Welcome Package

We’re Glad You’re HereWe Work Hard.Michiganders have an unmatched work ethic. This is astate of ingenuity and resilience. Many great companieswere born here: Ford, GM, Chrysler, Domino’s, BetterMade, Kellogg, and Whirlpool. And other companies suchas Carhartt, Google, Lear and Visteon have chosen to maketheir home here. The people of Michigan have a lot of prideabout what they make here and offer to the rest of the world.We Play Hard. Welcome to cbwm.com 800.662.1950But we’re not all work and no play. We have world-class sports Michigan.teams, four seasons of outdoor activities, and of course, the GreatLakes. Michiganders love to fish, boat, swim, snowmobile across Michigan offers fivefrozen lakes, or just sit by the water. No matter where you are in Great Lakes, countlessthe state, you are never very far from a shoreline. rivers, several islands,If the outdoors isn’t your thing, we have museums, botanical and two peninsulas fullgardens, historical sites, shopping, dining and music. In fact, of opportunities to workwe have a rich history of music that starts with Motown and and play. This packetruns up through Kid Rock. There are always opportunities to contains resources toenjoy live music at our many concert venues around the state. help you make the most of it!

Transferee InformationMichigan Sales Tax is 6%. The tax applies on retail sales of Michigan also administered the Michigan Merittangible personal property such as clothing, automobiles, Examination (MME), which combines a state standards-furniture, appliances, utilities, transient hotel and motel based assessment with the ACT college entrance exam androoms and other sales at retail. Food, prescriptions drugs WorkKeys assessment. The MME is administered in theand services are not subject to tax. spring to grade 11 students and tests math, science, socialDetroit income tax is 3% on residents and 1.5% on non – studies, reading and writing. The ACT tests English, math,residents who work within the Detroit City limits. A $600 reading, science and writing. The ACT WorkKeys assessespersonal exemption is allowed for each dependent. students’ preparation for employment by testing reading forMichigan State income tax is a flat rate of 4.1%. It is information and applied mathematics.assessed on the federal adjusted gross income, less a $3,000exemption per taxpayer and each dependent. School Websites – www.greatschool.org andMichigan property tax is set at 50% of the assessed value www.schooldigger.comof property.Michigan Cities and their Chambers of Commerce – See Michigan Motor Vehicle Information – The State ofthe list of Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Areas of Service. Michigan is a no-fault state. To transfer your auto insuranceSchool information – MEAP – Michigan’s tests are and register your vehicle you will need:standards-based tests that measure how well students aremeeting the state’s grade-level expectations. Michigan used A Michigan driver’s licensethe Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to A titletest students in grades 3 through 8 in reading, writing and Your previous or current auto insurance policymath. Students in grades 5 and 8 were also tested in science,and students in grades 6 and 9 were tested in social studies. Michigan Motor Vehicle website – www.michigan.gov/sosThe MEAP is administered in the fall.

Detroit NavigationDetroit Area Expressways Many roads and streets change names from one community to the next. Below are a few of the most important onesAs I-75 (runs north and south) approaches Detroit from the which you should know.south it is called the “Fisher Freeway”. In Detroit and farther Five Mile = Fenkellnorth it becomes the “Chrysler Expressway”.I-94 (Edsel Ford Freeway) runs east-west through Detroit Six Mile = McNicholsand serves Ann Arbor to the west (where it continues to Seven Mile = MorossChicago) and Port Huron to the northeast.  Eight Mile = Vernier (east) and BaseLine (west)The Southfield Expressway (runs north and south) is usually Fifteen Mile = Maplejust called “Southfield Freeway”. Although it is also known Sixteen Mile = Walnut Lake = Quarton = Big Beaver =as M‑39. Metropolitan Parkway as it goes from west to eastThe Lodge Expressway (runs north and south) is usually Seventeen Mile = Wattlesjust called “The Lodge”. It starts in downtown Detroit and Eighteen Mile = Long Lakeheads northwest to Southfield. Southeast of Telegraph, the Nineteen Mile = Square Lake Roadservice drive of the Lodge is called Northwestern Highway.I-696 (runs east and west) also called the Ruether Freeway.This freeway connects, I-94 and I-75 and I‑96.I-96 (runs east and west) and is also known as the You can reach Canada by either the Ambassador Bridge orJeffries Freeway. the Windsor tunnel. The tunnel is in downtown Detroit atM-5 also called the “5” runs north and south. Connecting Woodward and Jefferson. The bridge is two miles southwestthe “Lakes Area” to Grand River (also known as 102), of downtown off I-75. An updated passport or enhanced MII-696, I-275 and I‑96. driver license is required for passage to and from Canada.

Websites of InterestColdwell Banker Weir Manuel www.cbwm.com Pure Michigan Travel www.michigan.orgGeneral Interest www.detroitmi.gov Indoor/Outdoor Water Parks www.freep.comCity Of Detroit Outdoors (Beaches, Biking, Boating, Campgrounds, Fishing, Golfing,Detroit Free Press www.detroitnews.com Hunting, Snow Sports, Off‑Roading)Detroit News www.clickondetroit.comClick on Detroit (NBC Detroit) Places to stay (B&Bs, Cabin & Cottages, Campgrounds, Condo & Rentals, Historic Inns, Hotels, Motels, Resorts) Things to do (Attractions, Casinos, Dining, Entertainment Venues, Road Trips, Shopping) Events (Antiques, Crafts & Collectibles, Cultural & Heritage, Exhibits & Shows, Fair & Festivals, Sports)Michigan Links www.michilinks.com Detroit Area Sports www.detroitlions.com www.nba.com/pistons/Family Fun www.detroitmusichistory.com Detroit Lions www.detroithistorical.org (NFL Football) Detroit Music Detroit Historical Museum Detroit Pistons (NBA Basketball) Detroit Zoo www.detroitzoo.org Detroit Redwings www.detroitredwings.comHenry Ford Museum (NHL Hockey) www.detroittigers.com& Greenfield Village Huron-Clinton Metro Parks www.thehenryford.org Detroit Tigers www.metroparks.com (MLB Baseball) Museum of African www.thewright.org EmploymentAmerican History www.aahom.orgAnn Arbor Hands-on Museum Detroit Web Directory – Jobs www.careerbuilder.com www.monster.comMichigan CountyFairs www.countyfairgrounds.net/michigan/michigan.phpMichigan Lakes www.aerialgraphics.com

Tips for Every Relocating FamilyCareer move for the spouse… • Prepare your resume as soon as the decision has been made to relocate • Begin your job search while still employed, if possible • Subscribe to newspapers in the new city: most will mail to out-of-town subscribers • Make appointment with the personnel director of your spouse’s firm; ask for suggestions, names of employment agencies in the new area. • Ask for a personal recommendation from your current employer to enclose with your resume • Call the Chambers of Commerce for local business listings • Schedule a follow-up call on your calendar each time you send a resume • Check local college placement offices for dates of job fairsFor the parent… • Be positive about your new environment, children pick up parent’s attitudes • Try to keep family schedule as normal as possible; maintaining structure will help give children the extra security needed in the new surrounding • Take your child with you when you call on new neighbors…this is a good way to meet new peers • Take your child to visit their new school to meet the principal and teachers • Attend school functions; this helps acquaint you and your child with staff and other parents • Encourage your child to invite new acquaintances over to your home when you are there; it provides opportunity for you to meet and observe their new friends • Plan mini adventures in the new city to theaters, ice cream shops, shopping centers, etc. A feeling of familiarity will bring confidence and eventually foster independence • Be patient…roots grow slowly

Tips for Every Relocating FamilyFor a new beginning… • Get out and enjoy the community to see what makes it special • Make initial contact with doctors and dentists to have your records transferred…ask current health care providers for referrals in your new city • Schedule an appointment for your pet with a veterinarian…you will then have someone to call in an emergency • Contact the local post office to make sure your mail is forwarded properly • Try to establish a list of local repair services ahead of time…your neighbors are a good source • Inquire about newcomers clubs and organizations • Contact insurance companies to make sure that your address is changed correctly…auto insurance may need to be modifiedJust for you… • Get involved with the move...try to learn about the city you are moving to • Allow yourself quiet time to ponder and absorb the changes • Surround yourself with things that make you feel at home…make one room as homey as possible…this will be a comfortable place to get away from all the chaos • Get outside frequently…you will feel more at home if you are more familiar with your new area • Avoid boredom at all costs…became a part of a group that does what you enjoy.

Attractions & MuseumsBelle Isle — Native animals and birds in a natural setting. Dearborn Historical Museum —Archives and exhibitsDetroit Recreation Department, 735 Randolph, Detroit, on the Woodland Indians and early farming instruments.MI 48226. (313) 331‑7760. 915 S. Brady Rd. Dearborn, MI 48124. (313) 565‑3000.B elle Isle Anna Scripps Witcomb Conservatory — Live Detroit Historical Museum —Explore the “Street ofplant and flower displays. 8109 Jefferson Avenue, Old Detroit”, 5401 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202.Detroit, MI. 48214 (313) 331‑7760. (313) 833‑1805.C hildren’s Museum — The third oldest children’s Detroit Institute Of Arts —Art exhibits, tours, films andmuseum in the country, the Detroit Children’s museum lecture programs. 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MIbegan back in 1917 as a venture between the Board of 48202. (313) 833‑7900.Education and the Museum of Art. 6134 2nd, Detroit, MI48202. (313) 873‑8100. Detroit Zoological Park —Live animal exhibits. 8450 W.C obo Conference/Exhibition Center —Convention Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48068. (248) 398‑0903center offers exhibition space. One Washington Blvd.Detroit, MI 48226. (313) 877‑8777. Dossin Great Lakes Museum —Nautical museum.Cranbrook Academy Of Art Museum/Cranbrook 100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle, Detroit, MI 48207.House & Gardens —Art exhibits. 500 Lone Pine Road (313) 833‑5538.(parking lot). The houses are restored historic. Limitedhours. 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. Eastern Market — Farmers market of fresh produce,(main entrance) (248) 645‑3300. meats, crafts and flowers. 2934 Russel, Detroit, MI 48207. (313) 833‑9300.C ranbrook Christ Church —Episcopal Church built F isher Mansion/Bhaktivedanta Culturalin 1928 filled with countless century old treasures. Center — Mansion and Cultural Center, 383 Lenox,470 Church Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. Detroit, MI 48215. (313) 331‑6740.(248) 644‑5210. Great Lakes Indian Museum —Indian history museum. 6325 Jefferson, Detroit, MI. (313) 628‑0796.C ranbrook Institute Of Science —Science and Henry Ford Estate —National historic landmark withnatural science. 500 Lone Pine Road (parking lot). mansion gardens and nature trails. 4901 Evergreen,39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. Dearborn, MI 48128. (313) 583‑6330.(main entrance) (248) 645‑3300.

Attractions & MuseumsHenry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village — Historical Charles H. Wright Museum Of African Americanmuseum and village of actual historic buildings moved History — Ethnic historical exhibits. 315 E. Warren Ave.,from location. 20900 Oakwood Blvd. Dearborn, MI Detroit, MI 48202. (313) 494‑5800.48121. (313) 271‑1620. P ewabic Pottery — Museum, gallery and learning center,Historic Fort Wayne —19th Century military fort. 10125 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI 48124.6325 W. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48209. (313) 833‑1805. (313) 822‑0954.www.historicfortwaynecoalition.com Selfridge Military Air Museum —World War II toDetroit Garden Center/Historic Moross Home —Oldest modern military aircraft. Mt Clemens, MI 48045.brick home in Detroit with period antiques. 1460 E. (586) 466‑5035.Jefferson Ave. Detroit, MI 48207. (313) 259‑6363. Sibley House — Greek revival home built in 1848 by theHolocaust Memorial Center —Exhibits and city’s first mayor, Judge Solomon Sibley. 976 E. Jeffersonfilms concerning W.W. II Jewish Holocaust. 28123 Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207. (313) 259‑6688Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334(248) 553‑2400. Veterans Memorial Building —Military themes honoring war veterans. 151 W. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit,International Institute Of Metropolitan MI 48226. (313) 224‑1060.Detroit — Displays and ethnic programs.111 E. Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202. (313) 871‑8600. Your Heritage House —100 year old Victorian house and children’s museum. 110 E. Ferry, Detroit, MI 48202.M eadow Brook Art Gallery —Hosts challenging (313) 871‑1667.exhibits of contemporary African, Oceanic, OrientalPre‑Columbian Art. 208 N. Wing, Wilson Hall, OaklandUniversity, Rochester, MI 48309. (248) 370‑3005.Meadow Brook Hall —Tours and theater.280 S. Adams, Rochester, MI. (248) 370‑3140.Motown Museum — Memorabilia of the“Motown Sound”. 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI48342. (313) 875‑2264.

Annual EventsJANUARY: SUMMER LONG EVENTS;North American International Auto Show — Cobo Detroit Riverfront Festivals — (May through September)Conference Exhibition Center, One Washington Blvd. Ethnic festival in Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza.Detroit, MI. (313) 877‑8111 (313) 877‑8077Plymouth Community Ice Sculpture Spectacular — Wyandotte Waterside Concert Series — ( May throughDowntown Plymouth www.plymouthicefestival.org August) Bishop Park. (734) 324‑4500FEBRUARY: JUNE:Detroit Boat Show — Cobo Conference/ Exhibition Annual Heritage Fair — Dearborn Historical Museum,Center, One Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI. (734) 261‑0123 featuring crafts, demonstrations, quilting, rug hooking, lots of food and entertainment. 915 S. Brady St. Dearborn, MI.Ethnic Experience-International Institute — Multicultural (313) 565‑3000.exhibits, ethnic foods, & tour by appointment. 111 E Kirby,Detroit. (313) 871‑8600. Detroit/Windsor International Freedom Festival — Celebration of freedom between the UnitedMARCH: States and Canada, with music, parades, entertainment and fireworks on the Detroit River. (313) 923‑8259.Maple Syrup Festival — Cranbrook Educational Henry Ford Day Family Festival — Country dancing,Community, 39221 N. Woodward Ave. Bloomfield Hills, MI children’s games, and tours of the automotive pioneer’s home.48303‑0801. (248) 645‑3230 Henry Ford Estate Fair Lane Mansion, University of Michigan,www.oaklandcountymoms.com/category/events Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen, Dearborn, MI. (313) 583‑6330 Motor Muster — Popular songs, dances and foods of theMAY: crazy years between the 1930’s‑1950’s. Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakland Blvd., Dearborn MI. (313) 271‑1620Eastern Market Flower Day — Eastern Market, 2934Russell, Detroit, MI. (313) 833‑1560 JULY:Tastefest At New Center — New Center Area, Detroit, MI. French Festival Of Detroit — French heritage of Grosse(313)872‑0188 Pointe. Grosse Pointe War Memorial. (313) 881‑7511 Oakland County Hot Air Balloon Festival — SpringfieldSpring Mountain Bike Race — Fun filled day of races and Oaks County Park. (248) 625‑8133trails. Addison Oaks County Park (248) 693‑2432 Wyandotte Street Art Fair — 300 artist and exhibits, Downtown Wyandotte. (734) 324‑4506Village Antique Show At Greenfield Village — Henry Concours D’elegance — Classic car display on the groundsFord Museum, 20900 Oakland Blvd., Dearborn, MI. of The Inn at St. John’s, 44045 Five Mile Rd., Plymouth, MI.(313) 271‑1620 (248) 643‑8645

Annual EventsAUGUST: OCTOBER:St. Andrews Society Of Detroit Annual Highland Fall Fest at Cranbrook — Make your own cider and watchGames — A festive gathering of the Scottish culture. Two- honey production; includes Indian lore and nature walks.fun filled days including bagpiping, competitive Highland Cranbrook Educational Community, 300 Lone Pines Rd.,dancing, sheepdog competitions, Caber-tossing, gathering Bloomfield Hills, MI. (248) 645‑3164of the Clans and prizes and games for the kiddies. Civil War Lantern Tours — Guided tours through the tunnels of a 19th century fort. Also includes a bonfire withMichigan Renaissance Festival — Days of 16th Century cider, gingerbread and music. Historic fort Wayne 6325 W.Europe in Holly, MI. (800) 601‑4848 Jefferson Ave., Detroit MI. (313) 833‑1805 Fall Color Car Classic — Antique and collectible cars fromWoodward Dream Cruise — The world’s largest one-day the 1920’s to the present. Independence Oaks Country Park.celebration of classic car culture that attracts over 1 million (248) 858‑4945visitors, and more than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, Fall Harvest Days — An old-fashioned celebration of ourcustom, collector and special interest vehicles. 3rd Saturday bounteous land. Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village,in August. 20900 Oakland Blvd., Dearborn, MI. (313) 858‑4945Arts Beats & Eats — Royal Oak. (248) 541‑7550 NOVEMBER:SEPTEMBER: Annual Christmas Walk — Hundred-room Tudor mansions transformed into a Christmas wonderland, includingArts & Apples Festival — Downtown Rochester. Knole Cottage, a six-room playhouse. Meadow Brook Hall,(248) 651‑4110 Oakland U, Rochester, MI. (248) 370‑3140 Michigan Thanksgiving Day Parade — Holiday fantasiesCivil War Days — Historic Fort Wayne, 6325 W. Jefferson with Santa Claus as the traditional star of the holidayAve. Detroit, MI. (313) 833‑1805 season. (313) 923‑7400Detroit Festival Of The Arts — An art fair; vocalists, DECEMBER:dancers, musicians, mimes, jugglers and festivefood, focusing on the performing and literary arts. Christmas At Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield(313) 596‑1120 Village —  Christmas of past and present, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI. (313) 271‑1620.Fall Mountain Bike Race — Cross-country races and A Victorian Christmas — Victorian style Christmas at theobserved trails for riders of all abilities. Addison Oaks home of former Michigan Governor Moses Wisner. 405Country Park. (248) 693‑2432 Oakland Ave., Pontiac, MI. (248) 338‑6732.Hamtramck Polish Festival — The City of Hamtramckcelebrates its Polish heritage with a four-day festivalwww.hamtownfest.comOld Car Festival — Antique vehicles from the turn ofthe century through 1929 are featured with other specialactivities. Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakland Blvd.,Dearborn, MI. (313) 271‑1620

Michigan TaxesMichigan Property Taxes State Transfer TaxProperty taxes are paid in advance in Michigan When a property is sold the State Transfer TaxWith the exception of a few communities, taxes are billed (.0086%/$1,000 of the Sale Price) will be deducted from thetwice per year. The Summer Tax is due July 1 and the seller’s proceeds at closing.Winter Tax is due December 1.Each community establishes their own millage rate. The Example: Sale Price = $100,000millage rate will vary if there is more than one schooldistrict servicing the community. The rates are adjusted on Transfer Taxan annual basis. (.0086%/$1,000) = $860There is a “Homestead” (lower), and “Non-Homestead”(higher) millage rate. When a property is purchased Buyer Beware: Ensure that the purchase agreementit is the buyer’s responsibility at closing to complete a does not include a provision that passes transfer tax onform supplied by the Title Company indicating if it is to the buyer. This is fairly common when purchasinga Homestead (primary residence), or Non-Homestead new construction.(commercially owned or rental). This form must be filedwith the local municipality by April 30 of each year to Property Transfer Affidavits must be filed within 45 daysreceive the Homestead rate. A Michigan resident is only from date of closing to avoid a $200.00 penalty.allowed to declare one Homestead (principal residence).The tax rate is multiplied by the taxable value, divided by1000 to get the annual tax due. The local taxing authorityestablishes the property value every year. It normallyapproximates 40%-50% of the true cash value (40% wasused to establish an estimated annual tax of the averagesales price in this report).Example: True Market Value = $100,000 Taxable Value = $40,000 x $30 (millage rate) Annual Tax = $1,200At closing the buyer will be charged, as part of the closingcosts, the unused portion of the pre-paid property tax paidby the seller. That amount is prorated from the date ofclosing to the next date upon which taxes become due.Also, the mortgage company will escrow (unless taxesare paid directly by the buyer) an estimated amount ofthe future annual property tax at closing. This escrowamount will be included as a part of the mortgage closingcosts, and 1/12th per month will be added to ensuingmortgage payments.

Moving ChecklistMoving can be an exciting or stressful experience. In order One day before moving...to make it a pleasant experience, start preparing for the ☐☐ Empty the refrigerator and leave the door open so it canmove by going through a checklist. If you begin six weeksbefore “moving day” you will be less likely to forget things. dry out inside.Here’s the checklist we suggest you use. ☐☐ Pack a suitcase of at least two days worth of clothes. ☐☐ Load the car or van with those essential items you will☐☐ Obtain a Change of Address Packet at the post office. This will provide a checklist of who to notify of your need first at the new home. new address. This includes magazines and car payments, ☐☐ Obtain your certified checks for closing and paying your credit cards, etc. van lines at arrival.☐☐ Make a list of credit card companies, utility and phone ☐☐ Pack some snacks for satisfying those hungry services, newspapers, and memberships you belong to who will need to be notified of the move. appetites tomorrow.☐☐ Arrange to obtain copies of medical/dental, school Its Moving Day! transcripts and veterinary records. While making this ☐☐ Strip the beds. request ask if they can refer you to doctors and dentists ☐☐ Put manuals and warranties in a drawer for any in the new community. appliances you are leaving behind.☐☐ Obtain estimates on truck rentals or van lines. Between ☐☐ Arrange for all house keys, garage door openers and the months of June through August is the busiest season, so give yourself lots of lead‑time. instructions to security systems to be put in a kitchen drawer for the new owner.☐☐ Make an inventory of your possessions. Video tape each ☐☐ There is bound to be some mail the post office fails to room or take photos and document date of purchase and forward. Be sure the new owners know what your new the value of the item, whenever possible. address is so they can send it to you. ☐☐ Everything is loaded up and you are ready to leave. Do☐☐ Start sorting. Now is a great time to have a garage sale or one last walk through the house, basement, garage, give to your favorite charity for a tax deduction. storage sheds, attic and yard. ☐☐ Sweep or vacuum carpets and floors. Wipe off the☐☐ Pick up anything being serviced, repaired or dry cleaned. countertops and empty the garbage.☐☐ Return borrowed items and library books. ☐☐ Lock up, its time to leave.☐☐ Begin packing the items you do not use everyday. Moving into your new home... Label the box with the room and contents for ease of ☐☐ Check to be sure the utilities are turned on. unpacking at the new home. ☐☐ When you reconnect your computer, be sure you set up One week before moving... a new local internet provider number. Otherwise your☐☐ Arrange for telephone/cable shut off, final readings of phone bill could be outrageous. ☐☐ Be sure to change your driver’s license address and utilities on the current home, and service turned on at new license plates for your car if you are moving to the new home. another state.☐☐ Defrost and clean the refrigerator. If possible keep only ☐☐ Post new emergency numbers somewhere that the whole those foods which will be consumed before moving day. family can see them.☐☐ Retrieve the items from your safe deposit box. ☐☐ Do you know where the nearest hospital is in case of☐☐ Finish packing any kitchen items you no longer need an emergency? until after you move. ☐☐ Its time to enjoy your new home!☐☐ Say goodbye to your neighbors and give them information to keep in touch.☐☐ Obtain the insurance policy for the new home.☐☐ Notify insurance carriers and your employer of your new home address.