June 2009 

                                                                                         Ann Arbor Board of Realtors MLS Sales Report1

According to details released from the Ann Arbor Board of Realtors, sales figures for May show 233 residential units sold compared to 303 at this time last year. The strong sales numbers for April have not yet translated into a consistent upward trend: however, the average residential sale price is up over last year by almost 9%. Low inventory, reports of multiple offers and sale prices above list price are all good indicators that the market is moving in the right direction!

Nationally, pending home sales have been up consistently from February through April. Housing affordability is at a historic high and it looks as though the $8000 first-time homebuyer tax credit is beginning to influence the market. For more complete sales data- click here.

SWIMMING POOL SAFETY   Each year, about 260 children under five years old drown in swimming pools. In addition, the suction from drains in swimming pools and spas, under certain conditions, can entrap swimmers underwater. To help protect your family, be sure to take the following steps.

• LAYERS OF PROTECTION
• Install physical barriers around the pool to limit access.
  If a child is missing, always look first in the pool. Seconds count! 
  Knowing how to swim doesn’t make a child drown-proof.
  Never use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
  Keep rescue equipment and a phone next to the pool.
  Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• SAFE GUARDS
  Fences and walls should be at least 4' high and installed completely around the pool.
  Gates should be self-closing, self-latching and out of reach of small children.
  If your house forms one side of the barrier for the pool, doors leading to the pool should be protected with alarms that sound when the doors are unexpectedly opened.

Search 1000s of listings                                    Check out my BLOG     TIPS FOR VACATIONING ON A BUDGET    Are you trying to watch your budget, but still want to get away this summer? Try some of these budget vacation ideas to save a few dollars on your summer vacation.  Camping  Bring your tent, pack your own food, and relax at camp sites all over the country. Want to explore the National Parks? Check out recreation.gov to research and make a reservation at sites run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the USDA Forest Service.  Local Resorts  Stay close to home. Call your local resorts for discounts and promotions.  Visit Friends and Relatives  Do you have family or friends you have been putting off visiting? Make a family trip and save on hotel costs as you stay with friends and family.  Share Costs with Another Family  Ask your good friends or family to go on vacation with you. Reserve a cabin, bungalow or roomier accommodations and share the costs.  Home Exchange   Save the costs of hotels and dining out and exchange homes with a family wanting to come visit your local area. Check out HomeExchange.com for national and international listings. For a one-year membership fee, you can make as many exchanges as you want.