Ed's Blog

Without Further Ado...

2008-11-13T14:28:37Z

Today I attended my first local WCR luncheon here in Grand Rapids at the Watermark Country Club. I met and talked to several members of the Women's Council and really had an enjoyable time (the food was fabulous). My main reason for attending was that they were featuring a wonderful speaker whom I greatly admire and who can captivate audiences and really get their minds racing.

Without further ado.....I give you Lola Audu.....(that's actually a line I picked up from her)...

As always, she had a lot of interesting things to say and even though I work with her, I constantly pick up new things and get new ideas every time we talk or I go to hear her speak. I really enjoy watching others, though as she shares the information of the new digital/technological age with other Agents and when they finally get it. (As always, she mentions joining Active Rain - I think she's personally responsible for a big portion of the growth of this Network in West Michigan.)

What was my take on the speech? This is the age of the consumer, folks. It's not a time of me, but a time of WE- the Gen Y's. It's definitely a time of sharing what we're learning and passing it on. Helping others help themselves. Do something exceptional and do it exceptionally well. This technology is certainly not just a wave of the future...it's now. Step outside the box and embrace it. Yes, there are challenges in this market but it's up to us to overcome whatever they might be - challenge isn't necessarily a bad thing. Be a Thriver, not a Survivor!

Ed Vogt's Top 2 Featured Grandville Properties

2008-10-01T09:46:43Z

For my top 2 featured properties this week in Grandville, MI we've got two great homes:

3287 34th St., Grandville, MI 49418. 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home with swimming pool in back on a quiet street. Full finished basement with TV/Entertainment room. Large 2 stall garage. Hot home at an even hotter price: $115,000!

My Second Featured Property in Grandville is 5108 Canal: 3 bedroom, 2 full bath raised ranch with walk-out lower level to attached 2 stall garage. Full fenced backyard for your quiet enjoyment or entertaining. Newer carpet, paint and close to malls & restaurants & entertainment. 1744 sq. ft. Great home at a great price: $132,900 Both of these featured properties are also located in the wonderful Grandville School District with it's blue ribbon award winning schools!

Call me, Ed Vogt (Edwina), at Audu Real Estate, to learn more about these fantastic homes and any other of your Grandville Real Estate needs. (Grandville, MI is my home so I'm proud to share these homes and any other info you might like to know about the area). 616-304-0549 or 616-791-0511. Thanks!

Life in Grandville, MI

2008-09-09T15:19:56Z

There's so many things to love about the great city of Grandville, MI - Where do I start? We have a lot of beautiful parks, one of my favorites being Millennium Park which actually is located in Grandville, Walker and Wyoming because of it's enormous size. We have an award winning Blue Ribbon High School - Grandville High; we are centrally located to several bigger cities - Holland, Grand Haven on Lake Michigan and moments from Grand Rapids, we have easy access to all of the highways including the new M-6 and we have a fantastic newer mall - Rivertown Crossings which also has several wonderful restaurants nearby.

Grandville is a city of just under 17,000 so it's definitely a small town with a big city feel. We have the Kent Bike Trails running through here along with other bike trails. I enjoy walking to our downtown area and checking out the Farmer's Market or the Library. The town was originally settled in 1832, but actually can be traced back to the Ottawa Indians (we are located in Kent County, but some of Grandville is in Ottawa County). It became a village in 1887 and then incorporated into a city in 1933.

My favorite event here is the Fourth of July. We really have one of the best fireworks display around and a nice parade - the whole community comes together. We can either walk to a nearby church (which there are several) or to the cemetary to watch the fireworks. We usually have other family and friends joining us because it's so much fun! We also have the Metro Car Cruise every Labor Day. It starts on 28th Street in Grandville and runs several miles down to the other end in Grand Rapids. The event is now a two day affair since it's gotten so big. You can see some amazing classic cars, trucks and other vehicles.

Call me, Ed Vogt at Audu Real Estate if you'd like to learn more about are fabulous city!

Land, Land Everywhere! (Part 2)

2008-08-20T11:00:08Z

From Allegan County, Barry County to Kent County the current prices of land in Michigan are outstanding!

This 16+ beautiful, mostly-wooded acreage with pond is located at 0 128th Ave Par E, Shelbyville (Wayland Township), MI in Allegan County. A nice, secluded ravine is in the middle of the property and the area is full of wild-life, yet very convenient access to 131. Located mid way between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids and close to the proposed Casino. It's also close to my favorite - Hidden Valley Golf Course and lakes and campgrounds, too. Priced at only $139,900.

Also, for another great deal we have this buildable city lot -Kent Co. located at 4515 Hyde Park, Wyoming, MI. The lot is 50 x 100 and the owners have sold a previous lot across the street that a 3 bedroom home was built on. For $20,000, it's a great buy! It also can be purchased with the home at 4507 Hyde Park for $90,000!!

Then we've got a terrific piece of land located in Barry County: 0 Bird Rd. Par F, Hastings, MI. Almost 10 acres of buildable land (9.73), out in the country away from the hustle and bustle of the city - but a short commute to the tri-cities of Battle Creek, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. This property is offered at only $42,900 ... or

Here's a bonus for this property....we've contracted with Greenlife Homes to build a LEED for Homes Certified, Green Build Michigan Certified and ENERGY STAR Certified 3 bedroom/2 bath (2370 sq.ft) custom Green Built Home!!! Mary Bigelow has teamed up with us on this project so we're really excited about it! Offered at $265,000 this home will also be Certified Aging-In-Place by Chris Hall who will meet with the future owners to see what their needs/wants are for this home and how to make it work for them and still keep the integrity of the Green Home.

Contact me, Ed Vogt at Audu Real Estate, 616-791-0511 or 616-304-0549 for further info. Thanks!

Land, Land Everywhere! (Part 1)

2008-08-18T07:37:01Z

Have you thought about building your dream home, instead of buying it? Michigan prices are prime for the picking! I have several lots - most with acreage (Lowell, Hesperia, Shelbyville, Hastings) and a nice city lot in Wyoming available for great prices.

Lowell, MI - 4.99 acres - 0 Tazmania Dr. # 6 on a private cul-de-sac road with a perfect location to build a nice home with walk-out lower level or even allows for double-wides with basement $39,900. Easy access to I-96.How about a perfect "Up North" getaway? This fantastic 40 acre parcel in Hesperia, MI is private, secluded, and surrounded by State/Federal Land. Great for hunting, playing with your atv/snowmobile (even has a storage barn) or just a weekend hideaway. 2 creeks running through the property makes for spotting lots of wildlife. Cleared, fenced area for camping or building a rustic, log home...$120,000

This land is located at 4124 N Warner, Hesperia in Newaygo County, MI.

Call me at Ed Vogt atAudu Real Estate, 616- 304-0549 or 616-791-0511 to learn more about these terrific properties and other Vacant Land we have to offer!

OPEN HOUSES 4507 HYDE PARK & 2744 10TH ST

2008-08-01T14:15:02Z

Everyone is invited to 2 Open Houses I'll be hosting on Saturday, August 2. The first is at 4507 Hyde Park in Wyoming, MI from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cute 2 bedroom, newly floored, repainted and brand new windows for only 74,900.

The second Open House is at 2744 10th St, Shelbyville, MI from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. This custom designed/built 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features a large, open gourmet kitchen with dining area. Walk-out lower level with plenty of room for a 4th bedroom or office and still room for a large family/rec area. The home on 2.67 acres with pond is $209,900 or you can purchase entire 19 acres for 339,000.

Hope to see you there!!

Birthday Tribute in Honor of Gerald R. Ford

2008-07-15T13:36:54Z

Monday, July 14th, 2008 marked what would have been President Gerald R. Ford's 95th birthday. Several of his family members came to pay tribute at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in beautiful downtown Grand Rapids, MI. (First Lady Betty Ford did not make the trip but watched the tribute by live telecast). Two white wreaths were placed by the family (one from Betty) and a red, white and blue one from President Bush which was placed at the gravesite by the highest ranking military official in the U.S. The wreaths are now inside the Museum through the week.

I stopped by the museum/grounds today and did get to view his grave and walk the grounds. Many other admirers also had the same idea, since it's a nice, sunny day. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go inside to see the wreaths - I was walking and only brought my camera & keys - no money. I took several pictures, since one of the last times I had been here was for the viewing at his funeral - a very cold, brisk day in winter. That was a moment in history, itself, so I thought it only appropriate to commemorate his birthday, too. To Gerald "Our" Ford!

2 Closings in One Day!

2008-06-04T11:59:24Z

Okay, so some of you seasoned pros out there have probably done this quite often, and quite a few times, but as a newer agent this is my first. The Grand Rapids, MI real estate market is really picking up! My first client, Faye, and I have been working together for a long time. We'd finally found a few houses she liked, but every time we put an offer in - it was sold. There were several competing offers, in fact. I felt bad for Faye not getting these homes, but it felt good knowing the market is moving and homes are selling. She finally found a home she liked and got an accepted offer - and it wasn't a foreclosure or short sale. I'm so happy for her. She's so happy for her!

My second client also had a competing offer on a condo that she had first made an offer on and finally found the nicest condo (a hidden gem) with high quality craftsmanship that she ended up buying. And what a great price! Again - not a foreclosure. Lola and I are looking forward to her open house.

Here's to two wonderful clients and their two happy homes! May they have many years of happiness!!

Your Summertime Getaway Awaits You!

2008-04-23T10:47:41Z

Wonderful Waterfront rental home with 100' frontage on Crooked River, Alanson, MI (near Petoskey and Indian River - "Up North") is being offered for only $500 per week if you book (with deposit) by May 9, 2008! What a great way to spend your summer (or even winter) vacation! This 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home has over 1400 sq. ft. and is definitely roomy enough for 6 (3 couples, a large family). Fully furnished including TV, washer/dryer, full kitchen amenities and even towels and linens. The home also has a boat house that can accommodate up to a 21' boat and is also one of the few boathouses on the river. Picture yourself relaxing by the seawall on a hot summer night, or having friends and family stop by for a bar-b-que by the large outdoor pit. The lot is large enough to accommodate an RV and your vehicles. Close to some fabulous golf courses, casino, fine dining/shopping and so much more. Minutes away by boat to Burt Lake and the Chain of Lakes. This is a great price and a great opportunity: the home was previously listed at $875 so take advantage of this great deal! Call now for prime dates. Ed Vogt, Audu Real Estate, 616-304-0549, 616-791-0511. Thank you.

Custom Built Home on 19 Scenic Acres Waiting for You to Call Home!

2008-03-27T00:01:28Z

Located in Shelbyville, MI (Allegan County) and centrally located to Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Shelbyville is a quaint, small town with a small town feel so you'll be living in the beautiful country, but on a road that's easily accessible to US131. Being that I'm a golf fanatic, you're two minutes away from Hidden Valley Golf Course which is a personal favorite of mine. You've also got Gun Lake for camping and recreation nearby as well as other lakes and golf courses. Michigan has many, many lakes, small and large for fishing to fun!

How about the home itself? It's a custom built 3 bedroom/2 full bath with oak trim and hardwood oak floors, spacious master bedroom suite with a big walk-in closet and a very roomy bathroom with ceramic tile. The home features cathedral ceilings and an open kitchen (with more beautiful cabinetry and all appliances remaining), large dining area with sliders to an even larger deck. Imagine those special family dinners or the big bbq's you can host. Or maybe you just want to relax on the deck and take in the beauty of the sunset over the pond and the wildlife and sounds of nature. Whatever you prefer, there's several options available for you. 1700 sq. ft. with additional room in the lower walk-out level (rec area) that could easily be turned into a 4th bedroom or office and is also rough plumbed for 3rd bathroom and giving you an additional 1000 sq. ft. of living space. Main floor laundry room with washer/dryer, central air, large 2 stall attached garage w/ hot and cold water and much more.The wonderful land that comes with this home has a ravine, woods and a maintained driving area to view your property...take long walks, ride an ATV or Snowmobile or possibly even horses. Or just enjoy the scenery and the serenity of the countryside. This is the first time this home is offered with the entire 19 acres - so don't miss out on this great opportunity! 2744 10th St., Shelbyville, MI is offered at $349,000. Call now for your personal showing. Ed Vogt - Audu Real Estate. 616-791-0511 or 616-304-0549.

Green By Accident

2008-03-13T10:42:29Z

I like the color green. It's the color of the trees when they're in full bloom, our lawn when there's no water shortage, the name of the place I try to hit my golf ball in one or two shots every time and, last but not least - it's the color of money. It signifies life and living. Being green, to me, signifies being ill since I was a kid (she turned green in the face - not good). Now with everything under the sun being labeled "green" - it's taking on a whole new meaning and life of it's own. So that I now find myself and my lifestyle as "green" is purely an accident.

We've been composting forever simply because it was a good place to put excess grass clippings and old fruits and vegetables. I have been adding coffee grounds and egg shells since I did read that was good for the pile. It's in the very back of our yard and we use it when planting our garden. Oh, by the way, I guess we're "organic", too because we only use bunny drops and compost for our vegetable/herb garden. And we have a vegetable/herb garden. AND we recapture water when it rains in what little buckets/vessels we can to water the gardens.

I'm pretty thrifty (i.e. cheap) when it comes to other things around the house. For my Real Estate paper work I use the back and front of all paper and I recycle because we have a free recycle bin (we also recycle aluminum, glass and plastic). Any sensitive documents I've always shredded and re-used as bunny bedding. Schools are always having paper drives, too, so we've sent newspapers there for years to support the schools.

As for the gas guzzling vehicle, I have one of those that I can't live without. It's literally my office. But we have a sporty little red '89 Daytona that gets a kazillion miles to the gallon and has no air. We usually park it for the winter but with gas hitting $3.45 this week, I bet we'll be getting it out in a hurry. It holds golf clubs and open house signs quite comfortably.

My lifestyle, I guess you could say is "green". I've just always considered it being resourceful.

2 Year Anniversary In Real Estate: Who Do I Thank For That?

2008-03-12T10:33:20Z

March 8 marked my two year anniversary of when I received my Realtors license. A moment, by the way, that was very exciting for me but I hardly had anyone to share it with. The lady at the licensing board congratulated me and sent me on my way, my husband was working, all my friends were too - and I wanted to celebrate. I made a couple of phone calls to people who were in my class that I'd gotten to know and they were happy for me, but busy. Then I called Renee and she dropped what she was doing to join me for lunch. Renee Rothenthaler has been my "themthem" since she first called me out of the blue in January of '06. Her and I had been good friends for many years, but we lost touch and hadn't spoken for probably 7 years. I was glad to hear from her and we talked for awhile. She was prospecting. I didn't realize that at the time, but am thankful that we reconnected. She'd gotten into Real Estate the previous fall and was just calling to share that with me when I told her I always wanted to do that, too. Fast forward to today and I haven't had a chance to look back.

Renee has been such a great help to me in so many ways. She flies under the radar, expects no accolades and is willing to help out - ALWAYS! She's a very giving soul and also has taught me so much. She's a good friend, colleague and person and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for making that phone call to get me where I am today! THANKS!

Time to Build Your Perfect Dream Home!

2008-03-03T10:24:12Z

Are you ready to build that perfect retreat that you've been talking and dreaming about? We've got the perfect piece of land to build it on: almost 10 acres of quiet, serenity located centrally to Hastings, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and even close to Grand Rapids, MI. This acreage has been previously perked and is offered at an unbelievable price of only $42,900. 0 Bird Rd. Par F (just north of Maple Grove Rd.) is located in Baltimore Township, Hastings, MI and in Barry County. It's also close to some wonderful golf courses (Gull Lake has quite a few courses that I've played before). Call us today - Audu Real Estate - 616-791-0511.

Thank You, Lola!

2008-02-26T08:20:29Z

As I am fast approaching my 2 year anniversary in Real Estate (what a ride it's been!) - My first "ThemThem" post has to be about my friend, Broker and Mentor Lola Audu. Many of you are familiar with her posts and her inspiring, insightful and informational blogs. And yes, she is that way in real life, too. I only came aboard as an agent, having previously known Lola, because I wanted to be with someone I could trust. Our office is like one happy family and we share and help each other out - I wouldn't trade that for anything. Lola also challenges you. You better not be in this business if you're not willing to learn and Work. She introduced us all to Active Rain when we didn't understand what a blog even was. She has been a definite "gem" in my life and I want to say THANK YOU!

Welcome to a Taste of Grandville

2008-02-25T14:45:40Z

Get Ready For a "Taste of Grandville"

   The Grandville Education Foundation is hosting the 7th Annual Taste of Grandville on Monday March 3, 2008. This will be the first one I am attending and I'm really looking forward to it. I love good food (who doesn't?) and this promises to have some of the best local restaurants serving up some wonderful dishes. Alicat Kitchens, Biggby Coffee, Brann's Catering, Culver's, Famous Dave's BBQ, Florentine's, Grandville Banquet Center, Jimmy B's Deli, Papa Murphy's Pizza, Olive Garden, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Red Robin, Royal Dutch Bakery (I buy all my Open House cookies there) and Sunnybrook Country club will all be providing food for this occasion. I'm getting hungry just reading the list:)

   Tickets are only $20 in advance and $25 at the door. You can purchase them at the Administration Building or by calling 616-254-6922. The event runs from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m and will be at Grandville High School, 4700 Canal, Grandville, MI 49418.

   Proceeds will benefit the Grandville Education Foundation which provides grants and funding for academic programs that aren't generally covered by the school budget. Entertainment will be provided by middle and High school students and door prizes will be given away throughout the evening. Judging from past reviews, you surely don't want to miss out on this - great food and you don't have to cook!

Looking forward to some of these fine dishes - Hope to see you there!

Give me a call and I'll be happy to share what's happening in the Grandville, MI market. 616-304-0549

Grand Rapids Freebies

2008-02-19T08:43:22Z

Looking for some fun and free things to do with the kids in Grand Rapids this winter? Check this out!

February 21, 2008: Grand Rapids Children's Museum presents a free night at the museum and again on Wednesday February 27 they'll be hosting a free day. There's several other dates that offer $1.00 admission.

February 23 The Grand Rapids Public Library hosts an interactive music workshop for teens by hip hop producer Needlz. Then on Sunday, February 24 will be Taste of Soul Sunday, celebrating African American history and culture.

Now through February 29, admission to John Ball Zoo is free. March 11 @ 12:00 p.m. St. Cecilia Music Center is hosting a Bach's Lunch. Free community concert and guests are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. Also, nearly free is Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink. Admission is only $1 and skates are free with i.d. On March 2, join the dancers from Turning Pointe School of Dance as they share their excitement and love of dancing with the community. Sixth Street Fish Ladder always is an amazing sight. Watch the salmon when they make their runs and the fishermen in their waders in the middle of the Grand River.

Come on over to Grand Rapids for some fun, free and exciting activities!

Fabulous, Luxurious Downtown Grand Rapids Condo with Stunning Views!

2008-02-18T11:39:03Z

If you're considering a move to the Grand Rapids area - have you thought about the Downtown area? This gorgeous River House hi-rise condominium sits atop the Medical Mile with all of the hospitals, new state of the art research facilities and other prestigious buildings including the soon to be built Michigan State center. It is also steps away from the best of Downtown living that Grand Rapids has to offer: fine and award winning dining (Amway Grand) to casual, DeVos Place (which draws conventions, hosts plays, operas and ballet) and wonderful museums including the Gerald "Our" Ford which is right across the street.

You'll enjoy amazing views from the 17th floor which include one entire wall of floor to ceiling windows and 9' high ceilings. In addition, you'll have your own private balcony overlooking the Grand River to entertain friends on holidays that will allow great front-row seats of the downtown festivities and fireworks! Or you can relax in the evening and take in the panoramic city views at sunset.

In addition, this contemporary condominium features one bedroom master suite (large walk-in closet) with full bath, ceramic tile and laundry, hardwood floors, great room with dining area, beautiful kitchen with granite counters, state of the art cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, plus an additional half bath.

And what about the amenities? Two Reserved indoor parking spaces, 24 hour concierge and security system, lap pool and hot tub (that also looks out over the town), 3 high speed elevators (one used for toting around your pets), carts provided on every floor to bring in groceries, club house that can be reserved for up to 50 people when you want to hold a larger party/gathering, big lobby area with 2 story marble fireplace, on site restaurant and sundry shop. Plus it's handicap accessible.

This is a great opportunity that you won't want to miss out on! $249,900. Other condos in this building are going for $350 - almost 1 million!! Call today Audu Real Estate 616-791-0511.

OPEN HOUSE 924 GRIGGS SE AND SPECIAL OFFER!

2008-02-11T09:38:08Z

PLACE: 924 Griggs SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

DATE: Saturday February 16, 2007

TIME: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Everyone is cordially invited to tour this recently remodeled - from floors to doors - 2 bedroom, 1 bath home located on a quiet tree-lined street and walking distance to several great spots.

Special Offer: Receive a $2500 Bonus to the listing office/Broker and up to $2500 for Buyers in decorating allowance, closing costs or pre-paids if home sold by 2/18/08 with a full price offer of $75,000!

Refreshments will be served. Please Stop on by!! Feel free to contact me, Ed Vogt at Audu Real Estate - 616-791-0511. Thank you!!

Downtown Grand Rapids, MI is Sizzling Hot!

2008-02-08T07:44:29Z

A lot of us here on AR have written posts about how much Downtown Grand Rapids has to offer. I know there's so many fun and exciting things to do because I enjoy spending time there and would actually entertain the thought of buying a place overlooking the Grand River in the near future. But recently I was driving and walking around downtown and snapping pictures - tons of them - and it made me really put it in perspective. There's so much beauty - original old historic buildings and churches, parks including the Rosa Parks Outdoor Ice Skating Rink. So many new, hip, urban developments. Also new or in various phases of construction- luxury condos including the River House and several others. Not to mention the medical schools and various other hospital/medical prestigious facilities, universities (Grand Valley State & MSU is coming soon) and the Kendall Art college. This city is State of the Art! Our newly constructed green Grand Rapids Art Museum is the first LEED certified museum in the country! Our late great President Gerald Ford is laid to rest in the museum that shares his name. Van Andel Arena hosts some amazing concerts - it's such a great venue that many entertainers start their tours here. It's also home to the Grand Rapids Griffins (owned by and several players that end up in the Champion Detroit Red Wings) and Rampage Football. DeVos Place hosts some outstanding plays and operas and much, much more. I love the restaurants! You can go really casual or really classy (The elegant Amway Grand's 1913 Room is the only 5 Diamond Award winner in the state). These are all places that are within walking distance if you're downtown. I can't imagine anyone coming to this exciting and diverse downtown and ever having the opportunity to say "I'm Bored". This "Cool City" is sizzling!

Negotiation Skills 101 - This Is Why I Do What I Do and LOVE IT!

2008-01-22T09:16:11Z

This post was inspired by the contest that Melissa Grant is running that wants our defining "Aha" moment when we knew, as Realtors, that this was meant to be. I had to write this post today since this date marks my official one year anniversary in Active Rain.

I can't say that I've had several blasts from the past in my career as I've only been in RE just under 2 years, they're more like recent transactions. I can say this much - of all the hats you wear as an agent (business associate, friend, confidante, counselor to name a few) one of the biggest hats and most often worn is that of Negotiator. I started at Negotiation Skills 101 and quickly graduated to 202. I wasn't aware of how much negotiating would be a part of this career, but I found out with my first listing and subsequently the first offer that was brought to the table.

Sellers are presented the offer (not full price), sellers are insulted - it is, after all, just the first offer. They want to counter - full price! How do you make your clients understand that in this challenging market, maybe this will be the only offer, while still maintaining that you are looking out for their best interest (especially when he has already said he doesn't trust "you guys - Real Estate people")? Negotiation. We counter and the buyer isn't happy and walks away. I give Mr. Seller overnight to think about it, calm down and discuss it with Mrs. Seller, who just wants the place sold. Call them in the morning and talked at length (negotiated) about the offer. Well, maybe we could meet half way. Call Mr. Buyer's Agent to negotiate and discuss - again (this is probably the 4th or 5th phone call to him). He calls his Buyer, finds out her bottom line, calls me, I call my Sellers to discuss (negotiate), Mr Buyer's Agent re-writes, we accept and all is right with the world. Sold! Mr. Seller was not overly thrilled with the agreed upon price - but at closing time, they walked out the door and high-fived each other! The funny thing is, since I was new, I didn't realize I was supposed to change the status on the MLS to pending, so it remained active and never had another call on it (mentioned that at closing). All of this from listing point to accepted offer took less than 30 days. My first listing!

There is a little rush when you're in the middle of intense negotiations (and let me tell you - I've had some tough ones). Then everything starts falling into place and afterwards, you sit back and think "AHA" - this is what it's all about!

Great Investment Opportunity in Wyoming, MI

2008-01-09T10:11:42Z

Wyoming, MI in Kent County is coming alive! With the beautiful, new (and green-built) Spectrum Hospital and St. Mary's and businesses and new shopping centers that will be sustained by them (restaurants, banks, pharmacies to name a few). Did I mention Real Estate? Wyoming has much to offer in every price range. Here we've got a hard to find, buildable city lot for only $20,000:Then we can add to that a nice, clean energy efficient 2 bedroom home for $80,000: The lot is located at 4515 Hyde Park SW and the home is 4507 Hyde Park SW. Buy the two combined for only $95,000! That's right - only $95,000! You could build your own home and use the other house as a rental or live in the home and have a nice big yard for the kids and pets (mostly fenced yard and walking distance to the elementary school). The home is the perfect size for first time home buyers or maybe someone who is downsizing. It also features brand new carpet, flooring in kitchen, double-hung windows, doors and fresh paint throughout. Give us a call to see what this home and Wyoming have to offer! 616-791-0511 AUDU REAL ESTATE

P.S. I want to thank Terry Westbrook for inviting me into the Kent County Group. I'll be posting this there, too:)

I had a chance to get some new pictures now that the snow melted:

'Twas The Week Before Christmas, And For This I Am Thankful...

2007-12-17T09:05:23Z

...I have a listing appointment today at 2:00 p.m. , so this means I am working. I have 5 showings tomorrow, so this means I am selling. I have a lunch appointment with 2 friends from w-a-a-a-y back, so this means I have friendships. I have an inspection tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. so this means I have sold. I have a class to learn our new MLS system Wednesday, so this means I a m learning. I haven't finished my Christmas shopping, by far...and I am thankful I have family to buy for and the means to do so. It's cold and snowing outside and my husband is sick in bed...I have a warm home and a husband for which I am thankful. Will I ever have the time to go shopping and get together with the others who have invited us?...I'm thankful that I am that busy to have that be my biggest concern. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!:)

You're Cordially Invited!!

2007-12-10T06:53:35Z

To an OPEN HOUSE in Holland! Come on by this Saturday from noon - 2:00 and have a little holiday snack and warm up with some apple cider. Take a tour of this great 4 bedroom home (the wood ceiling in the lower level has just been completed and it is nice!!) or just stop by to say "Hi". I'm looking forward to meeting you!!Address: 11369 Starflower, Holland, MI 49424

Date: Saturday December 15, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. The price has recently been reduced to $155,000!!

Read my blog post on this home for more info!

What Does Grand Rapids Have to Offer

2007-12-03T09:19:46Z

We have a great downtown, recently revitalized and still growing - with convention centers, museums (including the Gerald Ford and the new, green Art Museum). Fine Hotels and Restaurants, not just in downtown but throughout the city. Brand new hospitals. Golf, golf, golf in the spring, summer and fall and an outdoor ice rink and several indoor for the winter activities. Not to mention the sports teams affiliated with Grand Rapids (Griffins hockey for one). Education with several highly accredited high schools and colleges/universities.

But mostly, we have nice, affordable housing. Here for example is a 10 year new ranch walk-out home that sits in a quiet subdivision on a cul-de-sac on Grand Rapids NE side (1450 Hamily Ct.). Spacious, open and clean you'll feel right at home as you walk into the foyer of this custom built home. 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths with the master suite having a jetted tub for total relaxation. The home also features a large kitchen/dining area with 2 sides of wood cabinets and a living room with cathedral ceiling and sliders to deck. The downstairs has an expansive family/rec room with sliders to a double patio. Storage, storage, storage and all appliances included. $155,000. Call today 616-791-0511

Goodbye, Conny

2007-11-28T10:09:15Z

My friend Conrad Josheph Grahs was laid to rest Monday. He was a Realtor (R) - worked for Buehler Realty for over 15 years - but I knew him long before I knew him as a fellow Agent. I met Conny over 18 years ago when I worked in a restaurant that he and several of his friends and buddies were "regulars" at. Conny had lots of friends. He was always good for a story or a joke. He was one of those people that you would drop what you were doing when he called. We remained friends and fellow golfers when he was on a league at the golf course I worked at. Often he would be downstairs and call me on my cell phone to go downstairs and bring him and his buddies their food or drinks - I'd be busy but I would do it, for Conny.

Conny and I had a standing date on the first Friday in October of every year. Pulaski Days (big celebration here in Grand Rapids) was our annual tradition. We'd meet for lunch, either his daughters or some of his other buddies would be there and we would spend the afternoon together (mostly catching up on old times and old friends). I knew something was wrong when I called last month and he answered the phone "hello". He never answered the phone like that - I was programmed in his cell phone so he always knew it was me. We spoke for a few minutes and he told me he wasn't doing too well. If only I had known that would be our last conversation - I would have said so much more.

He passed away on Thanksgiving Day (the day my father died, several years ago). I had some friends over that day and was asking if they had seen or heard from him. He had prostate cancer that was in remission, but came back.

I know Conny was a good Realtor, too. Long before I ever thought about Real Estate; he tried to sell my house (wasn't on the market) and sell us his house (again, wasn't looking). He and his wife, Nancy had moved and were selling their home and Ben & I went to look at it. The house was in Wyoming, nice, big yard. No one was there when we went to see the home, the lights were on, music was softly playing, house was staged perfectly - and this was several years before the big staging rage took over.

I'll miss you, my friend! May you be golfing and driving your Corvette in Heaven!!