Neighborhood Spotlight: Walnut Creek in Plymouth Township

Walnut Creek Colonial

Plymouth Township had a surge of suburban development in the 1960’s-1970’s that resulted in creating many prominent Township neighborhoods, including Walnut Creek. This quaint neighborhood has about 80 homes built in the late 1970s that range from 2,050 sq. ft. ranches to 3,400+ sq. ft. colonials, tudors, and other styles.  All homes in Walnut Creek have basements, attached garages, at least 3 bedrooms and at least 2 full baths. There are two entrances off of North Territorial – Portsmouth Crossing and Haverhill. Both streets connect at the South end of the neighborhood. The association recently replaced their entry signs with ‘Walnut Creek’ carved beautifully into stone.

In recent years, sold prices have ranged from $305,000 to a high of $419,000. The average sales price since September of 2014 is $398,600.  With sizes varying dramatically and each home designed independently, it’s hard not to love Walnut Creek.  This neighborhood prides itself on being a nature lover’s paradise with mature trees and rolling hills. Because of these hills, some homes feature walk-out basements.  Homes sit on at least 0.3 acres each, some elevated on a hill or tucked away on a cul-de-sac.

The following homes sold in the last year in Walnut Creek:

  • 13175 Wyndham Court sold for $395,000
  • 12841 Portsmouth Crossing sold for $400,000
  • 13301 Portsmouth Crossing sold for $409,000
  • 12903 Moorcroft Court sold for $419,000

Walnut Creek is in the Plymouth-Canton school district. Children from this particular neighborhood may attend Bird Elementary and West Middle Schools, which are both on Sheldon Road.   All students in Plymouth-Canton’s district will go on to PCEP (Plymouth Canton Educational Park).  The Park is comprised of all three high schools for the district and a lottery decides whether your child will go to Canton, Salem or Plymouth high school.  There are also many private and charter schools in the area for you to select from.

We at Bake Real Estate have been fortunate enough to view many of these homes that have sold over the years and understand how special the neighborhood is.  Two of BAKE’s recent sales were 13301 Portsmouth Crossing and 12903 Moorcroft Court.  Each home in Walnut Creek has a unique style, landscape, and location.  That’s why this neighborhood should be on everyone’s watch list!

For more insights on homes in Walnut Creek or the surrounding area, please contact BAKE Real Estate. If you have a home to sell in Walnut Creek and would like a private consultation, please feel free to contact us to discuss your goals or concerns in confidence.  We are specialists in the local area with the experience and knowledge to assist you throughout your home buying and selling process.

Stephanie Brown

 

Plymouth’s Historic Lower Town (Old Village)

Wilcox HouseIn the year 1825 the first settlers put down roots in present day Plymouth. Those original settlers bear a familiar name that was given to one of Plymouth’s main thoroughfares  – Starkweather. In March of 1825 William Starkweather purchased 240 acres of land from the United States Government. The Starkweather’s home was built at 557 North Mill Street in the heart of Historic Old Village after their only surviving son, George Anson Starkweather, bought what was then called ‘North Village’ in 1831. Plymouth’s Old Village has been known by many names over the years; today it’s also fondly referred to as Lower Town.

Plymouth was settled in 1825, was incorporated in 1867, and became a city in 1932.  George Starkweather was responsible for bringing the railroad through Plymouth to drive more commercial traffic to his dry goods store located at the corner of Liberty and Oak (now Starkweather). Although the store does not remain, the Starkweather Legacy will continue.

Starkweather School

In modern-day Lower Town there is history all around the business district and residential sections. Some of the area’s most iconic buildings line Liberty Street. Here you’ll find Liberty Street Brewing, Hermann’s Olde Town Grille, Urban Roots Salon & more in older, historic brick buildings. Some of the oldest residential structures in Plymouth exist in Lower Town as well.

A large part of Plymouth’s history involves the Daisy Manufacturing Company which produced the Daisy Air Rifle. Clarence Hamilton established the Plymouth Iron Windmill Factory in 1882 which in time began to sell more Daisy Air Rifles than windmills.

Old Village

It seems every street and house has a long standing history in Plymouth’s Old Village. To learn more about Plymouth’s long and interesting history, visit the Plymouth Historical Museum’s website or the Margaret Dunning Memorial Building which currently houses the Plymouth Historical Museum located at 155 S. Main Street in Downtown Plymouth.

The attitude in Lower Town when it comes to residential homes is unlike other areas of Plymouth – preservation & rehabilitation. The craftsmanship of the early 1900s was detailed and thorough and some of it remains in homes that are selling today. Modernization that remains true to the home’s original character merge the old world with the new in such a pleasing way; original window casements and trim, wide & welcoming front porches, and refinished original hardwood floors are just some ways the residents of Lower Town are rehabilitating their century-old dwellings to appeal to today’s homebuyers. Some recent sales indicating values are rising include:

643 Starkweather Street – This home features 1,530 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. It also has a detached 2-car garage and refinished original hardwood floors and staircase. The detailed woodwork in this home epitomizes the benefits of rehabilitating these older homes. Sold for $302,000 (listed at $289,000 and received multiple offers).

184 Caster Avenue – This home features 2,144 sq. ft. with 5 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. There is a detached 3-car garage with a carriage house apartment. The wood trim and floors throughout take you back to 1907 when the home was originally built in the heart of Old Village. Sold for $360,000.

Stephanie Brown, REALTOR

Just Sold! 45996 Larchmont Drive: 2,450 SQFT, 4 Bedroom, 2.1 Bath Colonial in Sunflower Village (Closed at $310,000)

Living Room BWWe are so very pleased to announce the recent closing for our clients at 45996 Larchmont Drive in Canton. This spectacular, move-in ready home has 4 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms, a finished basement, fresh & eclectic paint throughout, and a spacious rear yard with flower, vegetable, and herb gardens. Congratulations!

Brass is Back!

With all of the chrome and nickel finishes in homes nowadays, it’s hard to remember brass as the metal of choice for new and on-trend home fixtures. Well, I am pleased to announce that BRASS is BACK!

The Victorian Era was a time of eclectic historical styles merged with Asian and Middle-Eastern influenced furnishings that featured heavily ornamented ‘public’ rooms to display personal tastes and interests. Brass fixtures highlighted the good taste of the owners of these homes and have since been a symbol of elegance, luxury, and timelessness. Brass re-emerged in the mid-20th century as a prominent metal in home decor, and again in the 1970’s as a high-polished, yet softer accent in contrast to the slick chrome of the 1960’s. Over time, warmer brass and copper accents have competed with cooler nickel and chrome. After the last 4 decades being dominated by the glossy, cool nickel the pendulum is finally returning to the favor of brass.

There are many reasons brass is back on trend, but mostly because human nature is to be bored; silver tones have been around too long and are now beginning to seem commonplace. Another reason we’re seeing the resurgence of brass is the warmth and sophistication it brings to a room. A fixture or furniture piece with non-lacquered brass will age gracefully with time and gradually establish a patina that cannot be overlooked. Antique brass accents are predominantly what we are seeing being re-introduced to homes that also tie in with existing polished brass accents.

Brass, whether polished or left natural, is an affordable metal to work with and will continue to cycle in and out of popularity in the decades to come. Here are some tips on how to introduce brass accents to your home:

  • Remove lacquer from existing brass accents and observe the natural patina develop overtime.
  • Install antique brass light fixtures in your entryways, kitchen, or bathrooms. Consignment and resale shops will be a great place to search!
  • Non-permanent home decor accents (vases, bookends, etc.) and knick-knacks, for those of you on the fence about re-committing to brass.
  • Furniture pieces with brass legs or trim detail to add a classic & organic finishing touch.

If you need more convincing, visit the websites in the links below. You’ll find that brass has been on its comeback tour for a few years now. These links will provide information on how to remove lacquer from polished brass as well as how to care for the natural metal. There are also links to retailers who’ve joined in the revitalization of brass home decor!

The SO Good 

Brass Decor with Martha Stewart

Restoration Hardware

Crate & Barrel

I’m looking forward to seeing more brass home decor during this Spring and Summer Real Estate Season!

– Stephanie Brown

First-Time Home Buyer 101: Five Ways to Jumpstart your Home Search in 2015

Daisy Square Lofts
Daisy Square Lofts
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Patrick and Carrie’s First Home in Plymouth

Buying a home is anything but a passive process.  You must align yourself with a reliable team and take an active role in the process with plenty of communication with both your household members and your real estate team.

Here are five things to think about to get started:

  1.  Find a Local REALTOR in the area of your desired home. A local real estate professional will have knowledge of the schools and neighborhoods in the community in which you’re searching. They can help you determine which neighborhood or street is the best fit for you based on your wants and needs. When your Realtor lives and works in the community, they know it best and can pass on their first-hand knowledge to you.
  1.  Talk to 2-3 lenders (local ones, ideally) and pick one to obtain a Pre Approval. Interviewing multiple lenders is an important step. You want to find someone with whom you’re comfortable discussing your finances and personal information because you will be entrusting them to finance the biggest purchase of your life – so far. It’s also very important to find a lender who will be available to you when you need them, during business hours and beyond. Pre-approvals help gauge how much you can comfortably spend on your home. Local lenders are hopefully easier to meet in person and will understand the area in which you’re buying.
  1.  Spend time in the towns and neighborhoods you’re considering. Going to open houses is a great way to familiarize yourself with the local neighborhoods and home styles. Visiting open houses does not require a pre-approval letter, but it’s recommended to look within your price range. Filling your weekends with open house tours will increase your knowledge of the local market and help you determine what you can get for your money. It’s also important to visit the towns/cities you want to live in and experience the festivals, events, restaurants and shops. You can learn more about the area, meet the locals, and find out what you can buy for your money
  1.  Work your travel plans around house hunting so that you are available when the right house comes up on the market. Good houses go fast, especially in more affordable price ranges. You want to be able to be the first in the door when a good house gets listed, especially during the spring and summer months when there are more buyers searching for homes. The early bird gets the worm!
  1.  Make sure you have prioritized your needs and are realistic based on your price range and the level of competition in the market. You could miss out on the right home if you narrow your search too much. Keep an open mind and trust your REALTOR’s suggestions. Make sure your Realtor knows your deal-breakers, but keep them realistic. Competition has become common lately for good homes, so working with a local expert who is skilled at negotiating and writing offers will put you ahead of the pack.

There are many more items to think about but if you have a good REALTOR they will help you navigate the process and keep you on track to get your ideal next home!

New Listing: 48011 Colony Farm Circle – 2 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath Condo Overlooking Walden Pond

Just listed: A small and highly prized condominium village with only 28 units directly overlooking picturesque Walden Pond. A trophy location surrounded by higher value single-family homes. Two bedrooms up… each with their own bath. There are 4 closets in the master bedroom (one is a large walk-in). Living room with fireplace, 3 ½ baths, formal dining room, stacked washer/dryer off kitchen, finished basement with wall-enclosed Murphy Bed and Kohler jetted tub. One car attached garage with opener. Brick patio off dining room and large balcony off master bedroom offers privacy and stunning views of Walden Pond.

See the Virtual tour

For more information about this home, please visit our Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Stephanie Brown, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 – stephanie@bobbake.com.

 

 

Kona Chocolate Run! Downtown Plymouth on Sunday, November 16th

Bundle up this weekend and show your support to the participants of the Kona Chocolate Run in Downtown Plymouth. The races are presented by Saint Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia and feature a 10k, 5k, and Cocoa Mile. Cozy up after the race at the heated warming tent next to 2 large chocolate tents full of hot cocoa, chocolate milk, chocolate fondu and more! Event donations will be made to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Plymouth Parks and Recreation. For more information on the run, registration, volunteering, etc. visit the Kona Chocolate Run website. It’s not too late to register!Plymouth Run

Just Sold! 39097 Huron Parkway, Westland – Move-In Ready Colonial in Expanding Neighborhood!

39097 Huron ParkwayCongratulations to the Seller of this beautiful home for his closing this past week!

This is a Brand new home that had been lightly lived in for under a year. Brand new Stainless Steel appliances complement the beautiful Island kitchen featuring Merillat Cabinets, Granite counters and hardwood floor. High end LG Dishwasher, Refrigerator, and Gas Stove. USB and standard outlets all through the kitchen. Kitchen open to breakfast area and hi-tech living room with hardwired Home Theatre surround sound and cable outlet ready above the mantle. Gas fireplace is easy to enjoy with the flip of a switch. All bedrooms up with spacious closets. Master suite features a walk-in closet and private bath. Both full baths have Merillat cabinets & Granite counters. Loft area provides bonus space for office, kid’s play room, or extra storage. Deep basement with egress window is ready to finish. Brand new Samsung Steam front-load washer & dryer. All Appliances Stay! Fresh neutral paint. Sprinkler system and sod already installed. Truly complete and ready to move in! Better than a model home.

New Price! Open House this Saturday, September 13th at 5605 Halsted Rd. in West Bloomfield from 1-3pm

Gorgeous Lot-001Join us this Saturday, September 13th from 1-3pm to tour 5605 Halsted Road in West Bloomfield Township. Expanded & Updated in 2000, this 2,881 square foot home is located on a large 125′ x 125′ lot in West Bloomfield. The home features 4 bedrooms, first floor master, 2 full baths, bonus/exercise room, spacious kitchen with banquette, first floor laundry room, plentiful living space – most square footage is on the first floor. This home is ideal for entertaining with so much space inside and out! There are 2 driveways that offer plenty of parking for friends, family, and other guests. Above ground pool & deck, paver patio, and horseshoe pits in the fully fenced rear yard. 2+ car attached garage provides ample storage for 2 cars and other toys. 16′ x 20′ shed for additional storage! Updated windows, furnace, dishwasher ’13 & microwave ’13. Close to the West Bloomfield trail for biking, walking, & running and neighborhood beach/lake access to Pleasant Lake. All appliances stay! Walled Lake Schools. Quick access to expressways, shopping, dining.

Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk is Coming to Downtown Plymouth and Northville Saturday!

SGK_3-Day_Website_SocialMediaHomepage_Image_smallVenture into Downtown Plymouth’s Kellogg Park tomorrow in support of thousands of men and women participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness. For the 5th consecutive year the fundraising walk will travel through Downtown Plymouth along Main Street and Ann Arbor Trail. Join a cheering squad near the park or along the route!

They’ll begin at 8:15am walking through Downtown Northville along Center Street. From there, they’ll come to Downtown Plymouth via Ann Arbor Trail and Main Street until they reach Kellogg Park. This event bring awareness and raises funds for the development of a cure. Show your support for these dedicated walkers! #the3day.

Whether you want to get involved or follow the route, you can find more information here about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and Fundraiser.

Just Sold! 675 W. Hazelhurst in Ferndale – Faithfully Restored 1925 Home

hazel.tiff-001Returned to it’s former elegance and charm, Hazelhurst was completely restored and revitalized in keeping with the home’s original style and architecture. Originally built in 1925, it has been cared for by a handful of owners over the years. All the features that could be renewed were brought back to their original luster including the rich hardwood floors and all trim and woodwork throughout. Some replacement items, such as windows, bathrooms, and kitchen, were chosen specifically in keeping with the history of the home while providing modern conveniences. The new 2 car garage was constructed with the same facade as the front of the house. Congratulations to the new owner on this, their first home in America!

Neighborhood Spotlight: New England Village in the City of Plymouth with 2 Open Houses Saturday July 26th, 1-3pm

CSC_0279The next neighborhood we’ve put our focus on is the City of Plymouth’s New England Village. Located West of Sheldon and North of N.Territorial, New England Village feeds to Bird Elementary and West Middle School – both a short walk away. Houses range in style from small and large ranches, to colonials and split-levels. They start at 925 square feet in the smaller ranch and get as large as 2,684 square feet in the larger colonial. We’ve done many sales in the neighborhood and admire the originality each home has. Filled with classically attractive homes for all family sizes. Currently, we have two homes listed in NE Village – 1628 Gloucester, a 3 bed, 2.1 bath ranch with 1,603 square feet and 1729 Old Salem, a 5 bed, 2.1 bath colonial in the innermost position of the sub. Both have flowing, original hardwood floors and agreeable layouts. Being walking distance to schools (public & private), and to Main Street Plymouth adds tremendous value and convenience to the homes.  1628 Gloucester and 1729 Old Salem with both be Open to the Public between 1-3pm. Come on by and witness the character and charm of New England Village!20140723_093650

Stephanie