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

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!

Just Sold! 1021 Portsmere Ct, Northville MI: 4 Bed, 3.5 Bath, 3000 sqft Colonial in Abbey Knoll Association

1021 PortsmereThe real estates markets in Northville (City and Township), Plymouth (City and Township) continue to see limited supply, competitive buyer demand, and strong price appreciation. As values increase, we are beginning to see more sellers put their homes on the market but new buyers continue to enter the market too – not only local people but also many relocation buyers from other parts of the country and world.

This particular home is a great example of why people are moving to the area. Located within easy walking distance to schools and offering the prized seclusion of a cul-de-sac location, this exactingly maintained Abbey Knoll Tudor has been comprehensively updated throughout: New High Efficiency Furnace 2011, Updated Master and Full Baths including Granite 2009, New Carpeting in Bedrooms and Living room 2013, New Gutters 2012, Kitchen/Powder Room/Butler Pantry/Laundry 2000, Paver front porch and pathways 2005, Garage Door and Opener 2008.  The home also offers a comfortably finished lower level complemented with an additional full bathroom plus dedicated craft room. Pool Table and accessories are of course included. Outside: the landscaped rear yard, irrigation system, invisible fence, deck, patio, and gazebo will indulge you.

To learn more about this home and homes like it, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth and Northville Associate Broker, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth and Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.

If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth and Northville 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.

Just Sold! 46800 Pickford – Magnificent Northville Pickford Meadows Estate Home

Just sold, this absolutely stunning estate home in Northville’s Pickford Meadows.  46800 Pickford is an Architect designed brick French Colonial located on a secluded cul-de-sac quietly set amidst a rolling pastoral landscape. The home’s premium amenities and craftsmanship are magazine worthy. Features include a first floor master suite, dramatic 2 story entry foyer, expansive 21′ x 20′ kitchen and hearth room, superior interior finishes, sun-filled rooms, finished walkout lower level, 4 fireplaces, lustrous hardwood flooring, museum quality millwork, and a 14′ x 9′ study in the lower level.

To more about homes like it, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth and Northville Associate Broker, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth and Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.

If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth and Northville 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.

(Updated: This home has sold) New Listing! 1021 Portsmere Ct, Northville MI: 4 Bed, 3.5 Bath, 3000 sqft Colonial in Abbey Knoll Association

1021 Portsmere(Updated – this home has just sold) Offering the prized seclusion of a cul-de-sac location, this exactingly maintained Abbey Knoll Tudor has been comprehensively updated throughout: New High Efficiency Furnace 2011, Updated Master and Full Baths including Granite 2009, New Carpeting in Bedrooms and Living room 2013, New Gutters 2012, Kitchen/Powder Room/Butler Pantry/Laundry 2000, Paver front porch and pathways 2005, Garage Door and Opener 2008.  The home also offers a comfortably finished lower level complemented with an additional full bathroom plus dedicated craft room. Pool Table and accessories are of course included. Outside: the landscaped rear yard, irrigation system, invisible fence, deck, patio, and gazebo will indulge you.

Family Room

To arrange a private viewing or to learn more about this home and homes like it, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth and Northville Associate Broker, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth and Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.

If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth and Northville 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.

Just Sold! 900 Spring Drive, Northville – 3 Bedroom Cape Cod on 100′ x 515′ Lot with Pond Views and Woods

DSC04142(Update: This home has been sold) Tucked away at the end of Spring Drive in Northville, is this 1.15 Acre setting of privacy punctuated with age old shade trees and a gentle rolling valley with pond views that defines this location as stunning. Expand the existing home or design anew, you’ll never grow tired of living here. Privately owned for 49 years, properties like this rarely become available. And sidewalks make walking and biking downtown a quality-of-life pleasure that harkens back to lost mid-century life-styles.

DSC04144

To arrange a private viewing or to learn more about this home and homes like it, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth and Northville Associate Broker, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth and Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.

If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth and Northville 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.

New Listing! 900 Spring Drive, Northville – 3 Bedroom Cape Cod on 100′ x 515′ Lot with Pond Views and Woods

DSC04142(Updated – this home has been sold) Tucked away at the end of Spring Drive in Northville, is this 1.15 Acre setting of privacy punctuated with age old shade trees and a gentle rolling valley with pond views that defines this location as stunning. Expand the existing home or design anew, you’ll never grow tired of living here. Privately owned for 49 years, properties like this rarely become available. And sidewalks make walking and biking downtown a quality-of-life pleasure that harkens back to lost mid-century life-styles.

DSC04144

To arrange a private viewing or to learn more about this home and homes like it, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth and Northville Associate Broker, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth and Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.

If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth and Northville 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.

Northville Condo Market Activity – Just Sold: 16885 Lochmoor Circle, Links of Northville Hills, 2 Bedroom, End Unit Cape Cod Condo

While the housing market in Northville and Plymouth began its recovery in earnest about a year ago, the condo market was lagging.  But over the past several months, we’ve seen that change and now activity in the condo market is also strong. Units are selling quickly and at rising prices – even units without premium locations. We’ve also not seen the usual seasonal slow down during the winter which is another good indication that the recovery will likely continue through 2013.lochmoor.JPG

Just sold to one of our clients, this end unit Cape Cod condo has an excellent interior location deep in the community.  The home has both a first floor Master Bedroom, and a second floor Master Suite and loft as well.  There are the requisite hardwood floors and granite countertops of course and a very enjoyable rear deck.  The Links of Northville Hills at Beck Rd and 6 Mile offers several floor different floor plans – everything from 1 bedroom Ranches to 3 Bedroom Cape Cods.  Many units are directly backing to the Golf Course and there is also has a community pool and clubhouse.

If you are interested in a home like this one, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth and Northville Associate Broker, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth and Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.

If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth and Northville 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.

Offered for Sale: Magnificent Northville Pickford Meadows Estate Home: 46800 Pickford

(Update – this home has been sold is no longer available.)

We are pleased to offer this exclusive estate in Northville’s Pickford Meadows:  46800 Pickford is an Architect designed brick French Colonial located on a secluded cul-de-sac quietly set amidst pastoral landscape scenes. The home possesses premium amenities and craftsmanship thoughout. Features include a first floor master suite, dramatic 2 story entry foyer, expansive 21′ x 20′ kitchen and hearth room, superior interior finishes, sun-filled rooms, finished walkout lower level, 4 fireplaces, gorgeous hardwood flooring, museum quality millwork, and a 14′ x 9′ study in the lower level.

To arrange a private viewing or to learn more about this home and homes like it, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth and Northville Associate Broker, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth and Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.

 

If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth and Northville 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.

Just Sold! Ridgewood Hills Cape Cod in Plymouth: 49022 Plum Tree Ct

Just sold, this Cape Cod home with nearly a 1/2 acre on a wooded cul-de-sac lot. Open floor plan with abundant hardwood floors and neutral colors. Updated cherry kitchen with granite countertops & high end stainless steel appliances. Newer roof, leakguard gutters, & Trane furnace (’04). 21′ x 19′ great room w/ gas FP. 16′ x 14′ library. Main floor master suite with screened in porch, 2 walk-in closets, updated bath with jetted tub & Euro-door shower. Large room sizes & great views of the wooded lot.

To learn more about homes like it, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth and Northville Associate Broker, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth and Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.

If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth and Northville 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.

Just Sold: 16756 Lochmoor Circle, Links of Northville Hills – Golf Course Views, 3 Bedroom Cape Cod Condo

Just sold to one of our clients, this rare and truly exceptional condo backs directly to Northville Hills Golf Club.  The 3 Bedroom Cape Cod home offers a first floor master bedrooms, separate living and family rooms, separate breakfast area and dining doom, an island ktichen, and 2.5 bathrooms.  One of the largest condos available in the area, this particular unit is very special since the extra wide floorplan and bedroom layout provides golf course view from ALL bedrooms, the family room, the dining room, and the even the kitchen.

To learn more about homes like it, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth and Northville Associate Broker, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth and Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.

If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth and Northville 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.

Just Sold! 3 Bedroom Lakefront Condo in Blue Heron Pointe, Northville MI: 47629 Blue Heron

We are pleased to announce the recent sale of this highly prized waterfront condo in Northville’s Blue Heron Pointe.  Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, this 3 bedroom end unit condo posssesses commanding views from the two teir deck.  The unit is located immediately adjacent to the association’s private nature walking trail. And with a fully finished walk out lower level, you have easy access to the shoreline and dock as well. 

To see more homes like it, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth and Northville Associate Broker, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth and Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.

If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth and Northville 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.

New Listing: Ridgewood Hills Cape Cod in Plymouth: 49022 Plum Tree Ct

Just listed, this Cape Cod home with nearly a 1/2 acre on a wooded cul-de-sac lot. Open floor plan with abundant hardwood floors and neutral colors. Updated cherry kitchen with granite countertops & high end stainless steel appliances. Newer roof, leakguard gutters, & Trane furnace (’04). 21′ x 19′ great room w/ gas FP. 16′ x 14′ library. Main floor master suite with screened in porch, 2 walk-in closets, updated bath with jetted tub & Euro-door shower. Large room sizes & great views of the wooded lot.

 To arrange a private viewing or to learn more about this home and homes like it, please visit our Plymouth and Northville Real Estate homepage at  www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Plymouth and Northville Associate Broker, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Plymouth and Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.

If you have a home to sell in the Plymouth and Northville 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.