Lakefront property Michigan/Steve and Shelley Frody

Market update regarding Hudsonville and Jenison since Oct 2008.

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:58:19 -0600

	Hudsonville/Jenison Sold home comparison
	Units sold in each month.

		Hudsonville	Jenison
Oct-08		24	14
Nov-08		19	11
Dec-08		14	11
Jan-09		11	3
Feb-09		17	9
Mar-09		24	11
Apr-09		14	14
May-09		24	18
Jun-09		35	27
Jul-09		37	15
Aug-09		28	24
Sep-09		36	23
Oct-09		52	26
Nov-09		26	23
Dec-09
Jan-10
Feb-10
Mar-10

Want to simplify your life??

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:01:28 -0500

There are many families that feel...they want to simplify their life!!

Too much House??

Want to be out of debt!!! This is a common theme in many clients we work with. Many clients are thinking of downsizing which when you think about it...it really makes sense.
Especially those living on the lake...where the years have gone by and the kids are out of the home...not using the lake. Home now is too big to maintain.
With large mortgage payments and equity in the home, there are some nice ways to simplify your life.

Example.

Seller owns lake home or other. Sells at a reduce rate in the market to make it happen in this market. All the buyers want a deal. We all know its true but it still makes sense when you look at the big picture.

Sell, pay CASH for a wonderful new home that fits your needs!! WITH a simplicity of life...NO debt. No Payments. Not bad!! Great Feeling!!

Call us today for more info

Market change??

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:46:20 -0500

There are many questions...but this is the most common that I hear.

Is the market turning around??

Yes and No. Depends on the price range and area.
For the Hudsonville/Jenison areas...the hottest area is any homes under the 125K mark.
It has somewhat turned out to a be a Sellers market??? What?? A sellers market??? In the last 2 months the demand has really changed. Add in the tax credit...very nice option for home buyers.
Has the market turned...????for this price range and area...Yes.

Steve Frody

Hudsonville/Jenison Comparison

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:26:09 -0500

	Sold home Tracking

	Hudsonville Schools	Jenison Schools

Oct-08	24		14
Nov-08	19		11
Dec-08	14		11
Jan-09	11		3
Feb-09	17		9
Mar-09	24		11
Apr-09	14		14
May-09	24		18
Jun-09	35		27
Jul-09	37		15
Aug-09
Sep-09
Oct-09
Nov-09
Dec-09

Totals	219		133

What does this mean???

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:24:59 -0500

November 30th Deadline on 2009 Tax Credit for Buyers: What does it mean for Home Sellers?

With the $8,000 tax credit scheduled to end Nov. 30, the number of home buyers looking to take advantage of the credit (as well as the historically low prices and low interest rates) could possibly increase as the year winds down, especially as we start seeing glimmers of an economic upturn for the real estate market. If you've been waiting for the right window of opportunity to put your home on the market, this might be the time. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to call me or email me any time. For more information on the Tax Credit, visit http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/faq.php.

Trouble Selling? Problem Solved!

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:02:02 -0500

This addition......was taken from a lenders quarterly update...(I thought how fitting it is.)

Trouble selling...???? Problem Solved.

Is your home the best shape of its Life?

Have you set the stage?

The "Price is Right" isnt just a game show.

Now may not be the time to sell?

Stats of what is happening.

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:34:43 -0500

I met with Shelley my wife today...and I shared with her we have just noticed a slow down in the market again over the last two weeks.
1. Weather....has not helped.
2. Or has the news.
3. Lending...

For an updated stats...I thought these were interesting. Overall sales of homes on the GRAR board this year of 2009.

Jan 836  units sold.
Feb 904 "   "
Mar 1126 "    "
April 1185   "   "
May 1066   "    "

The short sale/repo percentage of homes sold on the market.

Jan 69 % In 2008 it was only 14%. Yes the market has changed.
Feb 68.5%
Mar 65%
April 60.5%
May 53.75% Slight change in the right direction.

cool..helping out.

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:54:09 -0500

Showing homes to buyers.....meeting with potential sellers....working with current listing clients...

It really is amazing how much we are in the business of helping people. Ex. For buyers, the more and more we are in the business, helping others look for the first time home, investors buying and scooping up great values, to buyers looking for the dream home on the lake or in town is a great thing.

When selling, working with current listings and possible sellers to help give them ideas on what it takes to move, determine the right action steps to take next. Or sharing with sellers that are not financially in a good position to sell options...Just yesterday one of our clients said they never heard of the options from other agents. Maybe financially they cant move...but lets talk options.
The more and more we are in the business, i am really amazed and love to help others when we can in our business.

Backyard...Redneck BBQ

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:17:40 -0500

One of the joys...of looking at many homes is there are always some cool things and ideas you run into when showing homes to buyers.

Well, this one took me by surprise. I had to take a picture.

The Grill was directly out the window. No need to deal with the Michigan weather when you can open the window and check the steaks and burgers..

This has to rate as one of the best I have seen!! They even built the roof to allow for the grill!!!

At the closing...

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:28:22 -0500

Here is a story....

At the closing the other day my clients were sitting at the table selling/closing on their home.

In the other room were the buyers...with cameras...gifts and celebration. There was a party in there. Hooting and cheering it up. What a big contrast in the market.

One room...Big Party with getting their home of there dreams at a good price.
One room...Happy its sold...but no big party.

I thought...how true this is in our market today. Its tough selling...but the buying side is a PARTY!

Its the best time for investments...and move up buyers.

Call us today. Steve and Shelley. 662-9664.

more and more coyotes. Seen today in my back yard.

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:14:18 -0600

Today...there were more coyotes....right between my home and my neighbors. I have seen more coyotes than deer this winter. I have never seen one before in 30 years of hunting until this year I have seen 5 different ones in my backyard. Crazy!!! Lock the doors... :-)

The first photo...close up from back door...and the other one farther out when they were heading to the woods.

This says it all. There is a listing crisis!

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:06:26 -0600

This chart says it all. This graph shows the stats...and the market trends of homes that are selling. The graph shows last month 70% of all home sales were short sales or foreclosures. This is troubling for normal sellers like you and me. If you want to move your home...pay attention to this graph...WOW...it is staggering from just 2 years ago in 2007.

OH My is their reaction.

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:41:41 -0600

As each day goes forward and we talk to more and more people....when we share that my wife are in the real estate business you should see their reaction. Usually the eyebrows go up...and their comment says...oh my. NOT GOOD THEY SAY.. Then we get a chance to respond. Actually what we share is that the 2008 was a challenging year...but believe it or not it was our best year. Then you see their reaction. We are thankful for the year and look forward to this year. Give us a call if you have any questions with your home or if you are thinking of buying. Steve Frody

Its the new year....What will 2009 be like??

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:44:49 -0600

Here we go!!! What is going to happen in 2009??

Store closings...More layoffs....All we hear is negative.

Kinda reminds me of the year 2000...remember Y2K? There was so much concern and unknowns it was driving everyone crazy. Now in 2008 it is bringing alot of uncertain times. There are alot of positives out there as well. Yes it is going to be challenging for all in our community. It will be a year to remember for sure. We are just finishing a greatest year in real estate. Last year was our best...now we finished this year better than last year. We are thankful!! Thanks goes to you for your referrals.

We look at the year and think wow....what a blessing it has been. Lets keep going! See you in 2009.

Christmas Dec 26! Ever see a coyote on the lake??

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:39:57 -0600

We were sure surprised this morning in our back yard. Mr Wylie Coyote appeared. He came from across the lake and walked right behind the neighbors. This picture was when he was taking off getting out of here. He eventually ended up going right back were he came from. You never know what happens on the lake.

BRRRR it was cold.

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:12:17 -0600

Christmas is Here. Family coming over in a few minutes.

I had a neat experience I will never forget. I was able to get tickets for the Bears/Packers game couple days ago on Monday night Football. Its been a long time since I have been to a professional game.

Game time...was only 3 degrees. Great Seats on the 45 yard line. 4 rows up. Bears 20-17 in OT.

Interest Rates....you never know...going to 4.5%???

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:43:56 -0600

Rates are going up...Rates are going up...was the big news over the last few weeks.

The sky is falling...the sky is falling...

Well yesterday pasted everywhere was the big News...of 4.5 Percent possiblilties. The phones are starting to ring on what do I do?? I have been thinking about this...Will it really make it better in the market?? Don't think so. It creates the same stuggles... Just my opinion.

5.5%

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:04:29 -0600

5.5% Can I get a interest rate of this??...actually today you can. There were moments today of reaching a 5.5% interest rate for a FHA mortgage. This changes daily and if you ever have any questions regarding a mortgage....we have a few options and great couple lenders we work with.

For the best rates...call us first. You might be surprised when you really compare apples to apples.

I would advise not to shop rates online like by a Christmas present. You will never know what is inside when you open it at your closing of your home.

20% down??

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:26:44 -0600

This is a big myth in the mortgage business right now getting a loan. When buying a home...I have been hearing many people say I need 20% down. This is not true. There are many buyers with a 3-5% down getting home loans.

If you have any questions with your situation, let me know. Steve and Shelley 662.9664 or email me at stevefrody@comcast.net

Fuel....who knows...Update..

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:21:50 -0600

I just have to smile when I see the prices now. I think about my kids when they even say....whoah...only $1.67. They new and were watching prices this summer when we were boating. When I filled up the 5 gallon cans this summer it was really adding up.

Anyway...I wonder how long this will be when we say...Do you remember when prices were?????

Repo home....worth 1.8 mil street value.

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:03:25 -0500

Did you hear about the Repo worth a few thousand but had a 1.8 million value on the street.

A new buyer just bought a home for dirt cheap...and then realized it was worth 1.8 million on street value. What they found, was the home was filled with POT!!! Valued at 1.8 million.

Nice return on investment..

If you are looking for the hot repos and want to be first to know let me know. I can setup a simple search like I have to others to send them hot values as soon as they hit the market.

Email me and I will take care of you. Who knows...you may strike it rich!!! Steve Frody

Fuel....who knows...

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:59:22 -0500

I just topped it off by Gun Lake at $2.33 a gallon. Its interesting how many more people head inside now to get drinks and snacks knowing the price is so cheap.

Then the news of Exxon Mobil making record profits!!

I am not complaining here. My brother in Japan...fuel runs well over 6-7 bucks a gallon. Like I say...fill er up.

Price of Fuel again...What???

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:22:43 -0500

Is it real?? Under $3 bucks a gallon. Just a couple weeks ago we were all excited about the fuel at $3.57 a gallon. Now at $2.95. Who would have known? Now the question is how low will it go?? Do I fill up today or wait til tomorrow??

Its great for the real estate market for buyers. It removes one contingency off the buyers to help them in the decision to buy a home.>>>

Like I said before??? Filler up!

This Halloween...really describes the market...

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:25:56 -0500

I recieved this comic this week and thought HOW FITTING> As all the kids travel up an down the local streets, there will be less candy this year. This made me smile when I recieved this and never thought of the foreclosure market this way. Just this week within a half mile from home, two more foreclosures came up... Enjoy the cartoon.

Last month....54%

Steve Frody (Five Star Real Estate) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:39:44 -0500

Last Friday Oct 3 the GR press had a very accurate article for home sales in the GR area regarding Sept 2008 and the previous years.

Of the sales last month, a whopping 54% of those sales were foreclosures. These are just the facts.
Only 46% solds were from normal sellers like you an me. Every buyer wants price.

Here are a couple more patterns in previous years that represent solds homes in September.
2004..... 1171 homes sold
2005..... 1113 homes sold
2006...... 907 homes sold
2007...... 846 homes sold
2008...... 728 homes sold

As you can see the pattern is going down.
One thing even though the pattern is rough, Shelley and I are confident we will do what we can an more to continue to market, and push properties to get them sold. Give us a call for questions on your property or questions on the market in your area.

Thanks...Steve and Shelley.