The Reinhart Blog

Today we are featuring Jean Wedemeyer’s listing – 3011 Provincial Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Q. Can you describe the architectural style of the home?
Unassuming from the front, there are three levels of above grade spaces. It is a perfect place for someone who needs an ample home office/work from home suite. Those who need space for visitors or extended family will be able to offer them a private two bedroom – one bath wing. Rochman Design Build has designed two new facades for this home that would give this home a new and exciting look from the street.

Q. What distinctive features set this home apart?
This Ann Arbor Hills home has wonderful open living spaces both inside and out. The large living room overlooks the back yard and steps down to a gracious dining room with built-ins, ceiling beams and wide plank floor. Off this, a delightful brick tiled screen porch, nestled into the backyard and perennial beds, is a haven in the spring, summer and fall.

Q. What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
Ann Arbor Hills is a great place to live. In the middle of town, homes are set on large and private wooded lots. This home is steps away from Bader Park and the walking trails at Huron Hills. A handy distance to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Arbor Landings shops. Jump on Geddes and it’s a quick trip to campus or downtown.

 Q. Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
The spacious 700 sq. ft. master has a spa like bath. Recently remodeled, it has a soaker tub, large shower, two sinks and a makeup area. Many other updates in the home include granite in the kitchen, bath remodels, new carpet, and fresh paint.

Q. What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
This half acre lot has great front porch views. Sit in an Adirondack chair and view the Huron Hills tree line and the birds that call it home. The porch and patio provide views of a sizeable and private backyard.

 Q. What makes the price of this home so great?
You cannot beat the price at $187 sq. ft. This is a great amount of wonderfully maintained home for the dollar.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the home?
3011 Provincial Drive ticks off so many boxes. Wonderful entertaining spaces, room upstairs for parents and children, a lower level with family room and beds/baths for extended family or college students, charming screened in porch and large yard.

For more information about 3011 Provincial Dr, Ann Arbor, MI or to schedule a showing contact Jean Wedemeyer at 734-604-2523.

Are you looking for homes for sale in Ann Arbor?  

School has started. Leaves are changing colors. The holidays are coming. This is the perfect time to sell your house. With inventory below historic numbers and demand still strong, don’t miss out on this opportunity to sell your home.

1. Demand Is Strong
The latest Realtors’ Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains very strong throughout the vast majority of the country. With fewer homes for sale, buyers have fewer to choose from. This creates an increased demand for available homes. Buyers are ready and are looking for a home right now. Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.

2. There Is Less Competition
If you have been waiting to sell your home, consider acting now. According to NAR, the supply of homes for sale is still under the 6-month supply that is needed for a normal housing market.

This means, in most areas, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in that market. This is good news for home prices. However, additional inventory is about to come to market.

New construction of single-family homes is projected to continue to increase over the next two years, reaching historic levels by 2017. Listing before the wave of new construction homes hits the market can put your home in a more favorable competitive position and result in a higher price.

The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until all this other inventory of homes comes to market before you sell.

3. The Process Will Be Quicker
Right now, there are fewer real estate transactions than there will be in the spring. This means a quicker process for the loans to process, and the house to get inspected. As the market heats up, banks will be inundated with loan inquiries causing closing-time lines to lengthen. Selling now will make the process quicker and simpler.

4. Mortgage Rates are Still Low
If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by 5.3% over the next year, according to CoreLogic. If you are moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you thousands more in both down payment and mortgage payment if you wait.

According to Freddie Mac’s latest report, you can also lock-in your 30-year housing expense with an interest rate around 3.46% right now. Interest rates are projected to increase over the next 12 months. Even a small increase in rate will have a big impact on your housing cost.

5. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life
Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market.  If you are on the fence about moving this fall, please contact us. We’d be happy to learn about your goals and how we can help you start living the life you desire. 

Today we are featuring Michelle Stalmack’s listing – 1708 Coburn Court, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Q. Can you describe the architectural style of the home?
Contemporary

Q. What distinctive features set this home apart?
Fabulous upper ranch end-unit condominium with an attached one car garage with storage.

Q. What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
Close to shopping, bus lines, restaurants, expressways, and is close to downtown Ann Arbor. Low Pittsfield Township taxes.

Q. Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
Updated kitchen with new dishwasher and disposal, new windows and sliding glass door, new carpet, custom blinds and light fixtures. The exterior was recently updated with stone and fiber cement siding.

Q. Does the community have any amenities we should know about?
There is a clubhouse with a pool. It is also a pet-friendly community.

Q. What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
Green grass common area and pond.

Q. What makes the price of this home so great?
Affordable condo living in Ann Arbor.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the home?
This home has been nicely updated and is move-in ready.

For more information about 1708 Coburn Court, Ann Arbor, MI or to schedule a showing contact Michelle Stalmack at 734-276-7236.

Are you looking for homes for sale in Ann Arbor?

September is the beginning of a new football season, the school year and apple picking season. These and many other spectacular events will be taking place in the Ann Arbor area throughout the month.

Dexter Cider Mill
August – November

The Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest continuously operating Cider Mill in Michigan. Cited by “Hour Detroit” magazine as one of the 101 places to visit in the greater Metropolitan area. Today cider is made the same way it was made 120 years ago by using an oak rack press. The Dexter Cider Mill is open Wednesday – Sunday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. There are no admissions or parking fees.

University of Michigan Football
September – November

Every fall with the return of the school year brings the return of football season. Whether you are a die hard fan or just happen to be in town visiting, the football games make an impression. During the weekends when a game is played at home expect large crowds and allow extra time for your commute throughout the city.  To see the full schedule click here.

Eastern Michigan University Football
September – November

Eastern Michigan University has had a college football team since 1891. They compete in Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the Mid-American Conference. The Eastern Michigan University football team kicks off its 125th season on the gridiron Friday, September 2, 2016. Click here for a full schedule.

Wiard’s Orchards and Country Fair
September – Novemeber

Wiard’s Orchards and Country Fair offers entertainment for people of all ages. Activities include fresh cider, apple picking, pumpkin picking, donut shop, bakery, wagon rides, petting farm, and more. Wiard’s is open every Wednesday – Sunday (except September 14 – 16). Click here to see the full schedule and list of activities.

Ann Arbor Russian Festival
September 17 & September 18

The 4th Annual Russian Festival dates are set for Saturday, September 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 18th, from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. There are a plethora of events including Russian Food and bar, a tea room with authentic sweets, Russian and Ukrainian Dancing and entertainment, a  kids corner, beautiful and unique gifts for sale, and much more.

Oktoberfest
September 17 

Are you looking to celebrate all things Bavarian? If so, you won’t want to miss Oktoberfest at Cultivate in Ypsilanti. The event takes place September 17 from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.  Awesome Sausage will be onsite with speciality sausages and sauerkraut. Enjoy your favorite German style beers along with live music. Costumes are encouraged.

Orphan Car Show
September 18

The Annual Orphan Car Show makes it return to Ypsilanti’s beautiful Riverside Park on September 18. Come check out hundreds of now defunct cars and trucks from all over the state. These orphan cars are now rare and some are very difficult to find! Don’t miss out on your chance to view some awesome and historic vehicles.

Saline Oktoberfest
September 23 – September 24

You don’t have to be German to enjoy Saline’s Oktoberfest. An all-American festival with a fun German flavor, Oktoberfest features live German rock and folk music, a Kinderplatz activity area for the little ones, and plenty of scrumptious German and American food.

University Symphony Orchestra
September 23

The University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by its music director, Kenneth Kiesler, opens its 2016-17 season with music by two of America’s major composers: George Gershwin and John Adams. These will be the first performances of the new critical editions of Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, with soloist Logan Skelton, and An American in Paris. The concert also includes John Adams’s The Chairman Dances and Saxophone Concerto, with soloist Tim McAllister, who has performed the piece many times, including the world premiere with the composer conducting.

Ghoultide Gathering
September 24

A magical bazaar of Halloween Art at the Chelsea Fairgrounds featuring arts, crafts, fun, and more. Gates to the fairgrounds open at 6 a.m. for those wishing to line up early. Doors to the show open at 8 a.m. for early buy.

35th Annual Webster Fall Festival
September 24

The 35th Annual Webster Fall Festival offers old-fashioned country fun for all ages. Activities and attractions include hay rides, a petting zoo, dog agility demonstrations, historic buildings and displays, vintage cars and farm machinery, a rummage sale, fundraiser raffle, crafts, artisans, and a vintage baseball game. Live music on the new “Corn Crib” stage features Nessa, Fiddler Pie, North Creek Fiddlers and the RFD Boys. Vocalist Emma McDermott, KP Duo & Co., Celtic Creole and the Ypsi Town Band will perform in the Webster Church Sanctuary. Baked goods, preserves, snacks and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day. The Church luncheon is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

28th Annual: Apples & Honey
September 25

Apples & Honey is an annual community event celebrating the fall Jewish holidays: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, & Simchat Torah. This is the largest Jewish gathering in Ann Arbor with hundreds of participants each year. Local Jewish organizations join together to educate the community about their missions and providing opportunities to participate in celebratory activities and holiday themed projects. What started in 1988 as a small event has since grown to a much-anticipated community wide celebration. In addition to hands-on activities and projects, there will of course be apples & honey to taste, and food for sale such as pizza, Israeli foods, & most anticipated – the J’s Early Childhood Center’s kosher baked goods sale.

Morning After Grace
September 29 – December 17

The Purple Rose Theatre Company will continue its strong tradition of producing world premieres and theatrical favorites for its 2016-2017 season. Michigan native playwright Carey Crim’s hilariously touching story centers on Angus and Abigail who meet at a funeral and are surprised to wake up together after a wine-fueled night. While Abigail may be ready to take a chance on love, Angus still has issues to work through. When Angus’s neighbor Ollie, a former baseball player with secrets of his own, shows up using a walker, confusion and chaos ensue. Can these three find a way to connect with their pasts in order to construct a brighter future?

Today we are featuring Tammi Ebenhoeh’s listing – 4850 Wright Road, Milan, MI 48160
Q. Can you describe the architectural style of the home?
All brick ranch

Q. What distinctive features set this home apart?
Panoramic skyline views welcome you to this gorgeous ranch home on a 3.2 acre setting. The completely fenced yard has a 38 zone sprinkler system.

Q. What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
Easy access to I 94 and US 23, near the Toyota plant.

Q. Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
Remodeled kitchen with granite and backsplash. In the lower level the bath and bar have been renovated. Garage and basement have had new workbenches installed. The landscaping has been redone to enhance the nature landscape.

Q. Does the community have any amenities we should know about?
Award winning Milan School District. School buses come to the driveway.

Q. What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
The front porch features breathtaking views of Mirage Lake. Fantastic yard has raised gardens, a horse shoe pit, fire pit, walking paths from your very own in-ground pool with a patio and a Tiki bar.

Q. What makes the price of this home so great?
The amenities, the size of the home, the quality of the construction, acreage and the privacy.

Q. Can you tell us a fun fact about the home?
There is a full functioning custom built bar in the lower level with a built in draft beer tap system.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the home?
The master suite has cathedral ceiling, custom closet, his and her sinks and a jetted tub. Outside there is a four car garage. Also, there is an electric wrought iron gate at the entrance to the driveway.

For more information about 4850 Wright Road, Milan, MI or to schedule a showing contact Tammi Ebenhoeh at 734-276-4663.

Are you looking for a homes for sale in Milan?  

Thousands of students will move into University of Michigan’s dorms from 6 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31, through- 11 p.m. Friday, September 2, 2016. While move-in is incredibly exciting for students, it also has a huge impact on Ann Arbor traffic patterns. It leads to road closures and changes in parking. The synopsis bellow will show you which area to avoid.

Streets impacted by U of M move in:

• Thompson St. – one way southbound from E. Jefferson St. to Packard St. – meters bagged.
• E. Madison St. – one way eastbound from Packard St. to S. State St. – meters bagged.
• Observatory St. – one way southbound from E. Ann St. to Geddes Ave. – meters bagged.
• E. Washington St. – one way westbound from Fletcher St. to S. State St. – meters bagged.
• Maynard St. – from E. Jefferson St. to E. William St. – meters bagged.
• E. University Ave. – between Hill St. and Willard St. – meters bagged.
• Church St. – between Hill St. and Willard St. – meters bagged.
• N. University Court – meters bagged.
• Oxford Road – parking reserved for move in from Hill St. to Geddes Ave.
• Washington Heights – closed from Observatory St. to E. Medical Center Drive – meters bagged.
• E. Ann St. – one way eastbound from Zina Pitcher Place to Observatory St. – meters bagged.

Click here if you are looking for guideline on how to move your undergraduate into University of Michigan

This week we are featuring Stacie Dugas’ listing- 1604 Longshore Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Q. Can you describe the architectural style of the home?
2 story bungalow

Q. What distinctive features set this home apart?
Close proximity to the Huron River and a short walk to Argo Park.

Q. What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
Quiet street without much traffic, country feel, 5 minute drive to downtown.

Q. Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
Complete renovation and addition in 2005 adding a master suite, additional family bedroom, study with balcony, additional full bath, second floor laundry and a huge screened porch.

Q. Does the community have any amenities we should know about?
Enjoy all the amenities Ann Arbor has to offer.

 Q. What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
A spectacular 3 season view of the Huron River from the covered front porch, or enjoy the fully fenced and private back yard from your screened porch.

Q. Can you tell us a fun fact about the home?
It was a 3 bedroom, 1 bath prior to the addition in 2005

For more information about 1604 Longshore Ann Arbor, MI or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Stacie Dugas at 734-323-2571.

Are you looking for a homes for sale in Ann Arbor?  

On a hot summer day nothing is better than a frozen treat. Whether you prefer ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or frozen yogurt these local ice cream joints will have something that tickles your fancy. Scroll down to the bottom to see a map of all ice cream places mentioned.

Ann Arbor

Blank Slate Creamery
300 W Liberty St
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Deliciously creamy, homemade, all-natural ice cream in a relaxed, friendly and creative space. Blank Slate ice cream is made with Guernsey Farm milk and cream, along with fresh eggs and cane sugar. Many of the ingredients used are sourced locally, and are free of additives and preservatives whenever possible.

Iorio’s Gelateria
522 E William St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Known for as one of the best places to get gelato in Ann Arbor, Iorio’s aims to give you a taste of Italy. Serving custom made authentic artisan gelatos and sorbettos. The sorbettos are great option for those who are dairy-free or vegan.

Kilwins
107 E. Liberty St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Kilwins has been making ice cream since 1985, and today there are over 40 highest-quality unique and delicious flavors made especially for you. They began perfecting their recipe in small batches, and today continue the tradition of excellence, using only fresh antibiotic-free, rbST-free milk and cream from family farms.

Rod’s Place
812 S State St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Rod’s Place is a Korean restaurant that is known for its frozen yogurt collider. Go into the restaurant and grab a slip of paper and you mark down everything you want in your collider and they make the custom treat for you for $6.00. Rod’s is especially beloved for its long hours. They are open Sunday through Thursday until 12am and on Friday and Saturday they service ice cream until 3am.

Washtenaw Dairy
602 S Ashley St
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

For over 75 years Washtenaw Dairy has been delivering quality dairy products to Washtenaw County. Washtenaw Dairy’s family friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect destination after a long day-for both young and old alike. Choose from over 30 flavors or try one of their delicious hand-dipped shakes or malts. Washtenaw Dairy has been named one of the 21 Best Old-School Ice Cream Shops in America by Thrillist.

Zingerman’s Creamery
3723 Plaza Drive,
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108

Zingerman’s Creamery is dedicated to crafting handmade full-flavored cheeses and gelato using traditional methods while sourcing the highest quality milk they can find from equally dedicated, small-scale regional farmers.

Chelsea

Twisters Ice Cream
901 S. Main St
Chelsea, MI 48118

Twisters severs premium soft-serve ice cream cones, sundaes, and shakes doled out from their walk-up window. You can share it with a friend or eat it all alone at Twisters.

Saline

Mickey’s Dairy Twist
751 W Michigan Ave
Saline, MI 48176

For 20 summers, Mickey’s Dairy Twist has offered delicious shakes, sundaes, floats, slushes and flurries. What makes Mickey’s Saline stand out is the homemade ice cream made fresh right inside the store.

Ypsilanti

Go! Ice Cream
10 N Washington St
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Go! Ice Cream is a small Michigan-based company that crafts artisan ice creams in small batches using local ingredients. The goal of this shop is to bring more flavor to life through bold versions of classic ice creams and adventurous new flavor combinations. This includes flavors such as the unexpectedly dynamic such as Three-Bean Vanilla and Ypsilanti Proud Peppercorn.

Ice Cream Time
1240 Ecorse Rd
Ypsilanti, MI 48198

Ice Cream Time has been part of the local community for around 40 years. It is a walk-up window with a big old fashioned sign and some picnic tables. This ice cream shop is known for their soft serve ice cream, however they do have a wide variety of frozen treats including scoop ice cream, flurries, shakes, hand dipped cones and more.

This week we are featuring Todd Lands’ listing- 515 Rosebud Ct, Saline, MI,48176

Q. Can you describe the architectural style of the home?
Transitional ranch with full finished walk-out lower level and hip roofs.

Q. What distinctive features set this home apart?
This homes has a chef’s kitchen with granite counters and a walk-in pantry. Outside you will find a fenced yard with a two tiered deck and a brick paver patio.
Q. What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
Quiet cul-de-sac with only neighbor traffic, wooded backyard with privacy and wildlife to enjoy.

Q. Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
Custom built-ins, upgraded hardwood floors and granite counters.

Q. Does the community have any amenities we should know about?
Wildwood Neighborhood is conveniently located close to: schools, parks, library, dentist’s offices, doctor’s offices, houses of worship, grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores and restaurants. There is also a nature walk with lots of common forest area.

Q. What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
A private tranquil wooded backyard with soaring oaks and shagbark hickory.

Q. What makes the price of this home so great?
This home has high-end amenities.
Q. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the home?
The seller has already moved and this house is waiting for you to call it home. Showings are available at any time.

Come see the property in person at the open house this Sunday, August 14th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

For more information about 515 Rosebud Ct, Saline, MI, or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact  Todd Lands at 734-645-2637.

Updating light fixtures in a master bedroom can make a huge difference on the look and feel of the room. While looking at the different lighting options consider adding a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans effectively circulate the air in a room to create a draft throughout the room. If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will help you save energy. Turning on the fan lets you raise the thermostat setting about 4°F and still stay cool.

Replacing an existing light fixture with a fan is a simple, one-day task. Before you start it is important to know that you can’t hang a fan from the existing electrical box. You must either use a specially rated hanger and box to mount the fan between joists or, screw a fan-rated “pancake” box directly to a ceiling joist. Learn the steps to ceiling fan installation below.

Shopping List

•  Fan-rated 1/2-inch-deep pancake box
• Medallion (made of rigid foam, not plaster, which may crack)
• Fan blades
• Fan motor
• Light-fixture housing
• Lamp shades
• Down rod, canopy, and ceiling plate (all included in fan kit)
• Remote-control transmitter with 9v battery
• Twist-on wire connectors
• Caulk or spackling compond (for filling nail holes in medallion)
• 6D finish nails (for attaching medallion to ceiling)
• Latex paint or acrylic spray (optional)

Instructions

1. Turn off power at breaker
After you turn off the power mark it with a DO NOT TURN BACK ON sign. Use circuit tester to make sure power is off to old fixture.

2. Remove old fixture.
Unscrew the nuts or screws holding the current fixture to the ceiling. Lower the fixture and disconnect the wires by twisting off the plastic connectors from the ends of the wires.

3. Remove the box and cut a new whole.
Before starting this step get your vacuum cleaner ready. Remove the old electrical box from the ceiling. If it’s nailed to a joist, pry it free with a flat bar. If it’s suspended from a bar, you may have to take off a metal plate to unscrew the box; then pry the bar from the joists. While doing this have your assistant use the vacuum cleaner wand to suck up debris

Hold a 1/2-inch-thick pancake box against the ceiling, centered on a joist, and trace around it with a pencil. Cut along the line with a drywall saw. Clean with the vacuum after you saw.

4. Install new, heavy-duty electrical box.
Feed the electrical cable coming from the ceiling through the knockout hole in the pancake box. (Be sure there’s a cable connector attached to the knockout hole.)

Set the box into the hole cut through the ceiling and press it tight against the underside of the joist.Attach the box to the joist with the two 1 1/2-inch No. 10 hex-head screws provided. Drive in the screws with a drill/driver equipped with a 5/16-inch nut-driver tip.

Wrap the cable’s bare copper wire around the grounding screw inside the box. Allow the wire end to hang down.

5. Attach new ceiling medallion
Apply a small bead of urethane-based adhesive to the back of the ceiling medallion.
Pass the wires through the medallion. Center the medallion on the pancake box and press. Fasten it with four 6d finishing nails driven into the joist. Set the nail heads and fill with caulk or spackle.

6. Mount the Ceiling Plate
If you want to paint medallion paint it before installing the ceiling paint. Hold the fan’s metal ceiling plate up to the pancake box and pull the wires through its center hole.

Attach the ceiling plate to the box with two 1 1/2-inch-long 10-32 machine screws.

7. Assemble the Fan
With the fan on the floor, feed the wires coming from the motor through the center of the canopy. Set the canopy on top of the motor. If pipe’s threads have a factory-applied coating. Don’t remove this coating; it keeps the pipe from unscrewing. Next, pass the wires through the hollow down-rod pipe.

Thread the down-rod pipe into the top of the motor. Use a wrench to tighten the square-head locking screw on the side of the pipe.

8. Connect the Wires
Hook one side of the canopy onto the ceiling plate.Using twist-on wire connectors, join the two green wires to the bare copper wire coming from the cable. (If your room is wired differently from the one shown here, consult a licensed electrician.)

Join the two white wires. Then connect the two black wires. Swing the fan up into position against the medallion and secure it with the two canopy screws.

9. Add Blades and Lights
Attach each fan blade to a blade iron (the bracket that holds the blade to the fan). Then, fasten the blade irons to the motor with the screws provided. Plug the fan’s light-fixture housing into the wire hanging from the underside of the fan’s motor.

Install the shades and lightbulbs. Screw the plastic holder for the remote control to the wall beside the wall switch.

10. Restore power.
After you do a final check to make sure things are secure, turn back on the power. Test out the light and fan.