Northville Michigan Real Estate News & Listings Presented By Michele Safford

650 N.Evergreen, Plymouth 48170

Mon, 07 May 2012 23:58:00 GMT

Just what you've been looking for! Downtown Plymouth totally renovated this house has a lot to offer! Pristine & move in ready, hardwood floors throughout, first floor bedroom, 2 new baths, formail living room with coffered ceiling, formal dining room open to new kitchen with maple cabinets. All appliances stay. Mud room, master bedroom, cove ceiling, extensive molding, oversized 2 1/2 car garage. Hurry! Won't last!

24 Hour Recorded Hotline 1.800.882.2817

Code 4072

21948 Chase Drive, Novi 48375

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Simply Sensational! First time offered Chase Farms finest, grand 2 story foyer w/curved staircase, formal pillared entry living room, formal dining room w/butlers pantry w/wet bar, library w/judges paneling & built-ins, 2 story family room w/fireplace, bridge, custom built-ins, gourmet kitchen w/granite, subzero frig, cook top, center island, custom backsplash, eat-in-nook, master suite w/custom ceiling, glamour bath w/sep jetted tub/shower, finished lower level w/full kitchen, perfect for inlaw/aupair suite, premium private & secluded lot backing to woods.

24 Hour Recorded Hotline, 1-800-882-2817, Code 4062

48765 Hanford, Canton 48187

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:20:00 GMT

Tired of subdivision living? Best of both worlds! Country living, with city conveniences! Almost 2 acres with updates galore. 2-Story foyer, formal dining room, library with French doors, formal living room with built-in book shelves, 22X23 family room with 9’ ceiling. Open kitchen, all appliances stay. First floor master-suite with walk-in closets, glamour bath, with separate shower and oversized garden tub and loft area. 3 full baths, 6 car garage and a fenced area for pets. Updates include windows, roof, furnace, AC and much more. City water and sewer.

24 Hour Recorded Hotline 1.800.882.2817

Code 4052

23538 Meadowbrook, Novi 48375

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:33:00 GMT

Run don't walk! First time offered.Pristine and move in ready! Freshly painted inside and out, formal living room, all bedrooms w/hardwood floors. Open kitchen to family room with doorwall to patio, all appliances stay. Bath w/double sinks, maintenance free exterior, neutral decor, 2 car attached garage, fenced yard, not bank owned or short sale. Immediate occupancy---seeing is believing!

24 Hour Recorded Hotline 1.800.882.2817

Code 4042

Northville’s Property Values on the Rise

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 03:00:00 GMT

While many of the country’s local housing markets are still contending with dismal home prices, there is light at the end of the tunnel for both Northville and Northville Township. According to the Equalization Office of Wayne County, average residential assessments have risen to impressive numbers. Northville’s values reached 3.26, and Northville Township’s looked even better, peaking at 4.89. These numbers are significant, since property values serve as reliable bellwethers for the overall economic health of the community.

Indeed, Mayor Chris Johnson stated, “For me, it's the first solid, tangible sign that the economy is improving.”

The numbers themselves are excellent news, but perhaps even more impressive is what this turn of events says about Northville’s longevity as a community.

Both Mayor Johnson and Northville Township Supervisor Mark Abbo commended the efforts of the community in making Northville attractive, thus encouraging businesses, such as SoulBrain, to set up shop here, which in turn, attracts new homebuyers. Abbo also credited Northville’s strong schools, clear community goals, and long-term planning for this upward trend in property values. Northville City Manager Patrick Sullivan echoed Abbo’s sentiments and added that Northville’s lower home prices and reputation as a safe place to live and raise children also played a significant role in the recovery.

Thus, the recovery is a reflection of what Northville has done right so far and what it will continue to do.

“We want to be top of the top in everything, and I think that drives the vision for the future,” Abbo said. “People like to see that.”

8740 N. Ridge, Plymouth 48187

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:15:00 GMT

Exquisite beyond belief! Unsurpassed quality throughout this stunning custom 2 story beauty with grand 2 story foyer, formal dining room with pillared arch entry, library with vaulted ceiling, hardwood floors, judges paneling, custom built-ins, dramatic 2 story great room wtih custom surround fireplace, dual staircase, hearth room with fireplace, first floor master suite with access to veranda, glamour bath with separate jetted tub, shower, his and her walk in closets, gourmet kitchen with sub-zero fridge, center island with snack bar, breakfast room. Spacious bedrooms wtih private baths, bonus room. Spectacular finished lower level walkout, perfect for entertaining, aupair/in-law suite, wet bar, game room. Home wired for surround sound, intercom, central vac...WOW!!!

24 Hour Recorded Hotline 1.800.882.2817

Code 4032

Northville Township Approves $82.6 Million Park Plan for Seven Mile Property

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:00:00 GMT

After considering four options for converting the old Northville Psychiatric Hospital property into a park, the Northville Township at last came up with a master plan, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees in late January. This $82.6 million master plan marks the first step in the long-awaited redevelopment of the Seven Mile Property.

The 431 acres of the property were originally slated to be redeveloped for commercial use, but as pollution-removal costs mounted, developers ended up keeping only 82 acres. The first big break came when REIS of Bloomfield Hills announced a deal with the University of Michigan to build a 100,000-square-foot ambulatory center on the 82 acres, giving development on the Seven Mile property a much-needed kick-start.

Northville Township is now following the crucial ambulatory center deal with a project that will benefit everyone in the community. The master plan unveiled is admittedly ambitious and will take time.

Says Supervisor Mark Abbo of the plan: “You probably won’t see much progress on the park land in the next year, or even possibly five years. We’re going to do what we can when we can afford it, and after each item has been through further approvals at all levels.”

Abbo asked residents to be patient, as the project still has many hurtles ahead of it. Still, the mood of the meeting was overwhelmingly positive.

The master plan for the park basically includes a wish list of possible amenities. Included in the proposal is a community center, a paved trail, a sledding hill, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a water park, courts for basketball and tennis, woodlands with hiking trails, a large lawn with a band shell for outdoor concerts, a pond, and an energy park that could potentially be used to educate visitors about wind turbines and energy conversion.

While each of these amenities must go through further review, the major take-away from the meeting was the unanimous support by the board of trustees to move ahead with the project. In addition to nearly all of the residents who came to the meeting, the park proposal has garnered support from a variety of groups, including the Michigan Mountain Bike Association and SoulBrain Michigan.

Northville Houses for Sale

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:00:00 GMT

With a population of just under 6,000, Northville is a small town with a big reputation. Known throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area for its friendly, neighborhood vibe, Northville is also a hot spot for local arts and entertainment, great food and excellent shopping. As a suburb of Detroit, Northville is also just minutes from big city attractions, such as the Detroit Institute of the Arts and Ford Field—home of the Detroit Lions. Located adjacent to major highways, such as I-96 and I-275, Northville is ideal for commuters.

Northville houses for sale range from historic estates of the Queen Anne architectural era, to handsome ranch houses with sprawling acreage, to compact condominiums close to downtown. The median home price in Northville is $258,600, with condominiums ranging from $100, 000 to $400,000 and larger estates ranging from $150,000 to $700,000. The variety of Northville real estate reflects the diversity of its residents, which include young families, retirees, Detroit professionals, University of Michigan students and employees, artists and entrepreneurs.

Northville’s proximity to the Great Lakes, state and local parks, hiking trails and wilderness areas makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Northville is also home to Meadowbrook Country Club—one of the most prestigious private golf clubs in the region and past host site of the PGA Championships.

Northville real estate also benefits from Northville’s strong local economy and low unemployment rate. Northville Public Schools operates six elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and two special education programs. Northville schools consistently perform at or above state and national levels, and in 2011 the district had sixteen National Merit Finalists. With its quaint streets, historic sites—such as Northville Downs—and varied commerce, it’s no surprise that Northville houses for sale are in such high demand.

15648 Sunset, Livonia 48154

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:05:00 GMT

Lucky Find! Maintenance free brick ranch with hardwood floors throughout, formal living room, kitchen with doorwall to 3 season sunroom, master bedroom with his & hers closets, 2 full baths, finished lower level w/12x12 office/4th bedroom, 22x9 game room, family room with fireplace, 2 1/2 car garage, fenced yard backing to a park for privacy, shed, newer windows, roof, gutters and much more! Come see...come buy! Commission split 50/50 if reduced by 3rd party. Buyer to pay $495 compliance fee.

24 Hour Recorded Hotline 1.800.882.2817

Code 4492

24 Hour Recorded Hotline 1.800.882.2817

Code

Novi Development On The Rise

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT

As a friendly and active community in prominent Oakland County, Novi continues to foster growth and development for the community. The city’s Minor Home Repair Program and the county’s Home Buying Program have helped current and potential homeowners. Now, over the past year, Novi’s economic outlook is strong. Development has been on the rise over this past year, and the Community Development Department’s efforts paid dividends for the city. The value of permits issued in 2011 more than doubled from 2010, from around $31,270,000 to nearly $69,450,000. Community Development Director Charles Boulard said, “I think the market and economy have certainly improved year to year…I’m hopeful because it is good for the residents.”

In 2010, 30 single-family residential permits were issued. But in 2011, 189 permits were issued, with an increased value of nearly $6 million. In 2010, nine multiple-residential unit permits were issued, compared with 86 in 2011. Lenox Hill and Liberty Park residential complexes are rebounding, and larger business and retail projects in the works include Walmart and Tognum.

Confidence in Novi’s economy is certainly good news. For those who own a home or condo, they can feel good about the potential for their property to recover value or perhaps increase in value. And for those looking to buy a home, they can be more confident about investing in market that has regained strength.

As Boulard said, “the developers are building again because the city is attractive to families to move in. And in terms of businesses, they have some confidence and are willing to spend dollars…hopefully that means jobs, too.”

Northville Township Adopts Flood Plan

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT

A new flood plan ordinance has been introduced for Northville Township. The flood plan ordinance will help locals obtain insurance for commercial and residential properties prone to flooding. The ordinance is meant to ease the challenges flood area residents face while providing them with access to necessary compensation in the event of a catastrophe.

An enforcing agency made up of Northville Township’s building officials will designate regulated flood hazard areas under the provisions in the state construction code. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been updating the National Flood Insurance Program’s flood rate maps, which evaluate residential and commercial properties to determine their flood risk and whether flood insurance is required. The overall idea of the ordinance is to help those in flood-prone areas who would otherwise be unable to obtain insurance.

FEMA has asked Northville Township to adopt the flood plan ordinance based on their latest map assessment, according to Don Weaver, public service director of Northville Township. The new areas included in the flood plan ordinance are along Johnson Creek in the Arcadia Ridge subdivision and Northville Road and the Middle River Rouge. The Arcadia Ridge subdivision was surveyed for the flood plan before it was developed. Weaver stated that homeowners in Arcadia Ridge should already be apprised of the designation, and that residents along Northville Road and the Middle River Rouge have known about potential flooding as well.

The updated assessment does not reflect any changed circumstances, including previously unknown flood areas and/or emerging vulnerable properties. Rather, the flood plan ordinance reflects existing flood-prone areas.

Homes for Sale in Northville, Michigan

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT

Northville, Michigan is a lovely historic town of around 6,000. Located west of the Detroit metro area, Northville is known for its rolling hills, Victorian architecture, pedestrian-friendly downtown, and award-winning school district. Northville is just a half-hour from Detroit and 25 minutes from Ann Arbor. Named for being north of the town of Plymouth, Northville’s first colonial-era settlers arrived in the early part of the 19^th century. It was primarily a mill town, part of Plymouth Township, and where Mill Race Historical Village is located today.

By mid-century, Northville had a bustling commercial district that included a tavern, tailor, blacksmith, cobbler, and doctor, as well as a schoolhouse. Henry Ford purchased a factory in Northville – the Northville Valve Plant – which operated until 1981. By the early twentieth-century, a theater and racing track had opened, and in 1955 Northville was incorporated. Today, Northville’s major employers are Northville Public Schools, Northville Downs, and Shopping Center Market. In addition, the area serves as a bedroom community for the Detroit metro area. Northville downtown hosts art walks, a farmer’s market, and a beloved annual Victorian festival.

Many homes for sale in Northville have retained their historic character and charm. Real estate here includes historic homes built before the 1930s, newer homes built in the tradition of the Queen Anne era, modern ranch homes, and nicely appointed condos. Abbey Knoll, Northville Estates, Northville Commons, Lakes of Northville, and Maple Hill have homes for sale from $150,000 to $300,000. Arcadia Ridge, Brooklane Ridge, Brookstone Village, Cascades of Northville, North Beack Woods, Parkstone, Pheasant Hills, Quail Ridge, Ravines of Northville, and Steeplechase neighborhoods have homes from the $300,000s and up. Stonewater and Woods of Edenberry have homes for sale in Northville from $500,000, Tuscany Reserve from $600,000, Oaks from $700,000. The neighborhoods of Oaks, Fox Hollow, and Bellagio include luxury estates from $700,000 and up. Northville’s condominiums range from $100,000 to $400,000 and include Blue Heron Pointe, Country Club Village, Hickory Creek, Lairdhaven, The Villas at Northville Hills, and Woodlands of Northville.

Whether you are looking for a 4-bedroom, 2-bath Victorian with lots of privacy or a 1-bedroom condo within walking distance to great shops and restaurants, Michele Safford can help you navigate the diverse selection of homes for sale in Northville. Michele is well versed in Northville’s real estate market, and understands the importance of finding the right fit for your lifestyle.

4983 Arbor Ct., West Bloomfield 48324

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:03:00 GMT

Simply sensational! Brand new to the market this inviting beauty w/ 2 story foyer w/ curved staircase, formal living room, dining room, extensive molding throughout, 2 story family room w/ granite surround fireplace, bridge, gourmet kitchen, custom backsplash, granite, island, 2-way fireplace, sitting area, eat-in nook, hardwood floor, library, master suite w/ trey ceiling, inviting glamour bath w/ sep jetted tub/shower, his/her WIC, newly painted inside/out, new carpet, lower level prepped for finishing, evergreens for privacy on wrap around deck/patio. Commission split 50/50 if reduced by 3^rd party. Buyer to pay $495 compliance fee.

24 Hour Recorded Hotline, 1-800-882-2817, Code 4452

4455 Quebec, Brighton 48116

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:32:00 GMT

Make Your Move Quick! Enjoy Oak Pointe Country Club living. Pristine beauty with over 3000 sq. ft., vaulted ceilings throughout, 2-story foyer, 2-story great room w/fireplace, library, formal dining room, kitchen w/42” cabinets w/crown molding, ceramic backsplash, center island, hardwood floor, all appliances stay, eat-in nook, stunning first floor master suite w/private doorwall to deck, his/hers WIC, glamour bath w/sep tub/shower, finished lower level w/game room, bedroom, bath, wet bar, perfect for in-law/aupair suite, master pines for year-round privacy & seclusion, cul-de-sac setting.

24 Hour Recorded Hotline 1.800.882.2817

Code 4432

29220 DUFTY, SOUTHFIELD 48034

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:23:00 GMT

JUST THE RIGHT PRICE! Bargain of the century... One acre lot zoned "attached single family RT" for 3+ units. Great investment return on building, close to city conveniences, sewer and water at street. Buyer to verify building specifications with City of Southfield.

17923 Mission Pointe, Northville 48168

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:36:00 GMT

Best location on the lake! Meticulously maintained Grand Estate! From the moment you enter through the 9' double doors, you will be overwhelmed with charm and elegance. Floor to ceiling views of the water, chef's dream kitchen, old world hardwood library to entice the most sophisticated buyers. Granite, marble throughout. Master suite with fireplace, sitting room, marble bath. Entertainers dream in finished basement with kitchen, theater room and much more!

Giving Back This Holiday Season

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 03:00:00 GMT

In this post-Black Friday season, it seems like everyone’s plotting the most cost-effective ways to ‘give’ to their loved ones; where’s the best sale for that Blu-ray player your dad wants? How about that sale on Louis Vuitton purses, for your sister? Yet, not everyone in the Novi community is focused solely on giving back to their loved ones. In fact, some are looking to spread the holiday cheer a bit further out than their own homes.

Novi Middle School teacher Peter Cemate is one of those people. According to writer Nathan Mueller’s article on Hometownlife.com, Cemate has used his hunting spoils from the last four deer hunting seasons not to keep his own winter pantry stocked, but to help out the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit. He was even able to rope some of his coworkers into the food-gathering effort, and, as a group, they’ve managed to donate nearly 160 pounds of venison and 1,000 pounds of food.

Cemate isn’t the only Novi resident who’s been tapping into their inner Santa. In fact, according to Cemate, many of the school district kitchens will donate excess food to emergency food suppliers, like Capuchin. Joanne Clements, the director of food services in the Novi School District, said that before break, all food that will expire while the students are off is donated either to Cemate or to Forgotten Harvest, another Detroit food provider. Joanne went on to say that it’s better “to feed people than to feed trash cans.”

The great thing about having a community hero it that he or she can inspire the rest of us to be heroes, too—and that’s exactly what we’re seeing here, with Cemate’s example. So don’t throw away the leftovers, or extra canned goods you picked up by accident; contact one of the programs (or Cemate himself!) and give a bit back to the rest of the community this holiday season.

Community Spotlight: Family and Style Meet in Elle Salon

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:00:00 GMT

What do you want in your hometown? Do you want posh downtown locations, where you can indulge in a bit of chic, current culture? Shopping centers and concert venues where you can see or hear something new and exciting every so often?

Or would you rather have that close-knit feel, where neighbors all know each other by name, and life happens at its own, natural pace? Where you know everyone walking down the street?

What if it didn’t have to be a choice between one or the other?

Novi is, in many ways, a city that is the perfect compromise between both cultures, and the newly-opened Elle Salon is the perfect example of this fusion. Operated by siblings Marina Bojaj and Gjoni Comaj, the salon is a sleek, high-end establishment—but it’s still very much a family-operated business, with no real desire to stray from its roots.

In fact, according to Comaj, that’s exactly the point. In a recent Hometown Life article, Comaj said that their business strategy is “all about making people feel comfortable. There’s no snootiness, and you feel like you’re walking into your own home. It’s ‘house-meets-salon,’ and very family-oriented.” As if to emphasize this point, relatives and family members of the siblings are constantly stopping in to the salon, making it seem as though, if it’s not their customers’ house, at least the salon closely resemble the siblings’ own respective homes.

Both owners have worked as hair stylists in the Novi area for a number of years, and they bring their extensive experience to Elle. The salon offers a full-range of services, including haircuts, coloring, treatments, esthetics, and even eyebrow extensions.

It’s always nice to have the options to live in a town with a splash of high-end culture, but it’s even better when everyone in town is also like an extension of your own family. And that’s exactly what Elle represents; familiar, neighborly posh.

Community Spotlight: Northville Raises Money For Kids Against Hunger

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:00:00 GMT

With the sudden, early reminder of winter, it’s the perfect time for a hot bowl of soup—and that’s exactly what volunteers are serving tomorrow, between 4 and 7 pm in Northville High School.

According to Nancy Kelsey’s article on Patch.com, the soup dinner will follow a day spent packing food to be sent out to those in need, both within the United States and without. Volunteers from Northville will be working alongside volunteers from Detroit and Hamtramck to pack thousands of food bags, each containing rice and soy that will be given to children around the world. It’s a great opportunity, both for the hungry and for the kids participating, as they’ll be working with kids they might never have met otherwise. According to event organizer Dottie Garrity, kids will be “working together, problem-solving, to benefit other children around the world.” The hope is that, in doing so, kids will learn to make connections with other communities that may even last a lifetime.

Yet, there’s no doubt that some lives will be changed. Kids Against Hunger, the organization behind the soup dinner, has packaged and sent nearly 410,000 bags of food to hungry children around the world since the organization’s founding in 2005, all in their effort to help reduce world hunger. The organization is dedicated to helping children, both abroad and at home; echoing Dottie Garrity’s sentiments, the organization’s website describes its mission as to teach kids “to help people around the world…and [also] around the corner.”

Few communities can boast the kind of dedication to civic duty that Northville can, and that’s what makes it such a wonderful place to raise a family. Community leaders are dedicated to espousing notions of global citizenship to the next generation, all in an effort to raise a more engaged community that looks beyond the neighborhood to the wide world beyond.

Northville's Hazardous Waste Day - And A Brief Word About Toxix Waste

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 03:00:00 GMT

Several weeks ago, I wrote a post on Novi’s hazardous waste day and how it provided Novi residents an outlet to safely—and inexpensively—get rid of any household materials that might not be safe to leave around for the dog or kids to poke into. This month, it’s the Northville community’s turn to get rid of its trash; starting at 8 am tomorrow morning, the Wayne County Department of Public Services will be picking up household hazardous waste materials at 122000 Beech Daly Road in Redford, MI, so don’t miss this chance to safely, and environmentally, dispose of all those empty paint cans and antifreeze containers. Not sure if something will be accepted? There’s a handy online flyer detailing all of the items that will be accepted, along with those that won’t be. Be sure to check it out before loading up your car!

It’s probably safe to say that every homeowner wants to live in a clean, safe neighborhood, and hazardous waste disposal programs—such as the one in Wayne County—ensure that our communities remain clean. However, it also takes some effort on the homeowner’s part, too; according to a statement by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, our day-to-day actions have a lot more impact on the environment than we imagine—it’s not just chemical companies poisoning our water systems! Everyday mistakes like improper waste disposal and littering can leave lingering effects far beyond what we might imagine, so here are some tips, courtesy of SEMCOG, to keep in mind when cleaning up the house after a major renovation or move:

Always make sure that toxic substances are identifiable. That means storing them in their original containers, and making sure that the labels are conspicuous.
Keep toxic materials in cool, dry places, away from curious little hands or paws.
Only purchase as much of a toxic material as you need, and consider using less-toxic alternatives. SEMCOG suggests using vinegar and water instead of window cleaner, for example.
Always dispose properly at a toxic waste center on collection day. Never throw toxic materials out in the trash or sink.

By keeping these tips in mind, we can ensure our communities remain clean for the generations to come. And don’t forget to stop by Redford Toxic Waste Center tomorrow, between 8am and 2pm!