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Reinhart Realtors

We have been telling you about the listing shortage that has occurred due to the unusual fall surge of sales activity clearing out our inventory. There has been no letup in January or February.

The numbers of listings and sales have broken Reinhart records. The mild winter and an improvement in consumer confidence are factors. Also, continuing low mortgage rates and affordable home prices are bringing buyers into the market.

If you are like many people who would like to sell your home, but don’t want to make the wrong decision about timing, here are some things to consider. First, the law of supply and demand will drive prices up, but experts agree the climb will be very slow. Waiting for prices to increase is “lost opportunity” to improve your quality of life much sooner. Second, achieving the best price is more likely to occur when there are fewer homes on the market than there are buyers out shopping.

Our best advice is to list now, before the spring rush is in full swing, and it is a fact that the spring rush is starting earlier than usual this year!

Contact a Reinhart Realtor today for help creating your real estate plan.




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Reinhart Realtors

We are pleased to welcome Jeff Hartlep to the Charles Reinhart Company!

Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Jeff earned a degree in Culinary Arts from Washtenaw Community College. Jeff worked as a Chef at Ann Arbor’s Real Seafood Co. after college. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Jeff gained valuable experience working as a sales representative for Sysco Food Services.

Jeff previously served as a Director on the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors as well as Director Liaison to the Education Committee. Jeff and his wife Sheri live on Portage Lake and are avid sailors. In his spare time Jeff enjoys cooking, traveling and entertaining friends.

Jeff Hartlep is working out of the Ann Arbor South Office – 500 East Eisenhower Parkway – and can be reached at (734) 669-5992 or jhartlep@reinhartrealtors.com.




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Reinhart Realtors

Each week, for 12 weeks, we will feature one of our top 12 reasons to live in Ann Arbor.

  1. Exceptional Public Schools
  2. Vibrant Local Culture
  3. Great Commuting Options
  4. Job Opportunities
  5. University of Michigan
  6. Location, Location, Location

#7. Eclectic Mix of Restaurants and Bars

Dining out is one of Ann Arbor’s greatest pastimes, which is apparent from the eclectic mix of restaurants and bars Ann Arbor has to offer. With more than 250 eateries, Ann Arbor is home to nationally acclaimed restaurants such as Zingerman’s to unique and delicious finds like Afternoon Delight. From upscale restaurants, perfect for celebrating any occasion, to sports bars to catch a University of Michigan game with friends, Ann Arbor has something for everyone!

The list below is based on the voting by readers of AnnArbor.com in weekly BestOf categories.

Best Place for Breakfast

  1. The Broken Egg
  2. Uptown Coney Island
  3. Angelo’s

Best Place for Burgers

  1. Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
  2. Casey’s Tavern
  3. Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery

Best Place for Italian Food

  1. Paesano Restaurant & Wine Bar
  2. Bella Italia Pizza & Pasta
  3. Palio Restaurant

Best Place for Mexican Food

  1. Prickly Pear Southwest Café
  2. Sabor Latino
  3. Tios Mexican Café

Best Place for Seafood

  1. The Real Seafood Co.
  2. Monahan’s Seafood Market
  3. The Black Pearl

Best Place for Thai

  1. Tuptim Thai Cuisine
  2. Marnee Thai
  3. No Thai Restaurant

Best Sports Bar

  1. The Arena Sports Bar and Grill
  2. Fraser’s Pub Sports Bar & Eatery
  3. Banfield’s Westside Grill

Breweries in Ann Arbor

  1. Arbor Brewing Company
  2. Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery
  3. Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.
  4. Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery
  5. Wolverine State Brewing Company

Visit AnnArbor.com for complete information about all of the restaurants in the Ann Arbor area.

> Click here to search for homes for sale in Ann Arbor




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Reinhart Realtors

Traditionally search fields have been generic and confined to MLS input fields such as price, location and number of bedrooms. Reinhart has launched a Lifestyle Search engine, powered by Onboard Informatics, which allows you to search for homes based on criteria that meets your specific needs.

By removing the limitations of only being able to search for homes based on number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and price range, this innovative search tool will allow you to search for neighborhoods that best match your unique lifestyle ranging from family friendly neighborhoods and great schools to communities near shopping, golf and more. By ranking criteria most important to you, you can find your ideal home.

With convenience in mind, the lifestyle search engine provides a targeted list of homes that accurately reflects your ideal neighborhood – further enhancing your online search experience.

> Start your Lifestyle Search




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Reinhart Realtors

Today we are featuring Jackie Wright’s Burns Park Listing – 1402 Henry Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

What features set this home apart?
With many windows, this 3-bedroom home lets in a lot of natural light, creating a welcoming environment all year round. The double door entry stops cold air form entering in the winter months or escaping in the summer months when guest arrive. What began as a porch, was transformed into a study and then into the children’s art and playroom. This multi-purpose room provides several options.

Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
The kitchen has been completely renovated with maple cabinets and hardwood flooring. The gorgeous hardwood floors have been refinished and the walls have been freshly painted throughout the home. The recently finished lower level includes a full bathroom with a glass shower, providing additional living space.

What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
In the desirable Burns Park neighborhood in Ann Arbor, this home is walking distance to Burns Park Elementary School as well as a coffee shop just around the corner. Burns Park is a friendly neighborhood where people enjoy spending time outside.

If you would like more information about 1402 Henry Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Jackie Wright at (734) 669-5837.




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Reinhart Realtors

Each week, for 12 weeks, we will feature one of our top 12 reasons to live in Ann Arbor.

  1. Exceptional Public Schools
  2. Vibrant Local Culture
  3. Great Commuting Options
  4. Job Opportunities
  5. University of Michigan

#6 Location, Location, Location

In an ideal location, Ann Arbor is the hub of Washtenaw County. Less than an hour from Ann Arbor is all of the big city advantages Detroit has to offer. Detroit is home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, numerous museums, extraordinary shopping and several succulent restaurants. Detroit, voted one of the best cities for sports, is home to professional sports teams including the Detroit Lions, Red Wings, Tigers and Pistons.

Take a 25-minute drive to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) and the world is at your fingertips. One of the busiest airports in the United States, DTW is among the world’s largest transportation hubs. DTW is the primary Asian gateway for Delta, the world’s largest airline and a major base of operations for ultra low cost carrier Sprint Airlines. Detroit’s airlines and regional partners offer service to more than 160 non-stop destinations around the globe.

Within a four-hour drive of Ann Arbor are Chicago and Toronto. Travel faster to destinations across the country by train. Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, operates more than 300 trains each day connecting passengers to over 450 locations across the country, with a station in Ann Arbor. In addition to traveling, Ann Arbor is a perfect location for working professionals. Many people who live in Ann Arbor also work in the Ann Arbor region. Other residents commute less than an hour to the greater Detroit or greater Lansing area.

> Click here to search for homes for sale in Ann Arbor




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Reinhart Realtors

Today we are featuring Tammy Stone’s Ann Arbor Listing – 918 Sylvan Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

What distinctive features set this home apart?
With three levels of living space, this 3 bedroom brick home is larger than it appears from the outside. The large, fully fenced backyard is perfect for pets, gardening, and outdoor entertaining.

Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
This home has been completely upgraded with a new roof, siding, windows, insulation, electrical and new furnace, making this home much warmer in winter months and helping you save money. On the inside of this home you will find beautiful hardwood floors, new carpet and freshly painted walls. The kitchen has also been updated with new appliances.

What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
Situated in Burns Park, just off Packard Road and near South State Street, this home is near the University of Michigan, the Big House, the University of Michigan athletic buildings and downtown Ann Arbor.

What else can you tell us about this home?
This is a perfect investment home for an income property or a student rental house considering the close proximity to the University of Michigan. In addition, this home has a 1-car garage and a private driveway with parking spaces for 3 to 4 cars. You can make some extra money on football Saturdays. Fans pay an average of $10 to $20 for parking.

For more information about 918 Sylvan Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Tammy Stone at (734) 649-4443 or tammy@tammystone.com.




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Reinhart Realtors

Today we are featuring the Ann Arbor Listing of Marjorie Bolgos – 2716 Lookout Court, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

What distinctive features set this home apart?
The large family room in this ranch style brick home has a fireplace to keep warm in the winter months. This 4-bedroom home has an open floor plan and 1.5 bathrooms. There are hardwood floors under the carpet in the living room, halls and bedrooms. The finished basement has a recreational room and a bedroom with a new egress window.

Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
The kitchen, which has been recently upgraded, features a built-in wall unit providing additional storage.

What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
In a great Ann Arbor neighborhood, this home is in walking distance to Scheffler Park. Whole Foods, Arborland, and several restaurants are also in close proximity.

For more information about 2716 Lookout Court, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Marjorie Bolgos at (734) 669-5836 or mbolgos@reinhartrealtors.com.




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Bill Holmes

  1. What is the down payment?
    The down payment is the property value less the loan amount. It is not the same as the borrower’s cash outlay if some of that outlay is used for settlement costs. On a newly constructed home, the land value can be part or all of the down payment.

  2. If the appraised value of a home exceeds the sale price, can the difference be applied to the down payment?
     No, the property value upon which down payment requirements are based is the lower of sale price and appraised value. An appraisal higher than the price is disregarded as our loan-to-value is always based on the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price.

  3. Can a home seller contribute to the buyer’s down payment?
     No, because of a presumption that such contributions will be associated with a higher sales price. However, subject to limits, home sellers are allowed to pay purchasers’ settlement costs. The amount of the contribution varies depending on loan product and amount of down payment. This reduces the cash drain on purchasers, allowing more of it to be used as down payment.

  4. Can the lender contribute to the buyer’s down payment in exchange for a higher interest rate?
     No, but lender rebates or “negative points” can be used to pay settlement costs as a possible alternative to seller contributions.



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Reinhart Realtors

Each week, for 12 weeks, we will feature one of our top 12 reasons to live in Ann Arbor.

  1. Exceptional Public Schools
  2. Vibrant Local Culture
  3. Great Commuting Options
  4. Job Opportunities

#5. The University of Michigan

The University of Michigan, recently ranked the #4 public school/university in the country, provides Ann Arbor with a distinct college-town atmosphere. As the top employer in the Ann Arbor region, the University of Michigan is a pillar of strength for our local economy.

The University of Michigan Health System, the second highest employer in the Ann Arbor region, provides more than just jobs. A sought after medical institution, the University of Michigan Health System was recently named one of the top 100 most integrated health systems in the nation. C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan Health System recently opened a new state-of-the-art facility with 348 pediatric inpatient beds, 46 private NICU rooms, 16 operating rooms and 2 interventional radiology rooms. Recognized for excellence in clinical services, research and education, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital is one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States.

The University of Michigan sports teams provide entertainment for students and families alike. Saturdays in the fall can be spent watching the Wolverines, who have the most wins all-time in college football, play at the Big House, the largest college football stadium in the nation and one of the largest football-only stadiums in the world. Michigan Varsity sport teams include: Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Rowing, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo and Wrestling. The University of Michigan has produced countless Olympians and professional athletes including Tom Brady and Mario Manningham who will be playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday.

In addition to sports, the University of Michigan contributes to Ann Arbor’s vibrant local culture. Throughout the year, the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance hosts several concerts and performances. Click here for a complete schedule of performances and events for the 2011-2012 season.

> Click here to search for homes for sale in Ann Arbor




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