Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

This well built home situated on a 5 acre parcel with undeveloped land surrounding

it is in a prime location.  Close to Cascade- Ada shopping and amenities but in a

rural setting, this 4 bedroom two story has a great floor plan.  Three bedrooms

 and a full bath upstairs, the main level has a master suite with cathedral ceilings,

bay window, private bath, and walk in closet. 

The main living area has an open floor plan with kitchen, dining, family room

all adjacent and open to each other.  The living room has a separate entrance

to the front porch, so it could be used as a home office.  The back mud room, utility

room and full bath are  just off the kitchen and 2 stall oversized garage.

The rolling wooded hills and privacy are a premier asset, but the owners have

added a 28 x 32 Storage Barn with 13 ft door, fenced yard that can be accessed

fromthe deck or lower level walk out.

TOO LATE - PENDING SALE !!

Listed at $ 249,900 

Contact us for a private showing - 616-292-7263

When you live in a cold climate, the winters are long.

We find our amusements in our backyard. We have a feeder for the birds.

We enjoy watching them up close.

We have several other neighbors who like our feeder, too. 

They are always looking for a free lunch, free breakfast, free snack.

It becomes a part time job to keep them away from the black

gold known as sunflower seeds.

If startled, the moochers will fly into the air and land with a thud! 

It is about 14 feet to the ground.

We will show “The Moocher” in his dare-devil Olympic Class maneuvers……

The Time Trials Begin: How fast can we chase him away?

A few more Seeds before the Actual Events Begin.

Checking out the competition.

Hang Time.

The Clock Starts.

Slippery Conditions on the Vertical Planes.

Great Footwork.

Great Form on the Jump Today.

Waiting for his score and the adulation of the crowd.

 Ada Michigan is fortunate to have started a local Farmer's Market this year

in the parking lot of the Ada Community Reformed Church on Thornapple River Dr

in downtown Ada.  We have been several times buying gorgeous produce from

local farmers.  The tables were piled high with radishes, tomatoes, blueberries,

black cherries, lettuce, spinach, onions, and the first crop of peaches and plums.

It is so difficult to decide......it all looks so good. Should I get a bushel of cukes

to put up as relish or wait to see if my vines produce enough?

 I did buy a dozen eggs (cage free), lettuce, spinach, tomatillos, blueberries,

and black cherries.   The cut flowers and potted plants are a real temptation for

 me but I don't want to water them daily right now.  Which is exactly what I

would have to do if I bought them and planted them now.

There is something I really like about being able to interact with the people who

planted, watered and raised the food I am purchasing to eat.  It makes it so much

more personal that buying produce at a store where it has come from who knows

where (Chile??)  and I have no idea who or what was used to get it to the rack at

the store.  I do realize a lot more people are employed by the store bought

products. I do buy a lot of items at the local grocery stores and will continue to

fo do.  I just like this one-on-one transaction much better.

Here are some photos of the market this Tuesday, August 4th, 2009.

The Ada Farmer's Market is open from 2 pm to 7 pm every Tuesday until Sept.15

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Photos & post by Bonnie Westbrook

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 unit condo site - Villas of Ada

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

 under construction here. Both of these new developments are quite

 close to Adacroft Commons.

                   Adacroft Commons Real Estate

                   May  2009 Market Report

                  2 Sold, 1 For Sale, 0 Expired

Adacroft Commons Active Listings: 1

Adacroft Commons Active Price - $189,900

Adacroft Commons Active Price/SqFt - $94.38

Adacroft Commons Active Days on Market -12

Adacroft Commons SOLD Listings: 2

Adacroft Commons average sold price - $ 187,00

Adacroft Commons average sold price/SqFt - $95.99

Adacroft Commons average sold days on market -13

Adacroft Commons Expired Listings: 0

There is only one current home for sale in Adacroft Commons

listed on the local MLS board.  This is an extremely desirable area

to live, with its close proximity to Forest Hills Central Middle &

High Schools.  In the above stats you can see that homes are

selling for close to the list price, although average $/SqFt has

 decreased slightly since 2008.  

If you have detailed questions or just need general information

about Grand Rapids or Ada Homes, please contact me directly. 

terry@terrywestbrook.com

or call 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate - Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Adacroft Commons Entrance Photo by Bonnie Westbrook

Adatowne is a popular entry level home market in the Ada area of

the Greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area.

Part of the appeal is the proximity of Ada Elementary, Forest Hills

Central Middle and High Schools, Ada Christian Schools, St Roberts

School and being close to the village of Ada. Adatowne is an

established subdivision, started in the early 1970's by E.L. Ladd

Builders of Ada.

 I have held many open houses in these new plats

 and sold many of the homes as new construction - to be built.

If you doubt the power of your home as an investment, a basic

ranch (about 1000 sq ft) sold  for $ 19,900 in 1975.

 Adatowne Residential Neighborhood in Ada, Michigan

        May 2009 Real Estate Market Report

                    4  Sold, 1 Pending, 2 For Sale

 Adatowne Active Listings: 2

Adatowne Average Active price - $146,250

Adatowne Active average price/SqFt - $114.10

Adatowne Active average days on market - 130

Adatowne Pending: 1

Adatowne Sold Listings: 4

 Adatowne Average Sold Price - $ 138,000

 Adatowne Average sold price/SqFt - $ 103.84

Adatowne Average Sold days on market - 143

MARKET SYNOPSIS:  Absorption Rate for Adatowne is 2 months,

which means it would take 2 months for the active listings to sell,

if no other homes entered the market, according to current sales

statistics.  The market is hot in this neighborhood. This is the lowest

absorption rate of any local Grand Rapids neighborhood that on

which we do reports.  Price per square foot is going up for both sold

and active listings. although it hasn't recovered to levels seen in 2004-

2005.

With the new trend of consumers downsizing and the popularity of

Forest Hills Schools, the real estate market should remain strong

and viable for Adatowne homes, as long as they are in "great

condition" and priced about $100 sq ft.

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan ~ Public School News Update May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ April 2009

If you would like more information about Ada or Grand Rapids

 Homes, please feel free to contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate - Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Photo of Ada MI  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. 

                Clements Mill  Market Report

                     January 2009

           23 Sold,  7 For Sale, 12 Expired

Clements Mill Active Listings: 7

Average Active Price: $250,371

Average Active Price/SqFt: $121.52

Average Active Days on Market: 64

Clements Mill Sold Listings: 23

Average Sold Price: $275,421

Average Sold Price/SqFt: $122.27

Average Days on Market: 103

Clements Mill Expired Listings: 12

Average Expired Price: $263,408

Average Expired Price/SqFt: $ 126.19

Average Expired Days on Market: 165

Absorption Rate for Clements Mill homes is averaging

1.9 sold homes per month for 2008/2009 to date.

With 7 current listings, there is a 3.6 month supply.

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

projectis adjacent to Clements Mill.  Both are scheduled for

completion by spring 2009.

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 2009  All rights reserved

Ada Drive Walking Trail Photo by Bonnie Westbrook

A new development is in the initial phases in southern Ada Township.  This new development will be

located between Hall Street and Ada Drive. It is located in Ada Township, Forest Hills School District,

and adjacent to Cascade Township.  Township plans on file say that there is 17 acres in this complex

which borders on the walking trail off Ada Drive.  Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools are

within walking distance, minutes away from Forest Hills shopping, 28th Street and Gerald R. Ford

Airport.

Building will start in 2008, with villa prices ranging from $189,900 to $269,900. Reservations are now

being taken.  Eighty four (84) villas are proposed on the site including a clubhouse with fitness center

 and pool. Models can be viewed at the other site development, the Villas of Rivertown, south of 52nd

Street between Ivanrest and Wilson Avenues until building  commences in Ada.

2-9-09 Update: Construction has started, the Clubhhouse and first condos plan to open this

spring - March - April 2009.

We live very close to this development and will keep you updated on its progress.

We expect to see the bulldozers any day now.    Updated blog article with July photos 

Copyright Terry Westbrook 2008

Featured Grand Rapids Homes

Search for Grand Rapids Homes

Contact me: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 toll free

Website: TerryWestbrook,com

Email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

Westbrook Realty 

sitemap of Villas at Ada courtesy of developer - Epcon

 The Ada Township Assembly Hall was originally the First Congregational Church of Ada, United Church of

Christ, established in 1870, an excellent use of an older structure and very green in today's building and

use standards.   The building was rededicated as the Ada Township Assembly Hall in 1990, as the original sign

out front for the bulletins (pictured below) attests.

 Ada Township was very much in the forefront of the green environmental movement in deciding to use this

historic building in this way.  

The historic building is used for township monthly meetings and other township assemblies. As you can see, the

original pews, stained glass windows, and lighting were kept intact.

 The newer Ada Township offices were attached to the back of the church and house the assessor, clerk and

water departments and other offices.   This is where you need to go to check with the clerk's office about 

paying your water/sewer bill, or getting  your burn permits.                                                                                                   

                               Search Grand Rapids Homes for Sale                        Featured Grand Rapids Homes     

                                            Visit my Website for Grand Rapids and Surrounding Area Information

                                                                     Westbrook Realty

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

                                                                      Website url: Terry Westbrook.com  

                                                                       Email:  terry@TerryWestbrook.com

photos by Bonnie Westbrook

                             VITALE'S RESTAURANT & PUB   425 Ada Drive Ada Michigan    

A bright and airy atmosphere with all the traditional Italian favorites Vitale's is known for: spaghetti, lasagna,

pizza, and all-American favorites also. They have been satisfying customers for many years in the Grand Rapids

area, though the move to new digs in Ada has been recent.  The new restaurant and Pub has lots of room for

dining and the Pub in back has room for a good sized crowd.

Vitale's Restaurant and Pub is a great place to have lunch or dinner. 

 My wife likes the grilled salmon salad and I

like just about everything.

If it is PASTA, I  like it!

Or you can meet your friends for a beverage of choice in the pub and watch your favorite team claim victory on

the large TV screens through out the Pub area.

          Grab a burger & fries and

       spend an evening with the guys.

 PHOTOS BY BONNIE WESTBROOK 

                                                       SEARCH FOR ADA HOMES

                                                         Grand Rapids Real Estate is My Real Job  

                                                   Terry Westbrook's Grand Rapids Real Estate Blog    

                                                        Copyright by Terry Westbrook 2008

                                                                                Westbrook Realty

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

                                                             Website url: Terry Westbrook.com  

                                                              Email:  terry@TerryWestbrook.com

No remuneration, consideration or value was received for advertising Vitale's Restaturant & Pub on my blog.

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