Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

Grand Rapids Michigan November 2011 Sales Stats

The November home sales statistics are in and the news looks good.

Sales are up in November across the board in all price ranges.

The price range that has seen the most activity is $100,00 – $ 139,999;

almost 1 in 5 homes sold in November 2011 were in this price category,

with overall highs ranging over $1 million and lows under $ 19,000.

 

The Grand Rapids housing market has 24.6% fewer listings year-to-date

than last year.  This means shrinking inventory for buyers and good news for

sellers. 

 

The Average Home Sales Price is up from 2010 by about 3%; from $ 118,217

to $121,920.  In our opinion, this increase is caused by the REO’s and foreclosure

sales numbers are down and more banks are embracing short sales.

 

Please note these prices are averages for the whole Grand Rapids market.

If you would like to know what prices are in your neighborhood, give Terry a call.

 

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Grand Rapids Michigan Third Quarter 2011 Suburban Real Estate Market Reports

 

 

The following suburban market reports cover the third quarter real estate

activity in each Grand Rapids area.  Some local areas are holding their value

better than others.  All areas are still seeing some price erosion, though a

small percentage.

 

If you are considering selling your home, we recommend listing as soon as

possible.  The nation's largest banks still have foreclosure inventory

that has not hit the marketplace.  These estimated 4 million homes will be 

put on the market starting in January of 2012. 

 

We would be happy to give you an idea of what your home is worth today.

Give Terry a call at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0.

 

 

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Report

East Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Report

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Report

 

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Report

 

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Report

 

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Report

Grand Rapids ArtPrize 2011 in Full Swing

What do encyclopedia pages, twine, horsehair, firecrackers,

paper-cuts and aged bronze all have in common?  ArtPrize 2011, of course.

We previewed a few of the ArtPrize 2011 installations at the Grand

Rapids Art Museum last Sunday and have included a few photos of the

diverse entries displayed.

This piece is made from steel and encyclopedia pages.  I knew I shouldn’t

have got rid of that old set of World Books.

This unusual piece is made from twine. Ditto above statement.

Even bronze woman and I have a pose in common.

Many unusual materials were used to recreate this replica

of a war rug.  Did you guess firecrackers?

 

Horsehair, grapevine, and a hand hewn wheel comprise

the elements of this entry. 

The depth and intricacy of these paper sheets has to be seen to

be appreciated.  I had difficulty with paper snowflakes!

 

Don’t miss ArtPrize 2011 this year!  It started on Wed Sept 21

and runs through October 9th.  These and about 1500 other pieces

that will stretch your imagination are waiting for you to view and vote.

 

 Forest Hills Michigan Schools Rank Top in Nation 2011

The new school rankings are out and several local schools made

the best of the best list.  Forest Hills had 3 schools in the top 99th % of

schools, Ada Elementary, 5/6 Central Woodlands and Goodwillie

Environmental.

 

Grand Rapids also had 3 schools  place in the ranking, City Middle High,

John Ball Park Zoo School and  Blandford Nature Center School. 

East Grand Rapids had K-5 Wealthy place in the ranking.

 

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Forest Hills Public Schools Resolve $9.5 Million Budget 2011 Shortfall

Budget woes for school districts are not news for communities today,

as the monetary belt tightens for school districts all over the United States.

But the Grand Rapids Forest Hills Public School District has done a great

job of planning ahead AND getting concessions from their teaching and

support staff.  The recent budget shortfall was lessened by a $7.5

million voluntary decrease in staff and teaching compensation alterations.

The other $2 million will come from the district’s strategic reserves.

 

 

Good schools are valued by the people who live in the community

and Forest Hills has been ranked the number one school district in Kent

County by Grand Rapids Magazine.

 

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MORE FOREST HILLS ARTICLES

 

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Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Forest Hills Homes

(Ada-Cascade) to buy, based on price per square foot.

Price per square foot is a great leveler, if two homes are

priced similarly they should be very comparable in amenities.

These homes might need major repair work done, such

as new kitchens and baths, roofs, new plumbing, electrical &

other major mechanicals.  They may have dated decor,  an

odd floor plan, or additions/add-ons that are not what most

people are looking for.

This list could include properties in Ada Township, Cascade

Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and the

city of Kentwood.

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

prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Top Forest Hills Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

2676 Deli Ct. NE                   $86,000    1092 Sq Ft    $78.75/SqFt

111 Greenbrier Dr SE          $88,400    1610 Sq Ft   $54.91/SqFt

2512 Appleton Ave NE        $92,500    1224 Sq Ft   $75.57/SqFt

9035 Bailey Dr NE                $98,500    1272 Sq Ft   $77.44/SqFt

4191 Bradford St                 $129,900   1816 Sq Ft   $71.53/SqFt

 

1043 Farnsworth                $139,900    1680 Sq Ft   $83.27/SqFt

6367 3 Mile Rd                    $ 139,900   1704 Sq Ft    $82.10/SqFt

1607 Thornapple Dr           $149,900    1806 Sq Ft    $83.00/SqFt

6384 Cascade Rd                $159,900    2300 Sq Ft    $69.52/SqFt

3451 Cascade Rd               $160,000     2500 Sq Ft   $64.00/SqFt

 

2150 Forest Hill Ave          $169,500     2144 Sq Ft   $79.06/SqFt

6905 Adaridge Dr SE       $169,900    1896 SqFt    $89.61/SqFt

8824 Grand River Dr           $169,900     2330 Sq Ft   $73.92/SqFt

6588 Tanglewood               $170,000     1977 Sq Ft   $85.99/SqFt

4116 Burton St SE               $170,000     2682 Sq Ft   $63.39/SqFt

 

6181 Witherbee Dr SE        $174,900    2022 Sq Ft   $86.50/SqFt

2457 B Leffingwell             $179,900   2070 Sq Ft     $86.91/SqFt

7244 Thorncrest                 $179,900   2077 Sq Ft    $86.62/SqFt

 

1537 Laraway Lake           $185,000   2166 SQ Ft     $85.41/SqFt

2324 Beatrice Dr NE          $225,000   2690 Sq Ft    $83.64/SqFt

 

 

 

5900 Hall St SE                 $239,900   2880 Sq Ft    $83.30/SqFt

8275 Bailey Dr SE            $249,900   3192 Sq Ft    $78.29/SqFt

955 Honeycreek Ave      $289,900    3828 Sq Ft   $81.99/SqFt

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer buying season is on and heating up in Forest Hills,

64 sold homes and 85 pending sales in the last month.

Average sold price  = $ 285,802

 

Pricing seems to have stabilized in Forest Hills School District.

If you are willing to do repairs and update a home, there are still some

good buys at historically low interest rates, though rates and mortgage

requirements are rising.  The homes in the most up-to-date condition

sell the fastest, as most buyers do not want to do repairs or updates.

WARNING: Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures,

short sales and not habitable as is or available for a mortgage

in present condition.

 

 

 

Search For Forest Hills Homes

Search Short Sale & Bank Owned Forest Hills Homes

 

More Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles

 

If you would like to see a Forest Hills Home, please contact

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

terry@terrywestbrook.com

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – East West Village Jan – June 2011

Quick Snapshot of East West Village Residences Real Estate Activity

Jan 1 through June 30, 2011

Active Listings – 7

Pending Sales – 3

Sold Properties – 4

Average Sold Price – $415, 975

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Ada Michigan Photos

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles

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Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes June 2011

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Forest Hills Homes

(Ada-Cascade) to buy, based on price per square foot.

Price per square foot is a great leveler, if two homes are

priced similarly they should be very comparable in amenities.

These homes might need major repair work done, such

as new kitchens and baths, roofs, new plumbing, electrical &

other major mechanicals.  They may have dated decor,  an

odd floor plan, or additions/add-ons that are not what most

people are looking for.

This list could include properties in Ada Township, Cascade

Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and the

city of Kentwood.

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

prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

The Top Forest Hills Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

1767 Thornapple River Dr    $64,000  1092 Sq Ft   $64.29/SqFt

4485 Whitneyville                $75,000   1312 Sq Ft   $57.16/SqFt

2676 Deli Ct. NE                   $86,000    1092 Sq Ft    $78.75/SqFt

111 Greenbrier Dr SE          $93,000    1610 Sq Ft   $57.76/SqFt

1739 Leffingwell                  $96,000   1753 Sq Ft   $54.76/SqFt

9035 Bailey Dr NE             $98,500       1272 Sq Ft   $77.44/SqFt

2565 Kraft Ave SE             $104,995     1176 Sq Ft   $89.28/SqFt

1127 Eastmont                 $119,000       1436 Sq Ft   $82.87/SqFt

1938 Garret NE                 $124,900       1416 Sq Ft   $88.21/SqFt

1043 Farnsworth             $147,900       1680 Sq Ft   $88.04/SqFt

6367 3 Mile Rd NE            $149,900      1704 Sq Ft   $87.97/SqFt

1607 Thornapple River    $149,900     1806 Sq Ft    $83.00/SqFt

3451 Cascade Rd             $160,000     2500 Sq Ft   $64.00/SqFt

2150 Forest Hills Ave     $169,500    2144 Sq Ft   $79.06/SqFt

6905 Adaridge Dr SE       $169,900    1896 SqFt    $89.61/SqFt

4116 Burton St SE            $170,000    2682 Sq Ft   $63.39/SqFt

4571 Orchard Creek        $174,000    2240 Sq Ft   $77.68/SqFt

6181 Witherbee Dr SE     $174,900    2022 Sq Ft   $86.50/SqFt

2457 Leffingwell Dr NE    $179,900    2070 Sq Ft    $86.91/SqFt

8824 Grand River Dr SE   $184,900    2330 Sq Ft    $79.36/SqFt

7535 Woodvale St SE      $189,900    2242 Sq Ft    $84.70/SqFt

614 Prestwick Ave       $195,000     4700 Sq Ft   $41.49/SqFt

522 Edgeworth Dr        $199,900    2280 Sq Ft    $87.68/SqFt

2324 Beatrice Dr NE     $225,000   2690 Sq Ft    $83.64/SqFt

8275 Bailey Dr SE          $249,900   3192 Sq Ft    $78.29/SqFt

955 Honeycreek Ave    $289,900    3828 Sq Ft   $81.99/SqFt

Spring buying season is off and going well in Forest Hills,

55 sold homes and 54 pending sales in the last month.

Average sold price  = $ 315, 638

 

Pricing seems to have stabilized in Forest Hills School District.

If you are willing to do repairs and update a home, there are still some

good buys at historically low interest rates, though rates and mortgage

requirements are rising.  The homes in the most up-to-date condition

sell the fastest, as most buyers do not want to do repairs or updates.

WARNING: Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures,

short sales and not habitable as is or available for a mortgage

in present condition.

Search For Forest Hills Homes

Search Short Sale & Bank Owned Forest Hills Homes

More Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles

If you would like to see a Forest Hills Home, please contact

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

terry@terrywestbrook.com

__________________________________________

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2011

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Forest Hills Homes

(Ada-Cascade) to buy, based on price per square foot.

Price per square foot is a great leveler, if two homes are

priced similarly they should be very comparable in amenities.

These homes might need major repair work done, such

as new kitchens and baths, roofs, new plumbing, electrical &

other major mechanicals.  They may have dated decor,  an

odd floor plan, or additions/add-ons that are not what most

people are looking for.

This list could include properties in Ada Township, Cascade

Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and the

city of Kentwood.

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

prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

The Top Forest Hills Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

3593 Goodwood           $64,000          1216 Sq Ft   $52.63/SqFt

4485 Whitneyville       $75,000          1312 Sq Ft   $57.13/SqFt

2212 Elmer Dr               $84,900          960 Sq Ft     $88.44/SqFt

2676 Deli Ct. NE            $86,000        1092 Sq Ft    $78.75/SqFt

2114 Elmer Dr NE         $89,900         1418 Sq Ft   $63.40/SqFt

1739 Leffingwell           $96,000         1753 Sq Ft   $54.76/SqFt

3435 Dean Lake           $105,000       1311 Sq Ft   $80.09/SqFt

7359 Cascade Rd         $ 109,900      1280 Sq Ft   $85.86/SqFt

2456 San Marie Dr        $109,900       1748 Sq Ft   $62.87/SqFt

1127 Eastmont            $119,000       1436 Sq Ft   $82.87/SqFt

2056 Burton Knoll Ct   $138,900       1944 Sq Ft   $71.45/SqFt

3044 Jeanlin Dr            $144,900       1628 Sq Ft    $89.00/SqFt

1043 Farnsworth         $147,900       1680 Sq Ft   $88.04/SqFt

4191 Bradford              $150,000      1816 Sq Ft   $82.60/SqFt

434 Adaway Dr             $159,900      2000 Sq Ft   $79.95/SqFt

3451 Cascade Rd         $160,000     2500 Sq Ft   $64.00/SqFt

7213 Bronson St          $160,000      1792 Sq Ft   $89.29/SqFt

4116 Burton St             $170,000      2682 Sq Ft   $63.39/SqFt

2150 Forest Hills Ave   $176,900    2144 Sq Ft   $82.51/SqFt

614 Prestwick Ave       $195,000     4700 Sq Ft   $41.49/SqFt

780 Greenbriar             $199,900     3400 Sq Ft   $58.79/SqFt

522 Edgeworth Dr        $199,900    2708 Sq Ft    $87.68/SqFt

2324 Beatrice Dr NE     $225,000   2690 Sq Ft    $83.64/SqFt

7382 Treeline Dr SE       $239,900   3800 Sq Ft    $63.13/SqFt

4324 Heather Ln            $239,900   2704 Sq Ft    $88.72/SqFt

8275 Bailey Dr SE          $249,900   3192 Sq Ft    $78.29/SqFt

955 Honeycreek Ave    $289,900    3828 Sq Ft   $75.73/SqFt

Spring buying season is here in Forest Hills, 40 sold homes

and 96 pending sales last month.

 

Pricing seems to have stabilized in Forest Hills School District.

If you are willing to do repairs and update a home, there are still some

good buys at historically low interest rates, though rates and mortgage

requirements are rising.  The homes in the most up-to-date condition

sell the fastest, as most buyers do not want to do repairs or updates.

 

WARNING: Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures,

short sales and not habitable as is or available for a mortgage

in present condition.

Search For Forest Hills Homes

Search Short Sale & Bank Owned Forest Hills Homes

More Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles

 

If you would like to see a Forest Hills Home, please contact

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

terry@terrywestbrook.com

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Watermark May 2011

Quick Snapshot of Watermark Residences Real Estate Activity

Jan 1 through May 24, 2011

9 Active Listings

1. $ 189,900       5363 Prairie Home Dr
2. $ 324,900       5340 Prairie Home Dr
3. $ 344,460       1959 Talamore Ct
4. $ 399,900       2025 Talamore Ct
5. $ 409,900       2029 Talamore Ct
6. $ 525.000       1648 Watermark Dr
7. $ 599,900       2134 Watermark Dr
8. $ 649,000       5650 Watermark Ct
9. $ 2,495,000    1878 Watermark Dr

 

3 Sold Properties

1. 1975 Watermark Dr  $351,000
2. 5511 Alhambra Dr    $385,000
3. 1664 Watermark Dr  $395,000

 

With 9 listings for sale and only 3 sold  in Watermark,

the absorption rate is 17 months.  Prices have been declining

in this higher priced Forest Hills neighborhood for the last few years.

 

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