The Plymouth and Northville Spring Real Estate Market Rush has Begun!

The Plymouth and Northville Real Estate markets have done better than most over the past several years.  And now with the local Automotive industry recording robust profits and paying out bonuses, combined with a more diversified local economic base, the residential Real Estate market has further strengthened in value.

Newly listed properties are often selling quickly while some properties are even receiving multiple offers. As usual, the homes with best locations, amenities, and updates will not only appeal to the most people, but also sell for the highest prices in the least amount of time.

Why is the recovery in Real Estate prices happening?  Low inventory and more buyers seems to be the answer or simply less supply and more demand. There just aren’t enough properties on the market to satisfy buyers who feel more financially secure or are moving to the area. Here’s how Plymouth and Northville active real estate listings in February compare to the same time last year.

There are clearly fewer homes available and we don’t see the trend changing appreciably in the near future.  The mild Winter kept buying traffic strong through the winter months and now with the Spring selling season kicking off, inventory is likely to remain limited.

So have Real Estate values really increased?  Many of you have seen your 2012 Tax assessment increase for the second year in a row.  This is a direct result of rising home prices.  Keep in mind that these Tax assessments are a ‘lagging indicator’ of your home’s value as the assessment period ended approximately 5 months prior to when you received your new assessment.  Here’s the year over year change (increase) in Real Estate prices for the month of February:

What does this mean for Plymouth and Northville Real Estate buyers and sellers?

For Buyers:  We recommend finding a local buyer’s agent who can identify new homes just listed or soon to be listed. You should also get a pre-approval letter from a lender.  And then you should educated yourself about the local market by seeing houses as they come on the market.  You may need to act quickly so the more you know now, the faster you’ll be able to make a decision when the right house does come along.

For Sellers:  If you’ve delayed putting your home on the market, this may be the time to sell.  While other areas of Southeast Michigan may not be as strong as ours and prices were lower a couple of years ago, things have definitely changed.  It’s a good time to sell right now in Plymouth and Northville. Of course, you’ll want the advice and assistance of an experienced local REALTOR since selling a home in today’s market can be a complicated and time-consuming process.

If you are planning to buy or sell a home in the Plymouth or 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. You can reach me at 734-788-2398 or carrie@bobbake.com.

AAUW Northville-Novi Home Tour: September 24th, 2011

The American Association of University Women is holding their 2011 Northville and Novi Home Tour the weekend of September 24th, 2011. The self-guided tour includes 5 Northville area homes and costs $20.00 per person.  The beautiful downtown Northville home pictured above is just one example of what you will see on this home tour. Tickets are available at: Gardenviews, Pear-aphernalia, Starring the Gallery, Northville Chamber of Commerce or at the house day of event. To charge tickets please call 734-420-0206.

For more information about this wonderful opportunity, click here.

City of Northville Real Estate Values Increasing Year over Year

The City of Northville Real Estate market showed relative strength in 2010 vs. 2009 as the economy began to recover in western Wayne County. The resurgence of Automotive and the overall stabilization of the region, combined with the Federal Tax Credit in 2010, all contributed to stronger consumer confidence and better values.

For 2010 vs. 2009, we’ve seen approx. 9 % fewer homes sold (31 vs. 34) but the average selling price increased from $232,313 in 2009 to $277,532 in 2010. Given the relatively small number of sales in the City and the effect of a few high value sales in 2010, the data can be a little misleading. Nevertheless, the trend does show an increase in both average and median sales prices year over year.  During the early part of 2010, the Tax Credit seemed to drive an increase in buying activity although some of this can be explained as ‘pull ahead’ sales.  The City of Northville Real Estate market has always remained attractive due to the historic homes, downtown shopping and restaurants, school system, parks, and much, much more.

To see more homes available for sale in Northville, please visit www.bobbake.com or simply contact Carrie, Northville REALTOR, at 734-788-2398 –  carrie@bobbake.com or Patrick, Northville REALTOR,at  734-272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com.  If you have a home to sell in the 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 Northville area with the experience and knowledge to assist you throughout your home buying and selling process.

Northville Historical Society’s Cemetery Walk at Oakwood Cemetery Sunday, October 3, 2010

There are plenty of events and activities throughout the year in Northville but as Hallowe’en approaches, some unique experiences present themselves. The Cemetery Walk at Historic Oakwood Cemetery takes visitors back in time with costumed citizens sharing stories about life in the early days of Northville. For more information about this event, click here.

Le George Mediterranean Bar and Restaurant Now Open in Downtown Northville, MI

Le George Northville

Updated January 13th, 2010: it’s been several months now and Le George continues to impress. We stop by there for lunch quite often and the service is always top notch.  Ask for the recommended specials which we do or just go for a sandwich. 

Update August 13, 2010: Le George is now open!  If you are looking for an upscale bar/restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine, Le George might be worth a try. The interior is very nicely decorated and there’s even an outdoor seating area! We had lunch there today and the place was very busy. There is also a convenient take-out menu if you are on the go. For more information, call Le George at (248) 924-2016.

Le George Bar and Restaurant, Northville MI

Walking in downtown Northville today, we noticed the new Le George Mediterranean Bar and Restaurant under construction. The sign on the window suggests a Spring 2010 opening so let’s look forward to a new business downtown. le George is located at 124 E. Main St. in downtown Northville.

City of Northville, Michigan Video

Here’s a video about the City of Northville Michigan that I thought would be worth sharing. It gives a very good overview of the City and what you can expect to find living here. Whether it’s the Town Square, theater, galleries, stores, restaurants, race track, walkable tree-lined streets, and historic homes, you’ll find something to enjoy in this classic American small town.

Updated: Scream 4 Movie Now Filming in Plymouth and Northville Michigan with Courteney Cox and David Arquette

Scream 4 Now Shooting in Northville MI

Updated: September 1st, 2010: The Scream 4 crew is back – this time in Northville along Clement.  The crew will be onsite for the next few weeks and filming in the evenings/nights.

Updated: July 19th, 2010: The crowds of extras were all over downtown Plymouth today. Lots of Woodsboro police cars and news vans littered the streets. It was all a bit surreal since living in Plymouth is like being in a movie everyday with the beautiful homes, shops and parks. The faux Police Station actually looks pretty good – certainly better than an empty lot!

Scream 4 is now filming in Northville and Plymouth Michigan. Scenes are being shot all over including the Next Chapter Bookstore and Bistro in Northville and a new faux store front beside the Box Bar in Plymouth. Filming in Plymouth around Kellogg Park will take place on Monday and Tuesday – if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of stars Courteney Cox and David Arquette around town!

For more info about Real Estate in the City of Plymouth, Michigan, please visit our homepage at www.bobbake.com.

Scream 4 Police Station
 

Scream 4 Set in Plymouth Michigan

 

Plymouth and Northville Farmer’s Markets

It’s that time of year again (although you wouldn’t know it by today’s windy weather!). The Northville Farmer’s Market started this week (Thursday mornings at the parking lot across from Northville Downs) and the Plymouth Farmer’s Market started today (Saturday mornings at the Gathering beside the Penn).

Both of these markets provide an opportunity to buy local and buy fresh and enjoy a morning out with the family.

Holiday Lighted Parade in Downtown Northville Tomorrow Evening (November 20th, 2009)

Tomorrow evening (November 20th, 2009) from 6:30pm in downtown Northville you can enjoy the annual Holiday Lighted Parade. It’s great fun for the kids as Santa comes to town with lights, music, and of course –  treats! For more information on this and other upcoming events in Northville, please visit the Northville Chamber website.

Koji Sushi in Downtown Northville, Michigan

Northville's Koji Sushi
Northville's Koji Sushi

koji sushiAmongst the taverns, roadhouses, sportsbars, and grills of Northville and Plymouth, you can also find more international fare like Northville’s Koji Sushi. Located in the heart of downtown Northville at 146 Mary Alexander Ct, Koji offers a simple sushi lunch bento box (above) for a very reasonable price. Here are some photos of what we ordered today. So if you’re in the mood for some raw fish instead of the usual burger or sandwich- you can find it right here in our very own community!

Welcome to the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra’s 2009/2010 Season!

logo_sm

Plymouth SymphonyPSO_Season_Brochure_FrontIf you’re looking for something special to do in the Plymouth-Northville-Canton area, consider attending one of our very own, local, and incredibly beautiful concerts performed by the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra.  Yes, we have our very own professional Symphony Orchestra right here in the area (which hopefully doesn’t surprise you) and they would love to have you share in their 64th  Season “Follow the Music“. The venues are all close by and convenient, the prices are reasonable, and it’s a great part of our community and life in Plymouth, Canton, and Northville. So instead of just another night out at the megaplex, how about attending a powerful and compelling live performance featuring a magnificent Music Director in Nan Washburn and an entire symphony orchestra of dedicated and talented musicians! The concerts this season are shown below:

“Beethoven & Blue Jeans” Saturday Sept 12, 2009
“Sunday Serenade at St. John’s” Sunday Oct 11, 2009
“Chasing Lincoln” Saturday November 21, 2009
‘Home for the Holidays’ Thursday, Dec 17, 2009
“Brahms Sunday Serenade” January 24, 2010
“Tchaikovsky Spectacular!” Saturday, March 13, 2010
Pops Benefit: “Horray for Hollywood!”Apr 16, 2010

Tickets may be purchased at the Symphony Offices in the Plymouth Arts Center 774 N. Sheldon Road, Plymouth, MI  48170 or online at www.plymouthsymphony.org. If you would like more about the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, click here.

Maybury State Park – One of Northville’s Natural Treasures

maybury state park

Maybury State Park, located at Beck and 8 mile, offers an incredible natural respite from city and suburban life in Northville and Plymouth. A former Tuberculosis Sanatorium, you can still see the foundations of the institutional buildings scattered throughout the park. There are also helpful placards with historical photographs and explanations at many sites. Nowadays, the park has hiking paths, mountain bike trails, play structures, covered picnic areas, horseback riding, and even a beautiful fishing pond. It’s a great place to go trail running or just to enjoy a picnic lunch. The park is never very busy and sometimes, you can have it all to yourself  if you get there early enough. Maybury State Park is open year round to enjoy the fall color or cross country skiing in the winter. I’ve spent many hours running and riding the trails here and always appreciate the sights, smells, and sounds of the forest so close to home. For more information about Maybury, click here.