. Presented by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 South 4^th Ave, Ann Arbor. Begins at 4pm, tickets are $10. A great family event, including a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’, festive songs, cookies & cider.
• Tiny Expo. Downtown Ann Arbor at 325 Braun Court. 10am-7pm. An indie arts & crafts fair featuring local artists, food, film, and libations.
• Santa Visits Kerrytown. 407 N. Fifth Ave. 10am-1pm. Visit with Santa and enjoy live musical performances from local musicians, schools, and groups.
• Yourist Studio Gallery Annual Holiday Show. 113 Broadway, Ann Arbor. 10am-6pm. Annual Pottery Show and Sale by various artists, featuring sculpture, functional ware, beads, and more.
• Treasure Trail to Santa. Busch’s Shopping Center, 565 E. Michigan Ave. Free. Follow the treasure trail through the center shops and enjoy entertainment, refreshments, carriage rides, animals, and look for Santa.
• Ann Arbor Antiques Market Special Holiday Show. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 8am-4pm. Shop your favorite antique market for unique gifts. Inside heated buildings.

Sunday, December 11

• Homegrown at Cobblestone. Cobblestone Farm Center, 2781 Packard Rd. Local artists assemble to promote their made-in-Michigan wares. Jewelry, clothing, pottery, bird houses, photography and more!
• Yourist Studio Gallery Annual Holiday Show. 113 Broadway, Ann Arbor. 10am-4pm. Annual Pottery Show and Sale by various artists, featuring sculpture, functional ware, beads, and more.

Friday, December 16^th

• Festive Fridays. Downtown Ann Arbor, corner of Main & Liberty/Washington. Free horse drawn carriage rides, live sidewalk entertainment, and late night shopping.
• Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet. The Power Center 121 Fletcher St. 8pm. Ticket prices vary, visit http://annarborballettheatre.org/5.html. The 27^th annual production of this classic holiday favorite.

Saturday, December 17^th

• Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet. The Power Center 121 Fletcher St. 2 pm & 8pm. Ticket prices vary, visit http://annarborballettheatre.org/5.html. The 27^th annual production of this classic holiday favorite.
• Santa Visits Kerrytown. 407 N. Fifth Ave. 10am-1pm. Visit with Santa and enjoy live musical performances from local musicians, schools, and groups.

Sunday, December 18^th

• Homegrown at Cobblestone. Cobblestone Farm Center, 2781 Packard Rd. Local artists assemble to promote their made-in-Michigan wares. Jewelry, clothing, pottery, bird houses, photography and more!
• Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet. The Power Center 121 Fletcher St. 2 pm. Ticket prices vary, visit http://annarborballettheatre.org/5.html. The 27^th annual production of this classic holiday favorite.

Chanukah Wonderland at Briarwood Mall. 100 Briarwood Circle, near the Sears wing. From Tuesday 12/20-Friday 12/23 & Monday 12/26-Tuesday 12/27. Times vary. A virtual, fun-filled Chanukah experience, including: arts & crafts, Lego Menorah contest, and interactive displays.

Monday, December 26^th

• Chanukah on Ice. Ann Arbor Ice Cube 2121 Oak Valley Drive. $25/family, $8/person before 12/24 or $30/family or $10/person. Starts at 5pm. Skate to Chanukah music and sample traditional Chanukah foods, followed by dinner, then view a 5’ Menorah built from ice.

If we’ve forgotten anything, please leave us a comment with the event name and location. With so many holiday events and gatherings with friends and family, you may not be thinking about real estate, but we will be! If you are considering selling your Ann Arbor home, after the holidays is a great time to get started. Beat the spring rush and call us today to find out the value of your Ann Arbor, Saline, or Dexter home and what you need to do to get it ready. And be sure to check out our Ann Arbor Real Estate website to search the Ann Arbor MLS for homes and get the most up-to-date information!

*Rates are based on a mortgage of $200,000, 80% LTV, no points and a credit score of 740 or higher.

Please keep in mind that interest rates are subject to change without notice. The rates listed above are average rates and are presented to provide an illustrative perspective. To find out more about the current interest rates and how these low rates can affect you’re buying power, contact Charlie Chapell with United Bank & Trust today at 734-214-2728 or cchapell@ubat.com.

Now is a great time to take advantage of the low interest rates combined with low home prices! To search for that perfect Ann Arbor real estate, visit our Ann Arbor MLS site here!

Ann Arbor mortgage rates have hit another low! The mortgage rates have been down for 6 weeks now and at this level for the past 2 weeks.  We should continue to have rates in this range throughout most of the 4^th quarter.  What a great time to make an Ann Arbor home purchase with these lower mortgage payments!  With these rates your buying power has increased by $10,000 – $40,000, depending on your purchase price.

Please keep in mind that interest rates are subject to change without notice. The rates listed above are average rates and are presented to provide an illustrative perspective. To find out more about the current interest rates and which loan program is best for you, contact Charlie Chapell with United Bank & Trust today at 734-214-2728 or cchapell@ubat.com. If you haven’t already taken advantage of the low interest rates combined with low home prices, now is the best time! To search for that perfect Ann Arbor real estate, visit our Ann Arbor MLS site here!

Fall is one of the most beautiful times in Michigan and always reminds us of why this is a great place to live. The Ann Arbor area has so many fun activities planned to keep you entertained until the holidays arrive. So get out and enjoy the crisp air, sunny days, and gorgeous fall colors. Here are some of the local events planned through Halloween.

Ongoing:

• Wiards Orchards & Country Fair and Night Terrors. 5565 Merritt Rd. Ypsilanti. Hours & prices vary. http://www.wiards.com
• Wasem Fruit Farm. 6580 Judd Rd., Milan. 9am-6pm daily. http://www.wasemfruitfarm.com
• Dexter Cider Mill. 3685 Central, Dexter. Hours vary. http://www.dextercidermill.com
• Jenny’s Farm Market. 8366 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. http://www.jennysdextermarket.com
• The Blast Corn Maze. 6175 Daly Rd., Dexter. Hours & prices vary. http://www.blastcornmaze.com
• Corn Maze at Talladay Farms. 6270 Judd Rd., 6-10pm. $6/maze or $10 for both. http://www.talladayfarms.com
• Chelsea Fear Grounds. 20501 W. Old US-12, Chelsea. State of the Art Haunted Attraction. Hours & prices vary. http://www.chelseafeargrounds.com

Friday, September 30^th

• Autumn Barn & Porch Sale and Festival: Dixboro General Store. 5206 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor. 10am-8pm. Free. The historic barns are opened for the festival with refreshments, live music, store specials, artist signings, horse-drawn carriage rides, giveaways, and more.

Saturday, October 1^st

• 19^th Annual Apple Daze. Monument Park in Downtown Dexter. Hosted by the Dexter Lions Club. 10am-5pm. Classic car show, arts & crafts, pony rides, hay rides to the Dexter Cider Mill, kids games, bounce house, pie eating contest, live entertainment, raffles, and more.
• Chicken Broil. Dexter Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall. 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd., Dexter. 11:30am-6pm. Chicken dinner with all of the fixings. $9.
• Harvest Art Market: Silver Maples of Chelsea. 10am–4pm. Free. Art display and sale with a variety of media by Michigan artists, demonstrations, bake sale, entertainment.
• South Lyon Pumpkinfest. Downtown South Lyon. 9am-11pm. Free. All ages fun including children’s activities, live music, beer tent, movie nights, and much more.
• Autumn Barn & Porch Sale and Festival: Dixboro General Store. 5206 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor. 10am-8pm. Free. The historic barns are opened for the festival with refreshments, live music, store specials, artist signings, horse-drawn carriage rides, giveaways, and more.

Sunday, October 2^nd

• Autumn Barn & Porch Sale and Festival: Dixboro General Store. 5206 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor. 10am-5pm. Free. The historic barns are opened for the festival with refreshments, live music, store specials, artist signings, horse-drawn carriage rides, giveaways, and more.
• Chicken Broil. Dexter Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall. 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd., Dexter. 11:30am-6pm. Chicken dinner with all of the fixings. $9.

Saturday, October 8^th

• Indian Art & Frontier Show: Frontier Antiques. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $4 admission. Cultural & commercial artifacts from early fur trade through western Indian wars on display and for sale. Appraisals also being done.
• 18^th Annual Appleumpkin Festival & Waterfest. Downtown Tecumseh. 9am-6pm. Free. Arts & Crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, haunted house, kid’s activities, build-a-scarecrow and more.

Sunday, October 9^th

• 18^th Annual Appleumpkin Festival & Waterfest. Downtown Tecumseh. 10am-5pm. Free. Arts & Crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, haunted house, kid’s activities, build-a-scarecrow and more.

Saturday, October 15^th

• Ann Arbor Antiques Market. 8am-4pm. Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $6/person. Wonderful array of antiques and collectibles.

Sunday, October 16^th

• Ann Arbor Antiques Market. 10am-4pm. Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. $6/person. Wonderful array of antiques and collectibles.
• Trick or Treat Down the River. Ann Arbor Park & Rec. Noon-4pm. Gallup Park Canoe Livery 3000 Fuller Rd. $22/boat. Paddle Gallup Pond and collect candy from costumed characters.

Friday, October 21^st

• Halloween Hullaballoo. Saline Area Parks & Rec. 1866 Woodland Dr. E, Saline. 5:30-8pm. $9 (pre-register at 429-3502) Crafts, games, contests, and more.

Saturday, October 22^nd

• Hallow-Harvest. Cobblestone Farm Association. 2781 Packard, Ann Arbor. Noon-4pm. Donations accepted. A living history festival, includes: a costume parade, prizes, crafts, games, animals.

Sunday, October 23^rd

• Halloween Fun at Hudson Mills Metropark. 10am & 1pm. Purchase tickets in advance. $6/child, $3/adult. Activities, cider, doughnuts, and hay rides.
• Hallow-Harvest. Cobblestone Farm Association. 2781 Packard, Ann Arbor. Noon-4pm. Donations accepted. A living history festival, includes: a costume parade, prizes, crafts, games, animals.

Saturday, October 29^th

• Boo Bash. Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor. 6-8pm. Free. Kids 12 and under are invited to come trick or treat at the mall stores, plus activities.

Sunday, October 30^th

• Art on the Farm. 12075 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. 10am-4pm. Art show and sale by 30 local artists of all mediums. Live music and refreshments.

Monday, October 31^st

• Halloween Treat Parade. Downtown Ann Arbor. 11am-5pm. Wear your costume and trick-or-treat at businesses displaying orange and black balloons.

Here at The Bouma Group, we think Ann Arbor is a great place to call home. Not only is it beautiful in any season, there is never a lack of fun things to do. If you are planning on relocating to Ann Arbor, or just want to learn more about the Washtenaw County area and see what’s going on in the Ann Arbor real estate market, contact us at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com, we’d love to talk about our city with you!

Next week is the start of one of Ann Arbor’s favorite annual events: The Ann Arbor Art Fairs. This is a fantastic time of year when artists from all over the country come together to showcase their best work and put on the area’s best art show. The Ann Arbor Art Fairs is actually a combination of 4 juried fairs, including the original Ann Arbor Street Fair, the State Street Area Art Fair, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, and Ann Arbor’s South University Art Fair. These fairs have made the Top 10 Fairs list every year since 2004, and have received countless accolades. In its 52^nd year, this year’s fairs promise to be at the top for 2011!

Kicking off the Ann Arbor Art Fairs is the Townie Street Party on Monday, July 18^th from 5-9:30 on Washington St. between Thayer & Fletcher. This fundraiser will feature live music, food, drinks, and free art activities for the kids. If you’d like to celebrate in style, you can enjoy the festivities from The Terrace, a covered VIP lounge with hors d’oeuvres and a private bar.

Once the fairs begin, attendees will be entertained and impressed with fine art in every medium presented by over 1100 artists, street performances, art activity zones, artist demos, The Fountain Stage, merchant displays and sidewalk sales, local cuisine, and a festive atmosphere. Parking is available downtown, but you can also park and ride from 2 locations, Briarwood Mall and Pioneer High School. And if you get tired of walking, just hop on one of the trolley’s to cruise to your next destination.

If you been thinking of an investment, besides a new piece of art, and want to be a part of the chic, yet eclectic Ann Arbor lifestyle, a downtown condo may be perfect for you. Downtown Ann Arbor condos are priced at an all-time low and there are many great deals out there! Contact us at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com to make an appointment with one of our professional buyer’s agents to visit one of these impressive condo communities: Ashley Terrace, Loft 322, Ashley Mews, Sloan Plaza, Tower Plaza, One North Main, or Liberty Lofts. For instant active and sold listing information on all Ann Arbor Condos, visit the Ann Arbor Condo Hotline, the premier source for information!

It only happens twice a year and the second week of the annual Ann Arbor Restaurant Week will be here June 12-17. This is the time for local chefs to show off their skills as participating restaurants offer fixed price lunch and dinner specials throughout the whole week. Lunches are $12 and 3 course dinners are $25. Many restaurants will also be offering 2 for 1 deals as well.

Ann Arbor Restaurants Included:

• Arbor Brewing Company
• The Arena Sports Bar & Grill
• Argiero’s
• Bandito’s California Style
• *Bar Louie
• The Black Pearl

• The Blue Nile
• Blue Tractor
• Café Felix
• Café Japon
• Carlyle
• Carson’s American Bistro
• The Chop House
• Conor O’Neill’s
• *The Original Cottage Inn
• The Earle
• Grange Kitchen & Bar
• Gratzi
• Grizzly Peak
• Jamaican Jerk Pit
• Jazzy Veggie
• Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery
• Logan
• Mahek
• *Mani Osteria & Bar
• Marnee Thai Restaurant
• Mediterrano
• Melange Bistro
• The Melting Pot
• Mercy’s
• *Metzger’s
• Miki Japanese Restaurant
• Old Town Tavern
• Pacific Rim
• *Parthenon
• Prickly Pear Cafe
• *The Quarter Bistro
• Real Seafood Company
• Sabor Latino
• Sava’s on State
• Seva
• Shalimar
• Silvio’s Organic Pizza
• Vinology
• Weber’s

*new participant this summer

So come on out and try that new Ann Arbor restaurant you’ve been hearing about! After spending the day looking for homes in the Ann Arbor Real Estate market with a member of The Bouma Group, hit up one of these great eateries for a fine meal at a discounted price. For more information and to view menus and 2 for 1 offers (if available) for each place, visit the Ann Arbor Restaurant Week’s website.

Ann Arbor has quickly become one of Hollywood’s favorite movie locations. This past weekend, the star studded Scream 4 opened across the country. Much of the film was shot right here in Ann Arbor and there were star sightings all over town. In 2008, a 40-42% tax credit was created and began drawing filmmakers to Michigan, specifically Ann Arbor, and continues to bring in revenue and give many local businesses an economic boost. There are currently 43 applications for films to be shot in Michigan, with many choosing Ann Arbor as a backdrop.

Just approved and set in Ann Arbor are 2 feature films, Awol and Five Year Engagement. Awol is the story of a real life soldier during the Vietnam era, the cast has not yet been revealed. Five Year Engagement stars Emily Blunt and Jason Segal and had a few scenes shot in February, with more scheduled for June.

Movies filmed in Ann Arbor and opening soon:

• Meet Monica Velour – Starring Kim Cattrell and Dustin Ingram.
• Ides of March – Directed by and starring George Clooney.

Recent movie premiers:

• Trust – Directed by David Schwimmer & starring Clive Owen and Katherine Keener.
• Cedar Rapids – Starring Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, and Anne Heche.
• Salvation Boulevard – Starring Jennifer Connelly, Marisa Tomei, and Greg Kinnear.
• Answer This! – Directed and produced by Ann Arbor native brothers Christopher & Michael Farrah.
• My Neighbor – An Indie film entered in the Toronto Film Festival.

Recent films with Ann Arbor locations:

• Stone – Robert Di Niro, Edward Norton, and Milla Jovovich.
• Youth in Revolt – Michael Cera, Jean Smart, Portia Doubleday
• Jumper – Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Jamie Bell
• American Virgin – Rob Schneider, Jenna Dewan, Chase Ryan Jeffery
• Whip It – Directed by Drew Barrymore with Ellen Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig.
• Conviction – Hillary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Thomas Mahard
• Mooz-lum – Danny Glover, Nia Long, Evan Ross

Here at The Bouma Group, we think Ann Arbor is a great place to call home, as well as shoot a movie, run a business, or raise a family. If you’d like to learn more about the Washtenaw County area or find out what’s going on in the Ann Arbor real estate market, contact us at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com, we’d love to talk about our city with you!

In an article published in the Annarbor.com Business Review, according to University of Michigan economists George Fulton and Don Grimes, the Ann Arbor area will be adding more than 8000 new jobs in multiple sectors over the next 3 years. They estimated that Washtenaw County added over 4000 jobs in 2010 after 4 consecutive years of job losses, supporting a slow, but steady economic recovery. The unemployment rate in Washtenaw County is expected to decline to 6.7% by 2013 from an average of 8.6% in 2010.

A few of the major sectors slated to add jobs include:

• Local Manufacturing, including Automotive
• Health Care Service Providers
• Private Ambulatory Care Services
• Regional Government
• Professional & Business Services
• Restaurant Services

Many small businesses are beginning to hire, but still remain very cautious. While we are far from a full recovery, these are steps in the right direction for the Ann Arbor area. You can view the full report here: The Economic Outlook for Washtenaw County in 2011-13.

We are beginning to see recovery in the Ann Arbor real estate market as prices begin to stabilize and even increase a bit under $400k. Spring is right around the corner, housing inventory remains low, and mortgage interest rates are at historic levels making this a great time to sell your home. To learn more about what’s happening with prices and inventory in your specific Washtenaw County neighborhood, visit our Subdivision Hotline or contact us today at 734-761-3060 or info@bouma.com.