Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

Statistics have proven for years that when buyers get in front of the computer

to start searching for a home, the questions they want answered are:

• How big is the house?
• How many bedrooms?
• How many baths?
• What is the price?

 When we list a property and place it on the Multiple Listing Service we are competing

with all the other 3 bedroom 2 bath homes listed for sale in Grand Rapids.  Buyers

typically bring up about 40 homes on a search and look on-line at 20 of them in our

Grand Rapids market. The graph below indicates what are the top requirements

 to a Grand Rapids home buyer Home Search:

  What are buyers looking for when they search for a home?

As you can see from the graph above, this is the order of importance buyers

put in their home searches:

1. Square Footage
2. Bedrooms
3. Baths
4. Price
   

Price is number 4 behind Square Footage, Bedrooms, and Baths.

BUT Price is the ultimate point of competition.

They don't see the fabulous photos of your designer kitchen, the visual tour,

your wonderful photos of your "green thumb" garden or the newly

remodeled bathroom if your stats don't compare.  If you are not in the top 20

by Square Footage, Bedrooms, Baths, & Price, maybe even the top 10 they

don't even bother with clicking on the photos or details of  your home.

Price is the only thing left when you have 40 similar homes on the market

competing for the same buyers.  Supply and Demand will continue to rule

the real estate housing market in the forseeable future, and Price Plays a

Major Role.

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We all like to take a stroll down memory lane.  This video shows Michigan

back before our childhood days. It was filmed in 1949 as part of James A.

 Fitzpatrick’s Travel Talks.  Take a look at our bathing beauties, the “Bear

Man” and our stunning Michigan scenery. 

The areas shown have grown and changed but the appeal of 

Michigan is still being promoted to tourists today.  And they come by

the thousands to see our unique treasures, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes

on Lake Michigan.  This area is now a National Park and dune buggies

are prohibited on the fragile dune landscape. 

 Mackinaw Island has attracted people since early times, the original

 residents here in Michigan; the Ojibwa, the French, the English, and

 tourists have been coming here since Victorian times.

Thanks for visiting  with us in Michigan along this vintage highway

to the past.  We hope you decide to visit us in person real soon.

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Lots of controversy on a proposed wind farm in Lake Michigan about

1-2 miles off the West Michigan shore.  Wind Farms  are up and

contributing to the grid in Texas, Iowa, California, Washington, and

Minnesota, which are the top 5 wind power states.   Wind power

grew by 39% in capacity over 2008, for a total of 35 gigawatts,

according to the American Wind Energy Association.

A proposed offshore Wind Farm that would cost $3 Billion dollars is

trying to get public support for its plan.  The Scandia Wind Energy

LLC say it would create thousands of jobs, primarily  constructing the

massive wind turbines in the waters of Lake Michigan just south of

Ludington.  The company says that location is positioned to transmit

electricity to Chicago or Detroit areas perfectly.

A new jet engine wind turbine with 4 times the efficiency has interested

the DOE enough to give $ 8 Million in grants for further testing.  The theory

is that it would take less electricity to power the turbines, so output would

be doubled.  This could be the look of the future, with massive wind

turbines scattered over the countryside and in our Great Lakes.

Would these huge turbines intefere with Lake Michigan coastal traffic?  Would they

affect the fishing industry?  Would they be visible from the shore?  There are lots of

questions but there is no doubt that alternative ways of making electricity are at the

top of the list for utility companies, environmentalists, and private citizens.  Will the

wind turbines be part of the solution to greener energy?

Update: The city of Grand Rapids is proposing putting two 300 foot wind turbines on

land they own in Grand Haven, on Lake Michigan to power their water plant. If this project

goes forward it would be the first of its type in Michigan.

Photos of Indiana Wind Turbines by Bonnie Westbrook

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Even though Eleanor is in North Carolina, requirements for a mortgage today

require lots of paperwork and detail checking wherever you live.  After reading Eleanor's

blog post, it should give you some idea of what we are all dealing with on a daily basis.

If you can react quickly to all requests, it could make your closing happen faster.

Every delay could foster another document or two.

 And try to be patient with the process, it is exasperating for everyone!!

This large  home in Kentwood Michigan located in Bailey's Grove has lots of added extras

and tastefully decorated.  Our video takes you on a narrated tour of this large 6

bedroom, 4 bath home with a 3 car garage, finished lower level with daylight windows,

and set on a premier wooded lot.

Listed at $264,900

Bailey's Grove Neighborhood has a Community Clubhouse, Community Park, Community

Pool withannual membership available, and a Community Web Site with lots of local

information and neighborhood news.

The New Remodeling Magazine is out with the annual Cost vs Value Report.

One of the most common questions sellers and buyers ask me is:

 "Should I remodel  or add on to my house?  

 Is adding another bathroom going to be money I can recoup when I sell?"

Even today’s buyers that are buying at 2000 or before price levels, need

to be smart about home improvements if they think they will be moving

 in the next 10 years.  It is always intriguing that some areas of the

country value some home additions more or less than others.

This report gives an estimation of the return and an approximate cost of

several common remodels, additions and rehab projects in the home.  It

is specific to different regions of the United States.  

 2009-2010 COST vs VALUE REPORT

 Since we are from Grand Rapids Michigan we have directed you to that page

but you can navigate to other areas of the country from there. We hope this

article is helpful in the decision making process,  if you are considering a

home remodel or addition.

As always, feel free to call me about specific questions for your specific area.

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We do get out of Michigan once in a while.  This trip was to Las Vegas NAR Convention in

the fall of 2007.  We put in an extra day and went to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.  The

only trip we could manage time wise was to the West Rim of the Hualapai Nation.

The Hualapai ( WALL-uh-pie), the " People of the Tall Pines" have lived in the Southwest

for untold generations.  The Hualapai recently added the massive multi-million dollar

Skywalk to the canyon rim to try and coax tourists to their remote 1 million acre reservation.

About 200,000 people visit the West Rim Canyon every year, about 1/25th of the visitors

to the Grand Canyon National Park on the South Rim, over 5 hours away. Yes, we went on

the Skywalk, perched one mile above the Colorado River. It was awesome!

We took a tour package to the Canyon, which included a buffet lunch, and a bumpy

ride to the reservation.  The local officials refuse to improve the road to the reservation

because they don't receive any funds from the tours.  We hope you enjoy our photos

of this breathtaking natural wonder.  We apologize if all the pictures seem the same,

camera frenzy overcomes you when everywhere you look is a stunningly gorgeous

panarama of clear blue skies and colorful rock formations.

This solid, quality built home in SE Grand Rapids, Michigan has had lots of updates and

improvements in the last few years.  All you have to do is move in.  The current owners

have done all the work - freshly painted throughout in updated colors, new kitchen

appliances, new kitchenflooring, and lighting has been added along with new countertops. 

A new sliding glass door has been added to the new deck in the back yard.

The large main floor bedrooms have original hardwood flooring, large closets with new

closet organizers and new ceiling fans with lighting.  The living room has new carpeting, the

bath has been remodeled with new tile tub/shower surround, new flooring, new pedestal sink,

new stool, new medicine cabinet and lighting.

The large bedroom upstairs was totally remodeled last year with  new raised ceiling, 2

ceiling fans with lights, and new carpeting.  The home has had new replacement windows

added and a new roof.  The back yard has underground sprinkling. And central air

conditioning is in the home. 

We have gathered a list of the TOP Rockford  Michigan Houses

to buy, based on price per square foot.   Price per square foot

is a great leveler.  If two similar homes are listed at similar prices,

their price per square foot should be similar.  The price should reflect

the interior finish of the  home.   For example, if it has crystal chandeliers,

marble tile, & a new kitchen, this would be more per square foot than

a home that still has the 1970’s decor and/or is in derelict condition.

Please note: This list can change daily as some homes sell, prices are 

 adjusted and other homes come on the market.

The homes listed below are probably dated and would need new

carpeting, paint, and kitchen-bath redos at a minimum to

 bring them to current market standards. They might need major

repair work done, such as a new roof & mechanicals.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot, even if

the basement is finished.

January 2010  30 Top BEST BUY Homes Rockford, Michigan.

The lowest list price is $ 44,900

The highest list price is $200,000

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $32.10 to $73.58

The Top Rockford Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

205 Hunters Lane        $44,900     923 Sq Ft     $48.65/SqFt

6485 West River Dr     $53,900     1330 Sq Ft     $40.53/SqFt

8555 Courtland Dr       $59,900     1080 Sq Ft    $55.46/SqFt

6711 Boca Vista Dr      $63,999     960 Sq Ft     $66.67/SqFt

5075 New Orleans Dr   $65,000     2025 SqFt    $32.10/SqFt

6757 Cannon Center   $69,500     1250 Sq Ft   $55.60/SqFt

6721 Boca Vista Dr      $69,900     960 Sq Ft    $72.81/SqFt

6681 Boca Vista Dr      $69,900     960 Sq Ft    $72.81/SqFt

229 Hunters Lane       $74,900     1064 Sq Ft   $70.39/SqFt

159 Cahill Dr               $74,900      1008 Sq Ft   $74.31/SqFt

3955 Butternut Dr     $78,600     1184 Sq Ft    $66.39/SqFt

6757 Cannon Cntr    $79,500    1250 Sq Ft    $63.60/SqFt

162 E Division St      $79,900    1782 Sq Ft   $44.84/SqFt

4837 13 Mile Rd NE   $84,900    1300 Sq Ft   $65.31/SqFt

5124 Surf Dr              $89,900    1823 Sq Ft   $49.31/SqFt

9700 7 Mile Rd NE     $89,900    3020 Sq Ft   $57.63/SqFt

8500 10 Mile Dr        $90,000    1400 Sq Ft   $64.29/SqFt

254 E Main St.         $98,951     1732 Sq Ft   $57.13/SqFt

2720 Rogue River    $99,900       1600 Sq Ft   $68.61/SqFt

8825 Castle Hill Dr   $99,900     1641 Sq Ft    $73.24/SqFt

7002 S Cannon Pl     $103,900   1500 Sq Ft    $69.27/SqFt

9875 Courtland Dr   $104,000   2053 Sq Ft    $71.58/SqFt

6452 Bella Vista Dr  $114,900   1848 Sq Ft    $62.18/SqFt

221 W Division St    $119,900    3141 Sq Ft    $37.89/SqFt

143 Courtland St     $127,900    1920 SqFt     $66.61/SqFt

7991 Cannonsburg   $130,000      1864 Sq Ft  $69.74/SqFt

4351 Porter Hollow  $132,000     2000 Sq Ft  $66.00/SqFt

6089 Meadows Ct    $169,900    2610 Sq ft    $65.10/SqFt

647 Highlander Dr   $189,900    3050 Sq Ft   $64.03/SqFt

7031 Bonaire Ct NE $200,000    3160 Sq Ft   $73.58/SqFt

There are still bargains to be had in the Rockford area, there

are 20 listings under $100K.   If you are thinking of

buying in Rockford, now is the time to be looking. Prices are

climbing in other areas of the Grand Rapids market. Homes

that are in great condition and priced right are selling quickly.

  "Below tax appraisal" priced homes are disappearing from the

market in some areas of Grand Rapids.

Don’t overlook the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers

or buyers who haven’t owned a home for the last 3 years; also,

up to a $6500 tax credit for existing homeowners until April 2010.

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Blogs

Rockford Michigan Video Tour

If you would like to view a Rockford Top Best Buys Home,

please contact us 1-888-240-1968 x 0

or email terry@terrywestbrook.com

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We have gathered a list of the TOP Lowell  Michigan Houses

to buy, based on price per square foot.   Price per square foot

is a great leveler.  If two similar homes are listed at similar prices,

their price per square foot should be similar.  The price should reflect

the interior finish of the  home.   For example, if it has crystal chandeliers,

marble tile, & a new kitchen, this would be more per square foot than

a home that still has the 1970’s decor and/or is in derelict condition.

Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot. 

Great opportunities to buy a Lowell Home at bargain prices;

the average price for this list is $124,353.

The lowest price/Sq Ft range from $24.94 to $79.35

in Lowell Top Best Buy Homes this month.

        January   2010  33 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes

        Lowest list price is $29,900

        Highest list price is $200,000

The Top Lowell Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

14129 Fulton St E        $ 29,900     660 Sq Ft   $45.30/SqFt

7595 Wingeir Ave SE   $39,900     1600 Sq Ft   $24.94/SqFt

225 S Jefferson St       $47,500     1325 Sq Ft   $35.85/SqFt

1012 E Main St            $ 54,900    1510 Sq Ft  $36.36/SqFt

512 Foreman St          $ 59,900     760 Sq Ft   $78.82/SqFt

261 Jane Ellen           $ 59,900      912 Sq Ft    $65.68/SqFt

13131 Vergennes St   $ 59,900      960 Sq Ft    $62.40/SqFt

222 S Division St         $ 69,000    1300 Sq Ft  $53.08/SqFt

242 S Hudson St         $72,900      988 Sq Ft   $73.79/SqFt

11675 E Bear Mdws    $ 80,000     1026 Sq Ft  $77.97/SqFt

906 N Washington St  $ 82,900      1154 Sq Ft   $71.84/SqFt

1043 Lincoln Lake       $ 85,900     1600 Sq Ft    $78.09/SqFt

1000 Lincoln Lake       $ 98,900     2868 Sq Ft    $59.61/SqFt

821 Lincoln Lake       $ 99,900     1692 Sq Ft    $59.04/SqFt

11250 Grand River     $ 99,900     3327 Sq Ft    $30.03/SqFt

2918 Snow Ave SE     $108,900   2508 Sq Ft    $72.21/SqFt

9070 Bailey Dr            $109,900   1584 Sq Ft   $69.38/SqFt

545 North St              $109,900    1906 Sq Ft  $57.66/SqFt

743 Grindle Dr           $114,900     1606 SqFt   $64.12/SqFt

7849 Pratt Lake         $116,900      1568 Sq Ft  $74.55/SqFt

506 Lincoln Lake        $119,900     1511 Sq Ft  $79.35/SqFt

1316 Sargent             $124,900     2999 Sq Ft  $67.30/SqFt

2022 Conservation Trl $124,900   1788 Sq Ft  $69.85/SqFt

13445 Crestwood       $125,000    1888 Sq Ft  $75.85/SqFt

9595 5 Mile Rd NE      $129,900    1754 Sq Ft   $74.06/SqFt

11653 Barnsley           $139,513   2040 Sq Ft  $68.39/SqFt

10380 36th St             $144,900     2288 Sq Ft   $63.33/SqFt

11661 Barnsley           $145,299     2174 Sq Ft  $66.83/SqFt

11372 Trent Dr SE      $154,878     2047 Sq Ft  $75.66/SqFt

1638 Wales                 $159,900    2047 Sq Ft  $78.11/SqFt

13950 84th St #3A      $164,500    2640 Sq Ft  $74.77/SqFt

219 N Washington     $193,000     3106 Sq Ft    $62.14/SqFt

13217 52nd St SE       $200,000    2911 Sq Ft   $68.70/SqFt

There are still bargains to be had in Lowell, there are 16

homes priced under $100K and 3 new construction homes

for under $130K.

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Blogs

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

If you have questions about any of these homes, please

contact Terry: 1-616-292-7263

Or email : terry@terrywestbrook.com

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