The Super Bowl and Olympics are over, Spring Training has begun and that means only one thing: Real Estate Season is here! Buyers and Sellers are emerging from their winter hibernation and preparing and planning their next move.
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 busy shops, restaurants, and events. The City of Northville has also seen significant increases in value. The Townships of both Plymouth and Northville have also shown steady price increases in addition to growing new development activity – especially in Northville Township. The lack of inventory as shown below illustrates that in an area where there is limited opportunity for new development, the price of existing homes will appreciate in a strong market.
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.
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.
Beautiful Colonial Home in Plymouth’s Heather Hills – This Spacious 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 3671 sq ft home lies amidst picturesque greenery on a ½ acre Corner Cul-de-Sac and boasts numerous recent Updates throughout this gorgeous home! Move-in Ready.
Come join us Sunday 1-3pm and enjoy our cool air-conditioned Open House
12852 Lomond Court, Plymouth: South of N. Territorial & West of Beck
This 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.
We are pleased to announce the closed sale of a truly noteworthy Beacon Hill residence. Only occasionally does a home become available that captures the meaning of pride of ownership with enhanced interior refinements. Previously a 4 bedroom, this home has been re-imagined and re-designed with three generously sized bedrooms, with enlarged and replaced bathrooms, and with expanded closet space. As you enter, you will sense the substantial and solid construction, trim, and moldings. A completely rebuilt and beautiful open staircase welcomes arrivals. A dramatic three-season Garden Room is a transformational gathering spot that will create lasting memories. And the year-around family room and tucked-away library are equally appealing. So many upgrades and enhancements over the years…a lovely large setting and so very close to near-by schools and downtown Plymouth restaurants, shopping, and events.
If you are searching for a home in the Plymouth and/or Northville area, 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. 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.
We are pleased to announce that one of our clients just closed on this attractive Beacon Meadows Cape Cod home in Plymouth. With 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 3 car garage, there’s plenty of 3’s and space for everyone and everything. Beacon Meadows is located on the North side of North Territorial Road between Sheldon and Beck. It’s close to downtown Plymouth, Ann Arbor, and the M14 expressway. Overall, a very well bought home in a superb neighborhood.
If you are searching for a home in Plymouth, 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, REALTOR,at (734) 272-8375 – patrick@bobbake.com, or Stephanie, REALTOR, at (734) 620-4536 – stephanie@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.
Bird or Smith Elementary, West Middle and PCEP High Schools
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.
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.
(Update: this home has been sold 3-19-14) We are pleased to announce the first time offering of a truly noteworthy Beacon Hill residence. Only occasionally does a home become available that captures the meaning of pride of ownership with enhanced interior refinements. Previously a 4 bedroom, this home has been re-imagined and re-designed with three generously sized bedrooms, with enlarged and replaced bathrooms, and with expanded closet space. As you enter, you will sense the substantial and solid construction, trim, and moldings. A completely rebuilt and beautiful open staircase welcomes arrivals. A dramatic three-season Garden Room is a transformational gathering spot that will create lasting memories. And the year-around family room and tucked-away library are equally appealing. The Kitchen is inspiring, fresh and completely efficient . So many upgrades and enhancements over the years…a lovely large setting and so very close to near-by schools and downtown Plymouth restaurants, shopping, and events.
To learn more about this home and homes like this, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
2013 Plymouth Township historical real estate data verifies what we’ve seen all year – values have continued to increased steadily due to limited inventory of available homes. Prices are comparable to historical highs and the recovery has been swift. With the local economy improving dramatically and the annual cycle of new buyers combined with buyers who delayed buying during the recession, the result is a seller’s market. Recently, supply has improved slightly and homes aren’t as likely to sell instantly but time on market is always more dependent on pricing than supply/demand dynamics.
Both median sales prices and sales volume have recovered strongly to pre-recession levels. The number of sales has been increasing steadily for the past several years. If you are considering buying or selling a home in the Plymouth/Northville area in 2014, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to discuss your plans and offer our help. Please also visit our homepage at www.bobbake.com.
Colony Farms Association in Plymouth Township is one of this area’s unique treasures with a storied history and a gentle balance of single family residences and condominiums – all enjoying the pastoral common areas, pond, and walkable streets. Some of the condos, like this one our client recently purchased, enjoy serene views of Walden Pond and the surrounding Willow trees.
Originally established in 1927 by a prominent Detroit doctor, the property developed as a vertically integrated weaving colony for shepherds, weavers, fabric designers, interior decorators, distributors, and their families. In the 1970s, the property was developed into the subdivision we have today. But elements of a farming past remain including the original barn, and Walden Pond mentioned above. Since the farm was not mechanized, the pond was dug using animal and human power to feed the crops and inhabitants of the farm. Looking out from the balcony of this condo, you would never realize that a thriving weaving and farming operation once took place here.