Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

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. 

 

 

 

Listed at $119,900 MLS # 778250

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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Are you searching for a large, well decorated home in a vibrant community with

lots of character, amenities, and access to a clubhouse and pool membership?

This large, 6 bedroom, 4 bath home located in Bailey's Grove is on the market.

 

The fireplace is lit, the sun is streaming through the windows, Cleo is in her favorite

spot ready for football or movie viewing.

Dining Room has a recessed tray ceiling, buffet inset and architectural pillars to

separate it from the front entry.

The master bedroom has a cathedral ceiling, a large bay window bay  with great views

of the wooded lot.

 

This Flex Room on the main floor could be a bedroom, a home office, or a live in

apartment since it has private access to a full bath.

This former Designer's Model built in 2000 sports a wrap-a round porch, backyard deck,

wooded lot with professional landscaping, and a three car garage.

Listed at  $264,900        More information here

 

We have gathered a list of the TOP Kentowood 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. 

Lowest prices/Sq Ft range from $32.37 to $59.95 in Kentwood this month.

 

January  2010  19 TOP BEST BUYS in  Kentwood MI Homes

The lowest list price is $ 29,900

the highest list price is $139,900

 

Top Kentwood MI Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

7213 Regal Ave          $29,900    750 Sq Ft      $39.87/SqFt

126 58th St SE          $32,900     772 Sq Ft      $42.62/SqFt

426 Pine Vista St      $45,000     1248 SqFt     $36.06/SqFt

337 60th St  SE         $54,000     1457 Sq Ft    $37.06/SqFt

3394 32nd St SE        $54,900     1696 Sq Ft    $32.37/SqFt

 

3685 Giddings Ave    $59,900     1470 Sq Ft    $40.75/SqFt

150  58th St SE         $59,900     1007 Sq Ft    $59.48/SqFt

453 Pine Place St     $59,900     1248 Sq Ft    $48.00/SqFt

155 Wavell St SE       $70,000     1350 Sq Ft    $51.85/SqFt

2097 60th St SE         $70,000    1300 Sq Ft    $53.85/SqFt

 

1620 Mapleview St   $79,900    1900 Sq Ft     $50.99/SqFt

5393 Newcastle Dr    $80,000    2696 Sq Ft    $44.92/SqFt

5818 Pinetree Ave    $84,900     2200 Sq Ft  $38.59/SqFt

3200 Brook Trail SE   $85,000    1451 Sq Ft   $58.58/SqFt

106 Regent St SE      $89,900    1872 Sq Ft   $48.02/SqFt

 

1260 54th St SE        $118,800   3406 Sq Ft  $57.87/SqFt

4658 Meadow Lk Dr  $119,900   2000 Sq Ft  $59.95/SqFt  

3615 Kalamazoo Ave  $124,900  2725 Sq Ft  $45.83/SqFt

1889 60th St SE         $139,900   2436 Sq Ft   $57.43/SqFt

 

Kentwood &  Wyoming have been hit hard by unemployment, auto-

motive plant shutdowns and loss of population. Short Sales are

extremely difficult for most home buyers to consider as a purchase. 

Please keep in mind the time alone [3-9 months] of negotiating with

the banks makes it almost impossible for some buyers to consider.

 

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.

 

More Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Articles

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

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

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

please call 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or email us at:

terry@terrywestbrook.com

All information is subject to verification & no liability for

omission or error is assumed.

We have gathered a list of the top East Grand Rapids 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.  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.

 

January 2010 – 22 TOP BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $62.80 to $119.88

Highest List Price -  $ 450,000

Lowest List Price -  $ 89,900

 

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

729 Gladstone DrSE    $  89,900      800 Sq Ft   $112.38/SqFt

2361 Burchard St        $125,900    1455 Sq Ft   $109.00/SqFt

2258 Lake Dr SE         $142,000    2261 Sq Ft   $62.80/SqFt

159 El Centro Blvd      $149,900    1848 Sq Ft   $81.11/SqFt

1647 Franklin St          $149,900    1392 Sq Ft   $107.69/SqFt

 

847 Orchard Ave        $159,900    1350 Sq Ft   $118.44/SqFt

252 Hodenpyl Rd       $164,500    1489 Sq Ft    $110.48/SqFt

1530 Groton Rd         $169,900    1694 Sq Ft    $110.32/SqFt

2752 Robinson Rd      $169,900   1532 Sq Ft    $110.90/SqFt

1433 Edgewood Ave  $179,900   1738 Sq Ft    $103.51/SqFt

 

2937 Lake Dr              $179,900   1602 Sq Ft    $112.30/SqFt

1160 Conlon Ave        $180,000   1889 Sq Ft    $95.29/SqFt

1707 Hall St SE           $189,900   2229 Sq Ft    $108.33/SqFt

2840 Cascade Rd        $209,000     2272 Sq Ft   $116.63/SqFt

2150 Anderson Dr      $209,000    3322 Sq Ft   $75.29/SqFt

 

1747 Danby Lane       $215,000     1951 Sq Ft   $110.20/SqFt

1401 Pinecrest Ave   $220,000    2350 Sq Ft   $103.97/SqFt

1150 Gladstone Dr    $240,000    4220 Sq Ft   $102.56/SqFt

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

1245 Woodshire Ave $269,500    2248 Sq Ft   $119.88/SqFt

 

1401 Breton Rd        $349,700     3873 Sq Ft   $102.85/SqFt

455 Plymouth Ave    $450,000     3852 Sq Ft   $116.82/SqFt

 

East Grand Rapids bargains have all but disappeared.   Only one home

under $100K (it is under 1000 square feet) has been listed for the past

 8 months.

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 most

areas, like East Grand Rapids and Forest Hills. Homes in good condition

and priced appropriately are selling quickly. 

*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

We have gathered a list of the TOP Caledonia Michigan Houses to buy,

based on price per square foot.   Price per square footis 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.

 

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $39.96 to $89.49 in Caledonia.

January 2010   TOP BEST BUY Caledonia MI Homes

Highest list price is $249,000 Lowest list price is $44,800

 

The Top 19 Caledonia Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

 

105 Johnson St SE       $ 44,800    1121 Sq Ft    $39.96/SqFt

3940 68th St SE           $ 70,000     2247 Sq Ft   $59.52/SqFt

8585 Acorn Ave SE      $ 87,900     1282 Sq Ft   $68.56/SqFt

7221 Kettle Lake Dr    $106,900    1782 Sq Ft   $59.99/SqFt

9628 Morse Lake Ave  $132,000    2751 Sq Ft   $56.17/SqFt

 

213 Johnson St SE       $134,900    1942 SqFt    $69.46/SqFt

6606 Buttrick Ave        $139,876     2674 Sq Ft   $88.08/SqFt

1648 Crescent Pointe   $144,900     2047 Sq Ft  $70.79/SqFt

4508 Rolling Ridge Dr    $148,624    2070 Sq Ft   $71.80/SqFt

1616 Crescent Pointe   $158,500     2174 Sq Ft  $72.91/SqFt

 

308 Elm St SE               $158,500     2907 Sq Ft   $88.20/SqFt

327 Johnson St            $178,500     3000 Sq Ft   $59.50/SqFt

8845 Whitneyville Ave  $179,800    3000 Sq Ft   $81.73/SqFt

8563 Haystack Rd SE    $189,000     2112 Sq Ft   $89.49/SqFt

8706 Alaska Ave SE      $189,900     3121 Sq Ft   $60.85/SqFt

 

7328 Patterson Ave     $190,000     3227 Sq Ft   $76.71/SqFt

8860 Vincent Ave SE   $236,772    4272 Sq Ft    $55.42/SqFt

10441 E Rivershore Dr  $239,900    3095 Sq Ft   $77.51/SqFt

9555 Kraft Ave SE        $249,000      3216 Sq Ft  $77.43/SqFt

 

Only 3 homes priced under $100K, we are starting to see prices

 creep up and inventory go down, so if you have been waiting

for the best time to buy in Caledonia, don’t wait much longer.

The Buyers Tax Credit is available for First Time Buyers and

homeowners who have lived in their homes for the past 5 of

8 years only until April of this year.  We don’t expect it to be

renewed and interest rates will likely go up.  NOW is the best

time to buy a Caledonia home.

 

*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

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

U.S.News & World Report has published it’s ranking of Top High Schools

in the United States  last month for 2010.  Of the 21,00 schools in the country

considered, Michigan was ranked overall in 26th place, with 864 schools

ranked. 

Of these, 324 were considered eligible for ranking and 75 made Gold,

Silver, or Bronze status.  Twenty were awarded Silver or Gold Rank in

the state and of these, Kent County  had 7 Open Enrollment High Schools

awarded Silver.  Fifty Five high scbools in Michigan were awarded Bronze,

3 in Kent County.

 

 

 

Silver Award Schools:

City High-Middle School – Grand Rapids MI

Forest Hills Eastern High School- Grand Rapids - Ada MI

Forest Hills Central High School – Grand Rapids – Ada MI

East Grand Rapids High School – East Grand Rapids MI

 

Bronze  Award Schools:

Kelloggsville High School – Grand Rapids MI

Lee High School – Wyoming MI

Lincoln School – Grand Rapids MI