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Moving to Ann Arbor, MI...

bigwalton said:
pole barn (dirt floor) of about 100x40',I'm in love with the barn
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I knew I shouldn't have shown you my "fun barn",I hope y'all get it,sounds like a Jeepers home.
 
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CBRogers said:
Thought Eric might be getting a little sensative?
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Yeah, I'm a real thin-skinned type ;) Watch what you say around me, I may start to cry :D
 
Ted Wendel said:
I knew I shouldn't have shown you my "fun barn",I hope y'all get it,sounds like a Jeepers home.
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Darn straight. I try to do everything like Ted Wendel :D

Now I need a front loader/vehicle lift with some heavy chain and I'll be all set to start my own Jeep parts business :thumbsup: Of course I'd have to beat Craig to all the Jeeps for sale in MI :eek:
 
I wouldn't sweat the renters situation too much. Many folks are renting out their properties to relieve the burden of a 2nd mortgage while waiting for the Michigan housing market to turn rebound.
 
Yeah, that's the question though, will they be happier letting someone rent it for a year and hope that they could get more for it in the market in 09?

It's right at the top of our price range and we can't really wait around to see what comes of it... I just want them to sell to us now.
 
cj7fun said:
I wouldn't sweat the renters situation too much. Many folks are renting out their properties to relieve the burden of a 2nd mortgage while waiting for the Michigan housing market to turn rebound.
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Have a feel for when that will happen?

Once the American automakers take back their market, I suppose. That "might" happen when "Americans" support their country and go back to "Buying American". That is a strange concept to many who require instant gratification. Curiously, Toyota has lost their high quality standing(not my opinion, but of experts), now would be the time for American companies to make up the difference.

Michigan has no other "Major" industry. Period. Pfizer came closest and they left. Comerica Bank left after 140 years. VW left this year. Chrysler is rumored to be moving headquarters to New Jersey(Huh?). Development of an alternative could take decades, if it ever happens at all.

Michigan is one of the most beautiful states in the Union and I love it, but it was dragged down the wrong road by bringing in people to work who had no interest in improving the area, but rather simply collecting "easy money". Bad choices, Worse government and pure complacency have destroyed my Home state and I'm pretty angry. I'm gone and it's not because I wouldn't stay if I could, it's because I truly see no light at the end of Michigan's tunnel and I'm a little too old to fight my way out of this vortex.

Admittedly, my view is pretty grim, but during this particular time in the States(country's!) history, no one can afford to be a pollyanna.

My advice to my friend Eric is, First.....Do what you feel is best for your family (I know you will), Second, LEASE a home for a period of time until the economy and your employment stabilizes (I know you want that barn, but be patient), Third, Choose wisely. and Fourth, pray.

I would be a poor friend indeed, if I didn't try to communicate my 40-plus years experience in Michigan to my friend.

There Eric, I kept on topic.;)

Paul
 
You know how to make a guy's Friday night there, huh?

So you're saying "half empty" then? The message is a little tough to decipher... :eek:

I'm looking at houses selling for half of their value two years ago. As I look at it 1) the potential upside is so huge and 2) there HAS to be a floor somewhere near these prices... I'd be a fool not to try and buy something. Leasing could just push us into a market where our money wouldn't go nearly as far.

We've been looking for months and we're seeing places selling quicker and there's more closings now than at any point since we started.

We're going to be there for at least 5 years with Kate's position and we could see ourselves staying put if something came up for Kate at UM after her post-doc.

We're also buying into a relatively "hot" area as a reasonably close suburb of A2. We did the same thing in moving to this area outside of Durham (considered "the sticks" at the time) and it has paid off well in the 5 years since we bought this place.

I like what I've seen from the business community/government responding to Pfizer's departure and then there's Google coming to A2 which will have a far-reaching impact that should not be dismissed (I actually attribute the recent small upturn in home sales to that, at least in part, as their job listings are picking up). The auto market is what it is and I won't argue with you on any of those points, at least the automakers are trying to get their houses back in order. Who knows how long that will take. That said though, I do believe that there's enough other industry, in the SELP at least, that there's a little more hope to be had.

I know from looking for prospects for my office up there, there's more industrial companies in our target segment than I could manage to go after in 5 years. I've heard a ton of comments like "There's all kinds of companies here that you could work with" from the prospects that I have talked to because of my company's specialty. Not to mention that we could serve the entire midwest from A2, and I've hardly looked outside of Detroit thus far.

There's certainly plenty that is or has gone wrong in MI, but at least as an outsider coming in with fresh eyes (and possibly ignorant/naive I'll grant you) there's some things to inspire hope.
 
bigwalton said:
You know how to make a guy's Friday night there, huh? . . .
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Don't let it get you down. Ann Arbor is still a good place to live. Google is coming. A large Toyota R&D facility is currently under construction just south of Ann Arbor. The U supports a lot of employees and retailers love the students. There are many specialized businesses doing quite well, too.

The areas you're looking to move to are prime for Ann Arbor commuters. The country living, lakes, rivers, and parks are extremely desirable. Homes in that area will sell quickly because of the market adjustment. The cities closer to the factories are the ones that are suffering most.
 
cj7fun said:
The areas you're looking to move to are prime for Ann Arbor commuters. The country living, lakes, rivers, and parks are extremely desirable. Homes in that area will sell quickly because of the market adjustment. The cities closer to the factories are the ones that are suffering most.
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They're not selling "quickly" but they are selling and it seems to be picking up a bit. I was just looking at a listing that has pictures of the house with snow... ;)
 
cj7fun said:
Don't let it get you down. Ann Arbor is still a good place to live. Google is coming. A large Toyota R&D facility is currently under construction just south of Ann Arbor. The U supports a lot of employees and retailers love the students. There are many specialized businesses doing quite well, too.

The areas you're looking to move to are prime for Ann Arbor commuters. The country living, lakes, rivers, and parks are extremely desirable. Homes in that area will sell quickly because of the market adjustment. The cities closer to the factories are the ones that are suffering most.
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Why don't you tell us all about Carleton, eh? You need to quit blowing smoke. You may feel safe from the bad old city down on the flood plain, but you're not. Just remember the more people that move away, the more you'll be paying in taxes to pay for the existing infrastructure. (you too, Eric) Plus..Jennifer has great plans for you.
 
Eric,
It was not my intention to spoil your evening, but I won't try to blow smoke up your butt, either.

You got me with the SELP thing. No idea what it stands for. I'm guessing it's some sort of sales.

I'm not so sure that buying low is ALWAYS a winning "can't lose" strategy. Not in this area. I go with that old "If it sounds too good to be true......." Probably a little too old fashioned for today's society, but I'll stick to it anyway.

I moved away years ago and came back with "fresh eyes" three years ago. I'm so sorry I did. I hope you'll never have that regret.

Anyway, regardless of where you and I have been, I wish you nothing but the best.

Paul
 
mtruckstuff said:
Why don't you tell us all about Carleton, eh? You need to quit blowing smoke. You may feel safe from the bad old city down on the flood plain, but you're not. Just remember the more people that move away, the more you'll be paying in taxes to pay for the existing infrastructure. (you too, Eric) Plus..Jennifer has great plans for you.
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About Carleton stats:
Population (year 2000): 2,562. Estimated population in July 2006: 2,891 (+12.8% change)

Males: 1,264 (49.3%)
Females: 1,298 (50.7%)

Monroe County
Median resident age: 33.4 years
Michigan median age: 35.5 years

Zip codes: 48117.

Estimated median household income in 2005: $47,600 (it was $44,205 in 2000)
Carleton $47,600
Michigan: $46,039

Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $146,900 (it was $117,600 in 2000)
Carleton $146,900
Michigan: $149,300



I need to quit blowing smoke? What did I say that is so outrageous? Yes, the state is hurting. Yes, our governor is a tax-loving *****. I think you're totally out-of-line with your chicken little rants when Eric and his family have found opportunity within the chaos.

Look at their situation. She will be at UM med for 5+ years. UM med isn't going anywhere. Heck, she most likely stands a good chance at working there after graduation. He sees a somewhat open market to expand his company's business. They're looking at buying a house in a prime area. Sorry, but the US23 corridor residential real estate market will turn around long before Dearborn Heights.

As a rational man, you should realize that Eric and his family have poured many hours of research into researching their life changing decision. They did their homework. As a friend/e-friend to Eric, you should be happy for them and support their decision.

My opinion of Ann Arbor is based on my knowledge of working there and working with people who live in the US23 corridor. What is the foundation of your passion for Ann Arbor?
 
I'm the first one to say that I enjoy a nice debate on any topic, so there's nothing wrong with looking at both sides of things.

There's a lot to that thought about Kate ending up staying at UM, it's a longer story than I want to type out but basically we're pretty excited about this opportunity for her on multiple fronts and that's one of them.

Also, don't forget that I'm coming from one of the few places with higher taxes than MI... ;)
 
New update

Alright, it's really really happening now. :D

We're under contract on a house in MI. Close on it Dec 17 and we're looking to move everything up on the weekend before Christmas.

House is a new place that has an oversized 3-car garage and the neighborhood allows a separate garage up to 800 sq ft (and I'd be willing to bet I could get a larger one approved), so eventually we'll be able to do a shop. At least everything will have it's own spot now :D

Starting to get excited now :smokin:
 
With all this moving and expense on the house, it will be a while before I can fix that.

This will let me focus on the little things that need doing on the Postal... there's nothing that needs doing in a brand new house, right? :rolleyes:
 
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