You may think that we here at The Bouma Group are only passionate about helping folks buy and sell Ann Arbor Real Estate. While that is our main goal, we are also committed to providing people with information about the Ann Arbor Area -  and what better way than through photos! We are excited to have started a brand new photo blog that showcases all things Ann Arbor from local icons to restaurants to special events. Take a look at the Ann Arbor Photo Blog and let us know what you think.

Not only do we love sharing our ‘view’, we want to see what your Ann Arbor looks like. So, please email us your best photos of what this city is to you. We want this photo blog to become a great resource for people who already live here or are planning to relocate. Send your photos, along with a short description, to us at info@bouma.com.

Be sure to check our new Ann Arbor Photo Blog regularly, as we are constantly updating it with new and exciting photos.

-Martin

I have to admit, I’m crazy about all the amazing technology available to Washtenaw County home buyers and  Ann Arbor real estate agents alike. It seems like yesterday we were carrying around our “brick” cell phones. Today, smartphones like the iPhone and the Blackberry are all the rage!

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It would be real easy to write a post about “It’s Time to Begin Spring Cleaning”, but do we really need one more blog post about cleaning your Ann Arbor home? No, I didn’t think so either.

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What is my Ann Arbor Home Worth Today?

The condition of the real estate market keeps this question at the forefront of most Washtenaw County homeowners minds. You can spend hours on the web trying to keep up with the latest home price and sales information and then try to piece it all together to make sense. Or, you can check out this great tool called Market Snapshot.

What is Market Snapshot?

A free graphical report that provides up-to-the minute MLS information on the area or neighborhood of your choice.  Market Snapshot provides the real estate information you need all in one place and is automatically emailed to you at the frequency you request. In a single report you will find:

• Market Info – including active and sold data, plus view homes in detail
• Community Info – characteristics, restaurants, shopping, arts & entertainment, plus much more
• School Info – schools in the area with detailed views

View an interactive sample of Market Snapshot here.

Signing Up is Easy

Just click here to visit the enrollment page. Remember, there is no obligation to buy or sell a home by signing up. Once you receive your report, contact the Bouma Group with any questions you may have with interpreting the data. If you are thinking of selling your home and would like more information on your home’s value, give Martin a call at 734-761-3060.

If you are thinking about selling your Ann Arbor home here are a few new concepts to consider when marketing your property in 2009:

1. Home values in Washtenaw County have slipped from 4th quarter 2006 to 4th quarter 2008. Here are the numbers:
   • Declined 38% per square foot
   • Average sales price has declined 31%
   • Square footage of homes has increased 2.1%

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Part of my role as leader of the Bouma Group is to be in lock-step with all of the creative ways Washtenaw County home buying consumers can use technology for their benefit. Today’s leading Ann Arbor real estate agents are no longer just regulated to having a surface knowledge about technology, we must be trendsetters in understanding how it works, its usability and the incredible ways it enhances your experience whether you are buying or selling Ann Arbor real estate. It also helps to take a look back and see just how far technology has come!

Do You Remember the “Brick”?

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