Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 11

Right to Farm: A Farewell To Backyard Chickens and Beekeepers

Monday, September 26, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Michigan Loses ‘Right To Farm’ This Week: A Farewell To Backyard Chickens and Beekeepers

 

Little blond girl with farm chickens in pen.

Michigan residents lost their “right to farm” this week thanks to a new ruling by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development. Gail Philburn of the Michigan Sierra Club told Michigan Live, the news changes “effectively remove Right to Farm Act protection for many urban and suburban backyard farmers raising small numbers of animals.”

Backyard and urban farming were previously protected by Michigan’s Right to Farm Act. The Commission ruled that the Right to Farm Act protections no longer apply to many homeowners who keep small numbers of livestock.

 

Kim White, who raises chickens and rabbits, said, “They don’t want us little guys feeding ourselves. They want us to go all to the big farms. They want to do away with small farms and I believe that is what’s motivating it.”

The ruling will allow local governments to arbitrarily ban goats, chickens and beehives on any property where there are 13 homes within one eighth mile or a residence within 250 feet of the property, according to Michigan Public Radio.

The Right to Farm Act was created in 1981 to protect farmers from the complaints of people from the city who moved to the country and then attempted to make it more urban with anti-farming ordinances. The new changes affect residents of rural Michigan too. It is not simply an urban or suburban concern.

 

Shady Grove Farm in Gwinn, Michigan is the six and a half acre Home to 150 egg-laying hens that provide eggs to a local co-op and a local restaurant. The small Michigan farm also homes sheep for wool and a few turkeys and meat chickens to provide fresh healthy, local poultry.

“We produce food with integrity,” Randy Buchler told The Blaze about Shady Grove Farm. “Everything we do here is 100 percent natural — we like to say it’s beyond organic.

We take a lot of pride and care in what we’re doing here.” Shady Grove Farm was doing its part to bring healthy, local, organic food to the tables of Gwinn residents, and it mirrors the attitudes of hundreds of other small farming operations in Michigan and thousands of others popping up around the nation.

The ruling comes within days of a report by The World Health Organization that stated the world is currently in grave danger of entering a post-antibiotic era. The WHO’s director-general Dr. Margaret Chan argued that the antibiotic use in our industrialized food supply is the worst offender adding to the global crisis.

“The Michigan Agriculture Commission passed up an opportunity to support one of the hottest trends in food in Michigan – public demand for access to more local, healthy, sustainable food,” Gail Philbin told MLive.

Meanwhile, neighboring Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed Senate Bill 179 a few weeks before which freed up poultry and egg sales from local and state regulation.

Yesterday, the USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced massive funding to support research about small and medium-sized family farms, such as small farms ability to build-up local and regional economic systems. “There’s a lot of unnecessary legal action being taken against small farms who are doing good things in their communities,” said Randy Buchler, who is also on the board of directors for the Michigan Small Farm Council.

The Michigan Small Farm Council  actively fought to support Michigan farming freedom, but ultimately the Commission voted to approve the new restrictions.

“Farm Bureau has become another special interest beholden to big business and out of touch with small farmers, and constitutional and property rights of the little guy,” Pine Hallow Farms wrote to the Michigan Small Farm Council.

The Michigan Farm Bureau endorsed the new regulatory changes. Matthew Kapp, government relations specialist with Michigan Farm Bureau, told MLive that the members weighed in and felt that people raising livestock need to conform to local zoning ordinances. The Farm Bureau did not feel Michigan’s Right To Farm Act was meant to protect the smaller farms, and ultimately the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development agreed.

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder working in the Ann Arbor Real Estate Area marketing houses and condos in the Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Ypsilanti and Milan real estate home market and more.  Check out the helpful Links and other information available on this website.  

Add Comment

Home of Harry Potter Hits the Market

Sunday, September 25, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

The Wizarding Home of Harry Potter Hits the Market

Harry Potter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Potterheads were to consider investing in some Harry Potter real estate, they’d probably aim for the Hogwarts castle. Yet, while the castle is indeed stunning, Potterheads must also remember their muggle condition. And for muggles, 4 Privet Drive, in Little Whingeing, Surrey is probably as close as they’re going to get to the magic.

Turns out the Dursley residence featured in the 2001 Harry Potter film (replaced by a set in later films) is actually a pretty quaint three-bedroom home in Martins Heron, Bracknell, England. On top of that, it comes with a well-sized garden, a renovated kitchen, and stands a few blocks away from the nearest train station.

So hold on to your broomsticks because for just half-a-million pounds, £475,000 to be exact, Harry’s cupboard under the stairs (and the whole house that comes with it) could be yours.

The house had hit the market twice before since the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, once in 2003 in the hopes of making a profit by piggybacking on the success of the film, and again in 2010 for £290,000 pounds. The current owner, Sandra Smith, is now testing to see if Harry Potter has cast a big enough spell on the property to make her more than the comparable £250,000 average sale price.

Of course, Smith also has to take into account that buyers might be thinking of Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon before making an offer. That’s not the kind of aura you want to surround yourself with. Plus, you run the risk of engendering the likes of Dudley Dursley and not receiving your mail on time.

Harry Potter Inside

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harry Potter Inside 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harry 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potter5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’d definitely pick this as my new residence if I were considering a move to England, but to be honest, I would probably never leave the cupboard. All things considered, that might also be a sound plan of action given that fans still show up at “4 Privet Drive” in the hopes of finding, as I would, a young Harry shivering under the stairs. So, if you want it, either accio yourself some money or alohamora the heck into that place.

Totally your call, young wizard.

 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder in Ann Arbor Michigan.  Contact us or click on the helpful website Links herein should you need direct access to the Board of Realtors home inventory data base (see above) for homes or condos in the neighboring communities as well including Saline, Dexter, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Milan and Milan Michigan.  Contact us today or use the helpful links above to get a price on your current home or find a new one.  

Add Comment

Preparing Your Home for Autumn

Saturday, September 24, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Preparing Your Home for Autumn: Maintenance Tips for the End of Summer

 

family rakingIt’s almost time. Sigh. Summer is drawing to a close, like it or not.

Before the leaves fall and the wind turns chilly, it’s a good idea to do some seasonal maintenance on your home. Here are some things to add to your fall “honey-do” list.

Have your furnace inspected. It’s smart to have your heating system serviced before you actually need to use it. Experts say that as much as 75 percent of the calls they receive about homeowners without heat are a result of not having the furnace serviced and cleaned. It will also keep your heating costs down and help keep the air in your home healthy.

Apply a fresh coat of paint. Interior painting requires good ventilation, so the best time to tackle a paint spruce-up is the time of year when you can open up your windows.

Inspect your roof. You’ll want to check for shingles that are cracked, buckling, or missing. Check for caulking that needs to be replaced, or moss or lichen, which could indicate deterioration underneath. If you don’t trust your own assessment, work with a certified inspector.

Check for mold. The humidity of summer can cause mold to flourish. Check locations such as around leaky pipes, basements, or areas that don’t get good ventilation. You will want to remove the mold as soon as possible. It’s wise to have this done by a professional.

Replace weatherstripping on doors. There could be gaps that you can’t see and that can jack up your energy costs. It’s a simple fix that can be done with items found at your local hardware store.

Check the airflow. Focus on areas like vents, the hood over your stove, dryer vents, baseboard heaters and room fans. Not only is a buildup of dust a fire hazard, but you also want to keep the air flowing and the allergens at bay.

Get control of gutters and downspouts. Clogs in gutters and downspouts can cause the roof to leak, which can lead to a host of other problems. It’s a slippery slope from clogged gutters to water damage in your home!

Look over your siding. You’ll want to look for any areas on vinyl siding that are buckled or warped. If you have wood siding, look for curling, splitting or cracking. Should you find an issue, you’ll definitely want it taken care of before the weather gets cold!

Inspect your insulation. The most important area to check is your attic. You should have the highest concentration of insulation here. See if there are any gaps that need to be filled. You don’t need to check the insulation in your walls unless you notice heating issues.

Make sure your detectors are working. Ensure both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries. It’s smart to test them, also. Both are especially important once your furnace is in use.

Each season brings its own challenges and wear-and-tear on your home. With summer ending and autumn on the way, you can go into the new season secure that your home is in tip-top shape!

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder in Ann Arbor Michigan.  Contact us or click on the helpful website Links herein should you need direct access to the Board of Realtors home inventory data base (see above) for homes or condos in the neighboring communities as well including Saline, Dexter, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Milan and Milan Michigan.  

Add Comment

Maintenance Skills Every Homeowner Should Know

Friday, September 23, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

5 Maintenance Skills Every Homeowner Should Know

Macro photo of a faucet head leaking.Maintaining a Home, especially an older one, can be expensive—in fact, experts say homeowners should be prepared to spend roughly 1 percent of their home’s value every year on maintenance.

The good news is, you can save on maintenance by completing simple tasks yourself. According to the experts at Underwriters, Inc. these include:

Cleaning the Gutters – To prevent costly damage to your home’s foundation, landscaping and siding, remove debris and leaves from the gutters at least twice a year. Don’t forget gloves and eye protection!

Open Garage Doors Manually – Don’t call a garage technician the next time your power’s out—simply locate the (usually red) cord, suspended from the ceiling-mounted operator, in your garage, and pull it to disconnect the cord from the motor.

Removing Stripped Screws – Avoid causing more damage when screws slip from a screwdriver. Place a rubber band or piece of steel wool over the screw and then try to remove it—if that method fails, use a screw extractor.

Repairing a Leaky Faucet – Leaks can cost hundreds in wasted water. Before you call a plumber, try DIY-ing by shutting off the main water supply, removing the faucet’s knobs, and checking the washers, stems and O-rings for signs of damage. Take these pieces to the hardware store to find exact replacements.

Stop a Running Toilet – Another plumber job you can do yourself! Remove the lid to the tank behind the toilet, and check the flush lever, rubber flapper, lift chain, float ball, pump and overflow tube. A running toilet usually requires just a simple adjustment or replacement to fix.

If you can master these essential homeowner skills, you’ll not only save money on maintenance, but also the expense of more costly fixes in the future.

 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder in Ann Arbor Michigan.  Contact us or click on the helpful website Links herein should you need direct access to the Board of Realtors home inventory data base (see above) for homes or condos in the neighboring communities as well including Saline, Dexter, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Milan and Milan Michigan.  

Add Comment

Mortgage Interest Rate Prediction

Thursday, September 22, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Rates Hold Steady for Now, Fed Action Points to Possible Hike in December

 

Rates Hold Steady for Now, Fed Action Points to Possible Hike in December

The Federal Reserve kept the benchmark rate unchanged on Wednesday, in a divided vote that alludes to the possibility of a hike before the end of the year.

“The Committee judges that the case for an increase in the federal funds rate has strengthened but decided, for the time being, to wait for further evidence of continued progress toward its objectives,” the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released in statement. “The Committee expects that economic conditions will evolve in a manner that will warrant only gradual increases in the federal funds rate; the federal funds rate is likely to remain, for some time, below levels that are expected to prevail in the longer run.”

“Our decision does not reflect a lack of confidence in the economy,” Fed Chair Janet Yellen said in a press conference, later adding, “We’re generally pleased with how the U.S. economy is doing.”

Chances of a hike improved after Yellen made note of the economy’s supportive environment during a speech in August, but softening indicators proved otherwise: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported modest employment data this month, and housing starts came in less than anticipated in August, among other factors. Still, household wealth grew over $1 trillion in the second quarter of this year (with owner equity at its highest in a decade), and household spending has picked up significantly.Today’s action was largely expected by analysts as policymakers stood fast this summer, despite initially forecasting four hikes this year. The federal funds rate informs the trajectory of mortgage rates, which remain at historic lows.

TransUnion researchers recently found some nine million credit-active consumers would experience “payment shock” if the federal funds rate rose 0.25 percent—the majority of all credit-active consumers, however, would see monthly payments increase a paltry $6.45.

The Fed last raised the key rate in December
.

Add Comment

825 S. Grove Rd., Ypsilanti, Michigan

Wednesday, September 7, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

825 S. Grove Rd., Ypsilanti, Michigan

Brick Ranch on Ford Lake and North Bay Park

 

PROPERTY DETAILS

ACTIVE

 

 

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Great View of Ford Lake From Your Picture Window!

Move-In Condition Brick Ranch A perfect Home for a first time buyer or someone for home down size or eliminate stairs.   Across the street is the park entrance with paths leading to bridges over numerous scenic islands that are nestled in Ford lake or play 18 holes of golf at the Eagle Crest Marriott across the lake!

Great fenced back yard with hardwood shade tree and a huge deck that provides plenty of entertaining and play space.  Features include resurfaced hardwood floors, finished basement with large recreation room, a high efficient furnace with Central air, updated windows, and a spacious 2.5 car garage.  Large family room with bay window. All kitchen appliances plus the washer and dryer can stay including the pool table!

Watch the HD video walk through below and remember to hit the 4 arrows bottom right corner for larger Screen

  • 5 Minute Drive to Downtown or Depot Town
  • Great view of Ford Lake
  • Bike and walk Paths across Street - North Bay Park
  • Spacious Fenced backyard
  • Finished Basement
  • Newer High Efficient Furnace
  • Central Air Conditioning
  • Updated Electric Panel
  • Updated windows
  • Easy Access to I-94
  • Generous Sized Deck with Hardwood Shade Tree
  • Refreshed Hardwood Floors
  • Ypsilanti Schools

​​

139,900

LISTING INFORMATION

  • BEDROOMS: 3
  • BATHS: 1
  • PARTIAL BATHS: 0
  • SQ FT: 1053
  • LOT SIZE: 70x128
  • STYLE: Ranch
  • GARAGE: 2.5 Car At
  • HEAT SOURCE: Gas Forced Air
  • SCHOOLS: Ypsilanti
  • TAXES: $2,799
Add Comment

9404 Thornbird Way, Saline, Michigan Home for Sale

Wednesday, September 7, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

9404 Thornbird Way, Saline, Michigan

Coming Soon - Beautiful Saline Area Home in Sandpiper Cove

 

PROPERTY DETAILS

ACTIVE

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Low York Township Taxes and Just 5 minutes from US-23 & I-94 Freeway Split

Wonderful home with mature landscaping and fenced back yard with storage shed.  This home in Sandpiper Cove is tastefully adorned with two fireplaces, a study, finished basement with full bath.  Its perched up on a hill with great visibility and mature landscaping that provides plenty of privacy while you soak in your year round hot tub.  

  • Finished Basement with Full Bath
  • Third floor two room guest suite with full bath
  • Two Fireplaces
  • Study
  • Maple Hardwood Floors
  • 3 Car Attached Garage
  • 4 Bedroom and 4.5 Baths
  • In Ground Sprinkler System
  • Small Outbuilding
  • Fenced Rear Yard
  • Beautifully Landscaped and surrounded by mature trees 

Go to this link for more information.  ​This listing is coming soon, so contact Tom Stachler to get on the first to show notification list to view before anyone else.  More photos and HD video coming soon, so stop back.  

 

$549,000

LISTING INFORMATION

  • BEDROOMS: 4
  • BATHS: 4
  • PARTIAL BATHS: 1
  • SQ FT: 3350
  • LOT SIZE: 1.3 acre
  • STYLE: 3Story
  • GARAGE: 3C Plus
  • HEAT SOURCE: Gas FA
  • SCHOOLS: Saline
  • TAXES: $5,900
Add Comment

How Can Fall Home Sellers Get Their Home in Tip-Top Shape?

Tuesday, September 6, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

How Can Fall Home Sellers Get Their Home in Tip-Top Shape?

Ask the Expert: How Can Fall Home Sellers Get Their Home in Tip-Top Shape?

In this interview, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors President Dan Steward shares ways your clients who are looking to sell this fall can get their home ready for prime time.

Q: For clients looking to sell this fall, what can they do to get their home in tip-top shape?

Tom Stachler: While spring is usually designated as the best time to put a home on the market, fall is also a lovely season to show a home.

Some of the most important fall clean-up tasks that should be completed include:

Clean Up the Exterior
It’s well-known that outdoor space is one of the top five most important factors for buyers, however, forgetting to clean up the yard is the No. 1 place sellers often drop the ball when preparing their home for sale. If you’re lucky enough to have magnificent trees on your property, spend a few dollars and get them trimmed so that they look their best.

-Raking leaves
-Removing loose sticks
-Weeding flower beds
-Trimming flowers, bushes and shrubs
-Aerating the lawn
-Cleaning gutters
-Painting the exterior of the house, even if you can only afford to do the trim
-De-cluttering, both inside and out

-Brewing a fresh pot of pumpkin coffee Cozy-up the Interior
Since you’re selling a home in the fall, it’s a great time to use scents to make the space more inviting. Some ways to introduce a fall scent include:

-Boiling cinnamon sticks, baked plate of cookies/smells or Burning fall scented Candles
-Fire in Fireplace

Another important tip to help prepare for showings during the fall season is to make sure you turn on all the lights. Since the number of daylight hours in the fall decreases, it’s more likely your home will be shown when it’s dark. Having all the lights on for showings will make the home appear larger and more cheerful.

 

Tom Stachler is a michigan licensed broker and Builder helping buy and sell homes in the Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea and Ypsilanti realty markets.  Call or use the handy navigation tabs and Links on this website for home owner information or find listings to purchase or sell.  Go to RealtyQuest.info to look up the price or your home or to MyHomeTour.com to access the AA Area Board of Real Estate.  

Add Comment

Realty Market Market Conditions Improve Chances of Rate Hike

Tuesday, September 6, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Realty Market Conditions Improve Chances of Rate Hike

Market Conditions Improve Chances of Rate Hike, Says Yellen

In a recent speech at Jackson Hole, Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen supported the anticipation of two possible rate hikes this year, noting that the case for a rate hike has strengthened.

“In light of the continued solid performance of the labor market and our outlook for economic activity and inflation, I believe the case for an increase in the federal-funds rate has strengthened in recent months,” Yellen said.

Job gains have averaged 190,000 over the past three months, and in addition to the rising labor market, experts believe that the “strengthening” Yellen points to could be based on the bolstered dollar and the recovery of economic confidence post-Brexit, which stalled rate predictions back in June.

Yellen commented heavily on the need to refresh the Fed’s toolkit in order to hold off the next recession. Friday’s release of the August jobs report will likely offer insight into when the next rate hike may occur

 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder based in the tri county area surrounding Ann Arbor Michigan.  Also specializing in the Saline, Dexter, Chelsea and Ypsilanti Markets.  Call Tom for assistance on houses, homes and condos to purchase, list or Lease.  Check out the helpful Links page and navigation tabs above.  


.

Add Comment

Pros and Cons: Buying a Property for your College Student

Friday, September 2, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Pros and Cons: Buying a Property for your College Student

Pros and Cons: Buying a Property for a College Student

There’s no way around it, supporting a college student can be very expensive. Food, books, and most importantly, housing — all add a hefty expense on top of tuition. That’s why the idea of purchasing a property for a college student can be a good investment strategy for families and an alternative to paying Rent for four years. If you have clients with children going off to college, use this list to help them weigh the financial pros and cons of buying their college student an off-campus Home.  Ask Tom about how to also create a homestead exemption to save you approx. 33% on property taxes as well.  

Pros:

  • Offers possible tax benefits, appreciation in value, rental income, etc. Educate your clients on the area and demographics of the town in which they’re considering a purchase, as well as the current property values and typical rent prices.
  • Provides a stable living situation for their child and helps avoid rising rent prices and security deposits.
  • Eliminates any need to pay storage costs for furniture during summer breaks. In addition, they can rent the property out during the summer to make money.
  • Benefits multiply if you have roomates or other children who may attend the same college. 

Cons:

  • Give this checklist to your client to help them determine if buying a property for their college student is a good investment.Creates homeowner costs such as a mortgage, insurance, and repairs. Have your clients determine a budget and create a list of estimated costs.
  • Unlikely to turn a profit or even recoup the costs of buying and selling the property after their student graduates (e.g., 3-5 years).
  • Must be prepared for the typical “college renter” consequences, i.e., the occasional party trashing, heedless roommate damage, etc. College students don’t have the best reputation when it comes to taking care of properties. Make sure your clients are financially prepared to cover possible repairs.
  • Inherent risk: their student could decide to transfer to a different school, or move back home. Make sure your clients have thought about what they would do if something like this happened.

 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder based in the tri county area surrounding Ann Arbor Michigan.  Also specializing in the Saline, Dexter, Chelsea and Ypsilanti Markets.  Call Tom for assistance on houses, homes and condos to purchase, list or Lease.  Check out the helpful Links page and navigation tabs above. Looking to purchase a home, check out the all MLS Inventory link above for currently active properties in the Board of Realtors data base.  

Add Comment

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 11

Syndication

Categories

Archives