New loan program convinces EMU professor to 'Live Ypsi"
One day Tricia McTague is at Home Depot, the next day she's giving instruction to the crew that's knocking down the wall in her kitchen and installing a center island.
Moving, she says, can be hectic. But it's exciting too.
"It's like the best birthday present ever," said McTague, who received the keys to her first home on July 15, the day she turned 35.
Tricia McTague, who is a professor at Eastern Michigan University, stands with her partner, Dustin Dorsey, in front of the house they recently purchased in Ypsilanti with the help of a forgivable loan.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
McTague said learning of the Live Ypsi program in May through a media report spurred her to consider settling near the university.
"It was a good incentive to stick around here in Ypsilanti," she said of the program.
"We were looking in Ann Arbor and I know that some of the other new professors have looked out there and some are buying out there, we were definitely looking out there," said McTague, an assistant professor in applied sociology at EMU.
The program encourages university faculty and staff to purchase homes near the university, by offering them financial incentives. Any employee who has worked with EMU for a year is eligible for a $7,500 loan, which will be forgiven in 20 percent increments each year the employee remains at EMU.
In five years, the loan will be completely forgiven.
"I plan on being here for at least five years," McTague said, adding that she likes her new Normal Park neighborhood. "It has community gardens and they have this great little neighborhood-wide yard sale every year. It seems like an actual neighborhood community."
The inside of the house which is undergoing some renovations.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
EMU conducted a soft launch of the program this summer, and McTague received the first Live Ypsi loan. Between three and four other loans are in the works, said Leigh Greden, executive director for government and community relations at EMU and coordinator of the initiative.
Greden said the school has already received dozens of inquiries about Live Ypsi, which is modeled after a similar Detroit program, a larger partnership between Wayne State University and two hospital systems to provide incentives for living in areas with depressed housing markets.
In its pilot year, three organizations have funded the EMU program at $67,500, allowing for nine loans. EMU put $16,000 toward the program and DTE and the Washtenaw County Eastern Leaders Group donated the rest.
Greden said the university needs to secure funding to expand the program beyond the initial nine loans.
For McTague, the $7,500 loan was the incentive she needed to seriously consider buying in Ypsilanti, just 1.1 miles from her office door.
The forgivable loan, coupled with a low interest rate and down payment on her home, allowed McTague to begin renovating the kitchen of her 1,400 square-foot bungalow earlier than she would have otherwise, she said.
McTague says she'll probably bike or walk the short distance between her new three-bedroom Normal Park home and her office most days.
"I think being local will actually help me do my job better," she said, explaining that living near the university will help her "make connections between the university faculty and students and different communities."
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
licorice
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
Welcome to EMU and to Ypsi, Tricia and Dustin! I've taught at EMU for a long time, chose to buy a house in Ypsi about a year ago. When we started looking for a place, we thought we'd focus on AA, but were surprised at what great opportunities there were in Ypsilanti. We are VERY happy with our decision to live within Ypsi city limits. And it makes a lot of sense for EMU to work with Ypsilanti. When faculty and staff can afford to live nearby, they're more likely to be positively engaged in the community. I only wish this program had been in place last year when we bought our house.
Suzanne
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 6:13 p.m.
Maybe U of M should try this and they wouldn't have to build a new parking structure...people could bus in!
easy123
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 12:17 p.m.
Goes to show - liberal polices destroys a neighbourhood. How we need additional liberal policies to clean the mess up. Get rid of the public housing and get tough on the perception of crime. Ypsi will thrive. It feels more welcoming than A2 at times.
Jack Baker
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 9:28 a.m.
I am amazed at the arrogance, and ignorance of many of these comments. I have lived in Ann Arbor since 1961, so I am hardly new to the area. My parents live in Ypsilanti, in the neighborhood just to the west of the EMU campus. It is a wonderful, middle class, family neighborhood where people take care of their homes. Ypsilanti has a diverse population, much like the Northside of Ann Arbor (along Pontiac Trail) when we moved here in the 1960s. It has none of the arrogance I read in these comments. My parents choose to live in Ypsilanti, they moved there after living in Ann Arbor for thirty years. Seeing many of these "looking down their nose" comments, I can really see why. Get over yourselves folks, Ann Arbor has many great assets, one is NOT the arrogance of some people, and their ignorance about other peoples choices and what a great community our neighbor to the east is as well. Kudo's to Susan Martin and EMU, sounds like a great program to encourage their faculty to live close by. No, they are not trapped their and many EMU faculty are there because they choose to be there. ps. They have never been broken into...
JB1
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
Thank you for this post! I've lived in both communities as well, and it boggles the mind how many Ann Arborites cannot understand why ANYONE would choose to live in Ypsi. To many its synonymous with "too poor to live in Ann Arbor." What they fail to understand, however, is that Ann Arbor isn't for everyone (I know that's hard to believe!). And, there are actually highly desirable neighborhoods in Ypsi--Normal Park being one of them. I'm very happy for this program, and I think for a relatively small financial contribution, the Ypsi community is getting a pretty big return. Reduced need to provide additional parking spaces, attracting/retaining quality faculty, and helping to build a real "connection" between EMU and the City of Ypsi--just to name a few. Getting people to buy homes is a PROVEN way to build stable neighborhoods/communities, and we can all benefit from that.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 4:24 a.m.
As long as they have no kids it should be fine. The loan would be forgiven in five years, which is the earliest any kid to be would be enrolled in that school system. It would give them a chance to get out prior, or hit up one of the charters anyway.
Dan P
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 4:10 a.m.
Congrads on getting the pirate ship house!!!
Paul Schreiber
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 3:08 a.m.
Welcome to Ypsilanti Tricia and Dustin!
Joe
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 1:32 a.m.
You paid $150,000 for a 1400 sq ft house in Ypsi? That needs major renovations? in this market? Good god. I'm betting the sellers would have happily paid the $7500 for you.
Terri Eagen-Torkko
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
It kills me that good news about Ypsi can STILL degenerate into all of the ridiculous stuff people like to spout about it. Geez. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Chase Ingersoll
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
Interesting, gay couples want to get married while traditional couples are holding themselves out as "partners".
JB1
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
Yeah--ignore Chase. He routinely bashes Ypsi, yet doesn't live there. He also bashes others routinely, yet is somehow "ignored" by the AA.com comment police.
Joe
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 1:44 a.m.
"We have decided to hold out until our gay family members and friends can do the same with all of the rights and benefits that heterosexual couples get. It's sort of like if I were invited to a party and was told that my best friend was not welcome. I probably would not go to that particular party. " you'll fit right in, in Hipsterlanti.
SemperFi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
Tricia & Dustin, Good luck in your new place! You'll have to excuse Chase, he's kinda hung up on other people's personal business.
Tricia McTague
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.
Hi Chase. That is a great point. The language is pretty awkward. We have decided to hold out until our gay family members and friends can do the same with all of the rights and benefits that heterosexual couples get. It's sort of like if I were invited to a party and was told that my best friend was not welcome. I probably would not go to that particular party. Of course, I'm not anti-marriage or against marriage for other heterosexual couples, and I would not judge anyone's marriage decisions. (I love weddings and happen to be the type of person who cries at them.) This is just a personal decision that we made together and it feels right to us. Best wishes, Tricia
SEC Fan
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.
Congratulations on the new house! It's a wonderful neighborhood and you will be very happy there!
Kellie Woodhouse
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
Thanks to all who pointed out that Grant Street, while within the city limits, does not qualify as "downtown" Ypsilanti. We've removed that adjective from the story. As always, thanks for reading.
dading dont delete me bro
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.
how about extending something like this out to the students? emu educates them, then will get them to stick around for a while? not sure on how they can 'forgive' a loan to a gradutated student...maybe if they stay in the area (prove a primary residence) for 5 years and it's gone...?
harry
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
I think its a good idea but how does Eastern take our money (taxes) and make that offer. While I do like this plan I question how Eastern can decide how to spend our taxpayers money outside of the school.
Tom Whitaker
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
The University of Chicago has had a tremendous positive impact on Hyde Park by utilizing similar programs, in addition to putting their students, faculty, and money towards helping the local public schools. The most cost-effective and sustainable thing major employers can do for their employees and their communities is to make it desirable for their employees to live close to where they work. This is far less expensive than buying up housing, tearing it down and building massive parking structures costing tens of millions of dollars, or putting taxpayers in the position of having to subsidize roads, buses and trains for commuters.
easy123
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
Live near there - UofC did not have a choice. Even at that, you do not realise the stress you are at until you have left the area. Hyde Park is a war zone. The students and faculty are targets there. All you have to do is "walk" down past 63rd street. UofC had to buy up all the land and building to show that liberalism worked. They have a godd size police presence. You should have heard the what actually transpired in the the 60s along midway pleasence. At one time UofC considered moving Good luck! They were the originator of social liberal policies - Google -El- Rukns
Abby Rosenbaum
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.
awww, these two are cute and I think it's a great program. why the hate?!
Rae Ann Kluiteberg
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.
I lived in Ypsilanti 21 years by choice, 11 of them across the street from your new home. You are in a well loved home where many of us share happy memories. Continue to build good memories. You have the best neighbors--take the time to get to know them. ADT does not build safe friendly communities, neighbors do. You have a choice--you can look for the good in Ypsilanti (and there is a lot of it!), contribute to it, and celebrate it or you can become like the other bitter negative people. I hope you learn to love it as much as I do.
AdmiralMoose
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.
Maybe you could give Tricia your recipe for fudge! Trick-or-treating hasn't been the same without it! :^)
Tricia McTague
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:37 p.m.
Thank you, Rae Ann, for kindly sharing your wisdom. I appreciate it.
lumberg48108
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:01 p.m.
She took advantage of a program offered by her employer... if you have a complaint about the program, contact EMU. Why do you feel the need to be critical of her? My only "complaint" about the article is what others have said - this is not anywhere near downtown (though it is close to EMU) and that simple misstatement of fact hangs over the story for many of us who like these details to be correct
lumberg48108
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.
First off -- look on a map and tell me if this is downtown! Second, ask any Normal Park residents if they consider themselves to live downtown - I have my idea of what their answer could be but i will let you do the math Third - this location is no where near downtown
Ross
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.
You people are really confusing me. The near end of grant street is less than half a mile form your supposed "downtown". Nowhere near? I could walk there in 5 minutes! That is pretty freakin "near".
SemperFi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
I agree. If the 2 occurrences of "downtown" are removed from the story, it would be a better piece.
PattyinYpsi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.
Let me add my welcome to Tricia and Dustin. You hit on one of the characteristics of Ypsi neighborhoods that makes this such a nice place to live--they are actual neighborhoods, and there's a lot of activity around that. I moved here a year and a half ago and I could not be happier. Glad to have you here with us!
sesomai
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.
Welcome to Ypsi Tricia and Dustin! Don't let the haters here get you down. It's a great place to live and I'm glad to hear people are taking advantage of EMU's program.
Constance Colthorp Amrine
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
This is awesome. We need to invest in our communities. Here's the heart of why this program will work and is a great idea: McTague says she'll probably bike or walk the short distance between her new three-bedroom Normal Park home and her office most days. "I think being local will actually help me do my job better," she said, explaining that living near the university will help her "make connections between the university faculty and students and different communities."
xmo
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.
Nothing like affordable housing in the Ann Arbor area! This is a Sweetheart Loan deal, I did not realize that EMU had such a hard time retaining staff in this Economy!
melloyellow
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
Better deals from DETROIT city. buy a house get $ 30 000 upfront for the renters $ 3 000 to ward your rent ..any matched ???
SemperFi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
Every reasonable organization, public or private, usually engage in staff retention programs. The fact that this loan is targeted toward down payment or home repairs makes it a direct investment in the community. That's a smart investment!
dexterreader
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
@Alexa .... Unfortunately the "nay-sayers" are always out there and willing to comment. There will always be people who are negative about anything and everything. I feel bad for them .... living their lives as though they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. It takes so much energy to hate and be negative.
melloyellow
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.
It doesnot create HATE ...just monies lost or cut from the Midlle class and a lost generation of Children . when the taxpayer money fron Washginton ONLY GOES to the Socalled Upper class. Try living on your retirement taken from Washington, or your SS checks..OR the FREEDOM Vetreans ..
tdw
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
Ditto
alexa
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
oh yeah. Congratulations Dr. McTague and Dustin on your well deserved grant and lovely new fairly priced home.
alexa
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.
wow. I can't believe how horribly grumpy everyone is that comments here.
harry
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
Ross Why would you say that most are not Ypsi residents. How would you know that?
Ross
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
Alexa.... me too. This is almost shocking. A nice couple moving into a nice nieghborhood taking advantage of a great incentive program, and people here are deriding them for it? Horrible! At least we can take comfort knowing that most of the awful commenters on here are not even residents of Ypsi (so at least they wont be your neighbors).
melloyellow
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:15 p.m.
grumpy? Hmmm the sidewalk is not save for the handicap person and after 6 years not taken care of. yes ypsi is great to live IN/ON .BUT lets make it a Lot Better for every one.Lets plant more trees, and finally go green . solarpanel on ALL College .public bduildings and On Home of New home owners. yes it is here "First Home' so all the flaws are not discovered. SEE you at the city Council meetings..
rusty shackelford
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
Smart EMU strategy to try to boost faculty retention. Let's face it, anyone who has the opportunity to teach at a better school will jump ship as soon as possible. Convincing people to own a home in a town that's hard to sell in will certainly make it harder for faculty to "trade up" jobs.
djacks24
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
"Most EMU students don't graduate so I think of it as a failing school. Why should I think otherwise?" Yeah, you and the government can think that. Rating schools by graduation rate has lead to institutions giving away passing grades (along with degrees) to failing and below average students. I'm was an older non-traditional student attending college a few years back and seen this happen a lot at WCC. That's why we are seeing fluff articles on AA.com about using ipads in ways to interact with students to keep them engaged, while otherwise they are falling asleep, not showing up for class, or playing around with their phone, ipod, laptop, or tablet. Just like the government believes we need to medicate our youth (as opposed to promote good parenting) and create a welfare state (while we give away a degree as opposed to the student earning and education).
SemperFi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.
Jay, You may want to do some statistical revue of graduation rates. More than half of US colleges graduate less than 50% of their incoming freshmen within 5 years. Does that mean that the 50% are all failing schools? No, it means that judging a school by one parameter is a perfunctory attempt at rationalizing ones limited knowledge.
Jay Thomas
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
Most EMU students don't graduate so I think of it as a failing school. Why should I think otherwise?
SemperFi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
How many classes have you taken at EMU lately that leads you to believe that EMU is not a "better school"? Did you bother to read Prof. McTague's comments about the quick pace at which the homes are selling in her neighborhood? Clearly you believe yourself to be an expert on higher education and local real estate markets. Unfortunately, your comments are uninformed and malicious.
harry
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.
I do understand anomosity towards teachers. We as taxpayers paying for them to retire at 52 years old. A union that is so strong that you can not release a teacher for poor attendance/performance. Taxpayers paying for medical insurance that no other private company could ever match. All while working 9 months out of the year with another month off during the work year. The union has bullied and cheated the taxpayers for too long. The only good news is that our current government has begun to right this wrong.
Jessica 'Decky' Alexander
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
A quick clarification. We at EMU (and CMU and WMU, etc.) are are not state employees. Only about 25% of EMU's operating budget is supported by the state. We also unlike public school teachers and community college staff and faculty DO NOT receive a pension. Finally, most of us work 12 months not 9 months.
harry
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
If you read my post it says teachers. That a general term not aimed at professors only but does include them. I love your statement not many retire at 52. Yes but there are. Many teachers take there pensions that the taxpayers have to pay for up to the next 40 years. They then enter the public workforce. (Please dont say they contribute 3% of there income towards there pension. That does not begin to pay for what they receive) I am glad we finally elected a government that will not be bullied by the teachers union.
SemperFi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.
Harry, clearly you don't have a great deal of interaction with new assistant professors. so, let me clear up a few items for you: *you seem to be confusing university faculty with public school teachers (I believe that's who you're ranting about) *not many professors retire at age 52 *faculty work year-round and most young faculty work 50-60 hour work weeks *university professors' unions have not bullied and cheated anyone
walker101
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
Only 3 things that matter when it comes to Real Estate, location, location and location.
Chris
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 12:38 a.m.
That's interesting walker101! I didn't know that, what an original and inventive quote!
bluetonguedlizard
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
@tricia, thanks for the effort to keep it local, but FYI Home Depot is about as far from local as you can get. Try Fingherle, Ace hardware, etc etc
tdw
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 11:20 a.m.
blue...If you read this they are still there.I was there in June
bluetonguedlizard
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.
tdw, I thought Materials closed? i really hope it's in operation still that place is awesome.
tdw
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.
Tricia...the ACE hardware is on Pearl and Washington and yes they are good.I don't know how you are decorating but Materials Unlimited on Michigan Ave and Huron have some real cool stuff
bluetonguedlizard
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.
Mellowyellow, I don't get your post? Tricia, the other places to consider are the re-use/thrift stores you will be amazed at the stuff you can find there like lighting, ceiling fans, doors etc etc
melloyellow
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:29 p.m.
Home Depot and LOWES are located on Carpenter RD ...Ypsi/Ann Arbor Border
PattyinYpsi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:17 p.m.
Tricia, the Ace Hardware downtown is a great store. The owners are so helpful, and they have more stuff in that smallish building than you'd imagine. They also offer services like screen repair--I would never have guessed if I hadn't just wandered in and asked one day. Give them a try!
Tricia McTague
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.
Thanks, bluetounguedlizard. I most certainly will!
InsideTheHall
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 12:35 p.m.
Hey Tricia this just in.....that birthday present was paid for by the taxpayer. Yes money transferred from their pocket, to the government, to EMU, and into your pocket.
melloyellow
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.
DTE money comes from US DTE customers and washington..And the Bill send to there customers with the blessing from the MPSC. the last Money fron Washington to DTE $ 84 MIllion to replace your working Meter and replace it with the SMART METER..with cuased a lot of Energy health related systmoms. check it out
Brad
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
Beats the heck out of a $750K nonfunctional fountain like we got in Ann Arbor.
SemperFi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 12:50 p.m.
ITH; As a taxpayer, I think it's a pretty good use of funds. You must have missed the part of the story that says this program was sponsored in part by donations from DTE & Wastenaw County Eastern Leaders Group (a public-private group). So, not all tax dollars, but don't let the facts interfere with your comments.
mohomed
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 11:46 a.m.
She teaches "applied sociology" and she's applying it, good for her. I had a sociology Professor rip on the other Professors at EMU for all living in Ann Arbor when I went there. It made good sense but if I could have afforded it at the time I would have lived in Ann Arbor too since I got my place broken into and a bunch of my stuff stolen one weekend I was gone while living in Ypsi. Chances are she will get robbed a couple time too but at least she is talking the talk and walking the walk.
Joe
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 1:40 a.m.
gimme a break, Michael Bodary. Anyone that thinks Ypsi is anywhere close to Ann Arbor in anything is completely delusional. C'mon.
djacks24
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
"You left out the part where all the children in Ann Arbor are above average." Along with the women are strong and the men are hansom.
tdw
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
I guess I hurt someones feelings.Your statement about being robbed a few times is totally false
Brad
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
You left out the part where all the children in Ann Arbor are above average.
PattyinYpsi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
As we all know, Ann Arbor is completely crime-free. Also, no one there is overweight or racist or under-educated or depressed. It's just the bestiest-bestest place in the world! Please.
Michael Bodary
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
Thinking that Ypsi is worse than A2 is very unrealistic. All cities have issues and you could not be more safe than here from "robberies". Robberies are person to person and very rare in both communities. Ypsi has had a few burglaries (usually while folks are gone) and often by a few youths that keep getting caught and released). More help with the juvenile justice system is needed everywhere.
Colby
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 11:40 a.m.
Congratulations, Tricia and Dustin. Normal Park is a wonderful neighborhood with very engaged residents and a strong neighborhood association. Ignore the haters on this thread!
Colby
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.
Right on, semper! Residents who are very engaged in the community and care a great deal about their neighbors makes the investment in a home in NP a wise decision.
SemperFi
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.
Dog Guy, you're kidding, right? I'm pretty sure that Colby meant that the people in the neighborhood are engaged in the activities of the surrounding area and are good neighbors. That wasn't a comment on their marital status.
Dog Guy
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
Colby, the article says nothing about them being very engaged or even engaged, just that they are partners in buying a house.
Billy
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 11:22 a.m.
Well I see the incentive to get better people to move into Ypsi.....but you're still asking them to live in Ypsi. My friend bought a nicer house their theirs for only $20k. But it was in Detroit.... I'm kinda surprised at how much they paid for that house though.....I paid LESS for my house about 2 years ago....it's slightly bigger....and it's still in Ann Arbor city limits. And if you're wondering about my neighborhood...my neighbors are medical professionals and U of M professors. These folks didn't really get much of a deal with that sale price.....and $7,500 is barely any kind of incentive for FIVE years. Also....I didn't think Normal Park was considered "downtown" ypsi? That's like saying Burns Park is downtown Ann Arbor. I also would NEVER hang out in that park at night.....southside is how far away again?
djacks24
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
"I'm kinda surprised at how much they paid for that house though.....I paid LESS for my house about 2 years ago....it's slightly bigger....and it's still in Ann Arbor city limits." I'm no realtor, but if you follow housing trends, which you obviously don't. The housing market in still in shambles, but used home inventories are extremely low. So, it's still a buyers market with record low interest rates, but also a sellers market with not much left to sell.
greg, too
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
Tricia, a house is worth what someone is willing to pay for it and it seems like you paid what you thought it was worth. And buying a 20k home in Detroit makes little or no sense to someone who commutes to EMU. You would make up a good deal of the savings in insurance and commuting costs. We looked at that option and chose to live in the Ypsi area. We just bought in the same neighborhood and did the same. Did we possibly overpay? who knows, it depends on who you ask. I think Billy would say we did. The days of real estate as a great investment are over, so just buy the house that makes you happy....
Tricia McTague
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 12:03 p.m.
Hi Billy. We also thought we'd get a better deal on a house, too, but we were surprised by the low inventory of quality, livable houses. (We didn't have the time to spend on a long drawn-out foreclosure.) People aren't selling right now, which means that when a house goes on the market, there's pretty stiff competition. We learned that the hard way when the houses we wanted to bid on were snatched up the very next day after they were put up for sale. In fact, the same day our new home went up for sale, there were already several other offers. We also bargained to get a decent percentage of the sale price for closing costs and whatnot. In the end, after looking at the comparables, we felt like we paid a fair price to the previous owners. Maybe we didn't, but I suppose there's no looking back now! :) Best wishes, Tricia.
AdmiralMoose
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 10:56 a.m.
This article mistakenly uses "downtown" as a synonym for "within the city limits". Grant Street is in Normal Park, not downtown. Please visit http://normalpark.org/ for more information.
Middle America
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 5:21 a.m.
And tacos.
Middle America
Tue, Jul 31, 2012 : 5:13 a.m.
Excuse me, but I LIVE for semantics.
AdmiralMoose
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
It's neither semantics nor pointless. I live in Normal Park, not downtown, and I don't think that asking for accuracy is a problem.
Ross
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
It's a freaking half mile away. That is not "downtown" enough for you? Why get bogged down in semantics here.... pointless.
tdw
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 10:54 a.m.
Hate to tell you this but Grant is no where near downtown.It runs from Mansfield to Summit
tdw
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
Ross I know exactly where Grant is I know exactly where EMU is I know exactly where downtown is.1/2 mile is no where near downtown .The VFW is near downtown.I don't need a map.Perhaps you should think before you spout out something ridiculous.1/2 mile may be near in Ann Arbor not when it comes to Ypsi
Ross
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:01 p.m.
Maybe try looking at a map before you spout something so ridiculous. The near end of grant street is 0.2 miles from EMU campus and 0.5 miles from Michigan Ave and Hamilton (i.e. downtown). It's well within the city limits.