Start with your dreams. What are your preferences? What is your lifestyle? How do you see your future? What is truly important to you? We believe that all of these questions help us to hone in on the specific neighborhoods and homes that will suit your needs. No one knows Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County and the surrounding areas like we do. You focus on the dream. We’ll take care of the rest.
With an extensive background in technology sales, Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the real estate industry. His unmatched passion for helping clients find solutions to their unique needs, combined with his deep appreciation for homes and their untapped potential, has perfectly positioned him for success in this field. Raised in Southwest Michigan and holding a Sales and Business Marketing degree from Western Michigan University, Jeremy moved to Ann Arbor in 2017 to further pursue his professional aspirations. Jeremy's unwavering dedication to serving others fuels his desire to showcase all that the greater Ann Arbor area has to offer.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Hannah and puppy Theo, taking on home projects, spending time with family and friends, attending sporting events, and rooting for our local sports teams!
Jeremy is thrilled to be a part of the experienced team of the Bouma Group and looks forward to working with you in the near future!
We had a wonderful experience with Jeremy and the group. Jeremy was always available and booked our showings within 24 hours of our request. He was knowledgeable and came prepared with all the papers regarding each property. Jeremy was very patient in helping us close on the right home! Will recommend to friends!'
We feel extremely fortunate enough to have had Jeremy as our buying agent for a recent purchase. He combines an excellent knowledge of the local market with a firm command of all the intricacies and steps involved in searching and closing. He seems right on top of his profession. We were doing most of our searching from a distant state, and between this and some other, unexpected issues that arose, the whole process could have been overwhelming. Jeremy, however, could always deal with problems quickly and effectively, and he could always be contacted immediately. Beyond this, he is very personable and a pleasure to work with.
We are not your typical agent. In today’s environment, you deserve more – more expertise, more care, and more focus. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional service on every level, with experts who are the best in their field. We accomplish this by adhering to our core principles:
talented professionals
exceptional education & training
unsurpassed market knowledge prompt response times dedication to our clients
The Bouma Group is set up to help you through the entire process. We stand ready to serve you in every way possible, utilizing our expertise in searching, negotiations, financing, writing a contract, closing, and beyond.
While each transaction is different, every buyer wants the same result: to buy their home at the best price possible, in the shortest time, with the least amount of stress. We know the path. Let us take you there.
Every great team has a strong leader, and ours is Martin Bouma. With his proven track record, solid reputation, and almost 40 years of experience, Martin is recognized as a local expert for his deep knowledge of the Ann Arbor area real estate market. This expertise has resulted in national recognition and a strong following within the community.
Martin founded The Bouma Group with the idea that buying a home is often the single largest financial investment one will make and deserves the professional attention that is often missing in the industry. He has built a team of experts in every area, all ready to help you.
#1 Sales Associate in Washtenaw County for over 18 years
#1 Sales Associate in Washtenaw County for over 18 years
Ranked in the top 100, out of 180,000 agents at Keller Williams nationwide
Ranked in the top 100, out of 180,000 agents at Keller Williams nationwide
At The Bouma Group, we are a true team. A team with impeccable service and skills that are second to none in the industry. We have an experienced team of experts to guide you through the home-buying process from your first meeting with the Buyer’s Agent to working with our Closing Specialist. This team approach ensures that there will always be someone available to guide and assist you at every step of the way and ensure that your needs are responded to quickly and efficiently.
Moving your home sale from contract to closing requires a minimum of 180 individual tasks. That’s a lot of details that no single agent can effectively manage. Our team of professionals work collaboratively, across many different positions, each giving 100% attention to their area of expertise - for the same price as an individual agent. Together we handle the entire process so you can relax knowing we take care of every detail.
Kelly Stone
Listing Manager
Michael Barbour
Client Concierge
Ani Simerson
Closing Manager
Stephanie Bell
Marketing Director
Buyer’s Agents represent the Client’s best interest. We are here to provide unsurpassed service to help you buy your home at a fair market price, in the shortest time, with the least inconvenience to you. We work to protect you. Our client is you, the Buyer, not the Seller.
We are familiar with the neighborhoods you want to live in and will provide you with helpful community data. We know the market and the available inventory at all times. We will provide relevant market data as to the fair market value of homes.
We can show you ANY home whether it is listed with another company, a builder, or a For Sale by Owner. We check the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database and consult with other Realtors daily to find new listings which meet your criteria. We coordinate appointments and show properties of interest, whether or not they are The Bouma Group’s listings.
1 Do not change jobs, become self-employed, or quit your job
3 Do not excessively use credit cards, cancel cards, or fall behind on payments
2 Do not buy a car, truck, or any type of vehicle
4 Do not spend money you have set aside for closing
5 Do not leave out debt or liabilities from your loan application
6 Do not buy new furniture on credit
7 Do not originate any inquiries into your credit
9 Do not change bank acccounts
8 Do not make large deposits or withdrawals without checking with your loan officer
10 Do not cosign a loan for anyone
If you’ve never been through it before, buying a home runs the gamut of being a straightforward process to being incredibly complex. There are dozens of variables involved and you need focus and organization throughout the entire process. The next several pages will help you understand the steps and how we’ll help you through each one.
Introduction to The Bouma Group
Transaction Coordinator
Schedule inspection
Attorney review of sales contract, by-laws, and title work
Attend inspection with your inspector
Review inspection results with the Transaction Coordinator
Remove contingencies
Discuss out-of-pocket costs
Complete closing checklist
Meet with the Buyer’s Agent at the final walkthrough
Attend closing together
Bouma Group buying process. buying process.
The Bouma Group
Buying a home is one of your largest and most important financial investments. The Bouma Group Agents have a proven track record of consistently selling more homes yearly than any other Realtor. We are highly trained specialists with years of experience and a broad market knowledge. These qualities distinguish us as skillful negotiators who will be able to get the home you want at the most competitive price. Choosing a Bouma Group Agent will provide you with a high level of professionalism, expertise and care. We are more than an Agent; we are consultants — helping you to find the home you want.
As your Agent, we will:
Communicate with you on a daily basis. Always look out for your best interest. Identify properties that fit your needs. Give you a summary of different neighborhoods with details on schools, parks, and the appreciation potential for each area. We will customize your search and notify you when new and suitable properties come on the market.
Provide you with a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) to show the recent selling price of comparable properties and the market value of current properties available on the market.
Communicate with the Listing Agent to gain important information in order to optimize your ability to obtain the home you want.
Update you on the interest level of other parties and keep you apprised should a competitive bidding situation arise.
Choosing an agent whom you trust and respect Working with an exclusive agent whose sole focus is to represent your best interests
Negotiation means having leverage. We’ll help you get ready for financing early, meaning you’ll have a decided advantage over other buyers once you find the home of your dreams. In today’s market, a pre-approval is required when presenting an offer. It is based on information and documentation that a lender has verified. It is an indication to the Seller that you are a qualified Buyer. It will also give you confidence in your offer.
Pre-approval will help you in the following ways:
Leverage your offer, especially in competitive offer situations
You can select the best loan package without being under pressure
A pre-approval is based upon information and documentation that has been verified by the broker/lender (vs. a pre-qualification in which the information has not been verified).
Choosing a local lender
Cash versus financing
The down payment and other out-of-pocket expenses
Every Buyer and every situation is different. As your Agent, it is critically important that we understand your goals and your preferences.
For example, there are many categories Buyers fit into:
Single Family Home vs. Condo
New construction
Re-sale property
Investment opportunities
Moving up
Downsizing
Your budget needs: city vs. township
Location: schools, neighborhood, transportation
Type of home: single family, condo, townhouse, high-rise, fixer upper
Your ideal home: features and amenities
Minimum requirements: number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, etc.
The reviewing process is an educational one. We begin with your Wish List and will consult with you as you view various properties. We believe your dream home is out there. We further hone in on your wishes, allowing you to start altering some of your wants based on what you’ve seen and learned. The Bouma Group is patient, and we are not on a deadline or a quota. We will take as long as is necessary to find your home, and will never pressure you. It isn’t right until it’s right for you.
Your Buyer’s Agent will:
Set you up on a home search using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
Review active listings with you
Schedule showings for you to view properties
Review minimum requirements, # of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, etc.
Comparing and discussing properties you have seen with your agent
Reviewing and/or adjusting your parameters to find your dream home
Touring Open Houses and register with your Buyer’s Agent
Agent will discuss sales data and educate you with ion regarding your offer. Your Agent will help you he love of a dream home becomes the legal documents and either meet with you in person or
The four main terms and conditions to consider are:
Sale Price
Earnest Money Deposit
Closing Date
Financing
Other terms and conditions to consider are: Inspections
Attorney’s Review of the Contract
Contract Contingencies
Association Bylaws (if applicable)
Consulting with your Agent regarding the next steps when you are ready to make an offer
Discussing the price and terms of your offer for your prospective home
An acceptance of a counteroffer
Being prepared to compromise
Out of pocket expenses such as earnest money deposit, inspection costs, etc.
Once you and the Seller have agreed upon all terms and the sales contract has been signed, the Closing Manager will guide you through the details for closing on your new home. This includes discussing any repair issues that may arise at the home inspection, keeping you updated on contingency deadlines and being available to answer any questions along the way.
Here are the first steps in the closing process:
Deliver Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) to your agent
Apply for your loan and complete necessary paperwork with your lender
Schedule your home inspection
Decide if you would like an attorney to review the contract and title documents
It is important to note that the loan approval process can take 30 to 40 days so it is critical to quickly provide any documents your lender requests. Keep in mind that the bank underwriters will request additional documentation once they have reviewed your file. Additional paperwork may even be requested just a few days before the closing. It is also common to receive the final dollar amount you need for closing the day before or the day of closing.
Having funds liquidated and available for closing
Choosing an insurance company to provide your homeowners insurance
Scheduling movers
Transferring utilities to your name
Once the agreement has been finalized, it is an excellent time to begin planning for your new home. There are still a number of steps that we can help you through, such as:
You’ll want to make sure the home is insured the moment you sign the closing papers. With our resources, we will absolutely make certain you’ve got it secured.
INSURANCE. Standard insurance that will be provided by the title company. We will take care of it for you.
WALKTHROUGH. It may have been a few weeks since you’ve last gone through the house. We recommend a final walkthrough before closing.
Your move-in plans and timetable
Transferring utilities, cable, internet, etc.
As the closing day approaches and your loan is approved, the Closing Manager will provide you with a checklist to help prepare you for closing. This checklist will include:
Date and time of your closing
Location of your closing
Helpful reminders such as utility contact information
One to two days before closing, you will be given closing documents to look over and the final dollar amount you need for closing. You will need a cashier’s check or the funds can be wired directly to the title company.
A final walkthrough of the home will also take place just before closing.
The closing will take place at a title company. Your Buyer’s Agent will attend both the walkthrough and the closing with you. Plan on a two hour window for both.
This is a gratifying time for you, your family, and for us at the Bouma Group. We are proud to have helped thousands of families and individuals find their homes.
But our commitment doesn’t stop at closing. We want to help you get settled.
Have questions about anything local? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.
Thinking about doing some renovation work? WE’VE GOT RESOURCES.
Get a list of our Preferred Partners here: https://www.bouma.com/business-category.php
At the intersection of a vibrant city and a storied University is Ann Arbor: a community of education, vitality, healthcare, recreation, entertainment, big-time events, and more. Perfect for everyone from twenty-somethings right out of school to young families to empty nesters to retirees, we believe Ann Arbor has something for everyone. Big city living in a smaller town environment. Welcome.
#1
Best Places to Live in the Livability; 2023
Most Educated City in America WalletHub; 2024
#2
Cities with Best Public Schools Niche.com; 2024
U.S. City with the Best Forbes; 2024
Best College Town – Small WalletHub; 2024
#3
Most Peaceful Places to Live in the U.S. Insider Monkey; 2024
#1
Best Hospital: University of Michigan Health-Ann Arbor U.S. News and World Report; 2024
#8
Best Cities to Live in America Niche.com 2024
Cities on the Tech Frontier, Burning Glass Institute; 2023
#3
Top Public Universities, University of Michigan U.S. News and World Report; 2024
#7
Best Places to Live for Families Fortune.com; 2024
#2
10 Best College Football Towns CFB Select; 2023
Picturesque Dexter is a small city nestled along the banks of the Huron River adjacent to Ann Arbor. This friendly town has just over 4500 residents and continues to grow swiftly. Dexter offers exceptional schools, a variety of restaurants and pubs, small businesses, and great boutique shopping situated throughout the historic downtown area. In addition to the outstanding community parks, there are several Metroparks and lakes nearby for endless recreation.
Historic Chelsea has a population of 5400 people and is just minutes west of Ann Arbor. First settled in 1820, Chelsea was primarily a railroad town served by the Michigan Central Railroad. The Chelsea of today is recognized for its small-town charm, restaurants, and quaint shops. Residents can easily commute to Ann Arbor, Detroit, and other areas of Southeast Michigan.
South Lyon, located in southeastern Michigan, is a charming community known for its small-town feel and rich history. With tree-lined streets, parks, and a lively downtown, it offers a blend of modern living and historic charm. The city features unique local shops and restaurants, and community events that promote togetherness. From leisurely strolls in McHattie Park to the annual Pumpkinfest, South Lyon fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Saline, Michigan, blends small-town warmth with modern conveniences. Its vibrant community, unique downtown shops, and engaging events offer a rich experience. Nature lovers can explore scenic parks like Mill Pond Park. Proximity to top-rated schools and the University of Michigan makes Saline a hub for education and innovation. Whether for a home or a visit, Saline is a hidden gem in the Midwest.
Home to Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti can trace its roots to early pioneers, trappers, and traders who traversed the Sauk Indian Trail, which is now Michigan Avenue. In the city’s recent past, the automotive industry played an integral role in the history, culture, and economy. Ypsilanti is known by its residents for outstanding festivals, and “Depot Town”: a hub for entertainment adjacent to Riverside and Frog Island parks.
Situated just to the east of Ann Arbor, Plymouth is a desirable city with just over 9,000 residents. With multiple parks and a historic downtown area, it is host to major community events, including the Plymouth Ice Spectacular and Art in the Park. As a destination town, there are many restaurants and shops to visit. Plymouth offers established neighborhoods, along with newer upscale subdivisions.
The Bouma Group of Realtors has a proud history of giving back to the community. We support our community’s educational, cultural, and economic development activities. We also help those in need with our volunteer hours and donations. Being involved in the community allows us to maintain our pulse on the real estate of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and the surrounding areas. This makes us your ideal consultant to find the perfect home or property to match your unique needs.
This book is just the start. Our true point of difference is engaging with our team of specialists. We encourage you to pick up the phone or visit us online to arrange a meeting and discuss how we can help you find your new home. 734-761-3060
Real Estate has appreciated at an average of 4% annually for the past 30 years. This is a national statistic, which means for some areas and some years, the numbers may be more or less.
PROJECTED HOME PRICE
A certain percentage of your mortgage payment will be contributed to the principal balance of your loan. This created more equity in your home each month you make a payment.
Homeownership can offer many benefits to the taxpayer. These can include the ability to write off and deduct interest paid up to a specific amount of a mortgage
TOTAL SAVINGS
When you add up these 3 financial benefits of homeownership, in just your first year alone, your net worth will have increased by approximately:
AVERAGE
MORTGAGE AMOUNT
MARKET NICHE
1 MONTHS OF INVENTORY
3 DAYS ON MARKET
2 LIST TO SELL RATIO
4 PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT
5 COMPARABLES
6 COMPETITION