Ed's Blog

The Short, Sweet Closing!

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:34:21 -0500

I had the privilege of being involved in one of the quickest transactions in my career. I received a call on Tuesday, August 25th to show the listing right away as the Agent was at the home but had no access card. Gave her a code, received an offer that night (cash:) ), homeowner accepted Wednesday and closed on the home on Monday the 31st. Gotta love it! The new homeowners could not be happier. They were wanting to get their granddaughter in the school system before school starts and wanted a home with no banks involved (short sale or foreclosures). To see the joy on everyone's faces as Lola presented the Audu classic closing gift -Godiva Chocolates and the fact that they found their "perfect" home was priceless. Our Seller's sold the home they have owned for many years and are able to move on in their retirement years. A short and sweet ending.

SOLD - 4507 Hyde Park, Wyoming

Beautiful Home in Chateau Estates, Wyoming, MI

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:14:15 -0500

Just listed for sale in Wyoming, MI (Kent County) is this beautiful newer 3+ bedroom, 2 1/2 bath 2 story with almost 2000 square feet of living space. The home is located at 4996 Glenboro Dr SW, Wyoming, MI in Chateau Estates (on a double cul-de-sac) - located near shopping, golf courses and the new hospitals and easy access to M-6. Features include gorgeous tigerwood flooring throughout the entry, hall and kitchen/dining area; custom maple cabinetry and granite countertops in kitchen (along with stainless steel appliances). Main floor has a parlor/study and the 2nd floor has an office/nursery. $199,000

Open house Saturday, July 11th. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Please call me, Ed Vogt, Audu Real Estate for any questions or to arrange a showing. Thank you!

What's Selling in Grandville, MI?

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:48:42 -0500

Current stats from the Grand Rapids Associations of Realtors (R) Multiple Listing Service (MLS) show that as of Jan. 1 for this year 50 homes (including condos-which there were 6) have sold in Grandville, MI (Kent County). The lowest priced was $47,000 for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath bank-owned home and the highest was a 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home for $325,000. This only includes homes that are actually in the city limits.

In addition, there are currently 23 homes/condos that have pending offers on the properties and are waiting to close. These prices range from $89,900 - $159,900.

What's for sale in Grandville? There are currently only 92 homes on the market (23 are condos) from $49,000 (a 1 bedroom condo) to $389,900 for a 4 bedroom, 4 bath home.

What does this tell you? If you're a buyer, there are homes available and if you're selling, there isn't an excess of homes in the area to compete against.

Please feel free to call or e-mail me, Ed Vogt, for any further information about the Grandville area.

You're Invited to an Afternoon at the Beach!

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:08:53 -0500

Within 3 minutes walking distance to the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan - I'll be hosting an Open House at this wonderful 2100 sq.ft, 4+ bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with a contemporary flair this Saturday, June 6 from 12 - 2.

Address: 9436 Lakeview Ct., West Olive (between Grand Haven & Holland)

Listed Price: $350,000

There's even an outdoor shower area for after your sun-soaked day at the beach - you can leave all the sand outside! Hope to see you there!!

Is the $8,000 Tax Credit Going to Be Available to Use for Downpayments?

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Wed, 13 May 2009 07:51:59 -0500

I received an e-mail this morning stating that HUD made an announcement that the First Time Homebuyer Credit of up to $8,000 will be available at closing (in a bridge type loan) for Buyers to use for their downpayments. I came here to AR first to see if anyone had written any details about this. This sounds like a great idea but I'd like details on the bridge loan part. Or any other details....I've got clients I need to share this with. Thanks!!

What's Your Kent County Home Worth? How much has the value decreased...

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:35:39 -0600

A very eye-opening article was published in The Grand Rapids Press on Sunday by local reporter Cami Reister. Why and how much home prices and values have decreased in Kent County and also neighboring Ottawa and Allegan Counties. As Real Estate Agents, we've been talking about this for the last two years. Home values have significantly decreased in the last two to three years and depending on how many foreclosures and short sales come on the market this year, might continue to drop your home value further.

Real Estate prices in my Grandville community have taken the third lowest hit - at 15% - for the fourteen local areas that are featured in the article. In 2005 the average price of sold homes was $154,123 compared to $131,229 for 2008. Kentwood, MI real estate prices have dropped 22%, Wyoming at 33% and Grand Rapids as much as 60%! That really is shocking when you see it in print.

It's a tough pill to swallow when you've put so much time and energy into making your house a home, putting money into beautiful landscaping or any needed maintenance and updates only to find out, when you're ready to sell your home, you might not recoup all of these expenses, if any. On the plus side, you have had the opportunity to live in and enjoy your home, the neighborhood, the schools and the community for however long you've been there. The value of new friendships is priceless.

Homes are definitely still selling, so that's the good news. Please feel free to contact me: Ed Vogt, Audu Real Estate, if you'd like any information in helping you determine your home price or any other Real Estate needs. Thanks!

I Am Honored to Mention Two of Grand Rapids AR Members that Were Honored

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:48:17 -0600

This past Friday at Frederik Meijer Gardens 2 of our fellow Rainers were honored at our Grand Rapids Association of Realtors(R) breakfast. First, and I must admit I am very proud of her, our own Lola Audu was installed as a Director for the upcoming year. I'm really excited about that, too, because of Lola's insights into the technology of today and her visions; and also because of her integrity, which is so important in this day and age. Second, was Michelle Gordon, for The Good Neighbor Award for the time and energy she devotes to the ICCF, as well as helping others and her generous volunteering. Congratulations to both of you and the others that were honored!! 2009 is going to be a Great Year!!

Sale Fallen Through - Back on Market

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:46:36 -0600

I've been working on the Sale of this Home in Grandville, MI for over 2 months now and received the dreaded call last night from the Buyer's Agent - The buyer's will no longer be able to purchase the home due to personal reasons. They are very upset because they had found their "Dream Home". I showed them through twice at an Open House, once by themselves and once with his parents. They really loved this home.

It's a nice 3 bedroom ranch with a roomy living room, ceramic tile in the kitchen, dining area with wood-laminate floors and 2 baths. Office/entertainment room downstairs with gorgeous wood shelves & cabinetry. A peaceful setting in the large, fully fenced backyard with an above ground pool (I know it's winter now, but for the summer - it's great!) There's also an oversized 2 stall garage. And - on a quiet street, close to nature, but yet, close to the Rivertown Mall. All of this for just $115,000!! Let 3287 34th St. SW, Grandville, MI be your dream home. It's waiting for it's new owners so give us a call. Ed Vogt, Audu Real Estate, 616-791-0511 or 616-304-0549 or e-mail me at edvogt@grar.com. Thanks!

Will the Lions Keep Their Perfect Record?

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:51:29 -0600

Our wonderful Detroit Lions are marching to a near perfect year. Now sitting at 0 - 11 (that's not a typo) - that's right, 0 wins and 11 losses, they've broken or tied a record for most consecutive losses in the NFL. For Thanksgiving we are fortunate to get to watch them twice in one week try to hold on to their perfect record as they take on the Tennessee Titans, who had their own perfect record, but the opposite - they were undefeated until their loss on Sunday.

Growing up in Texas where football is the national pastime, football also was part of our Thanksgiving tradition, as much as eating turkey and giving thanks and being with family. But there, we had "America's Team", the Cowboys. Fast forward several years and not too much of the tradition has changed, except I watch the games with my husband instead of my dad (although this year, I find my husband leaving the room a lot more during the Lions games - I suppose instead of yelling at the T.V.).

It's looking like a slim to none chance for the mighty Lions tomorrow. Which will be okay, because that will leave us time to focus on family, friends, fellowship and food. Besides, there's still the Cowboys.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Without Further Ado...

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:28:37 -0600

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

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:46:43 -0500

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

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:19:56 -0500

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 our fabulous city!

Land, Land Everywhere! (Part 2)

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:08 -0500

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)

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:37:01 -0500

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

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:15:02 -0500

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

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:36:54 -0500

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!

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:59:24 -0500

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!

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:47:41 -0500

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!

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:01:28 -0500

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

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:42:29 -0500

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?

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:33:20 -0500

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!

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:24:12 -0600

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!

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:20:29 -0600

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

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:45:40 -0600

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

Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Audu Real Estate (Audu Real Estate) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:43:22 -0600

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!