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Double Tap Electric Connections in Your Electric Service Panel

Thursday, December 1, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team
One of the most common electrical panel issues we come across are double-tapped breakers. A double-tap is when 2 wires are connected to a single pole. Electrical codes actually allow a certain number of double tapped breakers in an electrical panel. However, these connections can cause issues, and Home inspection associations recommend these connections be corrected.
 
This week's tip discusses why double-taps are an issue and how it can be fixed. Though some of you out there have various levels of knowledge about doing electrical work, we always recommend a licensed Electrician for all electrical repairs.
What is the problem?
Most panel breakers are only designed for single-wire connections (an exception is Square D breakers that have connections for 2 wires per breaker). The photo to the left shows a double-tapped breaker.
 
When 2 wires are compressed together at a breaker, one of the wires may not have as good of a connection as the other. This could result in arcing and potentially a fire.
How is it fixed?
The easiest fix is to remove the 2 wires and connect them to a third wire (called a "pigtail") with a wire nut, and connecting the third wire into the breaker. The photo to the left is a pigtail connection.
 
Another potential fix is to add another breaker to the panel, if there is room for it. This may be a better fix if the reason for the double tap was to avoid the additional work of adding a breaker in the first place, which may be over-stressing the circuit. A licensed Electrician can assess which fix is best for your situation.
We hope these tips have been helpful. Feel free to share it with anyone you think may benefit from it. 

 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing homes and properties in the Ann Arbor Michigan area.  Also search for properties, houses, and condos for sale in Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan and the Ypsilanti real estate markets.  Check out the handy Links for realty related information and and MLS inventory access above
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Solar Shingle Roofs - Options and Costs

Monday, November 28, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

PV Solar Shingles Roof from Tesla: Evolution of Solar Roofing: Current Options & Costs

Up until 2011, “going solar” meant cumbersome glass and metal, crystalline PV panels the size of dining-room tables in heavy metal racks bolted onto your roof. As expensive as they were ugly, early solar panels were clunky enough to turn off all but the most committed environmentalists. Consumers also worried about maintenance and replacement costs, since solar panels could represent a significant financial outlay – $30,000 or more, about what a family can currently expect to pay in utilities over a decade.

pv-solar-roof-shingles

 

In 2011, Dow Chemical has disrupted the solar power industry when they unveiled their innovative PV solar shingles, an elegant, roof-integrated alternative to the “old-school” bulky crystalline solar panels for residential roofs. Dow’s PowerHouse BIPV (building integrated photovoltaics) solar shingles were quite appealing and easier to install than traditional PV solar panels. However, after just five short years Dow is getting out of the solar shingles business. They have decided to no longer manufacture and cease selling their break-through PowerHouse solar shingles

Until Dow discontinued its PowerHouse solar shingle line this past June, it was a fairly popular option for homeowners who wanted a BIPV solar shingles roof. PowerHouse shingles were wireless and easy to install, snapping together seamlessly. The shingles collected 12 watts of electricity per square foot, and were “grid-tied,” meaning they could send excess electricity into the local power grid through an inverter box system. Although the inverter box had to be set up by an electrician, the shingles were as easy to install as conventional asphalt shingles.

BIPV Solar Shingles Roof you can Buy Today and How much it will cost:

certainteed-solar-shingle-installation

 

CertainTeed’s Apollo line of grid-tied BIPV solar shingles are still on the market, and they collect about as much energy per square foot. Apollo shingles are designed for versatility, thin enough to lie on top of, integrate with, or replace an existing roof. Their silicon structure is designed to withstand winds of up to 110 mph. Although CertainTeed estimates that a 350-square-foot solar-shingle layer can cost as much as $20,000 to purchase and install, they also claim that it can cut a residential electricity bill by 40 to 70 percent.

A fully-integrated Solar Shingles Roof you can Buy Soon from Tesla:

tesla-solar-roof

Tesla’s recent merger with SolarCity has left everyone imagining great things for solar technology. Tesla is known for creative solutions to sustainability problems, as well as an “integrated clean energy” vision that incorporates an array of clean-energy ideas. They unveiled their newest innovation at the end of October, and it turns out to be an inspired riff on solar shingles!

How Do Tesla PV Solar Shingles Work?

how-dow-solar-shingles-work

Tesla solar shingles are designed to work in the same way as Certainteed Apollo and Dow Powerhouse technology, but Tesla went the extra mile to make sure their new solar shingles would appeal to consumers. As with Tesla’s electric cars, innovative function is never an excuse to neglect form. Although the tiles are made out of tempered glass, they’re available in four distinct patterns: smooth, distressed wood, rugged slate, and terra cotta. When they’re installed, they look just like a conventional roof.

tesla-solar-roof-options

The tempered glass has a similar molecular structure to quartz, and according to Tesla it has a “quasi-infinite” life-span. The tiles will even be fitted with heating elements to melt snow in colder climates. Since conventional roofing shingles only last 15-20 years, and are vulnerable to ice and water damage, this innovation could represent enormous savings.

Tesla hopes that its premium design – especially the idea of having an indestructible roof, whether you live in Maine or Michigan – will give them a market advantage. Tesla does score extremely high with customer satisfaction and brand commitment, so their bet may pay off in the long run.
So, how do Tesla’s “invisible” solar shingles work, and how do these glass tiles fit into a solar-power system? The basic mechanism is the same as the one used in conventional solar panels. Solar shingle and solar panel systems are both photovoltaic, meaning that they generate electricity from light. As we explained above, Tesla solar shingles are made out of textured glass designed to look like different types of roofing material. Light passes through this glass into a standard flat solar cell.

Tesla’s solar shingles operate at only a two-percent power transfer loss compared to solar panels, and Tesla’s engineering team hopes to increase energy efficiency over time. Their textured solar tiles contain microscopic louvers, or curves in the glass surface that reflect light. These are used to create opacity for textured solar tiles, so that they look like a piece of slate instead of a shard of mirror. Tesla engineers believe that these small reflective surfaces can eventually be used to boost the photovoltaic power of the solar tiles. There’s precedent for this idea – some solar panel designs already include mirrors or reflective surfaces designed to increase photovoltaic power in a similar way.

Tesla’s system stores accumulated power in lithium ion Powerwall batteries, so that solar power can be used to provide night-time electricity to the whole house. This battery addition is designed to ensure that residents can take full advantage of power generated during the day, when solar panel collection often outpaces energy use. Battery options are also a response to uncertainty about solar subsidies, which has damaged consumer confidence in the savings promised by solar power.

Lithium ion batteries haven’t yet caught on as a standard part of a solar package, but prices on this newer technology have been falling for the past several years, so look for lithium ion batteries to become more and more popular among Tesla and other manufacturers. Tesla’s betting that they will appeal to consumers, and that manufacturing costs may drop by as much as fifty percent over the next decade. Right now, unfortunately, Tesla’s solar batteries cost $5,500 – and depending on electricity use, a homeowner may need to purchase two or more!

Rollout and Projected Cost of Tesla Solar Roof:

Tesla envisions a rollout over the next nine months, hoping that solar shingles will account for five percent of all new roofs installed in the United States within two years. As with solar panels and electric cars, the initial expense might be out of reach for many consumers. However, Tesla hopes that over time, their solar shingles will become commonplace. They not only allow homeowners to power their homes via solar, but also to avoid many of the medium- and long-term costs of roof and Home maintenance.

Solar shingles will likely be among the most expensive roofing materials on the market for some time to come. However, roofing a single-family residence can cost between $7,000 and $70,000, depending on size, floor plan, materials, and a number of other factors. So it’s hard to tell just how much you’d have to spend on your own brand-new solar roof. Utility costs are on the rise, which means that potential savings over the next thirty or forty years could be huge.

Generous federal subsidies are still available, which means that now is an ideal time to invest in solar. Twenty-seven states offer additional incentives that can bring the price down even further. Solar remodels may also increase the resale value of your home, which might make it a worthwhile investment.

So, is the forecast sunny for solar shingles? It’s hard to say – and as with so many other new technologies, money is the deciding factor. Like their famous line of electric cars, Tesla solar panels are definitely a high-end home-improvement option. As with solar panels, there’s also the possibility that technological innovation could drastically lower costs in the near future. The promise of eventual savings, as well as the sheer ingenuity of Tesla’s solar shingle design, may make solar shingles an attractive option for homeowners.

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing homes and properties in the Ann Arbor Michigan area.  Also search for properties, houses, and condos for sale in Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan and the Ypsilanti real estate markets.  Check out the handy Links for realty related information and and MLS inventory access above.  

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Holiday Wrapping Ideas

Saturday, November 19, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

5 DIY Wrapping Ideas for the Holidays

 

Santa Claus is coming to town, so we need to get our wrapping A-game on. The thing is, as cute as snowmen wrapping paper is, we’ve all seen it. A million times. Every Christmas. Aunt Sally could really use a new style. The important thing is that, whether Aunt Sally made it here herself or she’s just “asking for a friend,” we’ve got her covered with these alternative wrapping ideas.

Brown Paper Gift Wrap
What you’ll need: Uncoated wrapping paper, white acrylic paint, paint brush

brown paper

I found this simple, yet artsy DIY idea from Go Forth. All you have to do is roll out a generous amount of paper and splatter it with some paint. Think of yourself as a kind of Jackson Pollock and just therapy-splatter the living heck out of your brown wrapping paper. You can add accents like the black string used above or just present it solo.

Kid-Friendly Wrap
What you’ll need: Uncoated white wrapping paper, crayons, washi tape

kids wrap

Cute, I know. Craftionary recommends this for kids who have to wait to open their presents. It’s like doodling on a Starbucks cup, except less hipster and with a much shorter lifespan. But, hey - all you have to do is wrap the gift and attach the crayons with some washi tape and voila. For extra fun, psychoanalyze your kids’ drawings before they tear the whole thing up.

Pringles Cookie Can Wrap
What you’ll need: Thoroughly cleansed Pringles cans, scrapbook paper, glue, bows for fun

Pringles

Recycling has never looked so good, am I right? Fun Squared has come up with a Pinterest project that will actually make you feel good about yourself (because it’ll work). You even get to do several delightful things like A) eat all the Pringles, B) bake cookies and eat the leftovers, and C) gift the most stylish cookies ever. All you have to do is assemble these bad boys and ensure your cookies will fit inside the cans. Don’t want to commit to a huge can? Pringles come in smaller sizes, young grasshoppers.

Black Wrapping Paper & Metallic Markers
What you’ll need: Black wrapping paper and some metallic Sharpie markers

sharpie

Ling Yeung B’s amazingly chic gift wrapping idea is awesome for two reasons. One, if you’re really artsy you can accomplish some of the most intricate patterns shown above. And two, if you’re as artistically challenged as I am, just writing “To: Dad” and “From: Favorite Daughter” is still bound to come across as sophisticated. He might even believe that you got him really expensive cufflinks when in reality, it’s just another tie.

Furoshiki Wrap
What you’ll need: Um, furoshiki wrap

Furoshiki

If you care for the environment, Evermine has just the thing for you. Actually, all of Japan does. Furoshiki is a reusable wrapping cloth that you are invited to think of as origami. There are so many different ways to go about wrapping things with furoshiki, no gift can escape. Don’t worry, the furoshiki page comes with instructions. And evidently, if the cloth is nice, then the wrapping is done.

And that, Aunt Sally, is how you wrap up the holidays.

 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing homes and properties in the Ann Arbor Michigan area.  Also search for properties, houses, and condos for sale in Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan and the Ypsilanti real estate markets.  Check out the handy Links for realty related information and and MLS inventory access above.  

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Real Estate Interest Rates Likely to Rise Post Election Period

Friday, November 18, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

‘Relatively Soon’ Rise for Interest Rates as Mortgage Rates Shoot Up Post Election

 

‘Relatively Soon’ Rise for Interest Rates as Mortgage Rates Shoot Up Post Election

Rates have risen about a half percentage point right after the election as I have noticed from some of Ann Arbors local lenders.  A rise in the key interest rate could come “relatively soon,” Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen reiterated on Thursday, heightening the probability the Fed will forge ahead with a hike in December, despite initial doubts in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidential victory. Mortgage rates, which generally follow the key rate, shot up this week, with the 30-year fixed rate mortgage topping out at an average 3.94 percent from 3.57 percent the week prior.

“This week, the verdict is in—over the last two weeks, the 30-year mortgage rate jumped 40 basis points to 3.94 percent, almost identical to the 39 basis point increase in the 10-year Treasury yield,” says Sean Becketti, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “If rates stick at these levels, expect a final burst of Home sales and refinances as ‘fence sitters’ try to beat further increases, then a marked slowdown in housing activity.”

Yellen’s position—which comes as the dust settles after one of the most contentious elections in history—reinforces the sentiments of Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Patrick Harker and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard, who both voiced support for future hikes this week.  

Looking to get a recommendation for low rates while working with a good mortgage lender?  Get a list of the areas best lender by going to www.LendAnnArbor.com for info on numerous firms and the manager or VP to contact for superior service.  All have been in business for at least 15 years.  

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing homes and properties in the Ann Arbor Michigan area.  Also search for properties, houses, and condos for sale in Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan and the Ypsilanti real estate markets.  Check out the handy Links for realty related information and and MLS inventory access above. 

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Is Home Equity Still a Retirement Failsafe?

Monday, November 14, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Study: Is Home Equity Still a Retirement Failsafe?

Study: Is Home Equity Still a Retirement Failsafe?

Homeownership is one of the more viable paths to a secure retirement—but many older homeowners missed the prime opportunity to leverage that equity before the recession. How much usable equity can older homeowners now expect in retirement, given the rebound in home values?

A recent study by the Urban Institute explored the answer to this question, analyzing the equity patterns among older households before, during and after the recession.

“Not only does a house meet the basic need of shelter, but it’s an asset that typically can be used to build wealth as homeowners pay down their mortgages,” the study’s authors state. “In fact, many retirement security experts argue that the conventional three-legged stool of retirement resources—Social Security, pensions and savings—is incomplete because it ignores the home.”

The swings not only parallel the movement of the market—according to the study’s findings, equity patterns follow mortgage debt trends, as well. From 1990 to 2006, national mortgage debt grew to $11.3 trillion from $2.5 trillion, then fell to $9.9 trillion by 2015; for the average older homeowner, debt grew from $44,000 to $82,000 between 1998 and 2012.Homeowners aged 65 or older, according to the study’s findings, could have used their home’s equity to grow their retirement income by over 50 percent (up to $60,000) pre-recession, either by borrowing a home equity line of credit, selling their home at a profit, or taking a cash-out refinance or second mortgage. That percentage dropped to 40 percent (up to $49,000) by 2012, despite accumulating an average 10 percent more equity then than in 1998. Home values, still, grew 3 percent by 2014. Monetarily, the average older homeowner’s equity stake increased from $117,000 to $166,000 between 2000 and 2006, then decreased to $129,000 by 2012.

Mortgage loan-to-value (LTV) ratios also moved in tandem; in fact, the proportion of older homeowners with LTV ratios at 80 percent or more doubled from 1998 to 2012, according to the study. The proportion of underwater homeowners tripled over the same period.

Older homeowners overall, however, have more of an opportunity now to unlock the wealth potential of their homes in retirement, even with the recession in the rearview. Their prospects, as the study demonstrates, lean on home value, as well as mortgage debt. State the study’s authors, “The majority of older adults, regardless of income, race and ethnicity, and education, own homes that they could use to help finance their retirement.”Older homeowners today have more favorable retirement conditions, but not without contingencies. Low-income and minority homeowners tend to have most of their wealth tied up in their homes, but accumulate the least equity overall, according to the study—with loan approval related to income, these segments could become challenged, even though they have the potential to increase their retirement incomes considerably more so than other higher-income or majority groups. Low-income and minority homeowners, the study’s authors postulate, will likely rely on Social Security as their primary source of income in retirement.

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing homes and properties in the Ann Arbor Michigan area.  Also search for properties, houses, and condos for sale in Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan and the Ypsilanti real estate markets.  Check out the handy Links for realty related information and and MLS inventory access above.  

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Homewonership Rate Rallies

Monday, October 31, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Homeownership Rate Rallies

 

Homeownership Rate Rallies

Is the tide turning? The homeownership rate rallied slightly at 63.5 percent in the third quarter, higher than the 62.9 percent rate in the second quarter—the lowest point in more than 50 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Housing Vacancies and Homeownership report. The third quarter homeownership rate did not differ considerably from last year’s third quarter, however, at 63.7 percent.

On inventory, roughly 87 percent of housing was occupied in the third quarter, with 55.5 percent owner-occupied and 31.9 renter-occupied.

The Midwest saw the highest homeownership rates in the third quarter at 68.6 percent; the West saw the lowest, at 58.2 percent.

Non-Hispanic white homeowners held the highest homeownership rate in the third quarter, as well, at 71.9 percent. Asian or Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander homeowners held the second-highest rate at 55.6 percent. Hispanic homeowners held the third-highest, at 47.0 percent. Black homeowners held the lowest rate, at 41.3 percent—though both the Hispanic and Black rates were higher than those of last year’s third quarter.Homeownership rates in the third quarter were also highest among homeowners aged 65 and older, at 79.0 percent, and lowest for homeowners aged 35 and younger, at 35.2 percent.

The homeowner housing vacancy rate came in at 1.8 percent in the third quarter, while the renter vacancy rate reported 6.8 percent. Homeowner vacancy rates were highest outside metro areas at 2.5 percent, followed by inside principal cities at 1.9 percent and in suburban areas at 1.5 percent. Renter vacancy rates mirrored those of homeowners: highest outside metro areas at 9.6 percent followed by inside principal cities at 6.9 percent and in suburban areas at 6.0 percent.

“Optimists and pessimists alike have fodder for their cause,” wrote Trulia Chief Economist Ralph McLaughlin. “On the optimist’s side, household formation—whether it’s from new renter or new owner households—is good for both the housing market and the general economy, as some renters eventually become owners and new households drive demand for Home-related goods and services. On the pessimist’s side, there are headwinds for those that want to own a home, but can’t: prices and rents have outpaced incomes, credit standards are higher, and a high share of young households are still living with their parents.The median list price of vacant for-sale housing in the third quarter was $157,500.

“Given other evidence from the [Census] release, my views swing more with the optimists than the pessimists.”

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing condo and home in the Ann Arbor Michigan are including other surrounding areas such as Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, Milan Ypsilanti and Pinckney real estate markets.  Note the Search Properties link above to view a complete Inventory of homes and condos for sale.  Also click on the resources tab above for other helpful information Links, contractor discounts and sources.   Have questions want a price on your home or searching for homes, hit the contact me link or call us, we would love to hear from you.  

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Top 10 Most Expensive Mistakes You’re Making on Your Home

Monday, October 31, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Top 10 Most Expensive Mistakes You’re Making on Your Home

 

mistakes_home

Homes cost a lot of money to maintain. But are you spending extra money unnecessarily on the upkeep of your home? Here are 10 of the most expensive mistakes you could be making in your home.

1. Using Traditional Light bulbs

If you still have incandescent light bulbs in your home, you could be throwing a lot of money away every month on inflated electric bills. Over its life span, an incandescent bulb can use $180 worth of electricity. A CFL will only use $41 worth of electricity over the same time period. Even better is the LED bulb, which only uses $30 per bulb. Think what replacing every light bulb in your home could do to your home's bottom line.

2. Ignoring a Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet that drips one drop per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, which is enough water to take more than 180 showers. Some of us live in areas where water is plentiful, but for those of us in areas plagued with drought, this could be costing you a fortune. Fix or replace your leaky faucet and save a ton on your water bill.

3. Using the Wrong Air Filter Size

We all sometimes forget to change out the air filters for our HVAC systems or accidentally buy the wrong size. But using the wrong filter or a dirty filter can increase your power bill and cause expensive problems for your furnace down the road. Use the correct filters for your system, and set a reminder to change them after the recommended amount of time. You won't regret it.

4. Not Customizing Temperature

Invest in a customizable thermostat. If you're away at the office all day, you can program your heater to shift down a few degrees while you're gone and then shift back up shortly before you return home. Heating or cooling an empty home wastes a lot of money in energy costs.

5. Not Adjusting Air Vents Properly

Is one room in your home hot, while the others are cold? Oftentimes homeowners will crank up the air conditioning in the whole house to combat hot temperatures in one area. Instead, adjust air vents to direct the flow of air more evenly throughout your entire home. Professionals will come regulate this to ensure that your entire home is receiving the same amount of air conditioning or heating.

6.Over Watering Lawn

Many homeowners have their sprinkler systems programmed to come on in the early morning hours for optimum lawn health. This can become a problem, however, if you're never around to see what you're actually watering. A broken sprinkler head could be causing a fountain, or the trajectory of your sprinkler may be directed at a fence instead of your lawn. Periodically run your sprinklers during the day so you can see how they are performing when you're not around.

7. Water Heater Temperature Set Too High

Unless you have a tankless water heater, your water heater is keeping the water in its tank hot 24/7. If you don't keep an eye on the temperature as each season changes, you may be paying too much to heat your water. Decrease the temperature in the summer, and bump it back up when winter comes.

8. Leaky Windows and Doors

Leaky windows and doors are great places for cold, winter winds to enter your home. Many homeowners simply ignore them and crank up their heaters. Caulk leaky windows and put rubber seal around doors to keep winter winds out and warmth in.

9. Paying a Handyman

Don't pay a handyman for a job that is simple enough to do yourself. If you're unsure of how to do something, look up video tutorials online. Doing simple tasks yourself can save you a lot of money.

10. Ignoring Curled Shingles

It may be easy to ignore problems on your roof, but it will only lead to bigger problems later. If you see any possible issues with your roof, repair them as soon as possible, as this will save you significant costs later.

Use these 10 tips to cut maintenance costs on your home today.

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing homes and properties in the Ann Arbor Michigan area.  Also search for properties, houses, and condos for sale in Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan and the Ypsilanti real estate markets.  Check out the handy Links for realty related information and and MLS inventory access above.  

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Percentage of Condo Owners Required for Financing

Friday, October 28, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

FHA Lowers Condo Owner-Occupancy Requirement in Win for Buyers

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has lowered its owner-occupancy requirement for condominiums, marking progress in an issue believed to be preventing homebuyers from entering the real estate market. The action, announced in a mortgagee letter issued this week, lowers the requirement from 50 percent to 35 percent, effective immediately.

Condo projects older than 12 months with at least 35 percent owner occupancy (and less than 50 percent) can qualify for FHA certification, provided other conditions are met. From FHA’s letter:

  • Applications must be submitted for processing and review under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Review and Approval Process (HRAP) option;
  • Financial documents must provide for funding of replacement reserves for capital expenditures and deferred maintenance in an account representing at least 20 percent of the budget;
  • No more than 10 percent of the total units can be in arrears (more than 60 days past due) on their condominium association fee payments; and
  • Three years of acceptable financial documents (defined in the letter) must be provided.

The action is a win for the real estate industry, which has been advocating for changes, and homebuyers, especially first-time buyers for whom condos are the most affordable housing option.

“NAR has been fighting for changes to FHA’s condominium rules for years, and the mortgagee letter announced will bring some much needed relief to the market,” says Salomone. “Condominiums will have a much easier time getting certified by FHA, and Realtors® will have more options for clients looking to purchase a condo with an FHA mortgage. This is a big win for NAR, and while we believe all condominiums should have the rules applied to them equally, we also believe FHA has heard the concerns of Realtors® and is moving in the right direction.”The lowered requirement is a step forward, says National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) President Tom Salomone.

NAR will continue to work with FHA to address transfer fees, commercial space requirements, and other issues, Salomone says.


FHA’s action comes following the passage of the “Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act,” which mandated the lowered requirement

 

Tom Stachler is a licensed Broker and Builder marketing homes and properties in the Ann Arbor Michigan area.  Also search for properties, houses, and condos for sale in Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan and the Ypsilanti real estate markets.  Check out the handy Links for realty related information and and MLS inventory access above.  


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9404 Thornbird Way, Saline, Michigan Home for Sale

Monday, October 24, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Low York Township Taxes and Just 5 minutes from US-23 & I-94 Freeway Split

This Wonderful Home has mature landscaping and trees with a fenced back yard and storage shed.  We are located in Sandpiper Cove and are tastefully adorned with two fireplaces, a study, finished basement with full bath.  Its perched up on a hill with great visibility and mature landscaping that provides plenty of privacy while you soak in your year round hot tub.  

​

9404 Thornbird Way, Saline, Michigan Home for Sale

  • 3350 Satellite ft plus 1200 square ft Finished Basement with Full Bath
  • Third floor two room guest suite with full bath
  • Two Fireplaces
  • Study - Sitting Room
  • Maple Hardwood Floors
  • 3 Car Attached Garage
  • 9 Foot Ceilings
  • 6 Person Hot Tub
  • 4 Bedroom and 4.5 Baths
  • In Ground Sprinkler System
  • Small Outbuilding
  • Satellite Dish & Comcast Cable
  • Smart house Wiring
  • Fenced Back Yard with out building
  • Control heat/AC temp with zoned thermostat on each floor
  • Beautifully Landscaped and surrounded by mature trees 

Contact Tom Stachler to setup a showing appointment. 

 

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Famous Encino, Calif. Home Hops on Market - Jack Bauer Fox Show 24

Saturday, October 22, 2016
by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Famous Encino, Calif. Home Hops on Market

 

Encino

Fans of the Fox show "24," listen up: Jack Bauer's fictional home is now for sale for a cool $3.9 million. The posh space, located at 4620 Rubio Ave in Encino, Calif., was also featured in "CSI" and the 90s classic "Beverly Hills, 90210."

Stretching 6,000 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, the modern home was designed in 1939 by prominent architect J.R. Davidson, who went on to design three Arts & Architecture magazine Case Study homes.

The one story home sits on two-thirds of a seriously lush acre, with a pool perfect for lounging, sleek spaces for entertaining both indoors and out, a home gym, an outdoor kitchen, fireplace and fire pit. If that's not impressive enough, you'll be comforted to know that early photos of the residence hang in the Getty Center.

Listed by: Alan Taylor of the John Aaroe Group
Listed for: $3,999,000

Photos by James Moss

Encino 2

Encino 2

Encino 3

Tom Stachler is a licensed Builder and Broker marketing homes in the Ann Arbor Real Estate Market and servicing Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan and the Ypsilanti Michigan home and condo real estate for sale communities.  Check out our helpful Links section or contact us if you are considering Buying or selling a house or commercial property.  

 

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