THE CLOCK IS TICKING - HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT

It does not look like the Home Buyer Tax Credit is going to be extended, so now is the time to take full advantage of it! There has been a flurry of excitement in the Greater Ann Arbor Area, Jackson County, Lenawee County, Monroe County and beyond as home buyers are flocking to the market. Historically LOW interest rates, the tax credit and a strong buyers market have provided a fantastic environment for home buyers. The deadline to take advantage of the tax credit is April 30, 2010 and the eligible taxpayer must close on the home by June 30, 2010. However, it is important to get started right away. As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market, Congress has passed new legislation that:

• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.


• Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE TAX CREDIT?

• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
  
• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.
  
• To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

If you have specific questions or need additional information, please contact one of our Real Estate Professionals or call us at 1-877-833-3600. Edward Surovell Realtors lists foreclosures all over Southeast Michigan, including Jackson, Adrian, Tecumseh, Monroe, Manchester, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Canton, Wayne County and Livingston County.

If you are looking for an agent with a lot of foreclosure experience, please give us a call or email. Also, you can look at our website a2foreclosures.com which lists foreclosures all over Southeast Michigan. There is no fee and no registration is required.

ABSOLUTE ANN ARBOR

KNIGHTS STEAKHOUSE

Do you want to go where everybody knows your name? And they’re always glad you came?

Did you know we have our very own Cheers right here in Ann Arbor, only it’s a steakhouse named Knight’s at 2324 Dexter Ave (across from Vets Park ball fields). A friend introduced me to Knights about 20 years ago and I’ve been a loyal customer ever since. I had driven by the place many times, but there was no sign (still isn’t) on the outside of the building. Only a huge drawing of a “knight” chess piece stands in front of the parking lot and a rusted suit of armor by the entryway tip you off you’re in the place. I had thought it was a private club of some sort before I entered for the very first time. But once inside, I found so much more than a restaurant.

There is this perfect blend of town and gown, blue-collar and white alike, all mingling around the bar, discussing sports, politics or the day’s happenings. Like the TV show, the seats at the three-sided bar are always occupied by many of the same “regulars” six nights a week, while on weekends patrons happily stand two or three deep waiting for a table. The bartenders, Nancy and Big Mike, not only know your name, but they know your drink and have it poured for you by the time you reach the bar. And, what a drink they pour! “Generous.” “Strong.” “Potent.” However you describe them, they are the biggest drinks for your buck anywhere in town.

Dana Barton and Knights

Bartender "Big Mike"

Knight’s Steakhouse is a 25-year-old family owned restaurant. Ray Knight, the family patriarch, can be found smoking a cigar and playing cards afternoons in the dining room. He turned over control of restaurant operations to his youngest son, Donny, many years ago. Extended Knight family members are employed in most positions, from busboy to line cook. I’ve watched most of them grow up over the years and I’m convinced I’ve sent at least a couple of them through college all by myself!

Finally, there’s the food. Oh my. If you are a steak and potatoes kind of a person, this is definitely the place for you. The prime rib melts in your mouth. Filets are mouth watering and tender; burgers are, no doubt, the best in town. Surprisingly, the seafood is excellent as well. Whitefish, walleye, blackened salmon, fried perch filets. Homemade soups and mashed potatoes and gravy.

So, what’s not to like about a place like this? It’s smoky. It’s true. All those regulars at the bar smoke. But it’s my understanding the state of Michigan is taking care of that issue this spring, and there is a spot for non-smoking. So, come on down! It’s where I will go to celebrate the closing on your new home. And, where I go to celebrate capturing a new listing. And where I go to spend my commission checks. And where I go . . .

Dana Barton, ABR

Edward Surovell Realtors

Office: 734.971.9100
Cell: 734.717.1769

MORTGAGE RATE UPDATE

30yr fxd 5.00%

15yr fxd 4.375%

30yr FHA 5.25%


Compliments of:


Charlie Chappell
Vice President Mortgage Lending
United Bank and Trust
2723 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Office: 7342142728
Fax: 7342143856



Email: cchapell@ubat.com
Website: http://www.charliechapell.com/

ABSOLUTE ANN ARBOR - CONOR O'NEILS

CONOR O'NEILS - DOWNTOWN ANN ARBOR


Looking for a great Irish Pub to celebrate St. Patty’s Day? Look no further than Conor O’Neils in downtown Ann Arbor! Located on Main Street, the festivities begin at 7am on Wednesday. Last year was the first year that I went to Conor O’Neils on Saint Patrick’s Day and I was pleasantly surprised. Although I was not able to get there until 7pm and still had a 30 minute wait to get in, I still got to drink Irish beer and watch authentic Irish cloggers!


Conor’s is a great time every other day of the year, not just on March 17th. They have pub trivia on Monday nights and music trivia on Wednesdays that you can participate in with teams of up to 6 people for $5 a team. There are lots of other events and promotions at Conor’s, just check out their calendar.


Conor O’Neils has an extensive drink menu and has delicious food which includes many traditional Irish dishes. Conor’s is a great place to have lunch and nothing beats sitting on their patio on a hot summer night. If you haven’t experienced Conor O’Neils yet, I hope that you are able to soon!






Elizabeth Martin ABR
Edward Surovell Realtors

Office: 734.761.6600
Cell: 734.834.0056

SPRING CANNED FOOD DRIVE

SPRING CANNED FOOD DRIVE MARCH 15-27, 2010


ROTATE YOUR FOOD!

Fight local hunger by dropping off non-perishable food to help families in need to your local Edward Surovell Realtors.

We will be happy to accept any non-perishable food that you can contribute, but local famalies are especially in of: tuna, peanut butter, canned meats, stew, hearty soup, chili, beans, baby formula and nutritional supplement drinks. We also accept unopened hotel size soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and diapers.




All contributions will be passed onto:


Rotary Clubs of Ann Arbor, Dexter,
Saline and Ypsilanti









In Partnership with:



Food Gatherers
Washtenaw County's not-for-profit
food rescue/food bank program

MORTGAGE RATE UPDATE

30yr fxd - 5.00%

15yr fxd - 4.375%

30yr FHA - 5.25%


Compliments of:

Charlie Chappell
Vice President Mortgage Lending
United Bank and Trust
2723 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Office: 7342142728
Fax: 7342143856



Email: cchapell@ubat.com
Website: http://www.charliechapell.com/

ABSOLUTE ANN ARBOR

The University of Michigan Museum of Art

There are so many treasures in Ann Arbor! One of my favorites is the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA). Situated on the corner of State and S. University, across from The University of Michigan Student Union, UMMA recently underwent extensive renovations and expansion and reopened in March, 2009 as a glorious, student and community friendly, new space. It is now more than double the size of the original museum and better able to exhibit its collection of 17,000 objects.

Within its collections there is something for everybody and within its beautiful spaces there are learning opportunities for everyone as well. One can leisurely tour the museum on their own, join a docent-led tour on weekends, attend a special lecture, watch a performance or a movie in the new auditorium, participate in classes and workshops geared toward exhibits or just relax in one of the many seating areas while taking in the beauty around you.

I have the pleasure of being a volunteer docent at the museum. Each week, throughout the school year, I have the wonderful opportunity of leading school children through the galleries, talking to them about the art and listening to their thoughtful observations. Each of us brings our own experiences and insights into viewing the objects and I learn something new every week!

Children especially love the Dialog Table in the museum, which allows them to physically manipulate images, opening them to get information about a museum offering, and closing them to move to another image for more information.

UMMA is a treasure that can be experienced by everyone at any time of the year!

Connie Velin, Realtor

Edward Surovell Realtors

Office: 734-761-6600
Cell: 734-255-8013

ABSOLUTE ANN ARBOR - "THE ARB"

The Nichols Arboretum

Over the weekend I spent a lot of time in The Nichols Arboretum. This is one of my favorite spots in Ann Arbor, especially in the winter months. I am never surprised to see so many people enjoying the “The Arb” this time of year, whether it be snowboarding, cross country skiing, jogging, hiking, snow shoeing or just walking their dogs and taking in the scenic views. My 4 month old puppy Coco could not get enough of the sights and sounds that “The Arb” has to offer. She and I walked along the stunning Huron River that provides a peaceful tranquility among the bustling streets of the Downtown Ann Arbor area.





Coco could not get enough of the sights,
smells and sounds of "The Arb!"







The History of The Nichols Arboretum

Operated by The University of Michigan, The Nichols Arboretum was designed in 1906 by O.C. Simonds and many plantings date around the 1920’s and 1930’s. The Arboretum has 123 acres of lush woods, plants and tree’s and is complimented by the gorgeous Huron River that runs along it’s north side. The Ann Arbor townie’s affectionately refer to it as “The Arb” and it remains a popular spot for the local residents as well as the students that flock there year round. "The Arb" has also been the site for dramatic Shakespearean plays such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Love’s Labour’s Lost and in June of 2009, Twelfth Night.


The Four Seasons of “The Arb”


“The Arb” will really make you appreciate the four seasons that Michigan has to offer. Spring/Summer is jamming with picnics, relaxing strolls, kayaking and plenty of romantic couple's walking throughout the park. This is also a great time of year to go bird watching, as the Michigan birds migrate back in droves. The fall season is one of the best times to visit “The Arb.” The fall colors really pop through the trees. This is a MUST SEE for anyone out of the area as “The Arb” attracts a lot of people from out of town during The University of Michigan Football season. Of course, one of my favorite times of the year to visit "The Arb" is during the winter season. I love to hike and there's something about the Michigan snow and sunshine that draws me to the hiking trails all over the state and especially to "The Arb."





Theresa Taylor
Project Manager of Business Development
Edward Surovell Realtors
Direct: 734-741-5546

ABSOLUTE ANN ARBOR

The Greater Ann Arbor Area - The Ypsilanti District Library


It seems that you can never learn enough in this fast growing Internet age. I was in need of some computer training and had looked at the classes at Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University.

Both had classes but were tied into degrees. Well, I don’t need a degree and the cost was quite high.

One night when we were at dinner with friends I mentioned this and my friend Jenifer said, “Dale you should go to the YDL (Ypsilanti District Library). They have Word and Excel classes on Tuesday and Thursday evening, and oh by the way did I mention that they are free?" I said "Sweet, that is in my budget!"

My wife and I took several classes and found the library to be a real treasure trove. First of all it is spectacular; I mean really an impressive spacious building. They have a computer lab that anyone can use to search the Internet to look for jobs or emailing. In fact, the classes I took had several people who had lost their jobs and wanted to either brush up on or learn Word and Excel. Bridget is one of the instructors; she was so nice and very competent and made the class very interesting.

They also have a lot of Art on display and feature local artists. They have almost 300,000 items including books and Audio books. I enthusiastically recommend everyone check out this public treasure.

They have four locations, I went to the newest facility on Whittaker Rd, but there is the Michigan Ave location, Superior and the book mobile.


VIEW THE YDL MARCH CALENDAR



Dale LaClair, Realtor
Edward Surovell Realtors
Office: 734-761-6600
Cell: 734- 216-9179