Buying your first home on the Old West Side

A first home on the Old West Side puts you an easy walk from downtown Ann Arbor, in a neighborhood of early-1900s homes with character. Homes here tend to be on the smaller side unless they've been added onto, which can make them a practical first home close to downtown.

I'll show you recent Old West Side sales and set you up on a search, so you can see what your budget buys and how quickly homes go under contract.

For a first home with history, look at streets like Murray and Mulholland, where simple front-gabled houses from the early 1900s, nearly all with front porches, line the street as it slopes downhill. Many have been added onto in back, which can make a smaller house feel bigger.

You start with a lender and a pre-approval. If you need one, 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.

After your offer is accepted, the first few days are busy with documents. 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.