UNIQUE DETROIT HOMES AND EXTRAORDINARY VALUES -- FREE TOURS SEPT. 27-

LIVING IN THE "V" & Lonely Homes Tour!

(as featured in tellusdetroit.com)
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITIES FOR SAVVY BUYERS

DETROIT, MI., September 15, 2009 – While widely reported that the Detroit Metro Area has a glut of homes for sale -- from private ownership to bank-held properties -- there is lately an increase in interest and sales of historic homes and contemporary luxury residences. This includes a cluster of downtown neighborhoods just east of the Belle Isle Bridge.

On Sunday, September 27, The Villages Community Development Corporation (VILLAGES CDC) will offer two free tour events to showcase a number of select residences for potential buyers. VILLAGES CDC member neighborhoods include Indian Village, West Village, Islandview Village, East Village, Berry Subdivision, and the Gold Coast (riverfront) communities.

“When you drive through the Villages neighborhoods, it is amazing to see so many magnificent homes that have been lovingly restored or just well-maintained over the years. The homes in the Villages communities were built by the country’s greatest industrialists of the 20th century and include an amazing variety of architecture by Albert Kahn, William Stratton and Louis Kemper (original architect of the recently restored Westin Book Cadillac Detroit.), and others. Though some of the homes open for tours on September 27 are in need of repair and/or rehab, discerning buyers will immediately recognize the value of purchasing a bank-owned property or a spectacular value-priced privately-owned residence in these communities,” said VILLAGES CDC President Kim Clayson.

Purchase Incentives in The Villages
Clayson added that any qualified first-time buyer ready to purchase a home by November 30, can take advantage of the up to $8,000 Federal Housing Tax Credit. In addition, a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) tax break allows new homeowners to enjoy up to a 30 percent discount on property taxes in many of the neighborhoods. Historic tax credits are also available in the Villages’ Historic Districts allowing homeowners the opportunity to receive tax credits on their Michigan tax return for historically appropriate improvements and renovations.

"There is a huge nationwide interest in Detroit. Investors and homeowners from all over the country are purchasing multiple properties. The bargains in the city, and especially in the Villages area, are flying off the shelves,” said Joy Santiago, owner, Dwellings Unlimited, LLC. “It is absolutely the best time to buy. Prices for some of these one of a kind, large, historic homes are now within reach, especially for a first time homebuyer.”

Two Different Tour Events -- September 27 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Both free tours will showcase a variety of housing styles that include turn-of-the-century cottages, row houses, stately mansions, and hi-rise condominium buildings with Arts and Crafts, Carpenter Gothic, Federal Revival and Tudor Revival architectural as well as mid-century modern designs.

Tour #1: The Lonely Homes Tours of bank-owned properties will depart from the Detroit Waldorf School (Burns at Charlevoix in Indian Village) promptly at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Because space is limited, confirmed advance registration is required with an email indicating a choice of time to thevillagesofdetroit@gmail.com. These bus tours will be led by a licensed Realtor, with a contractor and local residents on hand to share their experiences in rehabbing bank-owned properties. Participants will be provided with detailed information about the tour homes and/or condominiums.

Tour #2: The Living in the V! Real Estate Open House & Self-Guided Tour run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and begin at the former Harlequin Café space in the Parkstone Apartment Building, 1415 Parker (at Agnes) in West Village. These tours are designed to showcase houses, condominiums and co-op apartments – all privately-owned properties for sale at very attractive prices. Participants will receive maps and information about tour homes and tax incentives. A PowerPoint presentation on The Villages neighborhood will be shown, and area vendors and neighborhood organizations will be available with additional information.

The Villages of Detroit -- A True Success Story
These unique neighborhoods have architectural significance at affordable prices, residential stability and density, a diverse and committed resident base, a riverfront park system, proximity to downtown, an abundance of strong schools and churches, tax and investment incentives, annual events, active community associations, a hip urban feel -- and most importantly -- a sense of shared community for all.

The Villages CDC is also a partner in the East Jefferson Corridor Collaborative (EJCC) which was created with financial and administrative support from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. The goal of the EJCC is to connect the efforts of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, the Jefferson East Business Association and the The Villages CDC to redevelop sections of the East Jefferson corridor from I-375 to Alter Road.

“Two years ago my husband and I were searching for a historic home in Detroit. I had always admired the Villages area, and now I’m happy to call Indian Village and the greater Villages community my home. Immediate proximity to downtown Detroit and its freeways, beautiful greenways and parks and the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair are features of the Villages that make this a distinct community. Our two-peak Colonial Revival home required a great deal of work. We have completely revamped the home’s infrastructure and we’re planning more restoration work. The extremely competitive purchase price for such a substantial home allowed us to do major repairs and upgrades that the home needed. The Villages is a great place for young families who want to be able to enjoy the amenities of Detroit and also live in an area where neighbors are active and engaged in Detroit and the Villages community.”

As a testament to the uniqueness of the Villages’ districts, several residences have been featured on HGTV’s Restore America, and many are listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings.

About the Villages CDC
The Villages are a unique collection of historic neighborhoods. The Villages Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a 501(c)(3) organization that represents Berry Subdivision, The Gold Coast (i.e.Shoreline East, Indian Village Manor, Detroit Towers), East Village, Indian Village, West Village and Islandview Village. Its mission is to attract residents and retail to the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents. For more information, visit www.TheVillagesOfDetroit.com.

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