Buying a Home

Plymouth and Northville Real Estate Values – the First Six Months of 2016 were Good!

| BAKE REAL ESTATE

It’s mid-summer and we now have data for the first six months of 2016! Our markets of Plymouth and Northville, both City and Township, remain strong and steady. The charts are fairly self-explanatory and locals know how intense the market is around us. The City of Plymouth continues to increase in value as the downtown area flourishes with new shops including the opening of Westborn Market. It’s heartwarming to see people walking downtown with their folding shopping trolleys on their way to do their grocery shopping! The City of Northville has also seen significant increases in value – especially in the downtown area where new businesses like Red Dot Coffee and the Center Street Grille have created a lot of excitement. The Townships of both Plymouth and Northville have shown very steady pricing and new development activity is on the rise once again in Northville Township.

Northville City Real Estate Values Northville Township Real Estate Values Plymouth City Real Estate Values Plymouth Township Real Estate Values

 

2014 Plymouth and Northville Real Estate Sales Price Summary

| BAKE REAL ESTATE

2014 saw the average sale price for a residential home in the Plymouth and Northville markets continue to increase. In the City of Plymouth, the average sales price has risen for 4 consecutive years reaching new highs.  The average sales price of a single family home in the City of Plymouth is now 63% higher than in 2010. The City of Northville has also reached near pre-recession highs with the average sales price increasing 70% since 2009.  In the Township areas, Both Plymouth and Northville Townships have also seen steady price increases but have yet to surpass pre-recession highs.  Price growth has been steady and the trend is higher across the board.

The dramatic increase in real estate value in the local area has reignited new construction activity. In the City, we are seeing smaller/older homes demolished and larger homes built in their place.  In the Township, we are seeing farms and empty lots replaced with new residential and commercial building activity.  The street scenes and landscape are changing!

And as we look forward to 2015, all indications are that prices will continue to rise albeit at a more conservative and sustainable pace. Interest rates remain low while interest in moving to Plymouth and Northville remain high.

City of Plymouth 10 Year Average Sales Price Trend
City of Northville 10 Year Average Sales Price Trend
Township of Plymouth 10 Year Average Sales Price Trend
Township of Northville 10 Year Average Sales Price Trend

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

| Stephanie
Daisy Square Lofts
Daisy Square Lofts
house1
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!

BAKE OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY DEC. 7th 1-4PM: 540 Orchard Drive

Video | | BAKE REAL ESTATE

OPEN HOUSE this Sunday 1-4pm: Elegantly appointed, present day living with the vintage charm and appeal of a classic American small town . Meticulously transformed in 2011 by the current owners, the completed home now enjoys 3,472 sq. ft. of finished living space on 3 floors. The features and upgrades are many, including an Open Concept Kitchen and Family Room, Stainless Steel appliances, Quartz Countertops, Shaker Style Cabinetry, Hardwood Floors, Covered Front & Rear Porches, Generous Rear Yard space, custom woodwork, reclaimed pillars & built-ins abound, 2 ½ Car garage with Walk-up Bonus Room, First Floor in-law Suite – this home offers the consummate blend old house warmth and new house comfort. Located on a tree-lined street within easy walking distance to downtown Northville’s parks, shops, entertainment, events, and restaurants.

For more information about this home, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie,  Associate Broker, at (734) 788-2398 – carrie@bobbake.com, Patrick,  Associate Broker,at  (734) 272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com, or Stephanie, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 – stephanie@bobbake.com.

 

BAKE Real Estate: an Independent Brokerage with Historical Roots in Plymouth and Northville returns under the Stewardship of a New Generation

Image | | Carrie

bake real estate logo

Yesterday marked the creation of BAKE Real Estate in my hometown of Plymouth. Many of you locals know of Robert Bake REALTORS, which my dad established in 1967. BAKE is BACK!  We are happy to keep the real estate tradition alive.  Our new office is located at the corner of Penniman and Harvey (908 Penniman) and kitty corner from the new Post Office.  Nearly 50 years ago, the following ad appeared in Plymouth and our commitment holds as true today as it did then:

BAKE Real Estate
BAKE Real Estate 908 Penniman Avenue, Plymouth MI 47170

(Sold) Our New Listing in Downtown Plymouth: 1463 Sheridan St – 4 Bedroom, 2.1 Bath, 2600 Sqft Colonial – Updated and Expanded

Image | | BAKE REAL ESTATE

(Update: this home has been sold) We are pleased to announce our latest new listing: an elegant, downtown Plymouth center-entrance 1920’s Colonial. Contemplate the classic charm of a character home with new house updates including an open concept Kitchen.  Completely remodeled in 2010, the gourmet kitchen is equipped with Shaker style custom cabinets, granite countertops, subway backsplash, breakfast bar, hardwood floors, and high-end stainless stainless appliances. There is a new ½ bath on the main floor & two other full baths – both newer, two fireplaces – gas log in Living Room & natural in Family Room, Arched doorways, beautiful painted trim and crafted details throughout. All bedrooms are upstairs with a newer master suite overlooking rear yard and patio. The Basement includes a cute and spacious finished recreation room, laundry room & unfinished storage/workshop.  Outside, there’s an extra storage shed, 2-car garage with new windows, fenced rear yard and recently re-landscaping front and rear yards. Walk tree-lined streets to Bird Elementary, West Middle School, OLGC & Plymouth events, shops, restaurants & parks!

For more information about this home or about buying/selling a home in Plymouth and Northville, visit us at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie,  Associate Broker, at (734) 788-2398 – carrie@bobbake.com, Patrick,  Associate Broker,at  (734) 272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com, or Stephanie, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 – stephanie@bobbake.com.

Plymouth Township Real Estate Values Continue Upward Trend

| BAKE REAL ESTATE

Plymouth Township Median Sales PriceThis year marks 3 years of solid price growth in Plymouth Township.  The increase so far in 2014 is less than we saw in 2013 suggesting we may be seeing slower price appreciation in the future but it’s too early to say at this point. Homes in the Township are reaching a point where updated homes with desirable locations can sell quickly and with multiple offers, while homes that are fairly original and in need of updates stay on the market longer and need to price accordingly.  If you are able and willing to update a home, there are good buying opportunities out there.  Long term prospects for the Plymouth Township market continue to be excellent as resale homes will not see much competition from new construction activity.

If you would like to discuss buying a home in Plymouth Township, please contact us and we would be happy to assist you:  Carrie Bake,  Associate Broker, at (734) 788-2398 – carrie@bobbake.com, Patrick Wong,  Associate Broker,at  (734) 272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com, or Stephanie Brown, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 – stephanie@bobbake.com.

City of Plymouth Real Estate Values Continue to Climb

| BAKE REAL ESTATE

City of Plymouth Median Sales Price

With the Summer selling season now behind us, the City of Plymouth real estate market continues to shows strong demand, limited supply, and consequently – steadily rising prices. Median sales prices for single family homes and condos are up again this year and have surpassed pre-recession highs with the market recovering just as quickly as it collapsed.  Desirable homes with good locations often sell in days with multiple offers and oftentimes, over asking price.

If you live in the City, I’m sure you’ve heard your friends and neighbors talk about the this or that house which sold instantly with multiple offers. We recently sold a charming brick bungalow for $275/sqft!  Not every home will sell instantly for a high price however.  There are cases of homes being over-priced that sit on the market longer while enduring price reduction after price reduction.

Will the market go even higher in 2015 is something we can’t predict but there doesn’t appear to be any let up in demand at the moment.

Another interesting change in the market is the increase in the number of cash offers we are seeing.  These might be well-heeled buyers downsizing from a larger home in the Township, or a buyer obtaining seller financing from a cash purchaser. If you are trying to buy in Plymouth, it’s not easy to say the least but the good news is that more homes continue to come on the market as sellers see what they can sell for.

If you would like to discuss buying a home in the City, please contact us and we would be happy to assist you:  Carrie Bake,  Associate Broker, at (734) 788-2398 – carrie@bobbake.com, Patrick Wong,  Associate Broker,at  (734) 272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com, or Stephanie Brown, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 – stephanie@bobbake.com.

Just Sold! 18290 Edenderry St. in Northville’s Edenderry Hills Community

| BAKE REAL ESTATE
Edenderry Hills, Northville
Edenderry Hills, Northville


Just Sold! We very pleased to announce that one of our clients has just closed on their new home at 18290 Edenderry in Northville.  This impeccably maintained home with 4 bedrooms, 2.1 Baths, 3+ car garage, full basement, and original hardwood floors throughout the first and second levels, sits high atop Edenderry Hills with commanding views of a neighborhood known for quiet streets, individualized homes, and generous, wooded lots.  Built around 1970 just outside of downtown Northville, residents here enjoy the quiet and serenity of Northville Township’s rolling hills, woods, rivers, and ponds while only a short walk or bike ride to town. This is truly a retreat that remains quietly hidden so close to the City.

For more information about buying a home in Edenderry, please contact us:  Carrie,  Associate Broker, at (734) 788-2398 – carrie@bobbake.com, Patrick,  Associate Broker,at  (734) 272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com, or Stephanie, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 – stephanie@bobbake.com.

VIDEO: Just Listed! 540 Orchard Drive in the City of Northville – 4 Bedroom, 3.2 Bath Colonial Recently Expanded and Renovated Throughout

Video | | Carrie

Just listed: Elegantly appointed, present day living with the vintage charm and appeal of a classic American small town . Meticulously transformed in 2011 by the current owners, the completed home now enjoys 3,472 sq. ft. of finished living space on 3 floors. The features and upgrades are many, including an Open Concept Kitchen and Family Room, Stainless Steel appliances, Quartz Countertops, Shaker Style Cabinetry, Hardwood Floors, Covered Front & Rear Porches, Generous Rear Yard space, custom woodwork, reclaimed pillars & built-ins abound, 2 ½ Car garage with Walk-up Bonus Room, First Floor in-law Suite – this home offers the consummate blend old house warmth and new house comfort. Located on a tree-lined street within easy walking distance to downtown Northville’s parks, shops, entertainment, events, and restaurants.

For more information about this home, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie,  Associate Broker, at (734) 788-2398 – carrie@bobbake.com, Patrick,  Associate Broker,at  (734) 272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com, or Stephanie, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 – stephanie@bobbake.com.

Just Sold! 18790 Grande Vista in Northville – 4 Bedroom, 3.1 Bath Colonial with Walkout Lower Level

| Carrie


DSC04521Just sold to one of our clients, Grande Vista is located off 7 Mile just west of Beck Road. An intimate community of recently built homes at one of the highest elevations in Northville, you can see for miles across the Township and beyond. The home itself offers 4000 square feet above grade with 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths and is completely move-in ready with the pre-requisite hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, open concept floor plan, rear deck, and walk-out lower level.  The only thing you could add is a finished basement to take advantage of the added square footage and walk-out feature. The new owners are very excited!

For more information about buying a home in the Plymouth or Northville area, please visit us at bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie,  Associate Broker, at (734) 788-2398 – carrie@bobbake.com, Patrick,  Associate Broker,at  (734) 272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com, or Stephanie, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 – stephanie@bobbake.com.

VIDEO: 9759 Abi Court, Plymouth: 4 Bed, 3.2 Bath Cape on 1.3 Wooded and Pastoral Acres!

Video | | BAKE REAL ESTATE

Just listed: Privacy and natural beauty define life in Abi Estates, a quiet and peaceful community of individualized homes known for large lots and mature trees. Abi Court is a 2002 built Cape Cod set amidst a wooded and award-winning re-landscaped 1.3 acre parcel on a private court. As you approach the home along a rising drive, you’ll be welcomed by a wide covered front porch with prerequisite swing for enjoying summer breezes and the stunning view. Premier amenities, materials, and craftsmanship abound in this 4 bedroom, 3.2 bathroom home: arched doorways and windows, hardwood flooring, kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, butcher block island/breakfast bar, breakfast nook and 2 way gas fireplace, sumptuous library with granite, built-in desk & cabinetry, walkout lower level with stone gas fireplace, wet bar with granite, fitness room, wine cellar, ½ round copper gutters, generator, low Salem Township taxes with Plymouth Canton schools and mailing, a variety of trees, perennials & birds to enjoy along with a classic & luxurious home minutes from M-14 and Downtown Plymouth. Come home to your stay-cation!

For more information about this home, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie,  Associate Broker, at (734) 788-2398 – carrie@bobbake.com, Patrick,  Associate Broker,at  (734) 272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com, or Stephanie, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 – stephanie@bobbake.com.