Ann Arbor Hills · First-Time Buyers
Is Ann Arbor Hills right for a first home?
Every step explained in plain words, so your first home purchase makes sense before you sign anything.
A first home in Ann Arbor Hills, with real numbers
A first home in Ann Arbor Hills would put you very close to the University of Michigan hospital and campus. It's also a luxury area, with larger homes on somewhat bigger lots, so the first step is an open look at what your budget buys.
I'll show you recent Ann Arbor Hills sales. If they don't fit your budget yet, I'll show you other neighborhoods close to the hospital and campus, like Geddes Heights, and nearby options with a lower price point, like Ypsilanti.
Even if Ann Arbor Hills is a stretch today, it's worth a drive through. Its mid-century modern homes, many designed by University of Michigan architecture professors between 1950 and 1970, are a big part of Ann Arbor's architectural history.
Getting ready
You start with a lender and a pre-approval, and we talk about the monthly payment you're comfortable with. If you need a lender, I can introduce you to lenders I trust.
Before we tour homes together, we sign a written buyer agreement. I'll walk you through it first so nothing in it surprises you.
From offer to keys
When you find the right home, I explain each part of the offer in plain words. After it's accepted, the first few days are busy with documents, then the inspection focuses on safety, structural issues, and foundation issues. On closing day, your earnest money goes toward your closing costs, and we do the final walkthrough right before you sign. Read more in how I help you get ready to buy.
Ask your questions
If you're thinking about a first home near campus, call me or send a note. You can also read my guide to Ann Arbor Hills or my page for first-time buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a first-time buyer afford Ann Arbor Hills?
It depends on your budget. Ann Arbor Hills is a luxury area, so I'll show you real sales and other options close to campus.
What's close to the hospital besides Ann Arbor Hills?
Geddes Heights is also very walkable to the University of Michigan hospital and campus.
What happens to my earnest money?
It goes toward your closing costs on closing day.
Ann Arbor Hills
What first-time buyers looks like in Ann Arbor Hills
Larger homes on bigger lots, many mid-century modern, close to the University of Michigan campus and hospital.
- The homes
- Larger homes on somewhat bigger lots, including many mid-century modern homes designed between 1950 and 1970 by University of Michigan architecture professors, such as Robert Metcalf, who has 15 houses still standing here, plus other distinctive classic styles.
- Why people choose it
- How close it is to downtown, the University of Michigan campus, and the hospital.
- Getting around
- Very close to the University of Michigan hospital and campus. You can walk or bike to downtown and the university, and walk to the stadium.
- The trade-off
- Most of the neighborhood has no sidewalks.
The method
How we do it in Ann Arbor Hills
First-Time Buyers: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Nancy Arnold?