Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

Why Aren't Buyers Coming to Look at My Grand Rapids MI Home?

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:32:39 -0600

Statistics have proven for years that when buyers get in front of the computer

to start searching for a home, the questions they want answered are:

How big is the house?
How many bedrooms?
How many baths?
What is the price?

When we list a property and place it on the Multiple Listing Service we are competing

with all the other 3 bedroom 2 bath homes listed for sale in Grand Rapids. Buyers

typically bring up about 40 homes on a search and look on-line at 20 of them in our

Grand Rapids market. The graph below indicates what are the top requirements

to a Grand Rapids home buyer Home Search:

What are buyers looking for when they search for a home?

As you can see from the graph above, this is the order of importance buyers

put in their home searches:

Square Footage
Bedrooms
Baths
Price

Price is number 4 behind Square Footage, Bedrooms, and Baths.

BUT Price is the ultimate point of competition.

They don't see the fabulous photos of your designer kitchen, the visual tour,

your wonderful photos of your "green thumb" garden or the newly

remodeled bathroom if your stats don't compare. If you are not in the top 20

by Square Footage, Bedrooms, Baths, & Price, maybe even the top 10 they

don't even bother with clicking on the photos or details of your home.

Price is the only thing left when you have 40 similar homes on the market

competing for the same buyers. Supply and Demand will continue to rule

the real estate housing market in the forseeable future, and Price Plays a

Major Role.

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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. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Old or New - Michigan Attractions are Unique

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:14:53 -0600

We all like to take a stroll down memory lane. This video shows Michigan

back before our childhood days. It was filmed in 1949 as part of James A.

Fitzpatrick’s Travel Talks. Take a look at our bathing beauties, the “Bear

Man” and our stunning Michigan scenery.

The areas shown have grown and changed but the appeal of

Michigan is still being promoted to tourists today. And they come by

the thousands to see our unique treasures, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes

on Lake Michigan. This area is now a National Park and dune buggies

are prohibited on the fragile dune landscape.

Mackinaw Island has attracted people since early times, the original

residents here in Michigan; the Ojibwa, the French, the English, and

tourists have been coming here since Victorian times.

Thanks for visiting with us in Michigan along this vintage highway

to the past. We hope you decide to visit us in person real soon.

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Ada Michigan Video Tour

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:57:59 -0600

Ada Michigan is a small village and township close to Grand Rapids. It has rolling hills, 2 rivers running through it, and mostly residential housing. The village itself is quaint, located on the Thornapple River, and predates Grand Rapids as a permanent settlement. Come take a look at our community snapshots......... Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty Copyright 2009 All rights reserved All photos taken by Bonnie Westbrook

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Wind & Water Combine for Green Energy on the Big Lake

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:13:59 -0600

Lots of controversy on a proposed wind farm in Lake Michigan about

1-2 miles off the West Michigan shore. Wind Farms are up and

contributing to the grid in Texas, Iowa, California, Washington, and

Minnesota, which are the top 5 wind power states. Wind power

grew by 39% in capacity over 2008, for a total of 35 gigawatts,

according to the American Wind Energy Association.

A proposed offshore Wind Farm that would cost $3 Billion dollars is

trying to get public support for its plan. The Scandia Wind Energy

LLC say it would create thousands of jobs, primarily constructing the

massive wind turbines in the waters of Lake Michigan just south of

Ludington. The company says that location is positioned to transmit

electricity to Chicago or Detroit areas perfectly.

A new jet engine wind turbine with 4 times the efficiency has interested

the DOE enough to give $ 8 Million in grants for further testing. The theory

is that it would take less electricity to power the turbines, so output would

be doubled. This could be the look of the future, with massive wind

turbines scattered over the countryside and in our Great Lakes.

Would these huge turbines intefere with Lake Michigan coastal traffic? Would they

affect the fishing industry? Would they be visible from the shore? There are lots of

questions but there is no doubt that alternative ways of making electricity are at the

top of the list for utility companies, environmentalists, and private citizens. Will the

wind turbines be part of the solution to greener energy?

Update: The city of Grand Rapids is proposing putting two 300 foot wind turbines on

land they own in Grand Haven, on Lake Michigan to power their water plant. If this project

goes forward it would be the first of its type in Michigan.

Photos of Indiana Wind Turbines by Bonnie Westbrook

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Yep - We'll Take a Thumbprint of Your Second Child, Too

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:59:33 -0600

Even though Eleanor is in North Carolina, requirements for a mortgage today

require lots of paperwork and detail checking wherever you live. After reading Eleanor's

blog post, it should give you some idea of what we are all dealing with on a daily basis.

If you can react quickly to all requests, it could make your closing happen faster.

Every delay could foster another document or two.

And try to be patient with the process, it is exasperating for everyone!!

Via Eleanor Thorne 919-649-5057 Cary Mortgage Loans (First Financial Services, Inc):

If you purchased a home in 2005 and find yourself in the enviable position of purchasing again now... you might be surprised by some of the ways the mortgage process has changed.

Oh Sure... you've heard that it's hard to get a mortgage, but you've got 800 credit scores, a ten year job, cash in the bank (2.5 kids AND a dog!)! You might think the stories about a tough time getting a mortgage is all about those "other" poor souls.

These days... it doesn't matter how much money you make, what a great deal you got on the house - or if you have 2.5 kids... we want to know everything, and we have to PROVE/Document everything.

AND... just because your loan is approved does NOT mean that we are through asking you for more stuff! Once a loan is approved by an underwriter, it OFTEN (luck of the draw) goes through a rigorous quality control audit. The audit can require (in addition to any details the underwriter requested) a full tax return, or an updated credit suppliment, or an additional bank statement.

To understand this a little better, consider the Privacy Acts, and how we now use the Internet to store varying data. You might say on a loan application that your telephone number is 222.334.4555... and that MIGHT be the right number. However, when the QC Auditor goes to verify that telephone number as yours (usually online through a service like Reverse Lookup) - they find that it's your CELL number, and therefore not listed.

OR... let's say you applied for your mortgage on January 5th, and provided us with 2 months of bank statements that "drop" on the 20th of each month. We may have to get a copy of your JANUARY 20th bank statement, even if we have enough money verified to close!

So here's our advice, if you are applying for a mortgage in North Carolina (some states are different):

Assume we need everything. All of your tax returns, all of your bank statements, your paystubs, divorce decrees, IRA account statements... all of it.

Assume we need any updated documents you receive after you apply for a mortgage. If the loan officer says you are approved, don't throw those documents away - you probably have another opportunity for us to ask you for it again!

Don't pack financial documents in a box on the moving van unless the loan officer tells you to... just in case. This is Murphy's Law in full force!

Why did we get to this? Well, the fine State of North Carolina requires me to verify that you have the "ability" to pay the loan back. It's not the underwriter who is trying to be so difficult, it's not the QC people, and it's not me. It is the law!

If you are self-employed, and considering a home purchase in North Carolina - please read this!

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Kentwood Michigan Video Home Tour - Bailey's Grove Two Story

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:00:04 -0600

This large home in Kentwood Michigan located in Bailey's Grove has lots of added extras

and tastefully decorated. Our video takes you on a narrated tour of this large 6

bedroom, 4 bath home with a 3 car garage, finished lower level with daylight windows,

and set on a premier wooded lot.

Listed at $264,900

Bailey's Grove Neighborhood has a Community Clubhouse, Community Park, Community

Pool withannual membership available, and a Community Web Site with lots of local

information and neighborhood news.

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Grand Rapids Michigan Cost vs Value Report 2010

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:22:16 -0600

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 believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Grand Canyon West - Our 2007 Vacation Montage

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:06:32 -0600

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.

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

SE Grand Rapids, Michigan Home - New on the Market

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:13:39 -0600

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

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

SE Grand Rapids MI Home Just Listed

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:36:15 -0600

This sharp bungalow in Mulick Park Grand Rapids Michigan has

just come onthe market. If you are looking for an updated

3 bedroom home with a spacious feeling and a great

neighborhood, you might like to check this one out before

it gets sold.

Remodeled kitchen, remodeled bath, new roof, new replacement

windows, new 12 x 16 deck and remodeled upper bedroom have all

been accomplished in the last 2-3 years.

Listed at $ 119,900 – This property is definitely worth a look.

More Photos & Info here

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes - January 2010

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:52:08 -0600

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 believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Lowell Michigan Top Best Buy Homes - January 2010

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:09:13 -0600

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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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Kentwood Michigan - Six Bedroom Home in Bailey's Grove Listed

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 10:31:48 -0600

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 believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes - January 2010

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:29:55 -0600

We have gathered a list of the TOP Caledonia 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 believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes - January 2010

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:39:33 -0600

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 believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263