Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

   This new home on Lake Carlisle in Byron Center sits right on Lake Carlyle and just minutes from Byron Center schools, shopping  and medical facilities.  You can go fishing, kayaking, paddleboating, even ice hockey this time of year, anytime you choose.  It is like having a cottage but much more convenient. No traveling and stocking two separate houses. Stay home and enjoy on the water living!

 All new construction, so you should have no maintenance worries for years.

Quality built and many upgrades are included in this home.

It has custom oak molding throughout the home, six panel

oak doors, tile flooring, fieldstone fireplace with a gas

log, and two enclosed porches that overlook the lake. 

  The entire lower level has been roughed in and is

ready for finishing.  When finished, this home would have over

3000 sq ft of living space.  Aristokraft hickory cabinets  through

out the home show the custom quality.

 After a fun day on the water or entertaining on the deck, you can relax in your master suite

with private bath, walk in closet, and enclosed porch to catch the sunset.  

       1720 sq ft. of living space

Please contact me for a private showing.

   Search Grand Rapids Homes for Sale  

 photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Would you like to live on a lake year round?  Go fishing or just do a little paddle boating..... Maybe

you can see yourself soaking up the sunshine on your new deck overlooking the lake?                   

 This new home may be just the place for you. New construction, finished in 2006, it has many

upgrades, including oak custom woodwork, six panel oak doors, and lots of tile flooring. Located

close to Byron Center Schools, shopping and the new Medical Buildings.   1720 sq ft 

Lower level has a walkout sliding glass door and is roughed in for future expansion.

If finished, this home would have over 3000 sq ft of living space.            

                                              Copyright by Terry Westbrook 2007

                                             Contact me at : 1-888-240-1968 x 0  

                                            Website url: Terry Westbrook.com  

                                             Email:  terry@TerryWestbrook.com

Photos by Bonnie Westbrook 

I guess the only way to talk about yourself is to start. Since Karen Webster asked for the facts here they are: 

#1) Early childhood memories of training and racing sled dogs are

fond ones. I think of the fun and the lessons learned about

 responsibility that have served me well in our profession.

#2) In 1969 I joined the Army, became a Warrant Officer

 and learned how to fly Helicopters. I went to Vietnam in 1970 and

 flew "C" Model Huey gun ships for a year. As I told my

mother before I left for Vietnam, "I have become a trained killer".

What a comforting thought for her. Go to the 155th Combat Helicopter Web site.

#3) I'm a bit of a pyromaniac. I love fireworks! I have hosted several 

 July 4th parties in our back yard with a few explosions and some illegal

 aerial displays. I am trying to stop but every once in a while I need the

 smell of burning gun powder and a good explosion.

#4) I love competitive games. Right now, it is Golf and Poker.

Both are individual and I like the fact that the outcome of the event

is all on me. I find it much more difficult to lose, regardless of the game.

 I used to blame outside influences but when all is said and done, I

determine the outcome and I have to accept that it was all me.

#5) Working in the Real Estate profession, it became clear to me that outside forces can affect my business. If

we want some control on our business, we need to be involved and contribute to the greater good of the Real

Estate profession. Several years ago I decided to get involved on the local level which eventually evolved into

working on the State and National Association of Realtors. I have learned a tremendous amount from

others while serving. It seems the more I give to these organizations, I always get more in return. In 2006 I

was the proud recipient of The Grand Rapids Association of Realtors "Realtor of the Year" and to my complete

surprise, also recognized as Michigan Realtor of the year. Even though I don't spend my time at these

Associations for recognition, I was very surprised and honored to receive this award. It has given me new

enthusiasm to continue to work to make our association stronger. 

Now is the time to select the next MEME candidates

Eric Webster

David Elya

Jan Dyk

Watermark Country Club, located in the heart of Cascade, is a full service

private golf & swim Club that is joined with the "open to the public" Grille

Restaurant and banquet facility.  It is located at 1599 Galbraith Ave SE,

just south off of Cascade Road.

Watermark Country Club has spent the last 8 years growing and developing

a style and atmosphere that is very family friendly yet equally adept at taking

care of specific needs of the "business-oriented" community. From junior golf

programs and a calendar of events for all types of players, to securing a vast

amount of just "open-play" time for the business oriented members, 

Watermark is trying to accomodate its members. 

 As a golf member of Watermark Country Club for the past eight years

and to its predecessors since 1977, I can tell you that it is a course that

never fails to put me to the test.  It is one of the best maintained courses

in the state and Michigan has more golf courses than Florida! I have played

many golf courses in my 34 year career but Watermark is still my favorite.

 Watermark Country Club also offers a Pool Membership to the public and to

it's golf members.    

Many of the homes and condos surrounding this golf course have views

and a short cart ride to the clubhouse. If golf course living is on your wish list,

Watermark Residences could be your next neighborhood.

 We  enjoy taking our grandson, Jeffy, to "The Pool" in the summer.

  It is one of his favorite acitivities when he comes to visit.

Here he is as "Scuba Steve" with all the appropriate "POOL" gear.

 Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2007 All rights reserved

  photos by Terry Westbrook

The Cascade Township Public Library serves a large demographic area.

It serves Cascade, Ada, Alto and Forest Hills primarily, but Caledonia is

probably served by this library as well.  The building is fairly new and has just

had a new wing and additions added this year because of the heavy traffic and use.

      It is "The Place to Go for Info" if you want to :

• work on a computer
• shop for used and over stocked books
• read the latest magazines
• check out the new DVD's
• check out the new music CD's
• Check out a bestselling book
• Check out a classic book
• Look something up in the reference section
• Go on the world wide web via the internet
• See what local book clubs are reading

       And all these activities are free!

       If you find yourself bored this winter, without a good book to read or

         need a movie for the kids,  stop at the Cascade Library. 

                      I think you will be glad you did.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2007 All rights reserved                                                    

Photograph of Cascade Library by Bonnie Westbrook

 This is a great little starter house for anyone in a charming Grand Rapids Northeast neighborhood. 

This all brick ranch has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a finished recreation room with 2nd fireplace on the lower level.

A breezeway between the garage and the house, a screened in porch and a large yard add up to outdoor living

at its best. Indoors or outdoors, this would be wonderful place to call home.

Price: $146,900        MLS# G611127

                         You should take a look at 708 Conger NE, this might be your next home.

                                          Grand Rapids Real Estate is My Real Job  

                                        Terry Westbrook's Grand Rapids Real Estate Blog   

                                        Copyright by Terry Westbrook 2007

                                           Contact me at : 1-888-240-1968 x 0  

                                         Website url: Terry Westbrook.com  

                                        Email:  terry@TerryWestbrook.com

A Simple Guide to Help Avoid Overpaying for Your Next Home   

 Simply put, PAYING TOO MUCH can jeopardize the integrity of your investment. Here's vital information to help you avoid overpaying for your home.

Whether you are a first time buyer or an old pro at the real estate game, buying a home can be a daunting process.

It's an emotional time filled with difficult choices - and each decision you make has money riding on it, your hard earned money. 

Finding the right home to meet your family's needs is hard enough. But knowing how to avoid paying too much for that home once you've found it is another job entirely.

As someone who has helped countless buyers find their dream homes and save money at the same time, I've developed this guide to help you avoid the pitfalls inherent in the home- buying process. I'll show you how to make sure you've found the right home, but also how to negotiate a price to your advantage.

In today's complex, fast paced market, you can't afford to learn these lessons through trial and error. The tips contained in this report will go a long way toward making you a savvy buyer.

TIP # ONE

Before you start shopping, understand that there are two homes out there vying for your interest--- the one that meets your needs vs. the one that fulfills your desires. In a perfect world, you'd find a home that satisfies both. But since this isn't a perfect world, you're going to find yourself confronted with choices.

When you start shopping, you are going to find a home you fall in love with for different reasons.  That's why you should list the features you want before you start shopping. Use the form provided here and break your list into two categories---"NEEDS " and  " DESIRES"---and PRIORITIZE the items you come up with.

Understanding what you really need as opposed to what you'd like to have will help you keep your priorities straight as you shop around. I've seen people fall in love with a home for the wrong reasons, then regret their purchase when the home fails to meet their needs.

Don't let emotion cloud your judgment. Satisfy your needs first.  If you find a home that meets your needs and fulfills some of your desires, so much the better. The important thing is to know the difference before you get caught up in the excitement of the hunt.

TIP # TWO

Getting a loan preapproval is the smart way to shop for a home.  It tells sellers that you're a serious prospect, and you know in advance the maximum mortgage you can afford. Make sure you get a commitment in writing.   I've seen many buyers make the mistake of learning what they qualify for but not getting that preapproval in writing.

The good news is that it is still fairly easy to qualify for a home loan.  Lenders have modified qualification rules and created programs designed to help people even if they have problems in their credit or employment histories. Many programs call for dramatically reduced down payments ___ the biggest obstacle for first-time home buyers in particular. 

 PLEASE CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE.                                                      

This can save you hundreds of dollars on your monthly payment. For example, if you have an old credit card that is paid off but is still on your report, it could cost you big dollars. 

Mortgage lenders are telling us that an old credit card will affect your score and a lower score can affect your house payment by several hundred dollars a month.  Do yourself a big favor and check that credit report for errors and old open accounts.

If your credit score is under 680, you will have difficulty currently with most mortgage applications since the tightening of the money markets. There are some exceptions, but please work on improving your score  before you apply for a mortgage.

Part Two: Avoid paying TOO Much for Your Next Home..........coming soon

                                                           Westbrook Realty

                                                    Grand Rapids Real Estate is My Real Job  

                                           Terry Westbrook's Grand Rapids Real Estate Blog   

                                                      Copyright by Terry Westbrook 2007

                                                        Contact me at : 1-888-240-1968 x 0  

                                                         Website url: Terry Westbrook.com  

                                                        Email:  terry@TerryWestbrook.com

                                                Peppler Memorial Park in Downtown Rockford Michigan

At one-half acre, Peppler Memorial Park is located just west of the Rockford Dam. It has a fishing platform, picnicking opportunities, and it provides for a walk across the dam.  It is just a nice place to visit and spend a few moments comtemplating nature.

  Wonderful access to the Rogue River which is touted as one of the finest steelhead rivers in the state.

In 2005, Peppler Park was improved with a new overlook, railings, access ramp, landscaping, and stairs to Bridge

 Street.    

  Photographs by Bonnie Westbrook 2007

                                                           Westbrook Realty  

                                                     Grand Rapids Real Estate is My Real Job  

                                                 Terry Westbrook's Grand Rapids Real Estate Blog    

                                                       Copyright by Terry Westbrook 2007

                                                       Contact us at : 1-888-240-1968 x 0  

                                                          Website url: Terry Westbrook.com  

                                                           Email:  terry@TerryWestbrook.com

                                                             Rockford Dam Overlook Park

Ideal for picnicking and watching fishermen catch steelhead,among other local fish,  this park is truly the gem of

downtown Rockford. Squires Street adjacent has wonderful shopping all year round.

Beautifully renovated, the Rockford Dam is one of the highlights of Rockford and provides a spectacular view of

 the Rogue River.

 There is direct access to the river. It is located on Bridge Street.

There is direct access to the river.

 It is located on Bridge Street.

Photographs by Bonnie Westbrook     

                                                              Westbrook Realty                                               

                                            Grand Rapids Real Estate is My Real Job  

                                         Terry Westbrook's Grand Rapids Real Estate Blog    

                                           Copyright by Terry Westbrook 2007

                                            Contact us at : 1-888-240-1968 x 0  

                                            Website url: Terry Westbrook.com  

                                             Email:  terry@TerryWestbrook.com

          John Collins Park is at 650 Lakeside Drive and has 2.7 acres of land bordering scenic Reeds Lake.

                                                                   
 
  John Collins Park is located between the GR Yacht Club and Rose's Restaurant near downtown East Grand

  Rapids.

•  

• The park does have a public

• boat launch accessing Reeds Lake

• which is 283 acres.  The park is

• situated on 2.70 acres located on the

•  shores  of Reeds Lake which is one of

• the largest lakes in Kent County.

   

Park Amenities include Benches, a Boat Launch,

Lake Frontage, Restrooms, and  Picnic Tables.

ADA Accessible walkways border the lakeside, 

Fishing Docks are available for the angler, and

Summer Concerts are offered at the Park.

Contact the city offices for information.

                                                                        Photos by Bonnie Westbrook

                                                                  Westbrook Realty

                                                    Grand Rapids Real Estate is My Real Job  

                                             Terry Westbrook's Grand Rapids Real Estate Blog  

                                                Copyright by Terry Westbrook 2007

                                                Contact us at : 1-888-240-1968 x 0  

                                                   Website url: Terry Westbrook.com  

                                                    Email:  terry@TerryWestbrook.com

 information from City of East Grand Rapids