When the time comes for a senior(s) to move, Nancy Austin, Senior Real Estate Specialist, writes that not many people are aware that a specialist like her is there to help them. In this article Mrs. Austin explains what it means to be a Senior Real Estate Specialist and how they can help make the move better.

Nancy Austin, Senior Real Estate Specialist

Senior Real Estate Specialist
My name is Nancy Austin, I specialize in helping seniors move. Usually that statement will evoke a surprised, questioning look. Most people don’t realize there are Realtors who are dedicated to helping seniors move, however, the designation Senior Real Est

ate Specialist is awarded by the National Association of Realtors.

Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES) are Realtors qualified to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+. The SRES Council awards the designation to those members who have successfully completed its education program.

The Realtor has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50+ through major lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, or selling the family home or both. The SRES also receives regular updates and is prepared to offer the options and information needed in making life-changing decisions.

Nancy Austin
I have been an SRES, for approximately 15 years. I love it. It is my passion. I love helping the seniors and working with their families.

My interest in obtaining my designation began with my parents. During their later years their concerns about their home centered around which updates were most important so the house would sell easily. Utilizing the expertise I have acquired over the years, I was able to advise them of the importance of the updated kitchen and bath, removing wallpaper, neutral paints, de-cluttering and maintaining pleasant landscaping. These are the kinds of things that affect the overall appeal to a potential buyer.

I also realized at the same time that other seniors were exposed to losing equity in their homes due to a lack of updating; or perhaps, not knowing which were the more valuable updates. I knew I could help minimize their loss as well as smoothing the moving transition.

How does it all work?
Say, for example, I visit your home and ascertain through our visit and conversation, that your home needs some paint, new carpet or refinished hardwood floors. Additionally, since you have been in your home for the last 20-40 years or more, you have accumulated antiques, china, figurines, tools, vintage clothing, and years and years worth of National Geographic magazines. Maybe furniture needs to be repositioned to show off the space you are selling. I can advise you as to what is best for the appearance of your home. My  consultations are complimentary. I can then refer you to my list of trusted contractors. If you engage any of these services, you would then pay whatever fee they charge. Or, of course, you are free to use your own plumber, electrician, painter or organizer.

We also recognize that many times the adult children, who could otherwise be helping, may live in other parts of the state or even in other states. I have worked with families who have adult children both locally and long distance keeping abreast of the work being done. I work with companies that, if you have no help (or even if you do), will help from organize and move you. There are dedicated employees within these companies that are so thorough that they make sure that in your new living quarters,  your new bedroom is readied, including making your bed to insure a good night’s sleep. They will also make sure your kitchen is usable when you wake up your first morning there. There are companies that will dispose of or move items to children’s houses or will dispose of articles through consignment, estate sales, and donations.

We know and respect the seniors’ various financial and legal positions. Should you need professional help in those areas, we have contacts which include financial planners and elderlaw attorneys.

We have a firm grasp on  retirement living options such as retirement communities, assisted living, Alzheimer units, senior condo complexes and other living arrangements such as retrofitting a house to enable a senior to age in place if so desired.

We Love to Help
There are so many facets to helping seniors with the transition. An SRES understands that this can be a stressful time for a family. An SRES works with seniors because he or she enjoys interacting with them. They enjoy helping others. They have respect for older individuals. They have an ability to listen and to ask the right questions. They like to sit and chat with the senior and the family. They enjoy learning about their life and ambitions. They are there to tailor the move to the senior’s needs. They are patient and are prepared to take as long as the families deem necessary for this transition.  An SRES is there for the senior. Short and simple. I think the best way to describe the help with the move is: if you need it, we can see to it that it will be accomplished. – Nancy Austin

Nancy Austin is a Senior Real Estate Specialist in Canton and Metro Detroit. She works with PiperPartners out of Keller Williams.

Nancy offers the wisdom of an experienced professional agent and works to the highest standards of integrity and ethics. Nancy is active in area civic organizations and holds the professional designations of Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) Accredited Staging Professional and Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR). Nancy takes pride in offering her clients the highest level of service, commitment and attention to detail.

Money Source Center and Cole Taylor Mortgage is pleased to be a new working partner with PiperPartners. We believe that his focus on Kerrytown and Downtown Ann Arbor readily fits with our focus on Ann Arbor. Money Source is a local company which serves as a retail location for Cole Taylor Mortgage a subsidiary of Taylor Capital Group a publicly traded company with more than $4.3 billion in assets. This affiliation allows Money Source to partner with people like Andy Piper and offer his clients 24/7 services and the best refinancing opportunities, provided by local lenders with national backing.

Kerrytown, Downtown Ann Arbor, MI.

PiperPartners real estate team at Keller Williams Realty in Ann Arbor is pleased to announce year-end sales for 2011 totaling $13,520,000. This compares to 12,252,000 in 2010, a 10.4 percent increase in sales. We are very thankful for the opportunity to have helped 135 families buy, sell or lease a home in 2011. The average sale price of our homes sold in Ann Arbor was $201,050 with home sales ranging from $50,000 to $750,000. In West Wayne and Oakland Counties, our average sale was below $100,000.

Alli Hall, Keller William Support Staff.

The 2011 PiperPartners real estate team consisted of:

• Andy Piper – Team leader. Listing and buyer specialist, Internet marketing specialist.
• Karolynn Schofield – Lead buyer agent Washtenaw County.
• Nancy Austin – Listing and buyer specialist and senior relocation specialist Wayne-Oakland County.
• Robert Schaeffer – Buyer specialist Wayne-Oakland County.
• Chris Chinchak – Leasing specialist Washtenaw and West Wayne County.
• Cheryl Morris – Administration and marketing.
• Jan Byar – Closing coordinator.

We could not have achieved these results without the experience, hard work and dedication each of our agents and support staff, nor without the trust and confidence of our clients.

We attribute most of our successes to the strong presence PiperPartners.com has on the Internet and to the gracious referrals we have received through our satisfied customers and the Keller Williams Realty national network of more than 75,000 agents

During 2011 we saw increased success in completing short sales by successfully negotiating with the banks. The PiperPartners team closed every short sale we attempted with the average time from contract to close being 100 days.

Zola's Cafe - Outdoor seating, Downtown Ann Arbor, MI.

The leasing market continued to be significant component of our business, though we saw a decreasing inventory of quality properties as the year progressed. With decreasing inventory and increasing rents we are finding that some clients, with longer time horizons are deciding to purchase when after considering what will be available to them through the two options. Our buyer clients were able to find excellent deals in most areas, though they found that there was strong competition for well-priced homes. Buyers often had to write offers on more than one home to secure a deal. Downtown Ann Arbor and nearby neighborhoods actually saw price increases in 2011.

The PiperParnters real estate team, while strongest in Ann Arbor also sold homes in; Dexter, Ypsilanti, Saline, Canton, Plymouth, Northville, Farmington Hills, Westland, Detroit, Novi, Livonia and Bellevile.

In 2012 we expect to see the beginnings of a seller’s market in Ann Arbor due to low inventories, and expect to see a modest increase in prices. In Wayne and Oakland Counties we expect the majority of the market to be foreclosure and short-sale properties with modest improvements in prices. We see pent up demand in the move buyer market – people are ready to move, have the resources to buy a new home, but are ”upside down” in their current residence. In some instances we are seeing buyers bring cash to close their current home and buying a new, larger property while maintaining the same or even lower payment. This is due to very low interest rates and lower prices in the market.

We look forward to helping you or your friends and family find or sell a home in 2012. If this is the year for you to make a move please give us a call at 734-604-8242 or visit www.PiperPartners.com to find our more about our services for buyer and sellers.

After submitting initial plans to Ann Arbor‘s Design Review Board, developers from the Urban Group Development Co. take planning for a six story apartment building to the next step.

The Liberty Lofts arean inspiration for the design of the 618 project.

Ann Arbor has experienced no shortage of development and growth in recent years. High-rise apartments, condos, and buildings like the planned 618 S. Main project, have ushered in a new era of growth for the city. The  addition of so much resident potential in the main downtown area is aimed at fueling further economic growth and establishing stability for the city’s future, while providing the attraction of a major city and urban center.

An undeniable focus has been placed on the importance of increasing population density while sparing the surrounding area from suburban planning. Residents will note the way in which the city has approached and treated each development in turn; keeping a critical eye on the impact each will have on the community while insuring long term viability.

Some of these developments are located on the fringe of what is today considered “downtown” Ann Arbor. This placement has come along with the express intent of expanding downtown by block-sized areas, fueled by these buildings and the economic catalyst they ultimately serve as.

This is not the case with 618. Located between S. Main St. and Ashley St., 618 is placed in the very center of an already thriving urban hub.

Hoping to offer an experience that is fulfilling for both residents and pedestrians, developers intend to give 618 a very unique set of qualities including; a swimming pool, businesses, lounges, a gym, and open public/private courtyards that encourage mingling. One interesting plan includes the desire to create garden space for residents to use. The progress of this building should be watched closely by anyone interested as it moves forward. If Ann Arbor teaches anything about urban planning it is that things change. The central location of this project will only encourage the shifting suggestions to mirror a gambit, though an interesting one to be sure. Δ John Fenton

The Geddes Lake Condominiums on Huron Parkway, between Plymouth and Geddes, offer expansive options for Ann Arbor living.

Scenery at Geddes Lake.

With multiple floor plan options for residents the 1200-1500 sq foot at the Geddes Lake condos accomodates multiple styles of living. Four unique floor plans are available to choose from. Two bedroom options include a patio or balcony  that opens into the living room/dining area. There is also a two bedroom layout that includes an enclosed courtyard, offering privacy and perfect for gatherings. A three bedroom floor plan grants the most extensive option at Geddes Lake. Like their other layouts, the three bedroom provides 1.5 baths, garage attached garage opportunities, in addition to it’s unique terrace. This outdoor, yard style space has all the room of a suburban home without the hassle.

Geddes Lake also has the finest amenities condo living provides in Ann Arbor. With a pool, club house, play ground, and tennis courts there is always something to do. The development is also by a number of Ann Arbor’s daily conveniences and minutes from the Arborland Shopping Mall and Briarwood Mall.

According to Realtor.com’s Top Ten Turnaround Towns, based on third quarter 2011 data, Ann Arbor comes in at the solid number 10 slot.

Ann Arbor ranks among Realtor.com's Top Turnaround Towns

The article states that, “each of these markets has experienced positive year-over-year median price appreciation, reductions in year-over-year median age of inventory and inventory counts, while also experiencing lower unemployment rates on a year-over-year basis.”

They point out the exceptional growth and sustainability of that growth with numbers that demonstrate the potential and reality of great Ann Arbor living. Their reasons for listing Ann Arbor include:

• Median list prices that increased more than 8 percent.
• Total inventory down almost 25 percent.
• Home sale prices steadily increasing. They rose 4.4 percent this year.
• A balanced supply of homes. A months’ supply at 6.8 percent, a decrease of 11 percent.

Δ John Fenton

Located on the East side of Ann Arbor, the Berkshire Creek condominiums offer Ann Arbor living within walking distance of all you need.

Berkshire Creek Condos

These modern, yet classic, condos were built less than six years ago and feature great options for the Ann Arbor area. Each unit has two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a large and spacious deck and two car garage. Layout options include units with an added library, loft and additional dinning space.

Only a five minute drive from downtown and moments from the Arborland shopping mall, the condos are in walking distance of Whole Foods, Barnes and Noble, and other retail shopping. The new Arbor Hills Crossing, a pedestrian themed retail area, will be built soon, also within walking distance of Berkshire Creek.

Located at Washtenaw Ave. and Huron Parkway these condos are nicely placed on a wooded lot with nature trails and a pond, Ann Arbor’s beautiful Gallup Park, is nearby on the Huron River. Parents will have access to three of Ann Arbor’s fine public schools; Burns Park Elementary, Tappan Middle School, and Huron High.

New and modern appliances and other home amenities, like on site laundry, are a nice addition to these great condos.

Located on the East side of Ann Arbor, the Brentwood Square condominiums offer Ann Arbor living within walking distance of all you need.

Brentwood Square condominiums.

These two story, brick condominiums come with some of the finest features Ann Arbor has to offer. Each unit has two bedrooms, one-two baths, a deck and a garage. Just a five minute drive from downtown and moments from the Arborland shopping mall, the condos are also walking distance from Whole Foods, Barnes and Noble, and other retail shopping. The new Arbor Hills Crossing, a pedestrian themed retail area, will be built soon, also within walking distance of Brentwood Square.

Situated on a wooded lot with nature trails and a pond, Ann Arbor’s beautiful Gallup Park, is nearby on the Huron River. This grants access to both of the best Ann Arbor has to offer; city life and an impressive parks system.

Outdoor maintenance is provided along with; private laundry, central air and snow removal. Brentwood Square is located only blocks from US-23 and minutes from I-94. Have kids? Send them to Allen Elementary, Tappen Middle School, or Huron High School, three exceptional Ann Arbor public schools.

Student housing is growing in Ann Arbor, specifically residential high rise housing. The last few years have seen a trend grow in the development of high rise buildings designed with the express intent of catering to students from the University of Michigan.

A number of these buildings have been built, are being built, have been proposed, or are frozen in some point of their development. Along with being designed to cater exclusively to students the buildings share a number of similar features. These include; green amenities, encouraged bicycle transportation, multiple room options and customizable features, limited underground parking, individual lease agreements per person rather than per unit, and all boast over 10 stories.

Currently there are five of these developments that have been constructed or are in some stage of actual development. These five include:

Zaragon Place on E. University

Zaragon Place. Already constructed on E. University, Zaragon Place is a 10 story student housing development with over 240 beds. The building features furnished apartments, green appliances, and also water saving measures. The building is less than a block from the diag and across the street from campus. Surrounded by bars and restaurants, Zaragon Place ads to the city atmosphere in this part of downtown.

Zaragon West. A sister building to Zaragon Place, the Zaragon West is currently under construction at E. William and Thompson. It will also house over 240 students, contain all the same functions and amenities as well as host a variety of retail shops. Zaragon West is located almost exactly between campus and downtown, a short walk to either.

Construction of the Zaragon West building, sister to Zaragon Place.

Sterling 411 Lofts

Sterling 411 Lofts. The 411 stands at the corner of Washington and Huron, features a 10th story sky lounge and an HDTV in each living room. Similar green amenities as offered elsewhere are available here along with easy rent options, 24 hour maintenance, and a temperature controlled underground parking garage.

Landmark 601 Forest. Will be among the largest of these new student high rises. The building will house over 600 students after its completion and has space for multiple retail establishments. This development, like the others, hopes to increase foot traffic to certain areas and to expand the area formally referred to as downtown.

Landmark construction.

The Varsity. According to an AnnArbor.com article, the building has recently been approved by the city of Ann Arbor and will begin construction soon. The Varsity will stand at the location of the former Ann Arbor Professional Building, directly next to the Sterling 411 Lofts.

The construction of so many high rise apartments takes the development of the city further, expanding on the growth achieved by the development of high rise downtown Ann Arbor condominiums. Δ John Fenton

The hopeful developers of a high-rise loft building downtown are still optimistic about the project despite setbacks.

The development of the Kingsley Lane lofts, near Kerrytown in downtown Ann Arbor, MI., has been postponed further by uncertainty. According to an article on AnnArbor.com the new problem stems from issues related the original loan Peter Allen and Mark Berg took out on the property.

The original bank holding the loan went under during the banking crisis and it was transferred to Citizens Bank. Citizens, who would not refinance the loan, have sold it to a hedge fund. The newest holders are now calling for the total sum of the loan to be paid back in full. With no progress made since 2007, when construction was halted, this is not possible for Allen and Berg.

Valued at around $800,000 Allen anticipates the hedge fund paid much less than that when they acquired the property’s mortgage as part of a deal. Now the two simply wish to offer a cash amount to the lender with the hope that the hedge only seeks to make a profit on their purchase of the mortgage. If this is the case Allen and Berg will hold onto the property themselves and move forward with development, finally.

Kingsley Lane Lofts

Originally planned to be a “green” high-rise luxury condominium in downtown Ann Arbor, the project experienced some changes in 2010 to adjust for changes in the market. Allen and Berg redesigned the theme of the building to include smaller, more affordable units for young professionals entering the housing market for the first time. These units would also be for rent since, according to a quote in the article Allen thinks that the condominium “is obsolete in today’s marketplace”. The luxury options would remain along with all of the original features; green living, amenity customization, and retail space. Δ John Fenton