Water Hill · First-Time Buyers
Buying your first home in Water Hill
Every step explained in plain words, so your first home purchase makes sense before you sign anything.
A first home in Water Hill
A first home in Water Hill can put you within walking reach of downtown Ann Arbor and Kerrytown. Some of the neighborhood's century-old houses have just two bedrooms, which can make a home this close to downtown possible on a smaller budget.
I'll show you recent Water Hill sales and set you up on a search, so you can see what your budget buys and how quickly homes go under contract.
A first home here comes with a neighborhood that knows how to have fun. Every May, neighborhood musicians play on front porches, in yards, and in driveways, a tradition that started with the Water Hill Music Fest in 2011.
Buying a century-old first home
Many Water Hill homes keep their original character. That's part of the charm, and it also means looking closely at condition. At the inspection, we focus on safety, structural issues, and foundation issues, and I'll explain the report in plain words.
Your first purchase, step by step
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.
Ask your questions
If you're thinking about a first home in Water Hill, call me or send a note. You can also read my guide to Water Hill, compare a first home on the Old West Side, or see my page for first-time buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there two-bedroom homes in Water Hill?
Yes. Some of Water Hill's century-old houses have two bedrooms.
Is an older home a good first home?
It can be, as long as you look at it carefully. We plan the inspection around the big items.
What happens to my earnest money?
It goes toward your closing costs on closing day.
Water Hill
What first-time buyers looks like in Water Hill
Century-old homes, some with wildflower gardens, walkable to downtown Ann Arbor and Kerrytown.
- The homes
- Century-old homes, including some two-bedroom houses. Many keep their original character, and some stand out for the wildflower gardens in their yards.
- Why people choose it
- A neighborhood named by a neighbor for the nearby water treatment plant and streets called Fountain, Spring, and Brooks, and known around Ann Arbor for its front-porch music every May.
- Getting around
- Northwest of downtown, roughly between Miller Avenue, Brooks Street, Sunset Road, and the Ann Arbor Railroad tracks. Walkable to downtown, and a little closer to Kerrytown.
- Nearby
- Kerrytown and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, downtown Ann Arbor, and nearby parks. Each May, neighborhood musicians play on front porches, in yards, and in driveways.
First-Time Buyers: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Nancy Arnold?