Newest local housing report indicates favorable numbers in listings, sales

February was a short month, but it packed a real punch when it came to bitterly cold weather. That, according to last month's housing statistics, is what is attributed to listing and selling activity that was slightly lower than the same month in 2014. 

To clarify, single-family listings are down only 3%, while sales decreased by 12.9%. In comparison to the first two months of last year, there's not much difference overall, with only a 5% gap as last January was on par with February 2015 with regards to sales, listings and the weather. 

With sunnier skies rebounding in February, so did sales prices. Listing prices were up at this February from last — a 23.4% jump — which mirrors the sales price percentage increase. The average sale price this year is $274,182, up from $222,255.

There's even better news: market growth is expected to increase both at the local and national level, thanks to consumer confidence and interest rates remaining low.

Chris Glahn is a licensed Realtor in the state of Michigan with RE/MAX Platinum Ann Arbor. He can be reached at 734-730-3403. 

Seeking activities for the warm-weather season? Washtenaw County is host to a limitless array of fun

One thing that Michigan is known for is the outdoors, and though many areas are enjoyable year-round, the warmer months of the year are high time to get out and enjoy what the state has to offer.

Washtenaw County and the areas surrounding it are no exception. 

Whether it's being on or near the water, biking, birding, trail riding or any number of outdoor activities to indulge in, the best part is that one needs not go far to enjoy them. 

There are many areas that are perfect for serious fun, and some are governed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources like the Waterloo State Recreation Area and the Pinckney State Recreation Area. 

To gain use of the facilities in these areas, which include camping (even with horses) and swimming — and ample parking — recreation passport or pass is necessary. 

The Waterloo State Rec Area, located in Jackson and Washtenaw Counties, boasts the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center. The attraction features exhibits how the areas geology and natural habitats have changed since pre-settler times.

The Pinckney State Rec Area encompasses Washtenaw and Livingston Counties, comprising 11,000 acres in all, some of which is surrounded by property owned by the University of Michigan. Four lakes are part of the PSRA, including Silver, Crooked, Halfmoon and Pickerel Lakes. 

The Potowatami Trail — one of six trails in the PSRA — is an access point to two rustic camping areas as well as the Yurt at Glenbrook. This trail has 17 miles of mountain biking pleasure, as well as hiking. 

Boating, fishing and water sports are popular on the scenic chain of lakes in northern Washtenaw County in southern Livingston County. Nine lakes, including Big Portage, Little Portage, Baseline, Strawberry, Gallagher, Whitewood and Zukey Lakes are connected by a series of no-wake channels and are enjoyed by year round and seasonal residents and visitors alike. Zukey Lake Tavern, located on the banks of its namesake, offers up docking and a full-service restaurant, including takeout.

Hell, located within the PSRA, recently made headlines after having gone on the market and garnered the attention of one group of artists seeking to buy the hamlet to hold exhibitions and other events there. 

Hudson Mills Metropark is part of the Huron-Clinton system of metro parks in the state. Located in Dexter, it hugs the banks of the Huron River and is a fun spot to canoe, run, disc golf, among other activities. The park is host to events throughout the year, including probably the most popular, the annual fireworks show, held in early July. 

The Border to Border, with its local section funded by Washtenaw County Parks, The village of Dexter, the Metroparks, as well as generous donations.

The Border to Border trail is non-motorized trail aimed to link neighboring areas of trail as far as Wayne County, and was originally imagined as a recreational tool but has unfolded as a way to better facilitate non-motorized transportation for area residents. Click here for more information, from the friends of the Border to Border trail website.

People taking advantage of what the area has to offer don't want for much when it comes to outdoor beauty and recreation, and there always seems to be room for more folks seeking a little RNR in the region. 

Chris Glahn is a licensed Realtor in the state of Michigan with RE/MAX Platinum Ann Arbor. He can be reached at 734-730-3403. 

Natural beauty roads are a hidden gem in Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County is a great place to live, and no matter one's lifestyle, there is something to suit everyone. From city life in the heart of Ann Arbor to the outer reaches of town that yield pastoral settings and everything in between, one thing that tends to stand out are the natural beauty roads.  
 

At current count, there are nine interspersed throughout the county and they're not only peaceful and stunning areas to live, they're great for outdoor activities like biking or running. Lined with mature trees, graceful curves and hills, these unique areas never disappoint.

(Click here for a map) 

•Gale Rd. (Superior Township) 

•Warren Rd. (Superior Township)

•Napier Rd. (Superior Township)

•Tubbs Rd. (Ann Arbor)

•Mahrle Rd. (Manchester)

•Marshall Rd. (Dexter)

•Scully Rd. (Dexter)

•Riker Rd. (Chelsea)

•Strawberry Lake Rd. (Dexter)

Not every road can be distinguished as a natural beauty road. The process begins with a petition being filed with the township where the road is located and takes many things into consideration, but generally so long as the road meets the established minimum criteria including traffic volume guidelines, development and the existing function of the road it can happen.

The purpose of the natural beauty roads program is to highlight the natural essence of county roads that have a unique quality to them — attributes including native vegetation like wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, open areas — and these roads are maintained with standards established by Washtenaw County that were designed specifically for natural beauty roads.

Click here for more on designation and maintenance guidelines for these roads, which are located not only in Washtenaw County, but throughout the state of Michigan. 

Chris Glahn is a licensed Realtor in the state of Michigan with RE/MAX Platinum Ann Arbor. He can be reached at 734-730-3403. 

Report indicates that Ann Arbor area needs 3137 new affordable housing units within 20 years

According to a report by Virginia-based urban planning and neighborhood development consulting firm czb LLC, the housing market in Washtenaw County is in pretty good shape.

That's not to say that it can't be better.

One fact that has been stated in the 55 page report is the lack of affordable housing units — non-student housing, more specifically — in Ann Arbor. 

Conversely, the concentration of affordable housing is located in Ypsilanti. 

The report make some suggestions to improve the housing market countywide, but one is to have Ann Arbor add over 3000 affordable housing units over the next 20 years: 2787 of those in the city of Ann Arbor and 350 in Pittsfield Township. 

Countywide, there is no doubt that the market has found a sense of stability in most respects, with renters and buyers both having viable choices. (That said, there are fewer properties available for those who rent — and rent prices are rising.)

But with regard to the housing markets in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, the report points out there is a disparity between the two: Ann Arbor, with it's rather sturdy foundation fueled by households that are more highly educated and have the ability for upward mobility, while Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township bear a higher number of homes that have suffered the scars of negative equity, along with households that are on the financial brink.

Some argue that this is a jobs issue, while others say, as the report points out, that it is more of a policy issue. Further, it continues, the two markets are expected to continue moving in opposite directions unless a considerable change in policy is made. 

If not, one could expect:

• Some workers in Ann Arbor will not be able to continue to live there as housing costs will rise faster than wages, resulting in the need to commute, which has its own drawbacks.

• In the short-term, Ann Arbor will become less affordable to non-student renters, and down the road, to many buyers.

• Ypsilanti, saddled with falling property values and families who are struggling financially, will be even more affordable and the only viable option for those who were priced out in the surrounding area. 

The report (click here to read) was commissioned by the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washtenaw County, the city of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority.

Chris Glahn is a licensed Realtor in the state of Michigan with RE/MAX Platinum Ann Arbor. He can be reached at 734-730-3403.