Lola Audu, CRS GRI

Associate Real Estate Broker & Owner Audu Real Estate, Grand Rapids, Michigan

I have been a Realtor since 1995 and have had the opportunity to meet and assist hundreds of families and individuals. Over 95 percent of my clients hear about me from a friend or family member. I don't believe in a cookie cutter approach, rather I think that each transaction should be handled the way a skilled tailor would fashion a suit made to fit.

I have travelled extensively within the United States and several countries.  My background in an international community exposed me to individuals from all over the world.  As our nation becomes increasingly diverse, this wonderful opportunity I have to live, work, play and gain knowledge about all God's children is a gift I celebrate every day!

*Lola has written and taught a variety of courses.  View her Training courses on-line....

About Us...

An important professional development this year is the opening of our new real estate agency, Audu Real Estate. We've outgrown our previous location and will be moving to a brand new refurbished office on the corner of Alpine and 4 Mile just behind our current office.  The address is 3659 Alpine  Our office suite is adjacent to Audu Engineering Consultants, a full service civil enginering firm. Audu Engineering Consultants also provides structural services and design consultation for subdivision developers which enhances the options available to our investor clients. 

Meet Our Team

Our team currently has  full-time real estate specialists who work with several auxilliary consultants in the lending and inspection industry and strive to provide memorable, grace-filled real estate transactions to our clients, their family and friends.  Each Client Specialist at Audu Real Estate commits to a rigorous on-going program of training and personal development.  "On Track for Success" our agent training program is a 1-2 year long apprenticeship to ensure that the skill and art required to become a professional real estate practitioner are mastered.

This commitment to excellence and dedication to our clients is expressed daily in follow-up, follow-through and results!  Meeting and exceeding your expectations means that home sellers and home purchasers receive extensive research for their homes and several have received multiple offers on homes listed for sale this year; one of the most challenging markets our local area has ever experienced!

Audu Real Estate: How We do Things Differently.

In addition to assisting sellers with selling their homes and assisting buyers with their home purchase, we offer a number of specialized unique services and products which include:

1.  Staging your Home for Success

We provide staging expertise to help you make your home a memorable showing experience for potential home buyers and their real estate agents.  We have access to a number of individuals who have extensive experience in interior design and home accessorizing.   The service of staging can cost several hundreds of dollars, but there are indications that a properly staged home nets 7-13% More than a home which is not staged. This service is FREE to our clients.  To learn more....

2. E-Neighborhood Reports- FREE to our Seller & Buyer Clients

An E-Neighborhood Report is a detailed 15-30 page report about the neighborhood including recent sales, types of financing, community demographics, types of homes and much more! We also make this informative report available to buyers to compare up to 4 DIFFERENT communities before making an important investment decision. The E-Neighborhood neighborhood analysis is combined with a Professionally prepared Comparative Market Analysis to focus on homes which are most like yours in your community.  The benefits of understanding these facts prior to listing or purchasing a home are important in protecting your home equity. To learn more...

3. Broker is also a trained Loan Originator and has processed closed loans

We are Realtors and this is by choice.  But as the mortgage industry has expanded in recent years, it became clear that we needed to have more understanding in this area for the benefit of serving our clients. We are able to provide assistance to clients in selecting the right loan and reviewing options for financing. The Broker's knowledge of financing has helped clients make wise choices in a number of different situations including re-financing a home, negotiating short sales with banks and comparing different mortgage programs.  We will work to create a cooperative working arrangement with any Mortgage lender the buyer selects and monitor the transaction to ensure a smooth closing. 

4.  Experience with Relocation and Sales nationwide and internationally

We have closed transactions with clients in a number of states and have worked with clients who have been relocated or been on assignment overseas during the process of transaction.  Lola Audu's cross-cultural experience in living and visiting several countries on three continents gives her a window to the world and this appreciation and dexterity enables us to provide an understanding environment which is sensitive to the unique challenges of differences in backgrounds and culture.  We serve and honor the dignity of the human soul and that transcends culture.

5. Foreclosure & Short Sale Negotiation

For Homeowners...

We have successfully negotiated and assisted many clients through the bewildering and disheartening process that often accompanies the unfortunate circumstances which may necessitate a short sale. Our focus and energy is directed in giving sound counsel and providing clarity.  We understand that by the time a short sale or foreclosure is necessary, people are drained on a number of different levels.  Our goal is to provide the information & support to get the home sold and whenever possible avoid more trauma.

For Home Buyers... 

Grand Rapids, Michigan has recently gained national recognition as being one of the most affordable places to live in the United States.  This is a solid community and Investors are beginning to appreciate the opportunities that exist here.  If you are interested in investing in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, this is an excellent time to be a buyer. We provide a number of services and referrals for Investor clients.

Get Free List of Forclosures in West Michigan and surrounding communities.... 

6. Thoroughly Well Trained Agents

Every new agent with Audu Real Estate is enrolled in a 1-2 year apprenticeship.  In addition to weekly educational classes, agents are required to complete assignments and work with a skilled Mentor to develop their skill set.  All contracts are reviewed by the Mentor.  Because we know that we can't improve or correct what we do not know, ALL clients are given an opportunity to grade our agent experience.  Compliments our agents have received can be viewed here. You can also see Examples of Class Selections and Training offered through Audu Real Estate including our NEW 2007 Learning Series.

7. Negotiation of Transaction & follow-up Through to Closing

We present all offers and include a Net Sheet.  There is NEVER a surprise about the proceeds at a closing.  Negotation is a skill set and an art form.  It requires an understanding of legal implications and an ability to protect and enhance a clients options and position.  The real estate transaction is inherently adversarial.  Both parties aim to get the best deal possible.  We don't think this necessitates enmity.  Our aim is to ensure a fair and good result for our clients.  We know that our reputation for fairness and competence benfits our clients and their real estate concerns.

When you're ready, Use this Site to Search for Homes in Various Local Grand Rapids Area School Districts....

Search the Local MLS for Homes in Byron Center School District,Allendale School District,

Cedar Springs School District, Caledonia School District

Comstock Park School District, East Grand Rapids School District

Forest Hills School District,Grand Rapids School District

Grandville School District,Wyoming School District

8. Other Stuff...

Yes, there are all sorts of things that we do to serve our clients.  First of all, it is our sincere desire to build friendships, not just sell homes.  We take the time to really listen and seek to understand.  We keep in touch, not just because it is our job, but because we want our clients to be informed participants in the process and we also enjoy touching base.  We've assisted with arrangements for cleaning, moving unwanted debris, shoveled snow, made a bed, done some dishes.  But, what's this amongst friends!  Lastly, we know that no one is introduced to our practice by accident.  We strive to discern the true reason for the encounters we experience. Our weekly prayer focus for each client is for God's blessing in their lives in the way they need it most.  Sometimes, this may be the greatest service we give.

BLOG DISCLAIMER

The information contained in the articles on this blog is the property of Audu Real Estate. Comments posted in response to individual blog posts are the opinions of the respondents. Audu Real Estate is not responsible for the opinions, thoughts or ideas expressed by visitors to this blog nor for any liability for any damages or losses direct or indirect that may result from the
use or reliance on information contained herein. The information provided is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.  This blog is provided for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to contact a real estate professional for specific counsel related to their individual real estate needs.

Recent testimonial-- 2008

January 21, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

After my husband got a new job, we needed to move.  Having been married just over a year, we were not planning to become homeowners so soon, but seeing that the market seemed to favor buyers, we decided to look into purchasing our first home.  We received a personal referral from a close friend to consider Audu Real Estate.  After our initial meeting with Lola Audu, we knew we had found the right real estate agency.

Lola was very personable and genuinely interested in our needs.  She asked us what kind of things we were looking for in a home, but she also asked us what our personal interests were and where we saw ourselves in the future.  We enjoyed the conversation and were impressed by the holistic approach that Lola took.  In addition she explained many of the home buying process basics.  Click here to continue reading...

Dear Renee & Lola

I wanted to write a quick note and thank you BOTH for all the love and concern and just plain WORK you put into our journey of finding the "right" owner for my folks home these last 6 months.  

I was pleased from beginning to end with everything.   It was all handled with such excellence and I am sure quick to refer anyont to your company, Lola :)  And thank you for the lovely roses that were delivered to the office on Friday...What a treat!!!    You two were the best.  Thanks again for everything,  

Thank you so-o-o much for your diligence; but most of all for your prayers.  Praise God

Flo G.

Dear Lola,
Thank you for taking time for the staging appointment at my folks home.  What a neat experience!  I learned so much and realized how much you know.  Thanks again for being everything God has called you to be.

Love Sue

Dear Lola & Ed,

Thank you for giving us such a smooth closing on the condo.  It is always enjoyable to work with professional Realtors like yoursevles.
Best wishes,

Dave

P.S. Let's not wait another 5 years to do another deal!

Things went great!  Thank you again.

Rich & Linda

Please visit us on-line at http://www.auduhomes.com/ to view many comments from our clients!