Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

Caledonia Michigan ~ New Library Rising

“Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent,

literature dumb, science crippled, thought and  speculation at a

standstill.” Henry David Thoreau

 

Caledonia Michigan is investing in the community by building a new library. 

Libraries have become social centers for communities by offering lots of programs

for children and adults.  I can’t think of a better way to foster a sense of community

than through a library.

 

The new Caledonia Library is scheduled to open in January 2011.

Share this post :

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

MSHDA Hardest Hit Program Launches Funding

Michigan State Housing Development Authority was one of 5 state Housing

Finance Agencies to share in the Hardest Hit Fund from the national govern-

ment.  MSHDA is the first of the nation’s Finance Agencies to

implement its plan to spend $154.5 Million in federal funds to help more

than 17,000 Michigan households avoid foreclosure.

 

What this means for Hardest Hit Homeowners:

Mortgage Payment assistance for homeowners currently receiving

unemployment compensation

 

Rescue Funds for homeowners who have fallen behind in their

mortgage payments due to no fault of their own

 

Federal Matching Funds for principal reductions for homeowners

who can no longer afford their mortgage payments as a result of

reduced income.

List of Participating Servicers

If you need additional assistance, please contact a

Homeownership Counselor in your area today.

HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

PLEASE BEWARE of Fee-based Foreclosure Rescue Scams!

Share this post :

 

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report April- June 2010

Kentwood Michigan is a large suburb of Grand Rapids with a population

under 50,000. It has manufacturing, shopping centers, and lots and lots

of residential housing. Kentwood Public Schools are one of the largest

school systems in the area with over 9000 students and 16 buildings

within a 24.25 square mile area.

Foreclosures and short sales are still affecting the average

market price here as Grand Rapids has seen high unemployment.

The homes under $150K in Kentwood are about 90% of the

overall sales.  The homes over $150K are selling but at a slower rate.

 

In 2007, Kentwood had 434 homes sales: average sold price:$151,009

In 2008, Kentwood had 722 home sales:average sold price: $115,127

In 2009, Kentwood has had 448 home sales: average sold price:$ 100,561

 

Home sales for Kentwood – Up to $150,000:

Active Listings 114

Average list price $111,707

Pending Sales  18

Sold    323

Average Sold Price $95,550

 

 Kentwood Absorption Rate for this price range is  1 month,

at the current rate of sale (which means if no new listings come

on the market, it will take 1 month to sell the active listed

homes). This is a phenomenal rate for the Grand Rapids area and

shows that Kentwood is a popular and affordable city to live in.

This figure has probably been affected by the Homeowner Tax

Credit that expired on April 30, 2010.  I wouldn’t expect this rate

to hold up for the 3rd quarter of 2010.

 

Home sales for Kentwood – $150,001 & UP:

Active Listings  40

Average list price  $ 190,426

Pending Sales  6

Sold  Listings  15

Average sold price  $177,286

Kentwood Absorption Rate for this price range is 5.7 months,

at the current rate of sale, which means if no new listings come

on the market, it will take 5.7 months to sell the active listed

homes.

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Information

Real Estate is always hyper-local. If you have questions about

a specific Kentwood home, please contact me.

Copyright 2010 All rights reserved

Photo of Kentwood High School by Bonnie Westbrook

_

Share this post :

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Current Real Estate Market Report East Grand Rapids Michigan

Second Quarter East Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Report

5 Month Absorption rate for East Grand Rapids MI housing market

 which means if no new listings come on the East Grand Rapids market, it will

take 5 months for the existing home inventory to sell.  The Absorption rate is

in normal range for East Grand Rapids homes.

 

There are 119 active listings on the East Grand Rapids market,

 a smaller inventory  than 3 months ago  ranging from

$67,000 to $3,500,000.

17 Pending Home Sales

53 Sold Homes with sold prices ranging from $ 72,800 to $ 1,050,000

 

Solds by Market Time

22 homes sold in the 0-30 days - 41.51%

9 homes sold in 31-60 days  - 16.98 %

9 homes sold in 61-90 days - 16.98%

6 homes sold in 91-120 days - 11.32 %

7 homes sold in 120+ days - 13.21%

The lower end of this market (under $300K) is the busy end

of the sales in the East Grand Rapids market.   Homes in the higher price

bracket are selling, but at a much slower rate and not at 2006 prices. 

The good news for sellers is that over 50% of the homes that are priced

correctly are seeing 92-93% of list price and selling in less than 60 days.

 

Other Blog articles about East Grand Rapids:

East Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Reports

East Grand Rapids Michigan ~ America’s Hometown

Free Friday Night Movies in the Park

 

share this post :

 

Grand Rapids Michigan Jazz at the Zoo – Monday Nights 2010

Begins Monday June 14, 2010 – John Ball Park Band Shell

From 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the The John Ball Park Band Shell,

The West Michigan Jazz Society will be featuring local bands

and talent Monday nights.  Free admission, although the hat

is passed for donations because the park is requiring liability

insurance for the group to perform and parking attendants.

So, grab a blanket, food, or purchase food at the event, and

enjoy local jazz at its best.

The 10th Jazz at the Zoo Summer 2010:

June 14, 2010 –Mary Rademacher w/ the Mark Kahny Quartet

June 21, 2010 – River City Jazz Band w/ Kathy Wagner

June 28, 2010 – Fred Knapp Quartet w/ Ben Jannson

July 5, 2010 –    Western Michigan University Tribute Band w/

Evan & Edye Hyde

July 12, 2010 –  Grupo Aye – Latin Jazz Band

July 19, 2010 –  Arno & Randy Marsh Quartet

July 26, 2010 –  Tom Hagen Quintet

August 2, 2010 – Michelle Covington w/ Scott Bell Quartet

August 9, 2010 – Claudia Schmidt w/ Quartet

August 16, 2010 – Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra

Share this post :

 

 

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes June 2010

 

We have listed the Top Best Buy Caledonia 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.

 

                             Caledonia Public Library

 

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot.

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $31.07 to $74.82 in Caledonia.

 

June 2010   TOP BEST BUY Caledonia MI Homes

Highest list price is $310,000 Lowest list price is $39,900

 

The Top 23 Caledonia Homes to Buy by Price/Square Foot:

8585 Acorn Ave             $ 39,900     1284 Sq Ft    $31.07/SqFt

8608 Jasonville Ct         $ 59,900     1274 Sq Ft   $47.01/SqFt

615 Trinity Dr              $ 59,900      835 SqFt     $71.73/SqFt

8352 Jasonville Ct SE  $ 64,900      986 Sq Ft   $65.82/SqFt

8636 S Jasonville Ct   $ 69,900    1068 Sq Ft   $65.44/SqFt

 

8664 S Jasonville Ct    $ 69,900    1051 Sq Ft   $66.50/SqFt

6658 Hannah Lake     $ 70,000     1612 Sq Ft   $43.42/SqFt

8340 Jasonville Ct      $ 73,900     1162 Sq Ft   $63.59/SqFt

8382 Jasonville Ct      $ 74,900     1162 Sq Ft   $64.45/SqFt

8438 Jasonville Ct      $74,900     1162 Sq Ft    $64.45/SqFt

 

8584 Jasonville Ct     $75,000      1162 Sq Ft    $64.54/SqFt

8494 Jasonville Ct     $78,000      1051 Sq Ft   $74.21/SqFt

6070 E Fieldstone     $79,400     1272 Sq Ft    $62.42/SqFt

8430 Jasonville Ct    $ 79,900     1162 Sq Ft   $68.76/SqFt

213 Johnson St SE  $129,900    1942 SqFt   $66.89/SqFt

 

5695 84th St SE     $139,900    2369 SqFt    $59.05/SqFt

4508 Rolling Ridge  $148,326    2070 Sq Ft   $71.66/SqFt

429 Emmons St     $149,500    2370 Sq Ft   $74.82/SqFt

6461 Avalon Dr      $149,900    2016 Sq Ft   $74.35/SqFt

8706 Alaska Ave   $159,900     3121 Sq Ft   $51.23/SqFt

 

444 Green Ridge   $160,000     2140 Sq Ft   $74.77/SqFt

8947 Alanada Dr $189,900     3275 Sq Ft    $57.98/SqFt

8909 Kraft Ave   $310,000    4617 Sq Ft    $67.14/SqFt

 

With 14 homes priced under $100K, we are seeing

great prices for buyers in Caledonia homes.  NOW is the best time

 to buy a Caledonia home, interest rates are low and inventory

is still high.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

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

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Articles

If you would like to see a Caledonia Top Best Buys Home, please

contact me: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

or email me at terry@terrywestbrook.com

 

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.

Share this post :

 

 

Michigan Day Trippers – Saugatuck Michigan

This issue of our Michigan Day Trippers is about Saugatuck, Michigan.

If you haven’t made a visit to the quaint and historic village of Saugatuck,

you are missing an experience. Saugatuck is a popular resort and shopping

destination since the late 1800s.  Saugatuck has a small town feeling,

interesting architecture, an active artist community, unique shops, and

all within walking distance.  You can play golf, lay on the beach, go sailing

or just walk around town and enjoy the small town atmosphere.

 

Saugatuck hasn’t been "malled."  The restaurants and local pubs serve up

great fare, whether you want a cup of soup, a full course dinner, or just

want some ice cream to wash down that fudge.

 

 

 

Share this post :

 

 

 

Lowell Michigan Top Best Buy Homes – June 2010

We have listed the TOP Best 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.

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 lowest price/Sq Ft range from $31.94 to $74.70

in Lowell Top Best Buy Homes this month.

        June  2010  20 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes

        Lowest list price is $46,000

        Highest list price is $190,000

 Top Lowell Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

3817 Murray View Dr   $ 46,000      1440 SqFt   $31.94/SqFt

9612 Grand River Dr    $ 54,900      1104 SqFt   $49.73/SqFt

230 S. Hudson St       $ 67,500      1504 SqFt  $44.88/SqFt

730 E Main St           $ 69,900      1446 Sq Ft   $48.34/SqFt

13995 36th St SE      $ 69,900      1594 Sq Ft   $43.85/SqFt

 

1990 Lincoln Lake Rd  $ 74,900      1870 Sq Ft   $66.88/SqFt

10245 Peck Lake Rd   $ 79,900      1232 Sq Ft   $64.85/SqFt

11968 Drew Rd          $ 79,900      1616 Sq Ft   $49.44/SqFt

2348 Segwun Ave SE  $ 79,900      1512 Sq Ft   $52.84/SqFt

1545 Carol Lynne Dr    $ 92,500      1536 Sq Ft   $60.22/SqFt

 

983 Lincoln Lake Ave   $ 99,900     1751 Sq Ft   $57.05/SqFt

743 Grindle Dr            $105,000    2600 Sq Ft    $58.59/SqFt

11656 E Bear Mdws     $108,910    1458 Sq Ft    $74.70/SqFt

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

506 Lincoln Lake         $111,000    1511 Sq Ft   $73.46/SqFt

 

190 Valley Vista Dr     $119,900    1764 SqFt    $67.97/SqFt

2000 Conservation Trl $119,900    1692 Sq Ft  $70.86/SqFt

936 Beech St            $119,900   1792 Sq Ft   $66.91/SqFt

3041 Nyala Dr           $160,000    4500 Sq Ft   $57.14/SqFt

13217 52nd St SE     $190,000     2911 Sq Ft   $65.27/SqFt

 

There are still bargain priced homes for sale in Lowell,

there are 11 homes priced under $100K.  There seems to be

 ample inventory this summer in Lowell with bargain prices.

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Blogs

Lowell Michigan on Flickr

*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

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.

Share this post :

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes – June 2010

We have a list of the top East Grand Rapids Houses to buy

based on price per square foot for June 2010.  Price per square foot

 is a great leveler and a good way to compare properties.

 

If two similar homes are listed at similar prices, their price per square

foot should be similar.  It 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.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the main floors

are used to figure price per square foot.

June 2010 – 25 TOP BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $69.15 to $109.93

Highest List Price -  $ 405,000

Lowest List Price -  $ 89,900

The Top East GR Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

2714 Cascade Rd SE   $ 89,900    1900 SqFt     $69.15/SqFt

252 Hodenpyl Rd       $129,900    1489 Sq Ft    $87.24/SqFt

2530 Cascade Rd SE   $139,000    2200 SqFt    $86.88/SqFt

630 Rosewood Ave     $149,500   1862 Sq Ft   $80.29/SqFt

1647 Franklin St          $149,900    1392 Sq Ft   $107.07/SqFt

 

706 Rosewood Ave    $159,900     1676 Sq Ft   $95.41/SqFt

1707 Hall St SE           $160,000   2229 Sq Ft    $91.27/SqFt

1442 Eastlawn Rd       $160,000    2368 Sq Ft   $88.01/SqFt

 324 Gladstone Dr SE   $165,000    1538 Sq Ft   $107.28/SqFt

2205 Heather St SE     $169,900    2584 Sq Ft   $65.75/SqFt

 

2840 Cascade Rd        $174,900     2272 Sq Ft   $97.60/SqFt

2053 Englewood Dr    $178,000    1954 Sq Ft    $106.84/SqFt

2206 Stratford Ct SE   $189,000    2918 Sq Ft   $86.38/SqFt

9 Morningside Dr       $199,500    2400 Sq Ft    $99.75/SqFt

1401 Pinecrest Ave   $218,000    2350 Sq Ft   $103.02/SqFt

 

1746 Danby Ln SE     $230,000    3479 Sq Ft    $105.31/SqFt

564 Laurel Ave SE     $237,500    2212 Sq Ft   $107.37/SqFt

1536 Eastlawn Rd     $239,900    2500 Sq Ft    $103.76/SqFt

245 Briarwood Ave   $255,000    2383 Sq Ft    $107.01/SqFt

1773 Oxford Dr SE     $260,000     3000 Sq Ft   $108.24/SqFt

 

3030 Fulton St E        $263,000    3460 Sq Ft   $106.05/SqFt

77 Lakeview Dr SE     $269,000    2501 SqFt    $107.56/SqFt

1524 Lake Grove        $269,900    3908 SqFt    $107.06/SqFt

1740 Vesta Ln SE       $279,000    3216 SqFt    $108.94/SqFt

2702 Robinson Rd      $405,000    4000 Sq Ft   $109.93/SqFt

 

 

 

East Grand Rapids homes are selling.  If you have been waiting for the

 right time to buy, don’t wait much longer.  We are seeing definite signs

 of competition for homes in East Grand Rapids and  Forest Hills school

 districts.

 Homes in good condition and priced appropriately are selling. There

are more homes available this month in East Grand Rapids but demand

has driven home prices higher. 

 

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and not habitable

as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

 

East GR  Real Estate Market Blogs

If you would like to view an East Grand Rapids Best Buy Home,

please contact us @1-888-240-1968 x 0 or email us :

terry@terrywestbrook.com

Share this post :

 

Cascade Township MI Free RiverBeat Events – August 2010

The Cascade Community Foundation is again sponsoring FREE Events

in Cascade Michigan at Leslie Tassell Park every Thursday night in August.

Location: Thornapple River Dr & Cascade Road on the Thornapple River

When: Thursday evening August 2010  7 PM

The 2010 Events Scheduled:

August 5th – Craig Tornquist – Family Comedian 

                       Celebrity impressions, music, loads of fun!

August 12th – Art in the Park – Over 100 stations: Painting, Sculpting,

                       Music, Ice Cream, Fun for the whole family

August 19th – Michael Bennett & Friends – Swing Music & Dance

                        instruction

August 26th – Metro Cruise Warm-Up –Library Parking Lot

                       Bring your fancy car and your family to hear that old

                       time rock and roll from Aardvark Stew

Alternate Rain Location - Cascade Public Library - Wisner Center

Cascade Township Information

Share this post :