battle creek: The Legacy Scholars Program in Battle Creek
- 09/24/10 08:03 AM
The Legacy Scholars program in Battle Creek was introduced in 2005 and made possible by a $4 Million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to provide a scholarship program for students in local high schools wanting to attend Kellogg Community College. The program is available to students who attend Battle Creek Public Schools or the Lakeview School District from their sixth grade year through graduation. Students who attend Pennfield, Harper Creek, or any other local private or charter schools are not eligible. Approximately over 700 sixth graders are eligible for the Legacy Scholars program in Battle Creek every year. Students are … (1 comments)
battle creek: Living on the North side of Battle Creek
- 09/22/10 08:24 AM
Living on the North side of Battle Creek, Michigan offers a lot of quality living aspects in the city. The homes are generally older, and there are many with architectural character that cannot be compared with other parts of the Battle Creek. Living on the North side of Battle Creek makes one accessible to the Bailey park ball fields where you can see the Bombers play in the summer. One is also close to the linear park and the historic downtown area. There is also the fabulous YMCA center that is just slightly north of the downtown district. All of these assets … (2 comments)
battle creek: I Want to Buy a Home in Battle Creek!
- 09/13/10 10:35 AM
"I want to buy a home in Battle Creek!" is usually the first decision that is made by the would-be home buyer. Sometimes this decision of ‘I want to buy a home in Battle Creek!' comes after years of renting, or apartment life. Living in an apartment complex often means that you have to put up with things your neighbors do on the other side of the wall, whether you like it or not. Noises such as ‘vibrations', ‘loud music', ‘thumping', ‘stomping', ‘fighting', ‘yelling', ‘flushing', etc. all become a part of apartment life. Then after a chain of such experiences, one … (2 comments)
battle creek: Buying a Home is Easy in Battle Creek, Michigan
- 09/06/10 04:19 AM
Buying a home is easy in Battle Creek, Michigan. Many first time home buyers come to me with the look of utter uncertainty about how they would ever go about it. Becoming a home owner seems to consist of so many unknowns, that they do not know where to begin. A recent example of a young lady that contacted me through my website at: www.michaeldelaware.com was of the same idea. She filled out one of my information forms on the website, and forwarded it to me. I received it and called her within a half hour of her having sent it … (0 comments)
battle creek: Getting Ready to Sell Your Home in Battle Creek, Michigan
- 09/06/10 04:03 AM
Getting ready to sell your home in Battle Creek, Michigan can be a daunting task for some, as they do not know where to begin. The first and most important step is to work with a local Realtor that knows the market area. Getting ready to sell your home in Battle Creek may mean that you have your Realtor come out and walk through the house with you. Sometimes making minor repairs may mean a world of difference in a home selling quickly, and some times of repairs may be unnecessary as well. So taking time to have someone who is knowledgeable … (3 comments)
battle creek: Moving From Renting to Owning Your Own Home in Battle Creek, Michigan
- 09/06/10 02:36 AM
Moving from renting to owning your own home in Battle Creek, Michigan is as simple and easy as any other city in Michigan. If you have good credit, and have been employed at your same job for at least two years or more, and you are renting, you should seriously consider becoming a homeowner. There are lots of advantages to owning your own home, the primary advantage being it will save you money. Moving from renting to owning your own home in Battle Creek often reduces your monthly cost of living by as much as 25%, if you work with a knowledgeable … (0 comments)
You can in Battle Creek, Michigan! That's right, you can march right on down to the Binder Park Zoo and stroll down the wooden walkways, and brick paths to your destiny! Take the tram ride to Wild Africa, and get off at the African village and continue following the paths... I kid you not! Yes! That is the way you go! When you follow the wooden walkways, you will arrive at where you can kiss a giraffe if you choose! I will warn you, they will probably give you some tongue. In fact, their tongues … (3 comments)
battle creek: Cereal City Sweetness
- 08/30/10 01:57 PM
One of the great things about living in Battle Creek, Michigan is you get to experience the Cereal City Sweetness. What is the Cereal City Sweetness? Well, since we are home to three of the largest cereal manufacturing companies in the world: Kellogg's, Post and Ralston, we get to smell it in the air! That is right, some cities can only boast that they smell slaughterhouses, smog and burning, but we can smell cereal being made. Until you live here, it is hard to explain. My first experience was in 2001, when I was searching for a place to live here … (6 comments)
battle creek: The FHA 203(k) Loan Program is Essential for Battle Creek
- 08/29/10 03:45 AM
The FHA 203(k) Loan Program is essential for Battle Creek. What is the FHA 203(k) Loan Program? It is a residential loan program offers by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) that allows for not only the purchase of a home, but also some needed repairs. The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website describes the program as follows: "The Section 203(k) program is the Department's primary program for the rehabilitation and repair of single family properties. As such, it is an important tool for community and neighborhood revitalization and for expanding homeownership opportunities. Since these are the primary goals of HUD, the … (4 comments)
battle creek: City of Battle Creek Vacant & Abandoned Structures Ordinance Chapter 1456
- 08/28/10 01:06 PM
Further compounding the problem of declining property values and an influx of foreclosures, the City of Battle Creek is self generating an even further bite in tax revenues for its own City operation. In 2005 the City of Battle Creek enacted the Vacant and Abandoned Structures Ordinance Chapter 1456. This ‘Vacant and Abandoned Structures Ordinance Chapter 1456' had the good intentions of reducing and removing blight from the community. Certainly there is a problem with some homes that are too far gone for even an expert investor, but many homes are not even given a chance to be restored under the … (4 comments)
battle creek: Home Sales Drive Taxable Values, City Budgets and Forecast the Future
- 08/28/10 12:07 PM
When property taxes are calculated in a Municipality, they are driven by one primary source of data, and that is home sales. Home sales drive taxable values, city budgets and forecast the future. In Michigan, the tax assessment department in each City or township has an appraiser or tax evaluator that evaluates each property in a given district, and determines its taxable value for the coming year. This information is drawn from sales recorded in tax records, and the local Multiple listing service of the local Board of Realtors in the area to search for at least three comparable sales to determine … (3 comments)
battle creek: Home Buyers in Battle Creek
- 08/26/10 02:54 PM
Home Buyers in Battle Creek have a lot of options available to them if they use a knowledgeable Realtor who knows the area. I have worked with many home buyers in Battle Creek, and helped them become successful homeowners. One of the valuable services I provide is my website, which I try to keep up to date with current information on the latest loan programs, trends and market conditions. Home buyers in Battle Creek visiting my website at www.michaeldelaware.com will find a new link on my website for ‘Real Estate Today Radio' which broadcasts a weekly show from the National Association … (3 comments)
battle creek: Stained Glass Windows in Battle Creek City Hall
- 08/26/10 01:53 PM
This evening I attended a City Commission meeting at City, and had to pause and admire the Stained Glass Windows. These are true stained glass windows in Battle Creek City Hall, and are of good quality construction and design. One of the stained glass windows in Battle Creek City Hall depicts the origin of the name of ‘Battle Creek'. You can see in the center circle, a land surveyor having a struggle with a local Native American by the crossing of two rivers. The fight was provoked by a local trapper, who saw the surveyor as a threat, so he encouraged two … (4 comments)
battle creek: Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan
- 08/26/10 11:10 AM
Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan consists of 433 Acres, and contains over 600 animals of 140 different species. The zoo was opened in 1977, and has grown to become a major attraction for the entire Southwestern region of the State. Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan is one of the largest zoos in the State, and features a large variety of animals and plants, including the Wild Africa Exhibit. Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan also offers a train, a tram, and even a custom made carousel. In the near future, the zoo plans to add a theater. … (2 comments)
battle creek: Great Places for Coffee in Battle Creek, Michigan
- 08/20/10 03:53 PM
Great Places for Coffee in Battle Creek, Michigan... hmmm... When you really need a great cup of coffee, you need to know the Great Places for Coffee in Battle Creek, Michigan. My wife is Colombian, and she has indoctrinated me into being an aficionado on a great cup of coffee. We often seek out places in town that are either near downtown, or near places we frequent. One of the commonly known great places for coffee in Battle Creek, Michigan is Starbucks. Now, I know this is a chain outlet, but they serve pretty good coffee. Starbucks has three locations in … (2 comments)
battle creek: Battle Creek Real Estate & Battle Creek Homes for Sale
- 08/13/10 05:06 AM
Battle Creek Real Estate & Battle Creek Homes for Sale... When you hit the search engines today, looking for homes this is the hot topic: ‘Battle Creek Real Estate & Battle Creek Homes for Sale' when it comes to searching property in our area. Sometimes it comes up as ‘Battle Creek Real Estate and Battle Creek Homes for Sale' or ‘Battle Creek Real Estate| Battle Creek Homes for Sale' as well. They are basically the same search criteria, and subject content. So what are all these websites doing that advertise Battle Creek Real Estate & Battle Creek Homes for Sale? A … (1 comments)
battle creek: Matt Giraud American Idol Finalist is Coming to Battle Creek
- 08/12/10 05:31 AM
Matt Giraud, American Idol Finalist is coming to Battle Creek! Matt Giraud, American Idol Finalist is coming to Battle Creek! Matt Giraud, American Idol Finalist is coming to Battle Creek! Spread the word! The concert is open to the public, and benefits Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Battle Creek. Matt Giraud, American Idol Finalist will perform in Battle Creek on Thursday, August 19th at 7:00pm at the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium located at 50 West Van Buren Street near downtown. It is time to get excited! Matt Giraud, American Idol Finalist is coming to Battle Creek! Whenever I have mentioned Matt Giraud's … (3 comments)
battle creek: Dining in Downtown Battle Creek, Michigan
- 08/10/10 01:34 PM
One way or another, I seem to find myself in downtown Battle Creek a lot. People are always asking me about dining in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan. Where are some of the best places to go dining in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan? One of my local favorites is the Griffin Pub. It is a German style restaurant with an American taste, and it is a hotspot for dining in downtown Battle Creek. It is great for lunch or dinner, and they have a lot local beers on tap. Another favorite is the BC Bistro, which is a few doors down from … (0 comments)
battle creek: Battle Creek Real Estate and Battle Creek Homes for Sale
- 08/08/10 04:21 AM
Battle Creek Real Estate and Battle Creek Homes for Sale... The massive search line on google these days is: ‘Battle Creek Real Estate and Battle Creek Homes for Sale' when it comes to searching property in our area. So what are all these sites doing that advertise Battle Creek Real Estate and Battle Creek Homes for Sale? They are pulling information from the internet, but not the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in the area. So one might search for property there, on these national sites that advertise ‘Battle Creek Real Estate and Battle Creek Homes for Sale' but the information is … (3 comments)
battle creek: A Shopping Excursion to Chicago from Southwest Michigan
- 08/07/10 05:54 PM
Over the years that I have lived in Battle Creek, I have always heard people talk about taking a shopping excursion to Chicago from Southwest Michigan. Every year the Kalamazoo Association of Realtors and the Battle Creek Area Association of Realtors charters a bus around the holidays to go for a shopping excursion to Chicago from Southwest Michigan. As a local Realtor, I try to stay connected to what is popular in the community. There is also the convenient Amtrak train system as well, which stops in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Niles and Michigan City on the way to Chicago. Recently I took … (0 comments)
I enjoying looking at the lighter side of life. So, this blog is about my wacky observations, my sometimes sideways point of view and the Southwest Michigan, Battle Creek Area Real Estate Market.
The Legacy Scholars program in Battle Creek was introduced in 2005 and made possible by a $4 Million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to provide a scholarship program for students in local high schools wanting to attend Kellogg Community College. 
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