Author: Stephanie

Just Listed! 43575 Lyme Court, Canton – An Open Concept Colonial with a Private Cul-de-Sac Location

| Stephanie

43575 Lyme CourtNestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with a private rear yard sits 43575 Lyme Court. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 half baths, an updated & expanded kitchen, expanded entry level laundry & mud room, and an open concept main level, this home is ideal for busy and active lifestyles. The kitchen was expanded in 2002 with custom Maple cabinetry, plenty of counter space and storage, 2 built in ovens, 2 disposal sinks, center island with gas range and bar seating, peninsula with seating for 5, and neutral ceramic tile flooring. The kitchen is open to the living room, dining area, and

Breakfast Bar Peninsulafamily room. The 19′ x 6′ entry level laundry and mud room was expanded in 2002 with access to the 2 car attached garage. All windows have been replaced (2002) with Andersen windows, including the door wall from the kitchen and dining area. Spacious partially finished basement with updated half bath and plenty of storage already built in. Expansive and private rear yard features a lattice-covered patio, lush gardens, and serene Willow Creek. Plymouth-Canton schools and walking distance to Miller Elementary. To see the virtual tour, go to http://www.bobbake.com. Co-Listing Agent is related to seller.

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If you have a home to sell in the Canton area and would like a private consultation, please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs in confidence. We are specialists in the local area with the experience and knowledge to assist you throughout your home buying and selling process. You can contact Stephanie, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 –stephanie@bobbake.com.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Plymouth’s Beacon Hill

| Stephanie

45800 Beacon HillThe Beacon Hill Neighborhood of Plymouth

  • Mostly Ranches & Colonials
  • 2,000-4,500 Square Feet
  • Built 1963-1991
  • Prices Ranging $322,000-$1,000,000+ (The higher range homes are located in the original 24 lot section off N. Territorial and on Lighthouse Court)
  • Bird Elementary, West Middle and PCEP High Schools

Forever one of Plymouth’s most desired and sought after neighborhoods is Beacon Hill, sometimes referred to as “Beacon Estates”. There are 173 homes in total, mostly Ranch and Colonial styles that range in size from 2,000-4,500 square feet. While you’ll see a lot of brick exteriors, you’ll notice that no two homes look quite alike. The bulk of the neighborhood was built during the 1960s and 1970s with construction continuing up until 1991.

A Number of homes in the neighborhood are placed on cul-de-sacs and all have mature trees. All of the Courts and Circles in Beacon Hill provide some privacy from home to home and yard to yard. This location is valued for its easy accessibility to town and both Middle School West and Bird Elementary. Beacon Hill is nestled up against Plymouth’s Township Park on the west.

45763 Amesbury

Beacon Hill was the creation of Loren W. Gould, a highly respected man with a likeable personality who dominated the building landscape in Plymouth during the 2nd half of the 20th century. Now deceased, but born and raised in Plymouth, he was the consummate entrepreneur of his day with gifted instincts and risk-taking boldness. The first section of Beacon Hill was a 24-lot section running south off N. Territorial with a 1-acre minimum size featuring sewer & water. This, in the early 1960’s, was a high-risk speculative venture fueled by 2 or 3 Plymouth citizens who, along with Mr. Gould, climbed the economic ladder and wanted to enjoy larger custom built homes with private settings. Many of the original buyers were City of Plymouth long-time residents who, in their 50’s, desired amenities that couldn’t be added to their older homes. This was the transformational in the mid 1960’s and it took at least 10 years to build out the first phase.

All of this pre-dated the creation of the M-14 expressway and Beck Road was still unpaved. No subdivisions existed West of Sheldon Road except for “Old Woodlore” on the Southeast corner of Beck and Ann Arbor roads. Mr. & Mrs. Gould’s home at 12500 Beacon Hill Drive was featured on the front page of the Detroit Free Press when, at that time, a 2250 square foot home was considered large. In the 70’s and 80’s there were new phases to Beacon Hill as larger parcels made available by aging owners provided access to Ann Arbor Trail and the cache of the Beacon Hill name became an important moniker for the marketing of these later phases. Bob Bake says “I remember clearly in the early 80’s when interest rates were in the mid to high teens, Mr. Gould told me he had borrowed from National Bank of Detroit a million dollars for the development of the larger and final plats. This was when a million dollars was very serious money. His carrying costs of that loan would have created serious problems if the sale of the lots to 3 builders had not occurred.”

12305 Beacon Hill

Wander North, South, East or West to find entertainment, shopping, dining and events in Downtown Northville, Downtown Plymouth, Ann Arbor and Canton’s Cherry Hill Village (and theatre). Walk to downtown Plymouth down either Ann Arbor Trail or North Territorial and enjoy festivities and fun for all ages. Canton’s Village Theatre is always showcasing local talents. The proximity to these towns and central location between Ann Arbor and Detroit is another reason Beacon Hill is so popular.

Accordingly, the homes of Beacon Hill sell for premium prices. In July 2013 a 4 Bedroom, 4 ½ Bath Ranch in the 1st phase sold for the highest price recorded in the last few years in the neighborhood – $562,000! This home featured spacious rooms, main floor master bedroom, finished basement, wine cellar, expansive deck, wooded & private rear yard and an in-ground pool. The following homes sold in the past year in Beacon Estates:

  • 46354 Wesford Court for $322,000
  • 12313 Duxbury Court for $345,000
  • 45763 Amesbury Drive for $362,000
  • 45800 Beacon Hill Circle for $370,000
  • 45931 Amesbury for $415,000
  • 12600 Beacon Hill Court for $562,000

Beacon Hill is in the Plymouth-Canton school district and individual school rankings are accessible by clicking here. Children from this particular neighborhood may attend Bird Elementary and West Middle Schools, which are both on Sheldon Road and within walking distance.  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 many private and charter school in the area for you to select from.

The Bake Real Estate Group has worked with countless homeowners, both buyers and sellers, in Beacon Hill. In fact, we just recently connected with original owners on 12305 Beacon Hill Drive to sell their home. It’s currently under contract at a list price of $419,900 and you can get more information on this home and see the virtual tour by visiting our team’s website. Some other homes we’ve had the pleasure of working with include:

  • 45763 Amesbury Drive – 4 Bedroom Colonial on a large private lot.
  • 45800 Beacon Hill Circle – 4 Bedroom Georgian Colonial on a Cul-de-Sac.
  • 46023 Amesbury Drive – 4 Bedroom Colonial with a finished basement.
  • 12560 Lighthouse Court – 4 Bedroom Brick Colonial with a 3 car garage.
  • 13401 Beacon Hill Drive – 4 Bedroom Colonial backing to woods and trails.

For more insights on homes in Beacon Hill or the surrounding area, please contact the Bake Real Estate Group. If you have a home to sell in Beacon Estates 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 and Bob Bake

New Listing! 9272 Idaho St: Updated Mid-Century Ranch Home in Livonia’s Rosedale Meadows

| Stephanie
9272 Idaho
9272 Idaho

(UPDATED: THIS HOME HAS BEEN SOLD) You won’t find a home more updated and appealing than 9272 Idaho in Livonia! Set deep in the Rosedale Meadows neighborhood and walking distance from Grant Elementary sits this pristine 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath Ranch home. Ample natural light filters in  through large windows in every room accentuating hardwood floors throughout. The updated kitchen features a tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a large double sink and brand new Granite countertops. All 3 bedrooms have ceiling fans and sizeable closets. An updated full bathroom has heated tile flooring and a Corian counter vanity. While the white trim and angled ceilings give a polished look to every room. The finished basement houses the family room, play area and fitness room. A 2 car garage is large enough to fit 2 vehicles and a workshop or extra storage. There’s also a large shed behind the garage for additional storage. In the fully fenced in rear yard you’ll find the new 2 tier brick paver patio and children’s playhouse.  Further updates include a new tear off roof in 2011 and updated electrical panel. Sitting on a tree-lined street with a huge living room picture window is just the icing on the cake!  Enjoy the covered front porch any time of day. This home has had the HGTV treatment from top to bottom – come and see for yourself!  Go to www.bobbake.com to see the virtual tour.

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For more information on this listing please contact Stephanie Brown at (734) 620-4536 or stephanie@bobbake.com

Neighborhood Spotlight: Trailwood in Plymouth

| Stephanie

entrancePlymouth’s Trailwood Neighborhood:

  • Colonials, Ranches and Split-Levels
  • 1,700-2,900 Square Feet
  • Built 1971-1979
  • Prices Ranging $237,500-$330,000 in 2013
  • Bird or Smith Elementary, West Middle and PCEP High Schools

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The second largest community in Plymouth is the neighborhood of Trailwood, comprised of 26 streets and 561 homes. When you travel through Trailwood, you’ll see timeless Colonials, Ranches and Split-Level homes ranging in size from 1,700 square feet up to 2,900 square feet. Residents of Trailwood enjoy mature trees on almost all lots, sidewalks throughout the entire subdivision and close proximity to downtown Plymouth. There are 20 acres of wooded commons area in 3 separate private parks for residents to enjoy. Trailwood is nestled between Ann Arbor Rd and Ann Arbor Trail just west of Sheldon Rd., with easy access to the amenities in the Downtown area, as well as walkability to the elementary and middle schools, and Red Bell Nursery/Daycare, which has been a fixture for Plymouth kids since the 1960’s (our associate Carrie, attended Red Bell and so did her son, Oscar).

Trailwood homes are to me, one of the best values in Plymouth.  For buyers that want amenities such as an attached garage, a basement and often, a main floor laundry/mud room, as well as a nice-sized yard close to town, this neighborhood cannot be beat at today’s prices.  It’s the “not-so-big house” that has regained favor in recent years with homeowners searching for simplicity and more efficient energy costs.

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In the 1970s, when the neighborhood was being formed, the Trailwood Garden Club was established.  It used to be a private club only open to residents of Trailwood and has now expanded to include anyone who’s interested.  Every June for the past 18 years, the club has been doing a “Garden Walk”, which offers a tour of the lush and well-maintained gardens of the neighborhood and surrounding areas within Plymouth.

The interest in this particular subdivision has remained steady since construction began in 1971. Recent sales history has continued to be promising with the neighborhood’s 2013 average sales price being just above $292,000. The highest sale price currently recorded was in 2004 for a 4 bedroom colonial, which went for $375,000. In 2013 the highest sale price was $330,000.

Downtown Plymouth is one of Southeast Michigan’s most popular city centers and attracts people of all ages. There are festivities and events going on year-round and there’s plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment. Just a short distance along Ann Arbor Trail from “DTP”, Trailwood is close enough to walk, bike or drive into town. There are 2 elementary schools the neighborhood currently feeds to – Bird and Smith, both walking distance. Kids can move on to West Middle School, and eventually attend PCEP, Plymouth and Canton’s 3-high school campus. Of course there are also plenty of outstanding private schools in the area!

The Trailwood association’s website at www.trailwoodhomeowners.org, where you can view maps of the shared green spaces. On this site is also information regarding bylaws for the residents, homeowners’ meetings and much more pertaining to the community.

Since Trailwood was founded in the 1970’s, the Bake Real Estate Group has enjoyed selling dozens, if not hundreds, of homes in Trailwood.  Our group’s most recent sale in Trailwood was to a relocating family who purchased 10029 Canton Center Road in 2013.  In addition to that one, we have also sold these homes over the years:

  • 10201 Trailwood Drive – 4 Bedroom Colonial with numerous updates.
  • 10103 Creekwood Circle – 3 Bedroom Ranch on an interior park-like setting
  • 11832 N Canton Center Road – Oversized & Updated 4 Bedroom Colonial
  • 45798 Turtlehead Court – Charming 4 Bedroom Colonial on oversized lot
  • 45760 Denise Court – 3 Bedroom Ranch with numerous upgrades

For more information on homes in the neighborhood of Trailwood or the surrounding area, please contact the Bake Real Estate Group. If you have a home to sell or lease in Trailwood and would like a private consultation, please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs in confidence. We are specialists in the local area with the experience and knowledge to assist you throughout your home buying and selling process.

Trailwood sales in the last 4 months:

  • 10057 Creekwood Circle – Hardwood Flooring & Private Yard – $285,000
  • 11781 Wildwing Road – Beautiful Landscaping & Potential – $287,500
  • 45206 Riveredge Drive – Updated & Plenty of Natural Light – $290,000
  • 45795 Purcell – Clean, Open & Move-In Ready – $330,000

– Stephanie Brown, REALTOR

Neighborhood Spotlight: Ridgewood Hills in Plymouth Township

| Stephanie

RWH 1Ridgewood Hills, Plymouth Township:

  • Colonials, Ranches & Cape Cods
  • 1800-3300 Square Feet
  • Built 1978-1989
  • Prices Ranging $288,000 – $374,750 in 2013
  • Bird Elementary, West Middle and PCEP High Schools

One of the largest and most sought-after neighborhoods in Plymouth Township is Ridgewood Hills. Bounded by the East side of Ridge Rd. between Ann Arbor Rd. and Powell sits this well-established subdivision containing almost 400 homes, all varying in style and size. The styles you’ll see as you drive down the streets of Ridgewood Hills are classic Colonials, refined Cape Cods (1st Floor Master bedrooms), and spacious, single floor Ranches all on generous lots surrounded by mature trees. Popular features include sizable bedrooms, finished lower levels, rear yard deck spaces, cathedral ceilings, and formal dining & living spaces.

RWH 3

Back in the 1940’s before Ridgewood Hills Subdivision existed, the land was host to the Brinks Family Farm. The Farm was actually a heavily wooded expanse of land. The lots on Hillcrest Court West and Harvest Court sold for premium prices due to the fact that trees were removed sparingly for the construction of the homes we see today. Much of what’s left of the original farm and it’s woods still exist in the 6 common park areas that are available to all residents of Ridgewood Hills.

The demand for this neighborhood has been consistent. In fact, the highest sale price in Ridgewood Hills was a 4 bedroom, magnificently updated colonial for $412,000! It sold in November 2012 just before the market sprang back to life in Plymouth Township. In 2013, the average selling price in the neighborhood was just over $340,000. The first homes were built in 1978 and growth continued until the last went up in 1989.meadowct4x6

Oh, the places you’ll go! With downtown Plymouth, Northville and Ann Arbor being just minutes down the road, the residents of Ridgewood Hills are always close to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Many people are drawn to Ridgewood Hills for this reason. There is plenty of space to play or walk the dog in the 6 vast parks throughout the neighborhood and even opportunities for side jobs that can be posted on the association website. Elementary-age kids going to public school will attend Bird Elementary and move on to West Middle School. The Plymouth-Canton Educational Park, or PCEP, is comprised of all 3 public high schools for the area and the school your child attends is based on a lottery. Of course there are also plenty of outstanding private schools in the area!

The neighborhood association also has an excellent website dedicated to the community and residents. If you’re looking for someone to cut your grass or shovel your snow, see the “RH Kids for Hire” tab for bios and contact info. Ordinance guidelines and common oversights are also provided as well as recommended contractors. Need to know about upcoming events or an update on a road assessment? You can find it all on the website. The link to the Ridgewood Homeowner’s Association is www.ridgewoodhills.org.48510 E Normandy Ct

In the last 5 years, the Bake Real Estate Group has sold the following homes in the neighborhood:

  • 9250 Red Maple Court
  • 9440 Hillcrest Drive
  • 48636 Chambury Court
  • 49022 Plum Tree Court
  • 48487 Meadow Court
  • 48510 Normandy Court – Sold in 2012 for $412,000 – This happens to be the highest sale in Ridgewood Hills in recent years.

For more information on homes in the Ridgewood Hills subdivision or the surrounding area, please contact the Bake Real Estate Group. If you have a home to sell in Ridgewood Hills and would like a private consultation, please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs in confidence. We are specialists in the local area with the experience and knowledge to assist you throughout your home buying and selling process.

As you can see, this neighborhood is one to watch!

Ridgewood Hills Sales in the last 4 months:

  • 4 Bedroom Colonial – Dated and Backing to Powell Rd. – $288,000
  • 3 Bedroom Cape Cod –  Mostly Updated & Finished Basement – $333,000
  • 4 Bedroom Colonial – Southern Exposed Deck & Sunroom – $354,500
  • 4 Bedroom Colonial – Interior Location  & Stately Exterior – $372,500
  • 4 Bedroom Colonial – Mostly Updated & Premium Location – $379,000

Just Sold! 329 Harvard Street in Canton

| Stephanie

Front.jpgJust days before Christmas, a deserving family got the keys to their new house on 329 Harvard Street in Canton. Their new stately colonial features all three bedrooms upstairs, a kitchen that opens to the family room with cozy fireplace (especially helpful for the Polar Vortex of 2014) and door wall leading to a tiered deck and expansive rear yard.  The perfect family home in a family community ready for them to add their own personal touches.

Growing up in Canton myself, I’m familiar with all Canton has to offer residents and visitors of all ages. The school system is top-notch, community sports range from ice hockey to soccer and the police department is nationally accredited. The Summit on the Park is the community center located near the heart of the township. There you can swim, golf, exercise on your own or in a class, or take your kids to learn how to swim. Up and down Ford Road you will see sculptures and art pieces showcased to spruce up your drive through Canton. The Cherry Hill Village Theatre hosts many shows and plays throughout the year that are open for all ages, resident or not. Trust me, you have to check them out!

If you’d like to see more of what Canton Township can offer you and your family, check out their website by clicking here.

Contact me for more information on homes for sale in Canton!

Stephanie Brown, REALTOR

Festive Movies at Plymouth’s Downtown Penn Theatre

| Stephanie

grandopeningOne of the landmark attractions of downtown Plymouth, the Penn Theatre opened in 1941 and continues to offer locals and visitors alike a great selection of motion pictures – all for just $3 a ticket.  The movie house has been steadily upgraded over the past several years including digital projection and sound, a new marquee, re-imagined murals, and a complete auditorium renovation.

So if you are trying to think of a way to entertain everyone over the holidays, visit the Penn Theatre for some Christmas classics. The movies Elf, A Christmas Story, and Polar Express will all be playing these last weeks leading up to Christmas.

On December 13-15th bring your kids, friends, parents and cousins to see Buddy the Elf on the big screen once again! Syrup anyone? A Christmas Story will be featured December 19th and 20th. See your town cemented in history by the Red Ryder BB Gun (manufactured at the Daisy Air Rifle Factory) Ralphie so desperately wanted to see under his Christmas tree. December 21-22 the Polar Express will roll into town. Travel to the North Pole with Tom Hanks right to Santa’s own home and believe in the magic of Christmas once again!

Tickets are always $3.00/person. What a treat! Check for showtimes here.

Afterwards, you can visit Santa in the park and enjoy a hot chocolate at one of the downtown cafes. Check Plymouth’s website for more Christmas and Holiday activities!

Stephanie

City of Plymouth Website

Downtown Northville’s Holiday Lighted Parade Will March Through Town Tonight!

| Stephanie

DNHLPGather your family and friends and head to Downtown Northville for the annual Holiday Lighted Parade tonight at 6:30pm! More than 40 entries of vehicles and holiday-inspired floats, plus tons of walkers, will walk the town and spread holiday cheer. Following the parade, stick around for the lighting of the Town Square Christmas Tree and to see Santa!

For more info on this spectacular holiday event, go to www.downtownnorthville.com.

Enjoy the Holidays!

20th Annual Lightfest Kicks Off the Holiday Season on Hines Drive

| Stephanie

lightsIt’s time to roll in the Holiday Cheer! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the longest drive-thru holiday light display in the Midwest.  Spanning more than 4 miles and 45 spectacular displays, it’s sure to become a holiday tradition if it’s not yours already. The Wayne County Lightfest will run from now until December 31st. For more information, click here. 

Stephanie

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18th Annual Great Lakes Chili Cook Off Sunday October 6th in Downtown Plymouth

| Stephanie

 plymouth-chili-cook-off1Head down to Kellogg Park tomorrow for the Great Lakes Regional Chili Cook Off! Along with the chili contest there will be a motorcycle show, kid’s activities, live music and other food to experience! For more information, please visit: www.greatlakeschili.com

Northville-Novi Home Tour 2013

| Stephanie

northville home tour 2013.jpg2013 home tourThis Saturday, September 21st the American Association of University Women Northville-Novi Branch will be putting on their annual Tour of Homes. From 10am-4pm you can visit 6 homes with construction and interior design spanning 3 centuries in and around Historic Downtown Northville. Compare classic Victorian-Era architecture to that of today’s. Each home will have representatives from the AAUW to guide you through and point out interesting facts and features. All for just $20! For more information, visit the AAUW’s site here.

Northville Open Houses Sept. 14-15th!

| Stephanie

Stop by one or both of our open houses this weekend in Northville!

5 Acres, 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 3 Car Garage, and a Finished Walkout Lower Level - Nestled in a Private Setting Surrounded by Woods . $525,000
5 Acres, 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, 3 Car Garage, and a Finished Walkout Lower Level – Nestled in a Private Setting Surrounded by Woods . $525,000

Fox Hills Lane

On Saturday, September 14th we will be at 7475 Fox Hill Lane. This private country retreat is located just 15 minutes from downtown Plymouth & Northville on nearly 5 acres of woods and meadows. The gardens were professionally landscaped in 2011. There is a Trex deck in back over the walkout lower level that includes nanny/in-law suite, sitting room and kitchenette.With views from every room, the home is ideal for entertaining or quietly enjoying the scenery. Enjoy the lower taxes of Salem Township with a Northville mailing address.  Also convenient to golf, fishing, greenhouses/nurseries, horse farms, and fresh produce.

Sunday, September 15th we will be at 16917 Dunswood.

16917 Dunswood

Rear Yard Pool Fun

This 4 bedroom Colonial is located in sought-after Northville Colony. Great kitchen with an island, stainless gas stove and Granite countertops opens up to a large family room with Masonry Fireplace. The hardwood floors will catch your eye in the living room, dining room and den/child’s play room.All 4 bedrooms are on the upper level with 2 full baths. Your 3rd full bath is in the finished basement that also houses an expansive bar. In-ground pool, hot-tub and gorgeous landscaping enclosed in a private setting.
Both Open Houses run from 1-4pm on their respective days. Check out the virtual tours for both homes here.