Chelsea DeCarlo

Downtown Ann Arbor listing!

5 beds, 2 baths, in the heart of downtown!

You won't want to miss this!

For all your real estate needs, questions, and concerns, contact us!

Realtorsinmichigan.com
248-974-7973

School has started again! I hope everyone is off to a smooth start of the year! While families are settling in to new routines, people still need to move! If you need help or guidance with buying or selling reach out to me! We can get it done together!

Welcome home to this picturesque apartment community with stylish finishes, striking Tudor-style facades, and a scenic location walking distance to downtown Rochester! These beautiful brand new loft apartments are show stopping! Featuring open concepts, stainless steel appliances, a juliet balcony, and popular finishes throughout! You will also find large walk in closets in the bedrooms. There is an abundance of on-site parking, both surface and underground. The building also features secured access with 2 elevators.

Realtors in Michigan
Listed by Chollie Houghtaling
Realtorsinmichigan.com
Chollie -> (248) 764-0614

Happy house hunting to all my buyers and happy open house day for all my sellers! Hoping this weekend brings good luck and positivity!



Chelsea DeCarlo
Realtors In Michigan
Realtorsinmichigan.com
248-974-7973
[email protected]

What is happening in the market? Sometimes, when you're looking to buy or sell the market can seem confusing and turbulent. Who do you listen to? Where do you get your market updates?
The housing market is cooling off, after the last two years of rising prices and lack of inventory buyers may finally be catching a break. But what does this mean for sellers?
If you want to sell your house there is no map for the perfect time. The time is dependent on you and your family's needs. Regardless of housing market conditions people will always need to move.
There is no perfect time to move, and if you're feeling confused by all the noise, let me know and I can talk you through the numbers for your situation, because no two situations are the same.
If you're a buyer and you've been waiting for this, let me know and we can watch the listings closely!

248-974-7973
[email protected]

Don't let yesterday take up too much of today! You'll get stuck in the past, leave it behind you where it belongs.

Wondering where to start when it comes to buying a home? A home is the largest investment you'll make, it's important to have a trusted agent to help you through the process. With all the market changes we've seen in the last two years, you may be confused or worried about the process or how much home you can afford.
We're here to help! From the first consult to giving you the keys, you'll feel at ease through the process!
If you're ready to start the process or just wondering what the process is, let me know and I can walk you through it!
If you're wondering how much home you qualify for or what your payment will be, call David Wechsler at Union Home Mortgage to find out!

Chelsea: 248-974-7973, [email protected]
David: 248-504-4056, [email protected]

Looking to find your new home? You need an agent who can help you every step of the way. Your home is the biggest investment you will ever make, and we are committed to helping you make the best choice for you!

Want to buy a house but have no idea where to start? Talk with a loan officer to see what you can afford! They will help you set a budget and give you an idea of where to start!

If you have loan questions you can contact David Wechsler with Union Home Mortgage! (248) 504-4056

Open house this weekend!

Fabulous walkout ranch condo in the Heathers with beautiful lake views from every room. The first floor kitchen has lots of natural light, stainless appliances, plenty of storage and an island. The great room is open to the dining room, featuring volume ceilings and two separate decks for entertaining. The spacious master bedroom has a luxurious bath, 2 walk-in closets and deck off the large doorwall overlooking the lake. The second first floor bedroom can also be used as a home office with a full wall of built-in storage. Hardwood floors throughout the first floor. The finished lower level features a large family room with fireplace, tons of natural light and walkout access to your private patio. Your guests will enjoy the generous private suite with a full bath and views of the Lake. There is also a wine cellar, walk-in cedar closet and plenty of storage. First Floor Laundry. Two car garage. With the finished walkout you have just under 3400 square feet of living space.

Don't miss this one!

What factors play into a home's worth? Market value is what consumers are willing to pay for your home, taking into account market conditions, other homes in the area, school districts, amenities, updates, and other factors. If you are wondering what your home is worth reach out to me and I will go over a market analysis for your property and give you an idea of what the value of your home is. Whether you are looking to sell or just want an update on how your investment is doing!

Chelsea DeCarlo now takes appointments on their Page.

Today is the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, marking the decision for the United States to enter WWII. As a result of the attack, 2,403 sailors, soldiers and civilians were killed and about 1,000 people were wounded. Franklin D. Roosevelt would go on the following day to address the nation, stating “no matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.”

Today we remember the attack on Pearl Harbor and our service members and civilians who were impacted and lost their lives.

Home Maintenance Tip! Recaulk your showers and toilets every few years to prevent damage, cracking, and peeling. This will ensure your home is kept in top shape. Routine maintenance items that are not kept up with can hurt when you want to sell your home. Don't neglect your routine maintenance!

Happy Sunday! Enjoy this snowy weekend perfect for staying inside. Feeling cramped in your space now that winter is upon us? Give me a call and we can find you a space to get cozy in all season!

What is the earnest money deposit and why is it important? Earnest money is a deposit you put down when making an offer on a home. It will make your offer stronger and show you are serious about purchasing the home. There are no rules about how much a deposit should be, but when putting in an offer I talk to all my clients about how much they're comfortable putting down and what the process looks like. Your deposit will be put towards costs at the closing table, and will be returned to you should the deal fall through in specific circumstances. This is something I go through with all my clients in depth before putting an offer in on a home, as I feel it is important for all my clients to be fully informed about all aspects of the process.

Have questions about homeownership? I can help! Whether you're wondering about what it means to have a home, want to know what's available on the market, or need a referral to an amazing lender, I can help you with everything you're wondering about!

What will an inspector check for? When purchasing a home I always recommend an inspection. This is one of the largest (if not THE largest) investments you will ever make! You want to make sure your investment is solid!

During an inspection the inspector will look at and turn on all appliances to ensure they are in working order. The stove, the dishwasher, refrigerator, washer dryer, etc. They will also look at the roof and attic space to ensure there are no leaks or soft spots, and they will also point out any patching or repairs that have been done to the roof. They will look at the basement and foundation to ensure there are no signs of damage, as well as the outside of the home to ensure there are no concerns. The inspector will look at the HVAC system to ensure it is working properly, and run both the heat and air conditioning if they are available. The inspector will do an overview of everything in the home, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors to look for damage or concerns that would need to be repaired or replaced.

If there is one thing I always tell clients it is to NEVER skip the home inspection! I can point out certain things I see when looking at homes but an inspection will go more in depth and will ensure you are investing in something that will last you! The last thing you would want is to purchase a home, skip the inspection, and find out later that there are a myriad of high cost issues that need to be repaired!

I'm one day late on this but that's okay! Wondering what the market is doing for the month of November? Look no further! With mortgage rates increasing slightly, the market is starting to balance itself. The buyer frenzy we were seeing earlier in the year has cooled off a bit, which is a good sign for buyers who held off to jump back in! Average home prices will continue to steadily increase, but it won't be anything like we saw earlier in the year. The average days on market has also come up a bit, meaning there is less pressure on buyers to see homes as soon as they hit the market and make an offer the same day. For buyers, this takes some of the stress off, as it gives you slightly more time to weigh options and see homes before they go under contract!
For sellers, this is also a good thing. There will always be a buyer for your home, but now that homes aren't flying off the shelves it means you need the right Realtor on your side. A Realtor who is committed to selling your property and putting in the work to get you the best offer! If you're thinking about making a move, let me know and we can review the options for making the right decision for you and your family!

PH: 248-974-7973
Email: [email protected]

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Here is the home buying process in a nutshell! It's not as complicated as one may think, and as long as you have a great Realtor by your side the process will go smoothly!

No real estate tips today, just a reminder that what you do makes a difference. I firmly believe in treating everyone with kindness even when its hard. If how we make others feel can make even a small impact on the world, why wouldn't we want to do it?

There are several types of countertops you could encounter when looking at houses, but what are the differences? What should you be looking for?

The main types are quartz, natural Stone (like granite), acrylic, and wood. Other types not mentioned are Formica and laminate.

Quartz countertops are super durable, and they differ from natural stone because they are not porous. They are also lower maintenance than granite, as they never need a new seal. If you prefer granite, do some research on how to care for your granite countertops to ensure they hold up!
Granite is a classic choice for countertops. There are tons of choices when it comes to different granite styles. The one downfall for some homeowners is that granite has some porousness to it, so there is a chance it can absorb liquids, potentially causing bacteria and discoloration.
Acrylic countertops are also non-porous and durable, but not quite as scratch and dent resistant as quartz. Acrylic countertops can be customized to suit your style, but they are not heat resistant and hot pots and pans can cause visible damage that is not easily fixed.
Wood countertops are trendy! They are budget friendly and hold up over time so long as they are properly cared for. They take more maintenance than other types of countertops, with unfinished wood countertops needing monthly oiling, and sealed wood countertops needing a new coat every five years or so.

Happy Friday afternoon everyone! Here's to the weekend, unless you're a realtor and your weekends are a myth!

What does home mean to you?

This is a question I've gotten from some of my clients selling their bungalows! How do I stage it? How do I make it feel BIGGER?

Staging will be your best friend when it comes to your bungalow space. Clear any clutter or any unnecessary furniture out, take out any heavy or light blocking blinds or drapery, and use light, neutral paint colors to make it feel larger and more inviting. The bungalow on your home could be a huge selling point, or it could be your biggest drawback. Make sure you get a Realtor who knows how to stage the space to sell your unique home!

Your kitchen is often a focal point of your home, you spend tons of time cooking and eating with family in the kitchen, so it should be a beautiful, functional space! If you're thinking of renovating your kitchen there are a few things to consider!
1. How long are you planning to stay in your home? This will allow you to calculate costs and what a return would look like if you're not planning on staying in your home long term.
2. Budget! Plan a budget and stick to it, going over costs here and there can quickly add up, and you want to make sure you can finish the project.
3. Materials! What kind of materials are you planning to use? There are so many options for cabinets, countertops, and hardware it's almost hard to choose! Weigh your options and pick what will be most functional for you and what will give you the most resale value (if you're thinking of moving in the near future).

Sick of renting? Homeownership is possible! A mortgage often times will cost you less per month than your rent. Let me know when you're ready to start thinking about taking the plunge and I can walk you through the process, hook you up with an awesome lender, and help you stop giving money to a landlord!

It's International Chocolate Day! Chocolate first arrived in America via ship in 1641 and has been enjoyed ever since! How will you be celebrating this holiday?

Here's a little Friday positivity to end out your week! It was a short week, but it marked the end of the Summer and the impending new season. Try to take a step back when challenges arise and take a look at the bigger picture. It could change your perspective!

Labor Day is over and we all know what that means! We are diving headfirst into fall! Do you need a backyard big enough for those end of summer bonfires we all love? We can find it!

It's Womens' Equality Day! In August 1920 the 19th amendment was ratified, guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of s*x. However, this did not really apply to all women. Women of color were not guaranteed the right to vote until 1965! I am including some links that speak to this fact and highlight the role that women of color played in the movement and helped during WWII.

Today we remember the women who fought and persisted through to get us the rights we have today in the United States, and we think about those women in other countries who are still treated as second class citizens, denied basic rights and bodily autonomy and denied the right to an education. Women are not property, they are people, and they deserve to be treated as such.

https://time.com/5876456/black-women-right-to-vote/
https://www.npr.org/2020/08/26/904730251/yes-women-could-vote-after-the-19th-amendment-but-not-all-women-or-men
https://www.history.com/news/black-rosie-the-riveters-wwii-homefront-great-migration

Tip Tuesday! When asked how to get your home ready for showing, there are a few simple tips and tricks for you to follow. These things will help your home appear cleaner and more welcoming so potential buyers can see the potential of your space!
1. Depersonalize and declutter. Take family photos off the walls, put up neutral artwork, and open all the curtains! You do not want your wonderful family or specific tastes in decor to distract buyers from the home.
2. Move small countertop appliances out of sight. The toaster, the french press, the blender, as well as any other small countertop appliances that will not be staying with the home should be hidden. Cluttered counters will make your kitchen feel small and non-functional.
3. Get rid of (or hide) bulky, unnecessary furniture. You can't move your sectional but you CAN move those tables, extra chairs, old television stands, a shoe rack, indoor and outdoor toys, and other large items. You want buyers to see a large space, and lots of items can make it feel small and cramped.
4. Put away valuables and personal items. This one is less for buyers and more for you. Put your valuables away, locked up, take them with you! I have never had a seller come home to missing valuables and I never want to! Any other personal items should be out of sight.

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PH: 248.974.7973
Email: [email protected]

Monday Motivation! Mr. Rogers was all about making the world a better place, and a simple way to do that is be kind. I have a sign in my office that reads 'be kind and kindness will find you back' and it is my daily reminder to stay positive and be nice to others, no matter the situation. Spread positivity and positivity will come back to you.

When selling a home, clients often ask me what they should upgrade or work on to get top dollar for their home. These three things can get you more money with little effort!
1. Energy-Efficient Features. If you have the budget, updating your older appliances to energy star certified efficient appliances can make your home appeal more to buyers. Brand new appliances that are going to lower their energy bill are a big want for buyers in the market!
2. Upgraded finishes in your kitchen and bathroom. No need to renovate the whole room, or even pull out the cabinets. Some new sleek hardware can refresh the space and appeal to more buyers! It's quick, easy, and budget friendly to change out the hardware!
3. Clean, low-maintenance landscaping. Is your yard looking drab and lacking personality? Plant something new before putting your home on the market. New mulch and green grass help boost your home's curb appeal which bring clients top dollar!

I'm just going to leave this here as your Wednesday affirmation to remind you that you deserve a bigger closet! Stop shoving your clothes into that tiny overstuffed thing you call a closet and call me!

Are you ready to get your home in showing shape? These are easy, simple, low cost ways for my clients to get their homes ready!
1. Declutter! It will not only make you feel better and less crowded in your home, it will also depersonalize your space and allow potential buyers to see themselves in your space.
2. Steam clean your carpets! Giving carpets a fresh steam clean to remove any stains and odors will allow your home to show better. Potential buyers don't want to think about cleaning or replacing the carpets in their new home, and this solution is easier, faster, and more affordable than completely replacing your flooring.
3. Repair cracks and holes! Those old holes where pictures used to hang, old hook holes, and cracks around door trim, repair it! It's an easy and low cost fix you can do to make your home in tip top shape for showing. Since these damages are so easily seen buyers will be drawn to it, and it may turn them off to the rest of the home. Again, buyers don't want to think about the repairs and fixes they'll have to do on top of moving.
4. Clean tile grout! This includes in the kitchen, bathrooms, the mudroom, and anywhere else you may have tile. Fresh clean grout will make your home look infinitely better. It may seem like a minor detail but it will make all the difference to potential buyers!

Want to talk about buying or selling a home? I'm just a phone call, email, or DM away!

248-974-7973
[email protected]

It's Friday the 13th! The bad luck surrounding this day stems from several sources, beginning with Norse Mythology when Loki showed up as the very unwelcome 13th guest at a dinner party. Stories and legends have continued through the ages, with links to the arrests and trials of the Knights of Templar on Friday 13, 1307, the last supper in Christianity, and the death of Italian composer Gioachino Rossini who died on Friday the 13th.

While there are no scientific studies linking increase of accidents or hospitalizations on Friday the 13th, many still hold on to the superstition that today is a bad omen and brings nothing but bad luck!

Personally, I like to lay low on Friday the 13th! We are all in luck though, as this is the only Friday the 13th this year! Next year we will only have one as well!

Happy Friday the 13th!

Market Update! The market remains steady, with inventory slightly increasing. This is good news for buyers! If you've taken a break from house hunting due to the steep competition it may be a good time to start thinking about jumping back in!
The average number of days a home is on the market remains low, but it is steady over the past couple of months. This means you can still sell your house fast!
The average sales price remains steady, with a slight decrease in the average price by less than $10,000. Again, this is good news for buyers who were pushed out of the market due to the rapidly increasing home price.

This slight shift in the market is still good for buyers and sellers! Many buyers took a break from the market because it was so competitive and it was frustrating for many people. These market trends will make it easier and more feasible for buyers to jump back in, which is good for sellers!
It still remains a good time to list your home for sale. If you have more questions about the market trends and what this could mean for you reach out at any time!

PH: 248.974.7973
Email: [email protected]