Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Home Sales Program

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:17:47 -0500

HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Home Sales Program

This HUD program is available to a select group:

Law enforcement officers
Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers
Firefighters
Emergency medical technicians

These buyers are offered a discount of 50% from the list price of a HUD home.

The buyer must remain in the home for 36 months and be your sole residence.

The program is being offered in certain areas, revitalization areas, are listed

only for sales through the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales program for purchase

through the program for five days.

HUD requires that you sign a second mortgage and note for the discount amount.

No interest or payments are required on this "silent second" provided that you

fulfill the three-year occupancy requirement.

The number of properties available is limited and the list of available properties

changes weekly. To learn more, go to Good Neighbor Next Door.

Originally published at Grand Rapids Real Estate Blog

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Real Estate Myth #7: Waiting for Spring to Sell Your Home Will Get You More Money

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:39:39 -0500

Real Estate Myth #7: Waiting for Spring to Sell Your Home Will Get You More Money

The old adage that told sellers to wait until the improved spring market

to put their home up for sale is just that – an old saw. And not true today.

Buyers tend to favor the spring and early summer market to move but this time

around, it could be costly for both buyers and sellers.

If you haven’t been following real estate news, yes, I know, it starts

to become blah, blah, blah, after awhile; then you might be unaware of the

shadow inventory. All the experts agree, this 4 million+ housing inventory

of foreclosed and about-to-be foreclosed homes is weighing the market down

right now—and we have 45 more months of inventory to work through.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Grand Rapids Michigan November 2011 Sales Stats

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:09:35 -0500

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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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Forest Hills and East Grand Rapids Schools on AP District Honor Roll

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:38:22 -0500

Forest Hills and East Grand Rapids Schools on AP District Honor Roll

East Grand Rapids and Forest Hills Public Schools merited placement on

College Board’s second annual report. This report names schools that have

had significant gains in advanced placement access and student performance.

Nationwide, only 367 public schools were on the list this year. To earn a

place, schools must increase the student count enrolled in advance placement

coursework while maintaining or increasing the percentage of students

earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams.

Since 2009, East Grand Rapids High School has increased their student

participation in AP classes from 183 to 257, offering 13 different AP classes

to high school students. Forest Hills District increased their number of students

from 630 in 2009, to 774 in 2011.

SEARCH FOR EAST GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

East Grand Rapids Photos

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Forest Hills Schools Photos

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Roselle Park Improvement Plans Announced

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:13:30 -0500

Roselle Park Improvement Plans Announced

Future improvements to the popular Roselle Park in Ada Township

have been set. The Master Plan calls for a new main entrance,

a Resource Center that will hold 75 people for meetings, a kitchen,

a veranda, restrooms, and adjacent parking. Trails and boardwalk

would be extended into the park from this new building near the

new entrance across from Michigan Street. Additional future

enhancements will be an Adventure Playground and a Picnic Area

for large groups.

Most of these future improvements are waiting for funding through

grants, memorial gifts, and donations by local individuals and service

groups. If you are interested in donating funds, a tree or bench in

memorandum, contact Mark Fitzpatrick, Ada Director of Parks at

616-676-9520 or email him at mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com.

SEARCH FOR ADA HOMES

Roselle Park Photos

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Grand Rapids Michigan Third Quarter 2011 Suburban Real Estate Market Reports

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 11:58:00 -0400

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

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Grand Rapids Michigan Oct 2011 Best Buy Suburban Real Estate Market Reports

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:38:28 -0500

Grand Rapids Michigan Oct 2011 Best Buy Suburban Real Estate Market Reports

Every month we search the West Michigan MLS for the best buys in each of

the suburban areas we cover extensively. These reports are based on cost

per square foot, a logical way to approach the cost of home buying.

Lowell Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Oct 2011

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Oct 2011

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Oct 2011

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Oct 2011

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Oct 2011

Rockford Michigan Top Best Home Buys Oct 2011

If you have an interest in a Top Best Buy Home, please contact me.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Is Pricing Stalling Home Sales?

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:32:09 -0500

Is Pricing Stalling Home Sales?

Recent Survey Results:

87% of buyers by survey want a “no fixes” home

67% of buyers think homes are overpriced

77% of sellers have their home overpriced

No one thinks our Grand Rapids housing market is as normal

as it used to be. But many disagree on why. Most Sellers think

their home is worth more than it really is. And most Buyers

think the home of their dreams will be available at fire sale prices.

How do the two sides ever come together to engage in a home sale?

Each of these positions has a grain of truth. The seller’s home

may well have been worth 25-40% more just a few short years

ago. In fact, if they bought at the height of the market, they

will most likely not be able to sell their home for what they paid.

This can be painful and lots of potential sellers are stalled from

selling because they cannot make up the difference between

their mortgage and the home’s probable selling price.

Today’s Buyers are savvy and know what homes are going for

in the neighborhoods they want to live in. Most buyers do research

for 4-12 months before purchasing. But they shouldn’t take an overall

estimate of home sales, like Zillow’s Zestimate to really nail down the

purchase price of their dream home. If there are any Short Sale or

Foreclosed Homes included in the mix, they will usually sell for much

less than a traditional home in good condition, and for good reason.

Not many neighborhoods today have homes that have not been

in either a short sale or a bank foreclosure. Major repairs on these homes

are usually required and may need to be completed before occupancy.

Since most Buyers want a NO FIXES home, this means they will likely

have to pay the market price for the home of their dreams, and the

Seller will have to sell at market pricing.

This is where the art of negotiation by your REALTOR comes in.

Negotiating a 10% difference in price can take some time for both parties

to come to an agreement. Don’t be mistaken, expert negotiating skills

are paramount to getting a home sale closed.

Syndicated from Grand Rapids Real Estate Blog

_____________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Foto Friday - Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club Arcadia Michigan

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 11:43:26 -0400

Foto Friday: Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club Arcadia Michigan

This photo slideshow takes you on a little trip to northern Michigan

on a gorgeous fall day in early October. The spectacular scenic links at

Arcadia Bluffs was our challenge for the day.

Thanks for going on a trip to Arcadia Bluffs with us. Michigan and golf

are great companions, as you can see.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Ada Michigan Roselle Park Fall Festival Oct 1 2011

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:49:49 -0400

Ada Michigan Roselle Park Fall Festival Oct 1 2011

Saturday, October 1st, 2011 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m
1010 Grand River Drive, Ada MI 49301

A free day of fall festivities in a natural nature preserve.

All are invited to one of Ada Townships favorite parks –a free event!!

Come out to enjoy live music, good food, exhibitors’ tent, a native

plant sale, family activities, games, live birds of prey and much more!

Grand Rapids ArtPrize 2011 in Full Swing

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:50:13 -0400

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.

_____________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Foto Friday - Wyoming Michigan 2011 Classic Car Show

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:07:25 -0400

Wyoming Michigan 2011 Classic Car Show

If you are of a certain age, these classic cars shown at the Classic Car Show

in Wyoming Michigan on July 24, 2011 at the Resurrection Life Church will

bring back lots of memories.

I really appreciated the details on this classic car from the 1950’s. I recall

those white interiors and the fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror.

The drive in restaurant tray with the food really brought back our younger

days. We used to get strawberry pie from Big Boy’s on Pearl St

delivered by car hop! Can you remember those days??

If you would like to see more photos from the Classic Car Show in Wyoming,

check out our Flickr Set.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Forest Hills Michigan Schools Rank Top in Nation 2011

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 10:38:54 -0400

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.

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

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_____________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Forest Hills Public Schools Resolve $9.5 Million Budget 2011 Shortfall

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:42:56 -0400

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.

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Foto Friday - Grand Haven Idyll

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:19:35 -0400

Foto Friday – Grand Haven Idyll

Summertime in West Michigan is magical, if you are paying attention.

Our good friends, John and Betsy were celebrating good news by taking a

few days of camping at Grand Haven State Park. They asked us out for

a walk along the boardwalk and a bite to eat at Snug Harbor.

We jumped at the chance to see the big lake [that’s what the locals call it],

we haven’t been there at all this summer.

And shame on us, as you can see by the lovely sunset we experienced.

We had our lawn chairs parked on the beach on a perfect summer evening,

soaking up the atmosphere. It doesn’t get much better than this.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

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Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Home Sales Program

Real Estate Myth #7: Waiting for Spring to Sell Your Home Will Get You More Money

Grand Rapids Michigan November 2011 Sales Stats

SEARCH GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

Forest Hills and East Grand Rapids Schools on AP District Honor Roll

SEARCH FOR EAST GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Roselle Park Improvement Plans Announced

SEARCH FOR ADA HOMES

Grand Rapids Michigan Third Quarter 2011 Suburban Real Estate Market Reports

Grand Rapids Michigan Oct 2011 Best Buy Suburban Real Estate Market Reports

Is Pricing Stalling Home Sales?

Recent Survey Results:

87% of buyers by survey want a “no fixes” home

67% of buyers think homes are overpriced

77% of sellers have their home overpriced

Foto Friday - Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club Arcadia Michigan

Ada Michigan Roselle Park Fall Festival Oct 1 2011

Grand Rapids ArtPrize 2011 in Full Swing

Foto Friday - Wyoming Michigan 2011 Classic Car Show

Forest Hills Michigan Schools Rank Top in Nation 2011

Forest Hills Public Schools Resolve $9.5 Million Budget 2011 Shortfall

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

MORE FOREST HILLS ARTICLES

Foto Friday - Grand Haven Idyll