Eric Webster's Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog

4 Bedroom, 2.5 bath, 8-year old home in Cannon Farms, one of Rockford's nicest neighborhoods.

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:48:27 -0500

Eric Webster | Five Star Real Estate | 616-464-3459

6575 Cannon Farms Drive, Rockfor, MI

8-year old home in Cannon Farms that backs up to the large common area. Convenient to shopping, schools and just minutes to downtown Rockford with th

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $199,900

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	2,240
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	12,150 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

The home has a flow and function for a busy lifestyle. It's conveniently located near schools and shopping.

Three bedrooms/ 2 baths on the upper level. 4th bedroom with the sunken family room, main floor laundry and 1/2 bath.

The slider off the eating area gives great access to the deck, back yard and community common area.

This is a comfortable home that is in move-in condition. See it today.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Walk-in closet	- Family room	- Living room
- Dining room	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Basement
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Formal Living and Dining Rooms

- Kitchen with snack bar, pantry and lots of workspace

- New Brazilian Cherry laminate flooring in the foyer, kitchen and eating area

- Lots of fresh paint in a very pleasing palate

- Sunken family room with fireplace and wall of built-ins

- Master Bedroom with private bath and great closet space

- 3-additional bedrooms

- Attached 2-stall garage

- Unfinished basement offers great storage

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 1
Photo 2	Photo 1

Contact info:

Eric Webster

Five Star Real Estate

616-464-3459

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 15, 2009, 6:24am PDT

Zucchini Bread - a peace offering (read: Bribe) to make up for the fact that I've been gone so long.

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:51:47 -0500

It's been a long time since I've written anything here.
So I'm going to ease in slowly and try to build up a head of steam again. The 16-months have been months of tremendous change in my life but I'm back and hope to a regular read for you once again, if you'll have me.

So today, I thought I'd share the recipe that has been in big demand when I take a loaf of zucchini bread anywhere. Because I planted several zucchini plants in my garden, and it's been a great growing season in Grand Rapids, I've had an abundance of zucchini to share, to eat, to bake into bread. Here's a photo of the zucchini and zinnias (in the Z section of my garden)

The recipe comes from my Aunt Margaret, one of mom's two sisters who are still around to share great stories and recipes. When I talked to her on my birthday a few weeks ago, and told her the story, she said that she believes that this one was originally my mom's. That made it even more special for me.

It's very easy, very tasty and when you see the ingredients, it has no great health benefit.. But it has a cup of zucchini per loaf, how can that be a bad thing?

So I offer it here for your taste buds.

Zuchini Bread

Beat 3 eggs until thick. Beat in 2 cups sugar, 1 cup oil, 1 TBSP vanilla. Beat well.

Stir in 2 cups loosely packed grated zucchini, 2 cups flour, 1 TBSP cinnamon, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp baking powder. Add 1 cup walnuts (raisins optional).

Bake in 2 greased bread pans @ 350 for 45-50 minutes.

Sprinkle tops with cinnamon sugar.

Cool 10-minutes, remove from pan.

Strawberry Pines Condo- Great Comstock Park Location- See it today!

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:15:58 -0500

Eric Webster | Five Star Real Estate | 616-464-3459

735 Strawberry Valley Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI

Strawberry Pines Condo

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $134,900

Year Built	1995
Sq Footage	1,140
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$150 per month

DESCRIPTION

Condo living in a convenient NW location. Minutes to Alpine Ave for shopping, restaurants, movies and great expressway access to all parts of the city.

This clean unit is ready for you to move-in and unpack. The view is over a beautiful natural area- not another condo unit!

Call today! It's a great opportunity for a 1st time buyer to capture the $8000 Federal tax credit. But the clock is ticking!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Living room
- Dining room	- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave
- Basement	- Washer	- Dryer
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

- Guest parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Open Floorplan

- Cathedral Ceilings

- Gas Fireplace

- Major Appliances Remain

- Immediate Possession Possible

- Master Bedroom w/ Walkin Closet and Private Bath

- Main Floor Laundry

- Unfinished Walkout Basement- rough plumbed for future bath

- 2-Stall Garage

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 1
Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 1	Photo 1

Contact info:

Eric Webster

Five Star Real Estate

616-464-3459

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 24, 2009, 6:48am PDT

A fun night of live theatre- Heritage Theatr Group Presents "Woody Guthrie's American Song" @ GRCC Spectrum Theatre (Only 3 performances left)

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:50:53 -0500

Because I knew three people in the small cast, because I'm a big fan of Woody Guthrie's music, and because I've felt that over the years I've not attended live theater in Grand Rapids Mi nearly often enough, we went to see a delightful performace last evening.

Staged in an intimate setting with large screen slide shows at either side of the state to provide context, this show was fun, moving, troubling, laugh out loud funny, well up with tears touching all at the same time.

With a small but very talented cast telling stories about Woody's travels, passions and music, wrapped around many songs (most that I was not familiar with) had us leaving the theater with a warm glow and a lot to talk about.

The relevance of the lyrics has not diminished over the decades, they still address aspects of modern society that can be a source of head scratching. The harmonies were rich, the voices strong. A wonderful quartet playing a wide variety of string instruments add to the fun. Themes of job loss, foreclosure, big business vs. worker issues could be taken from today's headlines.

The cast includes: Annie Beals, Glen Danles, Keenan Foley, Tim Foley, Amy Standel, and G.M. "Bud" Thompson.

Tickets are available for Friday and Saturday evening performances and Sunday's finale matinee. Call the box office at 616-234-3946.

After the show we enjoyed some wine and small plates at Corez- but that's totally another post. Stay tuned.

Wyoming Starter near Buck Creek Nature center, convenient to shopping, expressways, schools and hospitals. Is this how you'll use your $8000 federal tax credit?

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:47:17 -0500

Eric Webster | Five Star Real Estate | 616-464-3459

2212 Holliday Drive SW, Wyoming, MI

Great starter home in Wyoming's Huntington WOods area. The home features large rooms, hardwood floors in the bedrooms, slider to the deck and a large

3BR/1.5BA Single Family House

offered at $109,900

Year Built	1960
Sq Footage	1,460
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	11,200 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Dining room
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Basement
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

3 bedroom- 1 1/2 baths

Large Living Room/ Dining Area

Family Room

Office

Great, convenient location

Near Buck Creek Nature Center

Large, fenced back yard.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3

Contact info:

Eric Webster

Five Star Real Estate

616-464-3459

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 4, 2009, 9:45am PDT

Forest Hills Schools with Meadowbrook Elementary, on 2.75 acres, in a close convenient location.

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:36:10 -0500

Eric Webster | Five Star Real Estate | 616-464-3459

4160 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Walkout ranch on 2.75 acres in the Forest Hills School District. Walk to MVP Sport, close to shopping and expressways.

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $199,900

Year Built	1968
Sq Footage	2,550
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	2.75 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Offered by the 2nd owner of this spacious walkout ranch home. It's been extensively remodelled (kitchen, laundry/1/2 bath, main floor bath). Both the living room and family room feature fireplaces. There's a main floor den that could be the 4th bedroom.

In the walkout level there's a large family room, huge recreation room, bedroom and bath.

It's nestled into a private 2.75 acre parcel that's convenient to schools, health clubs, dining, shopping and expressways.

See it today!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Office/Den	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Basement	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside	Yard	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

2.75 Acres- possible to split

Newer hickory kitchen with abundant storage and work spaces

Large living room with fireplace and bookcases

Dining area

Sun Room

Updated main floor bath with dual lavatories and a spa tub

New furnace and a/c

Lots of fresh paint and new carpet

Lot has oak, maple, ash, hickory, blue, white & black spruce trees

Extensive perennial bed enhances the wooded, private view

Meadowbrook Elementary in the Forest Hills School District

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 4	Photo 6

Contact info:

Eric Webster

Five Star Real Estate

616-464-3459

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 4, 2009, 9:22am PDT

Price Reduced on this very sharp Georgetown Forest 2-story. Hudsonville Area in a great neighborhood.

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:34:01 -0500

Eric Webster | Five Star Real Estate | 616-464-3459

6847 Gettysburg Drive, Hudsonville, MI

Clean, sharp 2-story home in popular Georgetown Forest, Hudsonville Schools

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $169,900

Year Built	1976
Sq Footage	2,222
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 2 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	17,304 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Georgetown Township is the location of this Georgetown Forest 2-story. You'll want to check it out TODAY! 4 bedrooms on the 2nd floor. The owner's bedroom features 2-double closets and a private 3/4 bath.
The main floor features formal living room, dining area, beautiful newer maple kitchen, main floor family room and laundry.

This home has been beautifully maintained and decorated. Is in move-in condition, clean and sharp!

Priced to sell at $174,900.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Office/Den	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertop	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Newer Maple Kitchen with Granite Counters

4 Bedrooms- 2 full baths, 2- 1/2 baths

Formal Living Room

Large open dining area

Main floor family room with fireplace and built-ins

Main floor laundry

Finished family room, office and 1/2 bath in basement

Large storage area in basement. Ample garage storage and additional storage shed

Private, wooded back yard

Lots of fresh paint in warm rich tones, lots of NEW carpet

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front Elevation	Formal Living Room
Dining Area	Family Room
Newer Maple Kitchen

Contact info:

Eric Webster

Five Star Real Estate

616-464-3459

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 4, 2009, 9:22am PDT

Relocating to Hudsonville Michigan? Check out my top picks!

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:37:04 -0500

Hey Look, one of my listings is a TOP PICK on Mary Kent's Blog.

I had a call today from Mary Kent, a fellow Five Star agent asking if it would be ok for her to mention my 6847 Gettysburg, Hudsonville listing as one of her TOP PICKS on her A/R blog.

Of course it was ok with me, how could that be a bad thing? Plus that she was professional enough to check with me rather than just doing it, pleased me too.

So I figured that the least I could do was give her a bit more exposure by re-blogging it... and it doesn't hurt my Gettysburg to be more broadly spread as a TOP PICK.

I LOVE when anything that I'm associated with is a TOP PICK!

Via Mary Kent~Greater Grand Rapids, MI (Five Star Real Estate ):

Relocating to the Hudsonville MI area? Would you like to know more about this wonderful community? Take it from a "local" we have awesome schools with great parent involvement! Several flourishing businesses and parks, parks and more parks! All located with in 20 to 25 minute drive to the lake-shore to the west, and downtown Grand Rapids to the east, and just a hop, skip, jump away from Rivertown Crossings Mall.

Did I mention our community has plenty of PARKS AND BIKE TRAILS? (Oh yeah, I guess I did) Check out Holland/Zeeland, KIRK PARK and Pigeon Creek all about 25 minute drive from Hudsonville. My family loves Kirk Park, we often take the bike trail with our back packs and after our ride we head to the beach. So nice not transporting all the beach stuff!

If your looking to move into the Hudsonville area check out my top picks in the price range of 150's to 180's. Some of these are located in the "forest" with plenty of trees and large lots. On any given day you can see people out walking with kids, dogs or both.

Hudsonville Top Picks

3255 Meadow Glenn Drive $154,900 (TFLA 2,350) 4 Bed 2 1/2 Bath

4117 Blair St $159,900 (TFLA 2,467) 5 Bed 2 1/2 Bath

6624 Crown Point Drive $160,000 (TFLA 2,212) 3 Bed 2 1/2 Bath

6847 Gettysburg Drive $174,900 (TFLA 2,222) 4 Bed 2 Bath

4393 Chateau West Drive 189,900 (TFLA 2,391) 3 Bed 3 Bath

To find out more about these listings or Hudsonville, Michigan contact me anytime @616-915-3987 ask about the $8,000 home buyer incentive!

Significant Price Reduction on this very sharp Indian Village home! In-ground pool, home beautifully remodeled and updated!

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:31:48 -0500

Eric Webster | Five Star Real Estate | 616-464-3459

2108 S Chesaning Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Beautiful Indian Village home 3+ bedrooms, 3+ baths, screened porch, inground pool. This is an exceptional home in a popular area.

3BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $209,900

Year Built	1961
Sq Footage	2,803
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.23 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Move-in and unpack! This home has great flow, wonderful functionality. The layout would accomodate a wide range of family configurations. Come see how this home will meet your needs beautifully.

Convenient to Sherwood Park Elementary and Christian High.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Family room
Living room	Office/Den	Dining room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Granite countertop	Basement	Washer
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard
Swimming pool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Beautifully updated, remodeled, decorated

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front Elevation	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Eric Webster

Five Star Real Estate

616-464-3459

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 24, 2009, 12:19pm PDT

Great 4 Bedroom 2-story in Georgetown Forest Development- Hudsonville MI

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:18:54 -0500

Eric Webster | Five Star Real Estate | 616-464-3459

6847 Gettysburg Drive, Hudsonville, MI

Clean, sharp 2-story home in popular Georgetown Forest, Hudsonville Schools

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $174,900

Year Built	1976
Sq Footage	2,222
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 2 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	17,304 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Georgetown Township is the location of this Georgetown Forest 2-story. You'll want to check it out TODAY! 4 bedrooms on the 2nd floor. The owner's bedroom features 2-double closets and a private 3/4 bath.

The main floor features formal living room, dining area, beautiful newer maple kitchen, main floor family room and laundry.

This home has been beautifully maintained and decorated. Is in move-in condition, clean and sharp!

Priced to sell at $174,900.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Office/Den	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertop	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Newer Maple Kitchen with Granite Counters

4 Bedrooms- 2 full baths, 2- 1/2 baths

Formal Living Room

Large open dining area

Main floor family room with fireplace and built-ins

Main floor laundry

Finished family room, office and 1/2 bath in basement

Large storage area in basement. Ample garage storage and additional storage shed

Private, wooded back yard

Lots of fresh paint in warm rich tones, lots of NEW carpet

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front Elevation	Formal Living Room
Dining Area	Family Room
Newer Maple Kitchen

Contact info:

Eric Webster

Five Star Real Estate

616-464-3459

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 24, 2009, 11:38am PDT

It's Winter in Grand Rapids, But there's a wonderful Bloom that you have to enjoy!

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:37:26 -0600

A week or so ago, I was having coffee with a friend on Saturday morning when she mentioned that she'd had the most amazing dinner the night before at Bloom in downtown Grand Rapids. She pulled the restaurant's website up and handed me the computer. I was immediately intrigued and impressed. It was a very creative menu that offered combinations that triggered my appetite.

Finally last evening that same friend and I met for dinner. It was as delightful as I'd hoped it would be. I was greeted warmly and seated immediately. Gwen, our server, and I had a chance to talk a bit as I waited for my dinner companion to arrive. She was very knowledgeable about the preparation of the offerings and checked with chef to help me quietly steer clear of dairy.

The menu has appetizers, in-betweens (small plates) and entrees. After our bottle of wine was served, we ordered the seared scallops, ham hock, dried apricot, pork rind, sage appetizer. I opted for the whitefish, kale, white beans, smoked turkey wing broth, my companion was so taken with the sirloin steak, roasted parsnip, swiss chard, w/ "hollandaise" that she broke her own rule and ordered it again.

We noticed that one of the signature drinks was based on a bacon-infused bourbon. It was an image that had us scratching our heads as to how that would be accomplished. Some images that will haunt me ran through my head, of a drink with a floating bacon fat layer. Gwen graciously brought us a sample of the bourbon and we sipped and swirled and picked up the subtle bacon flavor with a touch of maple and a slightly salty aftertaste. Next time, I'll have to order the signature drink...

While we caught up a bit, chef sent out a smoked scallop taster that was beautifully presented and delicious. If this was an indication of the way this evening was going to go, it was going to be a good night!

Each dish was delightful, flavorful, pleasing to the eye and palate. The timing was perfect for our leisurely pace, and Gwen was helpful and attentive without being intrusive.

Their website describes their mission statement much more eloquently than I could:

"here at bloom we are really into food, probably too much. we have a strong passion for ingredients and techniques that drives us to create the best possible meal for you, the diner. our focus is on progressive american cuisine with an emphasis on high quality, organic, local and natural products. not only do we like to make good food, we like to make food that is good for you, this just makes the world a better place. beer, wine, and creative cocktails are also a love of ours. our list features a lot of small estate grown wineries, as well as a great selection of artisan american beers. so please come and dine with us, enjoy yourself, feel free to ask any questions, we love to talk. food and drink is our passion, and we wish to share that passion with as many people as possible."

They absolutely deliver on those promises!

Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. There is on-street and lot/ramp parking nearby. It's just around the corner from Civic Theatre, up the block from St. Ceclia'sand down the block to the Leed Certified Grand Rapids Art Museum. While a reservation wasn't necessary last night, I would predict that as the word spreads about the high quality of food that's being served at Bloom, that won't be the case.

Appetizers from $6-12, In-Betweens- $12-16 and Entrees $21-26 with a menu that changes regularly to reflect the best, freshest ingredients available on that day.

Give Bloom a try, and tell them that you read about it on Eric Webster's blog. Know that I do not receive any compensation from any of the businesses that I highlight in this blog.

Floating away my stress in Grand Rapids, MI

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:41:15 -0600

Floating Away My Stress at "Just Relax Floatation

Grand Rapids, MI

When my February Grand Rapids Magazine arrived there was an article entitled "Floating Free" which caught my eye. It was about a business a few minutes away from my house that has Floatation tanks (a.k.a. Isolation tanks or Sensory deprivation tanks). I'd heard of these tanks and seen them in the movies, but did not know of any in my area, so I was intrigued.

The article said that these 8' long, 4' wide tanks have 12" deep water that contains 800-1000 pounds of Epson salt and is maintained at 93.5 degrees (skin temperature). This concentration of salt helps your buoyancy, is rumored to be great for your skin, to help you deeply relax and to have some healing properties.

The article said that Just Relax Flotation was located at the Oasis Hot Tub Gardens on Alpine Avenue so I googled to find out a bit more about the whole concept of floatation and about Just Relax specifically.

A quick call got me a call back from Lucas Harger, the owner of Just Relax (which is only related to Oasis by the space they occupy). Lucas was very helpful and informative. He filled me in on the benefits a bit more and explained that there were two floatation tanks in private rooms that are equipped with private bathroom and shower. Towels are provided and he's on hand to give you the 411 when you arrive. Then you lock the door, shower off and climb into the tank for at least a 1-hour float.

From what I've read and heard, it's a very mentally and physically relaxing process, and proponents say that it's similar to the deep relaxation that a great massage produces. Given that my last massage therapist was the one you may have heard about in the news.. You remember, the woman who tried to hire a hit on her CA based, married boyfriend's wife. (As an aside, it made me happy that she hadn't taken a shine to me!!) But that's another story.

I booked an appointment for that evening and arrived not quite knowing what to think, but eager to find out. Lucas gave me a tour, and Floatation 101. He has a wide variety of music that he can pipe into the tank for some or all of your stay or if you prefer, you can bring your own cd and he'll pipe that in. Once he was sure I had no questions, he left, and I got ready to float.

The music was softly playing, it was all as described and after a few minutes I was floating in the center of the tank in total darkness as bit by bit the stress of the day vanished. I re-discovered that my shoulders are the place where I carry my stress, as they were the very last area to let go. But wow what a feeling when they gave it up. Because I meditate on a daily basis, I didn't expect to have difficulty getting rid of the chatter in my head, but the newness of the experience made that more of a job than I anticipated. But even that was gone by (probably) midway through my 1st float.

When my hour was up, the music gently let me know it was time to wiggle my toes and prepare to shower off and go back out to face the world in a much relaxed body.

As I went back to the lobby, I had another conversation with Lucas who confirmed my belief that repeated visits all the user to quiet that chatter and relax deeper much more quickly. An added bonus is purchasing packages of three floats nets you a 25% discount off the normal $40.00 charge.

The article I'd read indicated that there are clinical tests that have proven floatation to be highly effective in assisting with depression, fatigue, stress, chronic pain and injury. I don't need to overcome any of these conditions, but found the deep relaxation, the extra time with my brain quiet to be very pleasing. I'm planning to go again this week to see if the 2nd float delivers a more relaxing faster release of tension and chatter.

In his promotional handout, Lucas indicated the following benefits. (You'll have to judge for yourself the benefit you may enjoy).

· Relieves stress from sights, sounds & gravity

· Become weightless in 10" of water infused with 800+ pounds of Epson Salt.

· Epson salts soothe skin, draws toxins from the body and eases sore muscles.

· Floating releases endorphins- which reduce pain and promote a sense of well being.

· Enter a meditative state within minutes

· Redirect your mental and physical energy.

I do not receive any compensation for blog posts about local businesses. The opinions are just that, opinions. Your actual results may vary, void where prohibited.

An amazing burger and hand crafted beer for $5.00 in Downtown Grand Rapids

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:43:11 -0600

Great Dining Values in Grand Rapids MI

For the last month or so, my daughter, Kirstin has been joining co-workers and friends for a burger and a beer after work occasionally. She's come home with a big smile on her face, and it's not a beer generated smile! It's that they've found an amazing place where Monday through Thursday from 4-6 pm they can get a ½ pound Angus beef burger with fries and a pint of beer. And it's no domestic bottled swill, it's interesting, hand-crafted, Michigan brewed beer. The price? $5.00. How can you beat that?!?!?!

So yesterday I had a day where I was all over town, catching up on photos, getting a new battery for a Sentrilock Keybox (the first one I've had to replace, and with a small Allen wrench it was an easy task, unlike some of the competitor's boxes, but that's another story). When I looked at my watch and remembered that I'd not pulled anything from the freezer to cook for dinner, I realized it was a great opportunity to see for myself Kirstin's burger and beer heaven.

She was pretty tickled when I called and told her that I'd pick her up at work rather than at the bus stop and that there was a Hopcat visit in her immediate future.

Located in the Arena District downtown on Ionia Street, we found a parking spot immediately (more confirmation that this was a good choice). We parked right in front of the Photography Room, which is a great gallery run by Brian Kelly, a local photo genius. Next time I'll go early to browse the gallery before my burger/beer feast.

The vibe is very cool. Hardwood floors, a huge, long bar with 48-taps. Interesting and unusual artwork on the walls, and great tunes played at just the right volume. Loud enough to get my head bobbin', but not so loud that I had to shout to talk to my daughter and hear her stories from work. A great mix of songs I've not heard in years, and others that I wasn't familiar with but would love to hear again.

Kirstin selected a Poet, a New Holland Brewing Company Oatmeal Stout- (brewed in Holland Michigan where their brew pub serves the best chili I've ever enjoyed) a rich, dark brew that's become her locally brewed favorite. After much waffling back and forth, I settled on a pint of 555- I.P.A. a smooth, slightly hoppy beer brewed by The Livery in Benton Harbor, MI. Then came the burgers! Grilled to order on a fresh bakery bun, juicy and flavorful. Traveling with the burger were lettuce, tomato, onion and the normal condiments and a pile of thin cut perfectly fried "Crack Fries" billed as being so good that they're addictive. I'm not generally a huge fan of seasoned fries, but these were not overpoweringly seasoned so while I'm not addicted, I did enjoy every bite.

Our server was prompt, knowledgeable, friendly and fun.

Hopcat has a full menu of interesting dishes, seems to be run by people with a passion for beer and fun. I'm certain that when I'm downtown and in need of a bite, or a taste of high quality interesting beer, I know exactly where to go.

If you're looking for a new spot, stop at Hopcat and tell them you read about it on my blog!

Located at 25 Ionia (at the Corner of Weston), Hopcat's main floor is non-smoking, but there's a smoking lounge upstairs and a patio when the weather makes that possible.

Photos from the Hopcat website

Open Sunday 2/1/09 from 2-4 PM= New listing at 4160 Burton SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:47:06 -0600

Eric Webster | Five Star Real Estate | 616-464-3459

4160 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Walkout ranch on 2.75 acres in the Forest Hills School District. Walk to MVP Sport, close to shopping and expressways.

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $219,900

Year Built	1968
Sq Footage	2,550
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	2.75 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Family room	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Office/Den	Dining room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Basement	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside	Yard	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

2.75 Acres- possible to split

Newer hickory kitchen with abundant storage and work spaces

Large living room with fireplace and bookcases

Dining area

Sun Room

Updated main floor bath with dual lavatories and a spa tub

New furnace and a/c

Lots of fresh paint and new carpet

Lot has oak, maple, ash, hickory, blue, white & black spruce trees

Extensive perennial bed enhances the wooded, private view

Meadowbrook Elementary in the Forest Hills School District

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Eric Webster

Five Star Real Estate

616-464-3459

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 29, 2009, 7:52am PST

Old Dogs- New Tricks or my first Skype Video Chat with out of state buyers.

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 07:30:34 -0600

In the grand scheme of things, I don't exactly consider myself an 'old dog', but I realize that I could be deluding myself a bit as I look in the mirror.

Last evening though, I proved to myself that I can still adapt to new (er) technology to communicate with the next generation of clients. I'm pretty geeked! And, I'm Eric Webster, and I aspire to BE a geek! (crowd in the background says "HI Eric!)

A nice young couple who now live in NYC contacted me at the advice of one of my past clients. They're preparing to move to West Michigan in the early summer and want to get the ball rolling. We e-mailed back and forth and planned a time that they would both be at home in their East Village studio so we could talk about the process, their wants and needs and get to know each other a bit.

Then Mr. Buyer asked "Do you Skype?" And because of my daughter's Peace Corps Romania time, I DO Skype. So it was set.

I dragged my web cam out of the file, bought a new microphone (the old one was very poor quality). I took a look at what would be behind me in the webcam and realized that I needed to clear the decks on my file cabinet and I played around with the lighting so I didn't look like I worked in a cave.

Last evening at 6:15 we connected, turned on the video and had a delightful 45-minute conversation about a wide variety of topics. Some related to real estate, others not so much.

For me, it was nice to get more of a sense of who these people are, more than is possible by phone or e-mail. I would hope that for their part, it added to the comfort level they had with me by being referred by their good friend.

My concern that it would be uncomfortable and stiff went away almost immediately. It was not totally unlike having them across the desk from me in my office.. except they were across the country in their own home.

I guess I will start to put my Skype id on my website, in my blog and on my marketing materials. It's a new world. Happy to be taking baby steps in a good direction.

(If you want to Skype me- I'm EWebs0608.)

Gratitude for 100 Blessings a day.

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:26:36 -0600

In a few hours, I'm delivering a talk entitled "Thank You, Thank You Very Much" at a Sunday night service that I regularly participate in at The Coptic Center in Grand Rapids. The focus of this talk is obviously gratitude, and leading up to Thanksgiving week, it seems appropriate.

We live in a world that feels pretty upside down and uncertain at this moment, but I believe that before long the dust will begin to settle, we'll hopefully have learned some large and small lessons about how we brought about this mess, so we may steer a different course that leads to a different outcome.

Despite the disarray that's evident in our world, there is MUCH to be Thankful for, EVERY DAY.

I recently heard a sermon by Rev. Larry Farris who was a guest preacher at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. Larry told the story of a guest lecturer when he was in seminary, a Rabbi who challenged the group to give thanks EVERY DAY for 100 BLESSINGS. He said that if you couldn't come up with 100 every day, it was likely you weren't playing quite enough attention.

Part of my talk today will include the concept of giving THANKS for 100 Blessings a Day. SO I thought I'd share 50 of mine from today in case it might cause you to think about how blessed you are.. and maybe be a catalyst for a new or renewed commitment to thankfulness in your life.

50 Blessings I'm Thankful For Today

A beautiful sunrise, a beautiful sunset
A good night's sleep
Strong coffee in the morning
My family
The love and support of dear friends
The long beautiful fall we've enjoyed
The magnificent beauty of winter to come
My limitless Universal supply
The sight of young couples in love
The sight of old couples in love
The promise of someday me being part of a couple in love
For Beethoven's 9^th
For Mozart's Requiem
For laughter
For tears
For the emotional excavation that large life course changes bring
For excruciating decisions that lead to great outcomes
A baby's smile
An elder's wisdom
For abundant synchronicities
A daughter who makes my heart swell in pride & my eyes well up in love
A son who is following his passion and has been a great role model for me
Uplifting books
A well mixed vodka martini
The view from my patio
The angels in our path who show us the way
Crosby Stills Nash and Young
Broadway's "Rent"
Singing at the top of my lungs going down the road
Movies that make me laugh
Movies that make me cry
Butterflies
Hummingbirds
Hawks
AHA moments
Lake Michigan
The joy of spending time in my own head
The energy of this place
Each of YOU!
Insights
Heartaches
Heartbreaks
Radiant good health
Meditation
Inspiring words of the Masters
....of Sages
....of Friends
Grilled Salmon
A peaceful heart
Being able to share my thoughts and beliefs with you.
There. I have spotted you 50- you come up with your 50- to make the 100.

There is certainly room in my life for more blessings, more business, more friends. But I believe that if I'm focused on the amazingly long list of blessings that I already have, I pave the way for more to slide on in easily.

Oh, I'm also thankful for the AR community and having a forum to share thoughts, insights, ideas.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving.

Thank You, Thank You Very Much!

What are YOU thankful for?

Eric

A Whole New Mind- A Whole New Direction- One Association's Pro-Active Approach

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:11:51 -0600

I was recently asked to Guest Write the President's Message for our Grand Rapids Association of Realtors' Newsletter. As I read it, it seems that there could be a nugget or two that applies beyond my market area, so I offer it here for your 'for what it's worth file'.

As you read it, feel free to substitute the name of your Association, Your Company or even Your Name. We can choose to grow and adapt so that we will thrive and survive. Or we can make other choices that may lead to less grand outcomes.

Please join me on the high road.

GRAR President's Message
Guest written by
Eric Webster
Board Secretary

I was honored and surprised when our Association President Jim Fase invited me to write this President's Message. Then as the month rolled by and I considered the message to share with you, some remarkable things happened. I've learned that if I'm listening, the answers to my questions are generally provided.

I have had the pleasure for the last three years of serving you as a member of the GRAR Board of Directors. I've discovered this opportunity of service to be a wonderful gift FOR ME! To sit at the table with professionals who have committed to sit with their competitors in search of that which is for the highest good for our Association and EVERY MEMBER is a wonderful thing to behold. Know that every issue is carefully examined and has undergone thorough and passionate discussion before any action is undertaken.

Whether you realize it or not, your professional life is much better than it would be, were it not for these volunteer leaders who collectively donate THOUSANDS of hours every year in a sincere attempt to make life better, easier and more profitable for YOU. You are also blessed with an Association Staff who are hard-working, professional and the envy of most Associations far and wide.

Recently at our Annual Planning Retreat, where the Directors set the GRAR course for the following year, incoming President Greg Carlson invited a variety of non-Director Realtor members to join the process. These brokers represented small, medium and large firms and shared their experience and wisdom generously. Their participation helped us greatly as we charted our new and exciting course.

In preparation for the retreat we read a thought provoking book entitled A Whole New Mind- Why the Right Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel H. Pink. (If you've not read it, I highly recommend it) Then, Jeremy Conaway, a consultant who works with Realtor Associations and brokers nationally helped to facilitate our retreat. Over the next two days we worked to draw the concepts of this book into the real estate industry to discern how GRAR can best help keep Realtors essential to the real estate transaction and relevant to their clients in a rapidly changing world.

The image that Jeremy used to describe our current situation as an industry was that of a boat at sea in a heavy storm. We are on that boat and are concentrating on the waves that are crashing over the bow, worrying that we will be swamped and sink in the storm. This is certainly a valid concern. But he suggests that we may not be noticing that in addition to those waves, there are strong currents washing us into unfamiliar waters. If our focus is ONLY on the crashing waves of the storm, we may find ourselves in seas we don't know how to navigate once the storm subsides. Know that this storm like every other will subside.

So the challenge we face as an industry, as an Association and as individual members is to look at the big picture to see where the currents are taking us and to define the environment we will likely find when the storm subsides. Then to go about doing the work to make certain that when the skies are blue again, we're not washed up on shore as irrelevant driftwood or storm savaged debris.

It is with that image in our heads that we looked at the BIG PICTURE of the industry and to find the best direction for GRAR. Step by step we identified the services and functions that GRAR can undertake to be of greatest support and to make it easier and more profitable for you and your broker to do business in West Michigan. I'm confident that as the implementation plan is developed, you will be hearing much more about the exciting steps that we are undertaking. Much of what we discussed may require you to stretch out of your comfort zone a bit. I encourage each of you to do just that!

I suspect that you will see many changes within your Association in the months to come. I would strongly encourage you to view them with an open mind, to embrace them and whole heartedly support them! Human nature sometimes has us preferring ‘the way it's always been' to anything new and different, even if our very survival requires something new and different.

The old rule was "If you keep doing what you are doing, you'll keep getting what you have been getting." I would suggest to you that this model is no longer valid in real estate (and likely in every other area of our lives). The new rule might be: "Keep doing what you are doing and you will become irrelevant, invisible and extinct."

Make no mistake, we live in extraordinary times. The advances that have been made and the challenges we currently face will impact us as individuals and as an industry for years to come.

Much of what we deal with today is more difficult, stressful and frustrating than any time I remember, and I've been a GRAR member since 1989. For some, hardest of all is how much of it is seemingly beyond their control. If find, that if I allowed myself to, I can become a seething ball of rage most days. But I discovered that to be very counterproductive and probably dangerous. I believe that it's only a minor adjustment within my brain to get to a point where I focus on the things I can control or positively impact, and to let the rest go. Each day I ask: "Please don't let me be the problem today, let me be part of the solution!" When I'm faced with a frustrating situation, I strive to remember that there is NO situation that cannot be made worse by behaving badly about it. While there are many things I don't control, the one thing that I CAN CHOOSE TO CONTROL is my response. Several times a day, I'm reminded of a Sai Baba quote that helps me remember how I can choose a better outcome. "Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve upon the silence." I share it, in case it can help you as you go through your week.

I would encourage you to look in the mirror each day and ask yourself if you made the situations you encountered that day better or worse by your reaction. Then remember how your choices impact you outcomes.

While part of your focus will likely need to be on the waves that are crashing over your bow, if you can, try to pull back and look at where the currents are sweeping you in your life. I believe that this storm could require mid-course adjustments not only in business life, but also in broader life course adjustments. If there are actions you can undertake now that will reduce the damage, or put you on a more scenic course, I hope you'll embrace them. Are there ways that you can improve/update/upgrade your approach to your real estate business? I would encourage you to spend some time each week working ON your business rather than IN your business. Just as a serious storm leaves uprooted trees and damaged homes, the market we are experiencing has already caused many Realtors to leave the business in search of calmer, more profitable waters. I hope that with a new focus and renewed commitment to excellence, those of us who have made it this far, can ride out the storm and enjoy the beautiful sunrise and calm seas that lie ahead. May we all be able to one day look back on these times as times that helped us grow in ways we never knew we could!

Richard Avedon-Larger than Life- an amazing exhibit of photos from this iconic artist at the Grand Rapids Art Museum

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:44:08 -0500

Last evening I had the pleasure of attending the Member Opening for theRichard Avedon exhibit at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Nigel Barker- (a judge on America's Next Top Model and Photographer) delivered a very insightful lecture about the life and work of Avedon, who was a mentor and inspiration for Barker.

The exhibit was sponsored by the generous patrons who have put Grand Rapids on the map with other cultural events, and GR was out in force. The exhibit runs through January 4, 2009 and features 80 amazing photos of the famous and the unknown.

Daughter Kirstin is a volunteer at GRAM and had a Peace Corps friend in town for a visit. So Jon and I attended while Kirstin tended to her duties. Here's Kirstin (in the black dress) tending to the crowd waiting to meet Mr. Barker.

I'd not been to an Art Museum opening before. It was a nice event. I ran into many more people that I knew that I suspected I might and it had quite an excited feel to it.

The photos are amazing! With very neutral backgrounds that make the photos about the subject rather than the location, he manages to really capture the essence of his subjects. Even if you think you're not familiar with Avedon's work, if you click on the link at his name, I'm sure that you'll recognize many of his very famous, groundbreaking photos.

What a cool thing to have a treasure like GRAM here. It's a LEED certified building-the first museuem to boast that in the world. They are bringing in world class exhibits and really making a wonderful contribution to the quality of life in West Michigan.

If you find yourself within driving distance of Grand Rapids, you will want to make a point to visit this exhibit. Call me if you come to town, we could have coffee and I could give you "THE GRAND TOUR".

Grand Rapids, what a great place to call home!

Beautiful Home in Indian Village area. Convenient to everything you love about the city. Also very close to Sherwood Park Elementary and Christian High.

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:40:56 -0500

Eric Webster | Five Star Real Estate | 616-464-3459

2108 S Chesaning Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Beautiful Indian Village home 3+ bedrooms, 3+ baths, screened porch, inground pool. This is an exceptional home in a popular area.

3BR/3.5BA Single Family House

offered at $259,900

Year Built	1961
Sq Footage	2,803
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.23 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Family room
Living room	Office/Den	Dining room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Granite countertop	Basement	Washer
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard
Swimming pool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Beautifully updated, remodeled, decorated

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Eric Webster

Five Star Real Estate

616-464-3459

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 26, 2008, 3:26am PDT

Landmark Lofts- A very cool 1500+ Square Foot RIVERFRONT condo in Downtown Grand Rapids. OPEN SUNDAY, September 7 2-4 pm.

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:59:14 -0500

Located at Monroe and the 6th Street Bridge. Stop in on Sunday and say HELLO!

Eric Webster | Five Star Real Estate | 616-464-3459

801 Monroe NW, Unit 205, Grand Rapids, MI

Riverfront Landmark Lofts Downtown Condo-If you've been thinking about an urban lifestyle, but haven't found a unit that's big enough, check out this

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $339,900

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	1,534
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$381 per month

DESCRIPTION

If you've been thinking about a downtown condo, you won't want to miss this one! It's large (1534 square feet), has great river views, and is finished/decorated just the way you want it. Cherry kitchen with granite counters, bamboo hardwood flooring in most areas, open ceiling, and even though this part of the building was built in 2001, there's one wall of the OLD exposed brick from the original building.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Living room	Office/Den	Dining room
Dishwasher	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Microwave	Granite countertop	Stainless steel appliances
Washer	Dryer	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Guest parking	Storage space(s)	Secured entry
Elevator

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Landmark Lofts- 2nd Floor River view unit

1534 square feet of cool, downtown living

Master Suite with California Closets, private bath with 6' spa tub/shower, maple cabinets, dual lavs

Open, flexible space. How do you want to live?

Beautiful tall windows so you can watch the Grand River view, and it's GRAND!

Cherry Kitchen w/ Granite Surfaces, Bosch Dishwasher, 5-burner range w/ convection oven & GE Fridge

Bamboo hardwood flooring through most of the unit

Ceramic Tile where there isn't bamboo

The great room is 31' x 15'.

Sliders to the balcony that overlooks the park & river

Walk/Bike to all the downtown fun.

Guest Room/Den

Bosch stackable, ventless washer/dryer

Monthly electric bill averages $125.00- other than cable and phone, that's it

Secure, non-smoking building with elevators

2-dedicated parking places in adjacent surface lot

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Eric Webster

Five Star Real Estate

616-464-3459

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 3, 2008, 10:09am PDT

Open House Sunday September 14- 2-4 at 192 Glen Eagle Dr NE, Rockford MI

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:51:50 -0500

Eric Webster | Five Star Real Estate | 616-464-3459

192 Glen Eagle Dr NE, Rockford, MI

Clean & Sharp within easy walking distance to Downtown Rockford, White Pine Trail and Valley View Elementary.

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $179,900

Year Built	1990
Sq Footage	2,475
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	.23 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Open House- Sunday September 14 from 2-4 pm.

North of 10-Mile Road on River St. to Spring St. to Summit to Glen Eagle (Just south of Valley View Elementary)

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Family room
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den
Dining room	Dishwasher	Microwave
Basement	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Up to date decorating in warm rich tones

2-Story Living Room with woodburning fireplace

Dining Area with Slider to Arbor Covered Deck

Main Floor Master with walkin closet and private full bath

Main Floor Laundry/ Power Room

Daylight Level with Family Room (w/Built-In Office Nook), Recreation Room, 4th Bedroom and storage

2nd Floor- 2 Bedrooms & Family Bath

Large lot (almost 1/4 acre)

Newer Yard Shed

Popular neighborhood that's convenient to downtown, shopping and expressways

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Eric Webster

Five Star Real Estate

616-464-3459

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 3, 2008, 9:37am PDT

I'm TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP!!!! Kirstin will be on the way home soon.

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:58:42 -0500

Hi All,

I've been AWOL from the Rain for several months. I have no valid excuse and throw myself on the mercy of you all for forgiveness.

Tonight though, I have news that has me so excited I can hardly stand it.

My youngest, a daughter named Kirstin is getting on an airplane in Cairo Egypt (where she's been on vacation for the last week) in 2 HOURS 45 Minutes, headed (after a very long day) to Grand Rapids, MI.

She's just finished a 27 month service in the Peace Corps in Romania and by midnight on Wednesday I'll be able to give her a great big HUG!!!!!

I wrote a post a while back, when her homecoming was 60-days away. Read it here.

I'll be holding the vision for moderate tail winds, and a smooth ride all the way home.

Lessons in Customer Service from DTE ENERGY. (OR if my service was this bad, I would hope someone would put me out of my misery) A RANT

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:52:14 -0500

Dear AR Friends,

I've been absent from AR since Mid-May. Lot's going on, and someday I'll probably post some of my journey, but not today.

Although, I probably have plenty of time that I could. You see, I have a vacant listing and the gas was turned off because a delay in a closing caused the buyer to not have it transferred into their name (Understandably). So I called the gas company on Monday to get it put in my name until the 2nd buyer closes (hopefully next week).

I was surprised that they were able to get her (hopefully) yet this week. The nice lady said that they would be at the house on Thursday and that someone 18-years old or older had to be there. I asked the obvious question... "can you narrow it to a 4-hour window?" and the answer: "No- they'll be there sometime between 8 am and 6 pm."

They are supposed to call, but there was no way that they could tell me that they would call 30- 45- minutes ahead... and I got the impression that if I wasn't immediately available when they called, I was SOL. So at 8:00 I arrived. It's now 2:45 and no word.

I cannot imagine how quickly I'd be out of business if I told my buyers and sellers, Yep, I'll be there sometime on Thursday. You just wait for me, and if I think of it, I'll call you when I'm on the way.

The last time this happened, Karen went on a 30 degree day.. sat in the car and at the end of the day, got a call that 'they were running late and wouldn't make it. I went ballistic, called the CEO's office at DTE and was able to get a different outcome.

It is amazing to me that in this day and age, the GAS COMPANY still expects that someone will waste an ENTIRE DAY in order to do business with them. Oh wait, they have a MONOPOLY. We don't have a choice.

Bitching about it won't change it... I'm sure that you've had the same or worse, from someone else... but today I needed to complain to someone. Thanks for being there for me.

Guess I'll have to write my buddy the CEO to let him know that they're still doing the same bad service that they provided a year or so ago when I wrote. Maybe this time I'll copy the Michigan Public Service Commission too.

Have a great day.

Grand Rapids MI- in the Best Life Magazine's- Top 100 Places to Raise a Family!~~!

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:30:27 -0500

I'm pretty excited today, there's good news in Grand Rapids, MI. According to the Today show, Best Life Magazine has issued their Top 100 best places to raise a family and Grand Rapids is #35! The only Michigan city ranked higher is Ann Arbor at #30.

Best Life is confirming what we knew in 1989 when we selected Grand Rapids as our new home town. At the time, I was in the restaurant business in Bay City (a place where at least at that time, quantity was more important than quality). We were in GR for a food show and as we sat at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel looking out over the Grand River at the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum we thought... wow, this would be a great place to live and raise the family.

A little over a year later, I started in Real Estate in Grand Rapids, and our belief turned out to be 100% accurate.

It doesn't matter what you are looking for, West Michigan/Grand Rapids has it. Art, Culture, Sports, great public and private schools, Lakes, Bike Trails, Restaurants, short commutes without gridlock, less than 1-hour to several State Parks on Lake Michigan, lots of colleges and universities, outstanding health care, and an economy that has certainly taken some hits, but given the number of cranes in the air downtown, is going to come out just fine in the end.

For a look at the wide range of activities available in this TOP 100 town, click here for my link list. We also have a community calendar so you can pick what you want to do when you come here to check out your new home town.

If you'd like the Grand Tour, let me know. I've provided it to many transferees over the last 19-years, and would be happy to show you around.

When you're ready to move up to a Top 100 city, I'd be happy to help you find your perfect new home in your exciting new hometown.

Who's in DC for the NAR mid-year meetings?

Eric Webster Grand Rapids, MI, Five Star Realty (Five Star Real Estate) — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:02:02 -0500

I've been absent from AR for a couple of busy weeks, so if this has already been discussed, forgive me.

But I'm in DC tonight through Friday for the NAR meetings. Is there a AR gathering? I'd love to meet some of the people I've enjoyed reading here.

My cell phone's on at 616-291-2398 if there's a meet-and-greet that I'm not aware of.

Thanks.

Oh, by the way, I'm going to look up Ken Burlington from NAR. He's the one that's making the difference in my campaign to have ALL NAR members on the searchable agent list at HousingMarketFacts.com.

I understand that he thinks the project will be completed by the end of May.

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Thanks for your help.