If you move on them NOW!!!!

I have 2 listings that are very cute and NOT a bank owned or a short sale.  You can even have possession at close and both of them qualify for just about the full amount of the $8,000 1st time home buyers credit.  Well, 110 Graceland qualifies for the full amount - depending on your qualification to receive the full amount of course.

However both of them do qualify for the MCC tax credit for the life of the loan........so not only can you get 8,000 grand back but you can have a tax credit every year for a long as you hold on the loan for this home. (restrictions apply so call for details)'

You may have seen an interview on Woodtv that took place last week.............advising you to go private owner sale apposed to a bank owned or short sale...............as there is no promise these kind of sales can close in time.  The private owner sale is more controllable............

So do not risk missing out on these great incentives to the 1st time home buyer!  110 Graceland NE

244 Janet SW - Wyoming 3 bds

I have 2 GREAT listings on the THornapple River!  Both have spectacular views and an AWESOME location.  There is just something about living in a river community that makes you want to come home and say AHHHHHHH! You know living on the river with private access means you do not have to spend any money for a vacation, because your home is a vacation. 

A destination home - my husband and I are going to move next summer and we want a destination home.  We have no grand children yet............but when we do, we want to be the cool grand parents with the cool home where the Grand Kids want to come and visit as much as possible!

I just sold one of my listings in EGR and they are renting now - taking in all of their options........stay here in Grand Rapids or move to another state.  The one big reason for their dilemma is that "her" parents own a home in Grand Haven on the lake - they love going there for week ends.........a short drive and they have a vacation every week end..........when they told me this, I knew a destination home was what we wanted!

So check out these destination homes and see why they are spectacular!!! Click on the pic for a tour of the home

Interactive FloorPlan Presentation

Interactive FloorPlan Presentation

Well, this is not the 1st time we have been noticed by a national net work and probably will not be the last.  Last year we were on the today show as a great place to live and raise a family...............this time it was a little different.

Grand Rapids home sales are on the rise!  We were number 5 on the Today's show list as a place you better buy now if you are looking for that "deal"!

I was telling some one the other day how I am not able to find the steal of a deal as easy as I could this time last year.  I am now in bidding wars and homes are selling for over asking price.  I have not had to compete for a home purchase in a while...............I have to admit it was fun!!!!  I forgot how much fun that can be!

So when the Today show broadcasted this, it only confirmed what I was feeling as a Realtor.  I really do feel like we are cleaning out the inventory of the bank owned homes..................well at least the "good ones" ! 

3 cities in Michigan were named................and in the top 10..............

Because prices are on the rise, if you are sitting on the fence waiting for us to hit bottom, I think you may of just missed it!  So time to buy is now!

Watch the video

I would like to start a blog about you know you are from Michigan when you buy and/or sell a home and.............

I am hoping every one will comment on this, as I think this is great way to let people know who are moving here from out of state what to expect, but in a humorous way.  Must be real estate related.

Having relocated here about 9 years ago and have lived many other places in the past, it is very clear to me just some 'traditions" if you will, are expected or accepted here in the state of Michigan but not other places...................we may have some things that are relevant to our city but not all of Michigan.

So I will start....................

.................when you sell your home and think it is no big deal to ask not have to move out for 15 - 30 days after closing and live in the home "free of charge"

.................when you buy a million dollar home on a dirt road and think nothing of it.

WOW!  We have a great line up of landscapers this year!!! Scenic Expressions, Wildwood, Frontier Lawn and Landscape, Wabeke, Harder and Warner, Signature Out Door Concepts, Bakhuyzen Landscape and WCR is doing one.

The WCR yard is getting landscaped on Tuesday at noon.  Enchanted Gardener is coming in behind us and spreading mulch and making it pretty, they do the soft scape. They are a great supplier for low cost curb appeal.

We usually do not do back yards........however, one home owner has a dirt pile for a back yard.........so with a donation of top soil from Romence and Sod from AAA Turf we are going to lay some grass on Wednesday night..........

Both of these projects we could use your help with.  Children over the age of 13 are welcome. 

If you do not want to get down and dirty and want to help in other wa ys, we could use some pick up and delivery of donated plants and supplies. 

If you are interested in helping please contact me.

Michelle Gordon

616-443-0596 or michellegordon@grar.com

 www.flowgr.com

 Economic Benefits:

· Landscaping adds an average of 14.8 percent to a home's value.

· Homes with attractive landscaping sell quicker-by as much as five to six weeks.

· As home improvements go, landscaping is an excellent investment. Recovery value at selling time can be 100 to 200 percent.

· Landscaping enhances property values, which add to the community's tax base

• Proper placement of shade trees and evergreen windbreaks reduces cooling and heating costs.

Environmental Benefits:

· Trees moderate urban "heat islands!' created by extensive paved areas. Lawns cool a home at the same rate as a one-ton air conditioner. Lawns also trap dust, absorb noise, and provide outdoor living areas for children and adults.

· One tree removes 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air every year and releases about 13 pounds of oxygen-enough for a family of four on a daily basis.

· Plants reduce noise pollution up to 50 percent.

· Plants control runoff and erosion. They allow soil to absorb water, returning it to aquifers, Decreased runoff means less urban flooding.

· Lawns slow the spread of wildfires to homes.

· Plants provide food and habitat for wildlife, which contributes to biodiversity and a healthier environment.

• Landscaping creates green space for human rest, recreation and renewal

 The proof

One of the 2007 F.L.O.W. homes was

recently re-sold -f 10 grand more then it was purchased for, in a time when home values are declining. 

The home was on the market less then a month!

I understand the new homeowners are in the yard every nightmaintaining the yard. 

The landscaping is one of the reasons that made them pick this home over the others!

F.L.O.W. Does make a difference!  Please concider joining us for the flow garden party and garden tour.

F.L.O.W.

Home before top - Home after bottom

I titled this "A challenge" but thinking maybe not so challenging............

I was reflecting on 9/11 today, which this date and the memory of what happen on this day in 2001 still brings tears to my eye's. 

The people who lost their lives just doing their every day routine and the people who lost thier lives trying to help others...........

So in honor of the these people and the families left behind to suffer their loss, I "challenge" yo to do a random act of kindness today............

Take a minute to reflect..........we are blessed!

New news, not sure how they are getting away with it but here is a paste and copy from e-mail converstaion............so beware before putting in offer with a FHA loan.

ME:

Hi Jeff,  

Me again!  Just got word that HUD will only pay up to 4,000 worth of painting?????  So there homes now offered on line that need more then that and are offered as FHA, but clearly can not go FHA as we cannot stabilize...........one of my fellow associates had a ratified contract and they took it back!!!!!!!  How can that be after it was advertised and sold that way.............should I be looking at all the Lead Base paperwork on line to be sure it does not require more then 4,000 worth of painting before putting an FHA offer on a property????

MCB REP:

Michelle, We are fighting this but right now YES this is the case.  HUD has now come out as of Sept 1^st and said that if the LBP estimate is over $4000 then it will have to be switched to Conventional or Cash.  No if's and's or but's.  We are working w i th HUD to change all the listings to UI if this is the case but my suggestion is to look at the LBP inspection and if it is over $4K estimate then do not write it as FHA.  HUD is currently making NO Exceptions.  If you can not go Conventional or Cash then you will have to cancel and HUD will refund the EMD. Don't kill the messenger.  Came from Washington DC.

ME:

Yeah, I know i t is not you!!!  I just do not understand how they can take away the ones that were ratified..........this really does not seem legal, as they signed off on an acceptance right???

MCB REP: NO answer as of yet!  Surprised?????

On behalf of the FLOW Garden Party Committee I want to invite you all to the 2nd Annual

FLOW- Friends Landscaping Our World Garden Party and Tour.  

To get information and tickets:  

Date:     September 25th

Where:  Mangiamo 1033 Lake Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506

 Time:    3:30- 6:00pm

Cost:    $25 for the Garden Party, $30 includes the Tour on Sat. Contact: Daniell Rowland              danielle@daniellerowland.com             616-893-8450

What will we do?  Well, appitizers will be served, cash bar or course, local artist auction and Bocce ball will be played..........rain or shine as the tents will be up in the back yard!  A true Garden Party!

To see the work to be auctioned off..................look for me on facebook............

Offered at 279,000 A custom built home by Joel Vandenberg!

As you walk in the open foyer and take in the over all floor plan of this 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home(almost completed 4th bed and 1 bath), you will very impressed with the meticulous preservation. The kitchen is open with many windows which let in much sun light through out the whole day. The kitchen offers many cabinets and a lot of counter space with a breakfast area that is the size of most dining rooms. Enjoy the views of the private back yard from this area through the bay window. The kitchen and breakfast area which is open to the great room and offers surround sound. Great room has sliders to the deck which has a stairway leading to lower level patio. However for those more formal events there is a separate dining room, with a built in china closet. 1st floor half bath is also larger then most and 1st floor laundry area includes built in clothes rack to hang clothes and a cabinetry for storage. From this area there is easy access to the garage. The stairway leading to the 2nd level is wider then the norm. The Master suite (and truly a master suite) is large enough for a California king with much room to spare; large walk in closet and master bathroom includes a garden tub with 6 jets and separate area for shower and toilet. The other 2 bedrooms are large enough to be master bedrooms, with double door closets and another full bath which includes a working laundry chute. The lower level is studded and plumbed for another bedroom and full bath and also offers surround sound. This home has been decorated with a contemporary flare but a very transitional home that can easily be decorated to your dream home specifications. When this home was built every detail was thought out and smart decisions were made..you will enjoy the benefits and be the envy of the neighborhood.

Click on picture to see a tour of the home:

Interactive FloorPlan Presentation