Situated about halfway between Detroit and Lansing, Michigan, the town of Livingston County towns of Brighton and surrounding hamlets are in a buyer's market, but a local Realtor believes the area is a great place to live.

Brighton

"The Brighton area features great highway access via US-23 and I-96, has great school systems and abundant recreation opportunities," says Realtor Bob Smith, "The Brighton area features great highway access via US-23 and I-96, has great school systems and abundant recreation opportunities. The City of Brighton has a vibrant downtown area, as well as a newer shopping area at the corner of Grand River and Challis Rds."

Smith says, "Listings are continuing to hit the market. It is a buyer's market, and with 464 homes for sale (data from multi-list, does not account for 'For Sale By Owners'), buyers have plenty from which to choose. In the period of 9/1/02 through 3/31/03, 278 homes were sold in the school district, at an average price of $268,296. They took an average of 103 days to sell."

Hartland

"The Hartland area is centered around the intersection of M-59 and US-23," describes Smith. "It's convenient location makes it great for commuters to the Ann Arbor, Flint, and Detroit's western suburbs."

He says, "In the Hartland School District, there are 243 homes for sale (as of 4/08). In the period of 9/1/02 through 3/31/03, 156 homes were sold at an average price of $254,462. The average time to sell was 122 days."

Pinckney

"Once a largely rural community, Pinckney has undergone a lot of growth in the last 15 years," recalls Smith. "Schools have been expanded, roads are being improved to handle the larger load, and there are many newer subdivision from which to choose. While there is still a flavor of rural living here, many commuters from Ann Arbor have discovered this area and are willing to drive the 10 miles to get to US-23."

He advises, "There are 351 homes available in the Pinckney School District (as of 4/08). 227 homes sold from 9/1/02 through 3/31/03. The average time on the market was 94 days, and the average price was $237,083."

Howell

"Howell is the seat of Livingston County, the state's fastest growing county," says Smith. "Howell has a great downtown area, many historic homes within the city limits, and many modern homes in the surrounding townships.

Forecasts Smith, "It is still a buyer's market, in general. Howell is the largest home market in the County, and as of 4/08, there were 602 active listings. With this much inventory available, buyers can afford to be choosy. There were 349 homes sold in the six months from 9/1/02 through 3/31/03. The average price was $218,933 and it took an average of 108 days for the properties to sell."

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Published: April 9, 2003

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