Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

I just ran into a product called the Jing Project. I just saw it used and was

intrigued.

 I downloaded the free software and created my first Jing Project.

It is quite easy to use and I can think of many uses, from giving instructions

 to clients to just explaining how to complete an online task.

I hope you have fun with it. My first attempt was to explain how to do a

search on our MLS, just to show off how the Jing Software works. 

 

 Just click here to start the video.

 

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Forest Hills Gardens Residential Real Estate

          Dec 2008 Absorption Market Report

              4 Sold, 0 Pending, 1 For Sale

The absorption rate for Forest Hills Gardens is 3 months, which

means if no new listings come on the market it will take 3 months

for the existing inventory of homes to sell at the current rate of sale.

This is a fabulous rate in this market and the one home for sale

reflects the stability and desirability of the neighborhood.

 

Active Forest Hills Gardens Listings: 1

Average list price is $ 164,900.

Average time on market is 76 days.

Average list cost/SqFt is $90.50

The average price for Forest Hills Gardens sold homes is $162,475.

The average price/sqft for Forest Hills Gardens sold

homes is $ 96.47.

The average days on the market for Forest Hills Gardens sold

homes is 20 days. 

 

The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner,

Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since 2000.

There is a new proposed 80 condo units - Villas of Ada going in next

door and Stone Falls of Ada - a 210 unit apartment complex, currently

under  construction a short distance away on Spaulding Ave.

Both of these new developments are quite close to Adacroft Commons

and Forest Hills Gardens.

 

If you have questions about Forest Hills or Ada homes,or

if you would like this market report emailed to your inbox,

please contact me directly. 

 

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

 Copyright 2008 All rights reserved

Japanese Maple photo by Bonnie Westbrook

Ada Moorings is located off Grand River Drive, just east of Ada

and close to Ada Township Park. A recent development by

Eastbrook Builders, these quality built homes are in Forest

Hills Public School District.  Close to the village of Ada and not

far from the village of Cascade,this subdivision is near 28th

Street shopping, the Thornapple and the Grand Rivers.

 

         Ada Moorings Market Report October 2008

            7 For Sale,  9 Sold, 1 Expired

 

Ada Moorings Active Listings: 7

Ada Moorings average active price - $248,486

Ada Moorings average active price /SqFt - $ 126.50

Ada Moorings average days on market - 115

 

Ada Moorings SOLD Listings: 9

Ada Moorings average sold price - $ 243,322

Ada Moorings average sold price/SqFt - $ 125.69

Ada Moorings average sold days on market - 88

 

The Absorption Rate for Ada Moorings Homes is 9.3

months, which means if no new listings come on the

market it will take 9.3 months for the existing homes

to sell at the current rate of sales.

The average list price has dropped $20,000 in the last

quarter of the year, which means sellers are much closer

to the actual market price than they were before. 

The average sale price has dropped about $4000. 

 

Ada Moorings Market Report Oct 2008 

Ada Moorings Market Report Sept 2008

Ada Moorings Market Report Aug 2008

Ada Moorings Market Report July 2008

Ada Moorings Market Report June 2008

 

If you would like further information about the value of your Ada or

Grand Rapids Home, please contact me directly. 

If you would like these monthly reports emailed to you,

please send your email address and in which report you are interested

in receiving.

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate  - Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2008  All rights reserved

photo of the Grand River in Ada  by Bonnie Westbrook

Cascade Woods is an established neighborhood of large, executive

 style homes in Cascade Township, MI. Most of these homes were

built in the 1960's and 1970's, although there are a few newer

homes that were built recently in the area. Close to the village of

Cascade and the Thornapple  River, this heavily wooded area has

 been a Grand Rapids desired suburban place to live for  decades. 

 Part of the Forest Hills School District, which draws many families,

there is also the river and it's picturesque appeal.  The drive down

Thornapple River Drive between Ada and Cascade in the fall is one

of the prettiest drives in the greater Grand Rapids area.

 

   Cascade Woods  Absorption Market Report  

                        December 2008

    9 Homes For Sale,  1 Pending,  11 SOLD, 24 Expired

 

Cascade Woods Active Listings: 9

Cascade Woods Active average price - $327,056

Cascade Woods Active average $/SqFt - $110.20

Cascade Woods Active average days on market - 92

 

Cascade Woods Sold Listings: 11

Cascade Woods average sold price - $249,073

Cascade Woods average sold $/SqFt - $ 110.37

Cascade Woods average sold days on market - 106 days

 

Cascade Woods Expired Listings: 24

Cascade Woods Expired average price - $290,591

Cascade Woods Expired average $/Sq/Ft - $ 122.50

Cascade Woods Expired average days on market - 178

 

The absorption Rate for Cascade Woods Homes is 10.8 months,

Which means if no new listings come on the market, it will take

10.8 months to sell the existing inventory.  The average sold price

per SqFt and the Active listings Price /SqFt seem to be aligned. It could

 be home condition which is slowing the sales in this area of older homes.

Today's buyers do not want to do ANY updates, which includes painting,

new kitchens & baths, new flooring. If your Cascade Woods home hasn't

 sold, it is probably condition,  which gets us back to price.  If you don't

want to improve your home, you won't get the same price as people who

have updated and kept their home current.

 

Cascade Woods October 2008 Market Report 

Cascade Woods September 2008 Market Report

Cascade Woods August 2008 Market Report

Cascade Woods July 2008 Market Report

Cascade Woods June 2008 Market Report

 

If you would like further information about Grand Rapids or

Cascade Homes, please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate - Westbrook Realty

 Copyright 2008  All rights reserved

photo of Leslie E Tassell Park on the Thornapple River by Bonnie Westbrook

Ada Woods is an established development of homes in Ada, Michigan,

 just west of Ada and south of Fulton Street (M46).  Ada Woods started

 out as an E.L. Ladd development,  but towards the end of the project

many lots were sold to other builders and completed by individual owners.

  The dates of building range from 1980's to 2005.  Most of the homes 

have more square footage and more amenities than Adacroft Commons,

its  adjacent neighborhood.  As with Adacroft Commons, there is designated

common land in the development that remains heavily wooded and in a

natural state.   This development is in the Forest Hills School System and

 close to several private schools.    

     Ada Woods Real Estate  Absorption Report

                 December 2008

       6 Sold, 4 For Sale, 8 Expired

 

Ada Woods Active Listings: 4

Ada Woods Average Active Price - $ 332,425

Ada Woods Average Active Price/SqFt - $132.53

Ada Woods Average Days on Market - 149

Ada Woods SOLD Listings: 6

Ada Woods Average Sold Price -$ 313,567

Ada Woods Average Sold Price/SqFt - $121.37

Ada Woods Average Sold Days on Market - 119

Ada Woods Expired Listings: 8

Ada Woods Average Expired Price - $ 300,900

Ada Woods Average Expired Price/SqFt - $ 132.48 

Ada Woods Average Expired Days on Market - 158

 

The absorption rate for Ada Woods Homes is 8 months, which

means that if no new listings come on the market, it will take

8 months at the current rate of sales to sell the existing homes

inventory.

  

MARKET SYNOPSIS: As you can see by the numbers, average sold

price has lowered about $ 27,000 since last month. The average asking

 price has lowered a tiny bit, but not enough to get buyers off the fence.

The expired number is up which tells me that some sellers have given up

 trying to get their asking price. 

If you don't have your Ada Woods home priced around $ 120.00 a sq ft,

you will be waiting for a stronger sellers market to sell your home.

 

Ada Woods Market Report June 2008

Ada Woods Market Report July 2008

Ada Woods Market Report August 2008

Ada Woods Market Report Sept 2008

Ada Woods Market Report Oct 2008

Ada Woods Market Report Nov 2008

 

If you have any questions about Grand Rapids or Ada Homes,

please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate - Westbrook Realty

 Copyright 2008  All Rights Reserved

Headley St in Ada Mi photo by Bonnie Westbrook

The East Village subdivision off  Ada Drive in Ada Township is a fairly

new development. The new housing construction started in 2005 and

is still continuing to date. You can buy a resale home or a new home

in this centrally located housing development.  Near both public and

private schools, East Village is also close to  Forest Hills and 28th

Street shopping areas. The Ada Bike or Walking Trail also connects

this area on Ada Drive with the village of Ada, Grand Rapids, and the

village of Cascade.

East Village is also close by the expressway for easy access to many

different parts of our greater Grand Rapids area.  Large,

executive style homes with many amenities and extras are the rule in

this neighborhood. If you would like to start with a brand new house,

this may be the place for you to call home.

 Real Estate Market Report

East Village December 2008

For Sale:

There are 5 active East Village Homes with an

average list price of $ 444,780.

The average active East Village price per sq ft (main floor) is $ 167.13.

The average active East Village days on the market is 136 days.

Sold:

There are  10  East Village SOLD homes with an average

price of $ 464,900.

The average price per sq ft for East Village SOLD homes is $161.71.

The average days on the market for East Village SOLD homes

 are 86 days.

The prices are holding relatively steady with a drop for the forth

quarter in 2008, which is usual.  East Village Homes are selling if priced

correctly.  Price per square foot on the main floor must be about $160/SqFt.

The absorption rate for East Village is 6 months, which means if no new

homes enter the marketplace, it will take 6 months for the current home

inventory to sell.  This is a great rate for the Grand Rapids MI area.

 

East Village November 2008 Market Report

East Village October 2008 Market Report

East Village Sept 2008 Market Report

 

If you would like further information about East Village, Ada, or

 Grand Rapids Homes, please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids - Ada Real Estate  - Westbrook Realty

 Copyright 2008  All rights reserved

photo of Ada Bike Trail  by Bonnie Westbrook

The Residences at Watermark are located on Watermark Golf

Course  just south of Cascade Road.   If you don't like golf, 

 get defensive when a stray golf ball rolls into your "yard" you

 probably would be better off not buying a home or condo

 at Watermark. Of course you would be missing out on the

best golf course in Grand Rapids (no prejudice  here, just 

the facts, folks)

Yes, I play Watermark golf course every chance I get. Watermark

 is a premier course with a friendly group of players.  We have an

excellent grounds staff and a great pro shop staff.

Watermark single family homes and condos make this a very attractive

place to live. Quality built homes with access off Cascade Road and

Spaulding Drive, you are close to the airport, 28th Street shopping,

I96 expressway and close to Cascade, Ada, and Forest Hills

schools and shopping areas.

 

 

                                        Watermark Residences

                         December  2008 Real Estate Market Report

For Sale:

There are 8 active Watermark Homes  currently on the market.

The average Watermark Homes current active price is $ 777,888.

The average Watermark Homes current price per sq ft is $ 230.96.

The average days on the market for active Watermark Homes is 84.

 The high price is $ 2,700,000 and the low price is $ 179,800.

Sold:

There have been 6 Watermark Sold Homes this year.

The average Watermark Sold Homes price is $ 500,333. 

The average Watermark Sold Homes price per sq ft is $191.68.

The average days on the market for Watermark Sold Homes is 71.

Pending: 1

 

At the current rate of sales, we have a 13.6 month supply of homes on

the market at the Watermark Residences. 

 

If you would like further information about Watermark,

Cascade or Forest Hills Homes, please contact me directly. 

 

Watermark Residences November 2007 Market Report

Watermark Residences October 2008 Market Report

Watermark Residences September 2008 Market Report

Watermark Residences August 2008 Market Report

Watermark Residences July 2008 Market Report

Watermark Residences June 2008 Market Report

Watermark Country Club ~ Pool Time

 

Grand Rapids - Ada Real Estate  - Westbrook Realty

 Copyright 2008  All rights reserved

photo of Watermark Residences Entrance by Bonnie Westbrook

Tamarron Estates is an upscale suburban development with large

wooded lots, walking access to Thornapple Elementary School and

the Thornapple River Backwaters.  It is located just off of

Thornapple River Drive and Cascade Road in Cascade Township.

The house styles vary from large, comfortable ranches, traditional

two stories, to contemporary homes.  Many of the homes were built

in the late 1970's to the mid 1980's, though there is a new street

that has much newer homes on acreage settings.  Some houses close

to and surrounding this development are in the upper price brackets

in the Grand Rapids real estate market.

 

                    Tamarron Residential Real Estate 

                      December 2008 Market Report

                      5 Sold,  7 For Sale, 7 Expired

 

Tamarron Active Listings: 7

Tamarron Average Active Price - $ 500,329

Tamarron Average Active Price/SqFt - $ 137.25

Tamarron Average Active Days on Market - 138

Tamarron  SOLD Listings: 5

Tamarron  Average Sold Price - $ 339,480

Tamarron Average Active Price/SqFt - $ 98.11

Tamarron Average Sold Days on Market - 63

Tamarron Expired Listings: 7

Tamarron Average Expired Price - $ 265,629

Tamarron Average Expired Price/SqFt - $ 112.74

Tamarron Average Expired Days on Market - 124

 

234 homes have sold in Cascade Township in 2008

Average home selling price is $306,712

 

At the current selling rate, we have an Absorption rate of 16.8 months,

which means if no new listings come on the market, it will take 16.8 months

 to clear the current supply of homes.

 

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Tamarron homes are selling but not at the prices that

some sellers would like to see. Today's market is accepting homes under

$100.00 a sq ft. This is a price reduction for this area.  As you can see,

most sellers think their homes will sell at $ 137 a sq ft. This isn't happening.

Even the expired listings aren't selling at $ 112.00 a sq ft. If you have to

sell your Tamarron Estates home now, be sure you are price competitively with

 other properties on the market. Condition plays a large factor in these older

 homes.  If you haven't updated, you aren't going to get top dollar for your

home, the market place is telling you that you need to be at $ 100 a sq ft or

less to see your home sell.

 

Cascade Township has seen tremendous growth in the last fifty

years, though the growth rate has slowed considerably since 2000.

The majority (82%) live in a single family home, and the median

value is  $220,00.  Household incomes in Cascade Township are the

highest among surrounding Grand Rapids areas at $ 87,290.  Most

people in Cascade Township prefer to live here because of the quality

housing, safe areas, and quality schools.

 

Tamarron Estates Market Report June 2008

Tamarron Estates Market Report July 2008

Tamarron Estates Market Report August 2008

Forest Hills Market Report Sept 2008

Tamarron Estates Market Report Oct 2008

Tamarron Estates Market Report Nov 2008

 

If you have questions about the value of your Cascade or Forest Hills

Home, please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate  ~ Westbrook Realty Copyright 2008 All rights reserved

Photo of Tamarron North Entrance by Bonnie Westbrook

Clements Mill is  a newer home development built by Eastbrook

Construction in the Ada MI area, started in 1999 and completed in

2003. Apart from newer homes, part of the appeal is the proximity

of  Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools, Forest Hills

Woodlands 5/6 School, St Roberts & Ada Christian Schools, which

are within walking distance.

Clements Mill is midway between the Village of Ada and Forest Hills

shopping area at Cascade Road and Forest Hills.

Ada's Clements Mill has seen steady to declining values in the short

time it has been built out.  This is largely due to the current over

abundance of houses for sale in a soft resale market. The good news is

that this area continues to be a desirable housing solution for many, as the

current absorption rate of 1 month shows, this is not typical for the greater

Grand Rapids Market.

                Clements Mill  Residential Real Estate

                     Market Report December 2008 

           22 Sold, 2 Pending, 2 For Sale, 10 Expired

 

The Absorption Rate for Clements Mill Ada Township MI

is 1 month, which means if no new listings come on the market,

it will take 1 month for the current homes inventory to sell at

the existing sales rate.

 

Clements Mill Active Listings December 2008: 2

Average Active Price: $182,400

Average Active Price/SqFt: $105.12

Average Active Days on Market: 230

Clements Mill Sold Listings December 2008: 22

Average Sold Price: $271,531

Average Sold Price/SqFt: $122.07

Average Days on Market: 116

Clements Mill Expired Listings: 10

Average Expired Price: $283,300

Average Expired Price/SqFt: $ 131.99

Average Expired Days on Market: 139

 

Clements Mill Market Report Nov 2008

Clements Mill Market Report Sept 2008

Clements Mill Market Report July 2008

Clements Mill Market Report June 2008

 

The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner,

Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since

 2000. There is a new proposed 80 condo units - Villas of Ada

and Stone Falls of Ada - a 210 unit apartment complex, currently

open & under construction here.  The Stone Falls of Ada apartment

 project is adjacent to Clements Mill.  Both are scheduled for

completion by spring 2009 but are open for business now.

 

If you have detailed questions about Ada Homes, Forest Hills Homes or

 just need further information, please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada MI  Real Estate   Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2008  All rights reserved

Ada Drive Walking Trail Photo by Bonnie Westbrook

 

Crystal Springs Development in Caledonia, Michigan is a large, residential

suburban housing development that was started in the late 1980's and

most construction was finished in the 1990's although some newer homes

have been built since 2000. There are also a few vacant lots left to develop.

This development covers a large area around the Stonewater Golf Course

at Crystal Springs south of 68th Street to 72nd Street and encompassing

Kalamazoo Avenue on the east and west.  This development has single

family homes and condos, many located right on the Stonewater Golf Course. 

The public school system is Kentwood, even though the address is Caledonia.

Crystal Springs is close to the shopping plaza at 68th and Kalamazoo,

Kentwood High School, and a short hop to M-6, which is the south beltline for

the Greater Grand Rapids area connecting US 131 on the west and I96 on the

 east side of the city.

 

                   December 2008 Real Estate

                    Residential Market Report

                Crystal Springs Neighborhood

The absorption rate for Crystal Springs, Caledonia MI is 14.7 months,

which means if no new listings come on the market, it will take 14.7 months

 for the current homes inventory to sell at the current rate of sale.

 

Active Listings:  28 Active Crystal Springs Listings

Average Price: $250,509

Price per Sq Ft: $107.09 (Main Floor only)

Average days on the Market: 109

PENDING: 0 homes

SOLD: 23 Crystal Springs Sold Homes

Average Price: $ 205,735

Average Price Per Sq Ft: $ 96.63 (Main floor only)

Average Days on the Market: 71

Expired: 29 Expired Crystal Springs listings

Average Expired Price: $254,748

Average Price Per Sq Ft: $108.34 (Main floor only)

Average Days on the Market: 146

 

Crystal Springs Homes that are priced competitively are selling.

As you can see by the statistics, the homes that have their price

per square foot around $100 are selling in under 3 months. 

Many sellers have retired from the market and will try again in

 the spring.  They might find a better buying market, but prices are

still on the downward trend.  With lower interest rates, this may

spur the local economy and put more buyers into the game.

 

Watermark CC purchases Crystal Springs GC

Crystal Springs GC has a new look & a new name

Caledonia MI Sept 2008 Real Estate Market Report

Kentwood MI Real Estate Market Report Oct 2008

Caledonia MI Crystal Springs Market Report Oct 2008

Caledonia MI Crystal Springs Market Report Nov 2008

 

If you would like additional information about Caledonia

or Kentwood Homes, please contact me directly at

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~Westbrook Realty  Copyright 2008 All rights reserved

photo of Kentwood High School  by Bonnie Westbrook