Grand Rapids Real Estate is My Real Job - Terry Westbrook

Caledonia, Michigan - Crystal Springs Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report - Jan-Dec 2009

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:16:42 -0600

Crystal Springs ~ Kentwood Absorption Report August 2009

Crystal Springs Development in Caledonia, Michigan is a large, residential

suburban housing development that was started in the late 1980's and

most construction was finished in the 1990's although some newer homes

have been built since 2000. There are also a few vacant lots left to develop.

This development covers a large area around the Stonewater Golf Course

at Crystal Springs south of 68th Street to 72nd Street and encompassing

Kalamazoo Avenue on the east and west. This development has single

family homes and condos, many located right on the Stonewater Golf Course.

The public school system is Kentwood, even though the address is Caledonia.

Crystal Springs is close to the shopping plaza at 68th and Kalamazoo,

Kentwood High School, and a short hop to M-6, which is the south beltline for

the Greater Grand Rapids area connecting US 131 on the west and I96 on the

east side of the city.

Jan-Dec 2009 Real Estate

Residential Market Report

Crystal Springs Neighborhood

Active Listings: 12 Active Listings

Average Price: $255,916

Price per Sq Ft: $101.86 (Main Floor only)

Average days on the Market: 143

PENDING: 2 homes

SOLD: 33 Sold Homes

Average Price: $ 216,674

Average Price Per Sq Ft: $ 92.91 (Main floor only)

Average Days on the Market: 107

Absorption Rate for Crystal Springs Listings is 4.3 months for the

current housing inventory. If no other homes enter the market,

it will take 4.3 months for the current homes to sell at the current

rate of sales.

Crystal Springs Homes that are priced competitively are selling.

As you can see by the statistics, most of the homes that have their price

under $100/square foot are selling. Sales have started to rebound in

this neighborhood from last year's abysmal rates. Although on the

downside, the average price has fallen another 13% since summer.

Watermark CC purchases Crystal Springs GC

Crystal Springs GC has a new look & a new name

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Reports

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Reports

If you would like additional information about Caledonia

or Kentwood Homes, please contact me directly at

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Ada, Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report - Adacroft Commons - Jan-Dec 2009

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:39:43 -0600

The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner,

Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since

2000. The new 80 unit condo site - Villas of Ada and Stone Falls of Ada

- a 210 unit apartment complex, currently under construction here.

Both of these new developments are quite close to Adacroft Commons.

Adacroft Commons Real Estate

Jan-Dec 2009 Market Report

2 Sold, 4 For Sale, 1 Expired, 1 Pending

Adacroft Commons Active Listings: 4

Adacroft Commons Active Price - $174,200 183,233

Adacroft Commons Active Price/SqFt - $120.46

Adacroft Commons Active Days on Market -61

Adacroft Commons SOLD Listings: 2

Adacroft Commons average sold price - $ 187,00

Adacroft Commons average sold price/SqFt - $95.99

Adacroft Commons average sold days on market -13

Adacroft Commons Pending Listings: 1

Adacroft Commons Expired Listings: 1

There are 4 current homes for sale in Adacroft Commons neighborhood

listed on the local MLS board. This is a desirable area to live, with its

close proximity to Forest Hills Schools & Ada Christian School.

Market Synopsis: Adacroft Commons Homes are selling for under $100/SqFt.

This neighborhood Absorption Rate is 16 Months, sales activity has slowed

considerably. Homes that are in great condition and priced appropriately

have the best chance of selling in this buyer's market.

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Reports 2009

If you have detailed questions or just need general information

about Grand Rapids or Ada Homes, please contact me directly.

terry@terrywestbrook.com

or call 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate - Westbrook Realty

Adacroft Commons Entrance Photo by Bonnie Westbrook

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Reports - Tamarron Estates - Jan-Dec 2009

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:42:56 -0600

Cascade Neighborhood Absorption Report

Tamarron Estates is an upscale suburban development with large

wooded lots, walking access to Thornapple Elementary School and

the Thornapple River Backwaters. It is located just off of

Thornapple River Drive and Cascade Road in Cascade Township.

The house styles vary from large, comfortable ranches, traditional

two stories, to contemporary homes. Many of the homes were built

in the late 1970's to the mid 1980's, though there is a new street

that has much newer homes on acreage settings. Some houses close

to and surrounding this development are in the upper price brackets

in the Grand Rapids real estate market.

Tamarron Residential Real Estate

Jan-Dec 2009 Market Report

2 Sold, 3 For Sale, 13 Expired

Tamarron Active Listings: 3

Tamarron Average Active Price - $ 346,600

Tamarron Average Active Price/SqFt - $ 98.06

Tamarron Average Active Days on Market - 68

Tamarron SOLD Listings: 2

Tamarron Average Sold Price - $ 202,000

Tamarron Average Sold Price/SqFt - $ 79.07

Tamarron Average Sold Days on Market - 66

Tamarron Expired Listings: 13

Tamarron Average Expired Price - $ 472,638

Tamarron Average Expired Price/SqFt - $ 142.86

Tamarron Average Expired Days on Market - 143

At the current selling rate, we have a 18.7 month supply of homes

on the market in Tamarron Estates in Cascade Township.

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Tamarron homes are selling but not at the

prices that sellers would like to see. Today's market is accepting

homes under $100.00 a sq ft. This is a substantial price reduction for

this area. As you can see, the expired sellers think their homes

will sell at $ 130-150/sq ft. The two homes that have sold since

January might be distressed sales or foreclosed homes. List prices

have been reduced but not to a realistic price for buyers, as

evidenced by the 13 homes that expired.

The Absorption rate of 18.7 months is high for the Forest Hills area.

If you have to sell your Tamarron Estates home now, the market

place is telling you that you need to be around $100 a sq ft and

in good condition to see your home sold successfully.

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Reports 2009

If you have questions about the value of your Cascade or Forest Hills

Home, please contact me directly: terry@terrywestbrook.com or

call me at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

Photo of Leslie Tassell Park by Bonnie Westbrook

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Cascade Township Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report - Hidden Hills - Jan-Dec 2009

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:21:00 -0600

Hidden Hills is an established neighborhood of homes off Cascade Road

and 30th Street in Cascade Township, Michigan, a suburb of Grand Rapids.

Home construction started here in the 1960's housing boom in the Forest

Hills School District and has continued through to today. There are new

homes still being built in this neighborhood.

Mid-size homes with quality construction are the rule, this suburban sub-

division area has been a desirable place to live in the Grand Rapids home

market for many years.

Hidden Hills, Cascade Township

Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report

January-December 2009

4 For Sale, 15 Sold, 0 Pending, 9 Expired

Hidden Hills Active Listings 4

Hidden Hills Average Active Price: $ 429,975

Hidden Hills Average Active Price Per Sq Ft: $ 146.63

Hidden Hills Active Average Days on Market: 148

Hidden Hills Sold Homes 15

Hidden Hills Average SOLD Price: $ 210,367 232

Hidden Hills Average SOLD Price Per Sq Ft: $ 98.06 102

Hidden Hills Average SOLD Days on the Market: 102

Hidden Hills Pending Homes: 0

Hidden Hills Expired Homes: 9

Hidden Hills Average Expired Price: $ 288,922 336,567

Hidden Hills Average Expired Price Per Sq Ft: $119.70

Hidden Hills Average Expired Days on the Market: 162

The current absorption rate is 3.2 months, which means we have

a 3.2 month supply of homes in the Hidden Hills market, IF no new

homes enter the market and homes sell at the current rate.

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Hidden Hills average SOLD home price has

bounced back somewhat from this spring's lows of under $90 a square

foot, but the average sold price is still declining. Time on the market

has increased slightly and 15 homes have sold since the first of the

year.

Prices are about 30% below market highs of a few years ago but this

is still a popular place to live in the the Forest Hills School District.

The financial experts tell us that it will be between 2013 and 2023

before they expect these market highs to return.

Forest Hills School District Average Sold Home Prices last 5 years:

2008 - $ 279,709

2007 - $ 269,445

2006 - $ 300,691

2005 - $ 282,173

2004 - $ 268,072

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate 2009

If you would like further information about Cascade Homes or

Forest Hills homes, please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Real Estate - Westbrook Realty

photo of Leslie E Tassell Park by Bonnie Westbrook

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report - Caravelle Village - Jan-Dec 2009

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:02:08 -0600

Cascade Neighborhood Absorption Report

Caravelle Village is an established subdivision built in the late 1960's

and 1970's just south of Burton Street, east of Kraft Avenue and west

of Cascade Road in Cascade Township. These Grand Rapids Homes

have the traditional mix of two stories, tri-levels and ranches. A desirable

place to live with median priced homes, Forest Hills Public Schools, and

close to 28th shopping and restaurants. Originally built by a variety of

builders, the homes here are quality construction in a safe neighborhood

and close to the historic village of Cascade and Gerald Ford International

Airport.

Caravelle Village Residential Real Estate

Jan-Dec 2009 Market Report

4 For Sale, 3 SOLD, 0 Pending, 4 Expired

Caravelle Village Active Listings: 4

Caravelle Village Average Active Price - $ 192,325

Caravelle Village Average Active Price/Sq Ft - $ 123.52

Caravelle Village Average Days on the Market - 239

Caravelle Village SOLD Listings: 3

Caravelle Village Average Sold Price - $ 176,000

Caravelle Village Average Sold price/SqFt - $ 111.30

Caravelle Village Average Sold Days on the Market - 74

Caravelle Village Pending Listings: 0

Caravelle Village Expired Listings: 4

At the current rate of sales, we have a 16 month supply of homes in

Caravelle Village, if no new homes come on the market.

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Only 3 homes have sold in Caravelle Village since

January of this year. The average listed price has risen by $20K since

summer, but buyers are still reluctant to purchase.

This has been a popular area for home buyers, but your home must be

in top notch condition and priced to sell in today's market. Note the difference

between average list price/sq ft and average sold price/sq ft above, this tells

the whole story.

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market 2009

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate - Westbrook Realty

photo of Tassell Park at the Thornapple River by Bonnie Westbrook

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Ada Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report - Adatowne - Jan-Dec 2009

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:36:36 -0600

Adatowne is a popular entry level home market in the Ada area of

the Greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area.

Part of the appeal is the proximity of Ada Elementary, Forest Hills

Central Middle and High Schools, Ada Christian Schools, St Roberts

School and being close to the village of Ada. Adatowne is an

established subdivision, started in the early 1970's by E.L. Ladd

Builders of Ada.

I have held many open houses in these plats and sold many of

the homes as new construction - to be built.

If you doubt the power of your home as an investment, a basic

ranch in Adatowne (about 1000 sq ft) sold for $ 19,900 in 1975.

Adatowne Residential Neighborhood in Ada, Michigan

Jan- December 2009 Real Estate Market Report

7 Sold, 0 Pending, 2 For Sale, 3 Expired

Adatowne Active Listings: 2

Adatowne Average Active price - $132,450

Adatowne Active average price/SqFt - $87.71

Adatowne Active average days on market - 111

Adatowne Pending: 0

Adatowne Sold Listings: 7

Adatowne Average Sold Price - $ 134,400

Adatowne Average sold price/SqFt - $90.01

Adatowne Average Sold days on market -100

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Absorption Rate for Adatowne is 3.44 months,

which means it would take 3.44 months for the active listings to sell,

if no other homes entered the market, according to current sales

statistics. Price per square foot has went up for both sold

and active listings this year, though average sold price went down

by $30K. The market here was all over for price, topping at $133/SqFt

to a bargain $55 a sq ft. The larger homes brought the best price

per sq ft for sellers. Condition continues to be the difference

between getting the best price and selling at rock bottom.

Ada Michigan Real Estate Reports 2009

If you would like more information about Ada or Grand Rapids

Homes, please feel free to contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate - Westbrook Realty

Photo of Ada MI by Bonnie Westbrook

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Grand rapids Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report - Watermark Residences - Jan-Dec 2009

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:08:29 -0600

The Residences at Watermark are located on Watermark Golf Course just

south of Cascade Road. Yes, I play Watermark golf course every chance

I get. Watermark is a premier course with friendly players.

It has an excellent grounds staff and a great pro shop staff, as well.

Watermark single family homes and condos make this a very attractive

place to live. Quality built homes with access off Cascade Road and

Spaulding Drive, you are close to the airport, 28th Street shopping,

I96 expressway and close to Cascade, Ada, and Forest Hills

schools and shopping areas.

Watermark Residences

Jan-Dec 2009 Real Estate Market Report

For Sale: 9

There are 9 active Watermark Homes currently on the market.

The median Watermark Homes current active price is $ 538,875 681,928

The average Watermark Homes current price per sq ft is $242.10 256.41

The average days on the market for active Watermark Homes is 147

The high price is $ 735,000 and the low price is $ 369,900.

Sold: 3

There have been 3 Watermark Sold Homes since Jan 1, 2009.

The average Watermark Sold Home price is $ 454,667

The average Watermark Sold Homes price per sq ft is $178.70

The average days on the market for Watermark Sold Homes is 167.

Pending: 0

Expired: 9

At the current rate of sales, we have a 32 month Absorption rate at the

Watermark Residences. This means that it will take 32 months for the

current listed homes to sell based on the current rate of sales.

Watermark buyers don't seem very interested at the present prices.

The listed avg. price/square foot is about $60 more than the 3 sales

so far this year.

Additional articles about Watermark Residences:

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate 2009

Watermark Country Club

Watermark CC Golf Pro ~ Mark Wilson

Watermark Country Club ~ Pool Time

The Grille Restaurant at Watermark

If you would like further information about Watermark Residences

Cascade or Forest Hills Homes, please contact me directly:

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Cascade MI Neighborhood Real Estate Market Reports - Cascade Woods - Jan-Dec 2009

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:38:29 -0600

Cascade Woods is an established neighborhood of large, executive

style homes in Cascade Township, MI. Most of these homes were

built in the 1960's and 1970's, although there are a few newer

homes that were built recently in the area. Close to the village of

Cascade and the Thornapple River, this heavily wooded area has

been a Grand Rapids desired suburban place to live for decades.

Part of the Forest Hills Public School District, which draws many

families, there is also the river and it's picturesque appeal. The

drive down Thornapple River Drive between Ada and Cascade in

the fall is one of the prettiest drives in the greater Grand Rapids area.

Cascade Woods Market Report December 2009

8 Homes For Sale, 1 Pending, 10 SOLD, 14 Expired

Cascade Woods Active Listings: 8

Cascade Woods Average price - $427,100

Cascade Woods Average $/SqFt - $142.44

Cascade Woods Average days on market - 156

Cascade Woods Sold Listings: 10

Cascade Woods average price - $193,162

Cascade Woods average $/SqFt - $ 84.37

Cascade Woods average days on market - 89 days

Cascade Woods Expired Listings: 14

The Absorption Rate for Cascade Woods Homes is 7.33 months,

Which means if no new listings come on the market, it will take

7.33 months to sell the existing inventory. The average sold price

per SqFt is still 40% less than the average Active list Price/SqFt. This

is a definite increase since the last report in August, which was

24 moths. Average sold price is still going down, but this could

reflect foreclosures, short sales, and homes in poor condition

that have sold over the last 12 months. The average list price

has increased by $133K because one of the listings in over $1 million

and time on the market has increased.

10 Cascade Woods homes have sold over the last year, only 2

of the 10 homes sold were over $100 a square foot. This tells me

that homes in poor condition, read "dated" are pushing average

prices down in this area.

Today's buyers do not want to do ANY updates, which includes

painting, new kitchens & baths, and new flooring. If your Cascade

Woods home hasn't sold, it is probably condition, which gets

us back to price. If you don't want to improve your home, you

won't get the same price as people who have updated and kept

their home current according to recent trends.

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Reports ~ 2009

If you would like further information about Grand Rapids or

Cascade Homes, please contact me directly.

photo of Leslie E Tassell Park on the Thornapple River by Bonnie Westbrook

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Winter at Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Grand Rapids Michigan

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:35:09 -0600

We invite you to visit our world famous Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We will share our recent snowy winter scenes with you. It usually doesn't look like this until January or February, but it certainly is getting us in the Holiday mood. This is just a sampling of the 200+ sculptures that are here at the park permanently.

If you get a chance to visit Grand Rapids, don't miss the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Former President Jimmy Carter called it a "National Treasure." We would love to have you come for a visit and see for yourself.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Ada Michigan Real Estate Neighborhood Market Report Catamount Jan-Dec 2009

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:23:37 -0600

Catamount properties are in the rolling hills adjacent to the Grand River

in the northern section of Ada Township in a gated community with privacy

and wooded acreage. Executive style homes with lots of room for

entertaining and all the custom extras  that make a home luxurious

are the norm here. If you  are searching for a prestigious address,

this could be what you are looking for, as it is one of the most affluent

neighborhoods in the Grand Rapids area.

                     Catamount Market Report Jan-Dec 2009

                         4 For Sale, 5 Sold, 8 Expired

Catamount Active Listings: 4

Catamount average active price - $712,425

Catamount average active price /SqFt - $ 200.72

Catamount average days on market - 75

Catamount SOLD Listings: 5

Catamount average sold price - $ 592,350

Catamount average sold price/SqFt - $ 207.54

Catamount average sold days on market - 142

Catamount Pending Listings: 0

The Absorption Rate for Catamount Homes is 10 months, which means

if no new listings come on the market it will take10 months for the

existing homes to sell at the current rate of sales. The average sold price

dropped in 2008 and into 2009. The average list price is $100K higher

than current selling price.  5 homes sold in the last 12 months, with 4

homes for sale in this neighborhood. Prices have eroded from 3-4 years

ago as is typical all over the area.

Foreclosure and short sale homes have likely affected the average price.

Homes on the upper end of the market are slow to sell in the current

economy, as the 5 sold and 8 expired homes for this Ada neighborhood

shows.

Additional Ada & Forest Hills Articles:

Ada Michigan Real Estate 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate 2009

If you would like further information about the value of an Ada or
Grand Rapids Home, please contact me directly at:

1-888-240-1988 ext 0 or email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Grand Rapids Assoc of Realtors 50th Annual Awards Breakfast

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:07:39 -0600

Grand Rapids Association of Realtors had their 50th Annual Awards

and Installation Breakfast this morning. We braved a cold, snowy

morning drive to arrive at Frederick Meijer Gardens Banquet Room.

Our new President, John Postma was sworn in along with the new

Board of Directors by Jeff Schreur. Thanks to the outgoing President,

Greg Carlson, and the Board of Directors that served in 2009.

Representative Dave Hildenbrand received the Pinnacle Award for embracing

Realtor issues in Lansing.

My peers voted on a new Pinnacle award this year, Professional Congeniality

Award, which I humbly accepted.

2009 has been one of the most challenging years in the real estate business

in the last 50 years. 2010 will likely be filled with similar changes and

opportunities for those willing to embrace new avenues and ways to

connect with consumers.

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Grand Rapids Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Reports - East West Village Jan-Dec 2009

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:05:08 -0600

The East/West Village subdivision off Ada Drive in Ada Township is

a fairly new development. The new housing construction started in 2005

and is still continuing to date. You can buy a resale home or a new home

in this centrally located housing development. Near both public and

private schools, East Village is also close to Forest Hills and 28th

Street shopping areas. The Ada Bike or Walking Trail also connects

this area on Ada Drive with the village of Ada, Grand Rapids, and the

village of Cascade.

East Village is also close to the I96 expressway for easy access to many

different parts of our greater Grand Rapids area. Large, executive style

homes with many amenities and extras are the rule in this neighborhood.

If you would like to start with a brand new house in Forest Hills,

this may be the place for you to call home.

Real Estate Market Report East-West Village Jan-Dec 2009

For Sale: 4

East Village Homes average list price: $ 462,450

East Village average price/sq ft (main floor): $ 159.36

East Village average days on the market:112 days

Pending Sales : 1

Sold Homes : 6

East Village SOLD homes average price: $ 413,983

East Village SOLD homes average price/sq ft: $146.43

East Village SOLD homes average days on market: 99 days

Expired: 10

Market Synopsis: East -West Village Homes are selling, if priced correctly.

Buyers are paying from $115-160/SqFt on the main floors, which is down from

last summer's prices. New construction is priced higher, so an existing

home should be priced lower per square foot than a new one.

The absorption rate for East -West Village is 8 months, which means

if no new homes enter the marketplace, it will take 8 months

for the current home inventory (4) to sell. This is high for the Ada - Forest

Hills area, it reflects the higher prices of the homes, even though

they are located in Forest Hills. Higher priced homes are slow movers

on today's market due to buyer's jitters about further market devaluation.

Additional Articles about Ada & Forest Hills, MI

Ada Michigan Real Estate 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate 2009

If you would like further information about East or West Village, Ada, or

Grand Rapids Homes, please contact me directly.

photo of Ada Bike Trail by Bonnie Westbrook

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Forest Hills Michigan - Clements Mill Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report - Jan-December 2009

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:17:38 -0600

Clements Mill is a newer home development built by Eastbrook

Construction in the Ada MI area, started in 1999 and completed in

2003. Apart from newer homes, part of the appeal is the proximity

of Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools, Forest Hills

Woodlands 5/6 School, St Roberts & Ada Christian Schools, which

are within walking distance.

Clements Mill is midway between the Village of Ada and Forest Hills

shopping area at Cascade Road and Forest Hills.

Ada's Clements Mill has seen steady to declining values in the short

time it has been built out. This is largely due to the current housing

economy where all area homes have suffered a decline in value. This

subdivision continues to be a desired location for local residents.

Clements Mill Market Report Jan - December 2009

15 Sold, 1 Pending, 3 For Sale, 6 Expired

Clements Mill Active Listings: 3

Average Active Price: $175,233

Average Active Price/SqFt: $130.21

Average Active Days on Market: 131

Clements Mill Sold Listings: 15

Average Sold Price: $251,113

Average Sold Price/SqFt: $109.44

Average Days on Market: 73

Clements Mill Expired Listings: 6

Absorption Rate for Clements Mill homes is averaging

2.4 months, which is a very low rate for the Grand Rapids area.

Average list price is currently lower that average sold price,

which means that the current active homes are smaller and

priced below the homes that have sold this year.

Additional Forest Hills Articles:

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Reports 2009

Search for Forest Hills MI Homes

If you have detailed questions about Ada Homes, Forest Hills

Homes or just need further information, please contact me

directly: terry@terrywestbrook.com or call 1-616-292-7263

Snowman photo by Bonnie Westbrook

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

When it isn't Good to be Green in Grand Rapids....

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:19:29 -0600

If you live almost anywhere except a tropical climate, your seasons change.

In fall and winter, the trees lose their leaves or they change color. The grass

isn't that brilliant shade of green that shows it is in growth mode. Fall and winter

are times of rest for the plant world but not for Grand Rapids MI real estate agents.

With mulitple listings to advertise, one needs to keep on top of seasonal changes.

Many times I have seen home photos listed in our local MLS with snow in the yard

in the middle of the summer. Or now, when we have 1 foot of snow on the ground,

lots of listings have summer photos with trees in leaf and flowers blooming.

Would you make an assumption that the home with the green grass and flowers in the

listing photo today is not being represented by an agent who is on top of his/her game?

We would. That is not what your listing looks like or what the neighborhood looks like today.

It is important to represent the home you have listed appropriately. And buyers

want to know what the yard and landscape looks like in the fall and winter.

This home was listed at the end of October when the trees had lost their leaves

and flowers and shrubs are dormant.

It looks very different in this photo coated in snow with the Christmas wreaths up

taken about 6 weeks later.

This home was listed on October 21st, 2009.

It looks very different today with snow as a major component of the landscape.

Keep your listing photos up to date. Winter in Grand Rapids Michigan is one of those

times when being green isn't a good thing.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

How to send flat rate packages to our troops!!

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:00:08 -0600

I signed up and went to Costco today and filled up 3 boxes for a soldier that I hope will enjoy a small gift from a stranger that appreciated his service.

Via Marchel Peterson Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro ABR (Results Realty):

It is hard for out troops being away from friends and family during the holiday season. This makes it an ideal time to send them a flat rate package. Last year at this time our son was in the middle of his second tour of Iraq and he loved getting goodies from home. With him doing two tours I learned the ins and outs of sending him flat rate packages. On our son's first tour he was based at a town called Hit just northwest of Ramadi; the base was so small they really didn't even have a PX to speak of. For 6 months of his tour he was on the graveyard shift so if we didn't send food he was pretty much stuck eating MRE's. Needless to say I became an expert at sending care packages so I am going to pass my knowledge forward as I know there are many other soldiers like him who would love some extra care packages.

If you don't know a soldier but would like to help a soldier you can adopt a soldier through Soldiers Angels. You adopt them for the duration of their tour though, it is not just a one time thing. Our son told me there are a lot of soldiers that are alienated from families for one reason or another and don't receive much. Soldier's Angels sounds like the remedy for that problem.

You must mail your package to a particular soldier. You cannot send a package without a soldier's name or it will be just discarded. Another way to find a soldier is to ask friends and family if they know anyone. You will be amazed at how many people know of someone that has been deployed.

Figuring out how to send these packages was a learning experience. The first time I sent one I arrived at the post office with this big heavy box and spent something like $30 in shipping. I happened upon a really nice postal worker. He saw I was shipping to an APO in Iraq and turned me on to Flat rate shipping provided by our USPS. He told me that I could send several of the flat rate boxes for less than it would cost me to send the one big box.

When I sent him boxes on his first tour there were only two sizes available but there are now four different sizes of flat rate boxes.  The two smaller boxes hold about the same amount but are made totally different. One is long and narrow and the other is short and squatty. The new larger box holds about 50% more and since I found out about it I have used it exclusively. It cost me $10.95 to ship using this box and I can make it as heavy as I want to. Normally this flat rate box cost $12.95 but the postal service gives a $2.00 discount when you ship to an APO. To be quite honest I'm not even sure what the current charge is on the smaller box as I now only use the large one. Any amount of material may be enclosed as long as the box is not modified and the contents fit inside. .

These boxes are provided to us free from our USPS and you can pick them up at most post offices prior to shipping. The only time I had trouble finding them was the Christmas season as the post office was having problems keeping them in stock. At the same time you pick the flat rate boxes up you will also want to pick up some "Customs Declaration and Dispatch Notices" and some priority mail address labels. You will need to fill out the Customs Declaration and you are going to need to put in a description of what you are sending. It says detailed but you can just write things like 6 cans of soup, 2 packages of crackers, candy, 3 cans of tuna etc. That will suffice for detailed. You will need to put in a value and I always marked treat as abandoned. You will then need to date and sign the form. You have to press hard as there are 6 copies to go through. I always filled out an address label also and put it on the box. I had a postal worker tell me to fill both out just in case the customs declaration came off.

I am sorry but there are no short cuts to standing in line. YOU CAN NOT USE THE SPEEDY CHECK OUT MACHINE. My neighbor did that the first time she sent a package to her son and it came back to her because she had not added the customs declaration page.

The soldiers love getting useful stuff. Our daughter is a flight attendant for a charter company that moves our troops and she told me that someone sent some marines off with lei's which they proceeded to give to the flight attendants. The thought was nice but I think they would have preferred something that was useful to them. I sent things like soup, tuna, crackers, summer sausage, non-perishable cheese, candy. You get the idea anything that is non-perishable. At Christmas I always sent homemade cookies and candy to our son.  He isn't that crazy about sweets but he always shared them. You can be assured that if the soldier you are sending to doesn't like what you sent they will pass it on to someone that does.

So should you hear about someone that is stationed over in Iraq or Afghanistan you now know how to mail them a box of goodies using these wonderful flat rate boxes provided to us by our postal service.

Amazingly I found these packages typically got to their destination in less than a week. Whether I was sending them to Germany (as that was where our son was first stationed) or Iraq they always arrived. One time I sent the package to his old Germany APO address and the package went back to Fort Hood and then on to Iraq (it took about a month but it arrived safe and sound). About the only time I did not us the flat rate boxes was when I sent Ramon noodles or the time I sent an air mattress bed as it didn't fit.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you are buying or relocating to Spring Texas and need help from a professional REALTOR®, Marchel can be reached at Marchel@AgentwithResults.com or by phone at 832-721-8332.

If you would like information about Spring TX please visit my websites at www.AgentwithResults.com and at www.ResultsRealtytx.com. The AgentwithResults site is rich in Content about Spring and the surrounding areas of Tomball, The Woodlands and Magnolia. If you prefer pictures with your content then visit my ResultsRealtyTX site.

Want to find out about new Spring TX properties immediately as they come on the market, then click here to sign up for a free automatic notification of new listings.

Click the button to the left to search our local MLS.

Subcribe in a reader

Copyright © 2009 Marchel Peterson, All Rights Reserved. *How to send flat rate packages to our troops!!*

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Grand Rapids MI is Snooooow Fun!!

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:16:35 -0600

If life gives you lemons...make lemonade. Well, the residents of Grand

Rapids Michigan don't need lemonade lessons or snow fun lessons, either.

With the surprise snowfall of about 10 inches and a couple more inches added

yesterday, we have SNOW!! When you put kids & a day off school together,

you get lots of Snow Fun!!

The best sledding hills are where you find them...this one is on a nearby

church backyard.

Lots of energy is being spent here, the low carbon emission type,

perfect for that hot cocoa remedy for cold hands, feet, and faces.

When the uphill climb gets slower and slower, it is a sure signal that it is

time to pack up your gear and head home.

If you still have energy left, you can always come home and make a snowman. A

neighbor made this impromptu snowman. We love the innovative hat.

Share this post :

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Forest Hills MI Chinese Food First Choice = First Wok

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:32:27 -0600

The First Wok Restaurant at 6740 Old 28th Street in the heart of Cascade

is one of our favorite lunch spots. We enjoy the pleasant surroundings,

the smiling service, but most of all, we love the food.

We aren't adventurous when it comes to foreign specialties but we

have eaten Chinese cuisine for years all over the US. First Wok is the

best Chinese restaurant we have been to in the Grand Rapids area.

The egg drop soup is not just a few morsels swimming in broth, it is

chock full of vegetables, shrimp, and seasoned just right. A perfect

appetizer for most people, it can be almost a whole meal, along with

an eggroll.

Since we aren't big fans of hot, spicy foods we can't testify directly

for those dishes, although our friends seem to like them. We can say

we get lots of freshly cooked Chinese dinners, served with flair. If you

haven't been to First Wok, you should give it a try. Note: there are

other First Wok locations in Grand Rapids, sadly, these don't come up

to the standards we experienced at the restaurant in Cascade.

We snapped a few photos of the interior when we were at lunch last week.

We have received no remuneration or compensation for our review of First Wok Restaurant.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes - November 2009

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:37:39 -0600

We have gathered a list of the Top Kentwood Home

Buys. Please note: This list can change daily as some

homes sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come

on the market. The homes listed below are probably

dated and would need updating with new carpeting,

paint, and kitchen-bath redos at a minimum to bring

them to current market standards. They might need major

repair work done, such as new roofs & mechanicals.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot. The

lowest prices/Sq Ft range from $28.51 to $69.57 in

Kentwood this month.

Kentwood & Wyoming have been hit hard by the automotive

shutdowns and subsequent job losses in these areas. A large

number of the homes we researched this month were short sale

properties that will be probably be coming on the market in the

next 6-9 months as foreclosure sales.

Short Sales are extremely difficult for most home buyers to

consider as a purchase. Please keep in mind the time alone

[3-9 months] of negotiating with the banks makes it almost

impossible for some buyers to consider.

November 2009 36 TOP BEST BUYS in Kentwood MI Homes

The lowest list price is $29,900

the highest list price is $194,900

Top Kentwood MI Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

7213 Regal Ave $29,900 750 Sq Ft $39.87/SqFt

136 Nancy St SE $47,900 1680 Sq Ft $28.51/SqFt

1511 Brookmark St $50,000 828 Sq Ft $60.39/SqFt

4525 Grantwood $57,900 960 SqFt $60.31/SqFt

3685 Giddings Ave $59,900 1470 Sq Ft $40.75/SqFt

150 58th St SE $59,900 1007 Sq Ft $59.48/SqFt

5444 Eastern Ave $59,900 976 SqFt $61.37/SqFt

5052 Mildred Ave $59,900 1100 Sq Ft $67.45/SqFt

315 60th St SE $60,000 864 Sq Ft $69.44/SqFt

4705 Grantwood Ave $61,000 1454 Sq Ft $41.95/SqFt

426 Pine Vista St $65,000 1248 SqFt $52.08/SqFt

5689 Gentian Ct SE $69,900 2182 Sq Ft $48.04/SqFt

2097 60th St SE $70.000 1300 Sq Ft $53.85/SqFt

1370 Manorwood $74.900 1824 Sq Ft $41.06/SqFt

691 68th St $75,000 1590 Sq Ft $47.17/SqFt

3750 Breton Rd SE $79,500 1651 Sq Ft $48.15/SqFt

1620 Mapleview St $79,900 1900 Sq Ft $50.99/SqFt

5818 Pinetree Ave $84,900 2200 Sq Ft $38.59/SqFt

3622 Senora Ave $89,900 1720 SqFt $67.59/SqFt

1929 68th St SE $90,000 1476 Sq Ft $60.98/SqFt

1582 Marwood Dr $94,900 2047 SqFt $69.57/SqFt

110 Lurie St SE $99,900 1627 Sq Ft $61.40/SqFt

4651 Brooklyn Ave $99,900 1800 Sq Ft $67.73/SqFt

3075 Paris Park Dr $103,900 1711 SqFt $60.72/SqFT

4675 Brooklyn Ave $109,900 2817 Sq Ft $51.96/SqFt

4957 Bringham Ln $115,000 2260 Sq Ft $66.86/SqFt

2655 52nd St SE $115,900 1687 Sq Ft $68.70/SqFt

1024 52nd St SE $115,900 1932 Sq Ft $59.99/SqFt

5830 Buchanan Ave $124,940 1808 Sq Ft $69.10/SqFt

1455 Gunnink Dr SE $127,777 1840 Sq Ft $69.44/SqFt

5848 Valley Lane Dr $129,900 2073 Sq Ft $63.49/SqFt

5800 Buchanan Ave $134,884 2073 Sq Ft $65.07/SqFt

1889 60th St SE $139,900 2436 Sq Ft $57.43/SqFt

1260 44th St SE $140,000 2877 Sq Ft $65.91/SqFT

1160 Edsel St St $ 179,900 3128 Sq Ft $62.51/SqFt

3350 Sandyhook Ct $194,900 2969 Sq Ft $65.64/SqFt

More Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Articles

If you would like to view a Kentwood Top Best Buys Home,

please call 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or email us at:

terry@terrywestbrook.com

All information is subject to verification & no liability for

omission or error is assumed.

Share this post :

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Grand Rapids Michigan Wakes Up to First Snowfall

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:37:56 -0600

I guess I am still a kid at heart. What a thrill to wake up and see the

white crystals of snow coating everything in sight! Needless to say,

with the amount of snow we received, it is a "Snow Day" for most

of the kids in Grand Rapids area. While it is not inconvenient for me,

it is for most people. Roads are slippery, traffic is slow and commute

times are much longer than our normal speedy travel.

I took a few photos so you can see what we woke up to in GR this

morning.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes - November 2009

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:22:06 -0600

We have gathered a list of the top Rockford Houses to buy

based on price per square foot, one of the best ways to sort

through homes for values.

Please note: This list can change daily as some

homes sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come

on the market. The homes listed below are probably

dated and would need updating with new carpeting,

paint, and kitchen-bath redos at a minimum to bring

them to current market standards. They might need major

repair work done, such as new roofs & mechanicals.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot, even if

the basement is finished.

November 2009 32 Top BEST BUY Homes Rockford, Michigan.

The lowest list price is $ 64,900

The highest list price is $369,900

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $48.80 to $84.16

The Top Rockford Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

6485 West River Dr $59,900 1330 Sq Ft $454.04/SqFt

6757 Cannon Center $79,500 1250 Sq Ft $63.60/SqFt

159 Cahill Dr $79,900 1008 Sq Ft $79.27/SqFt

107 S Main St $80,000 1530 Sq Ft $59.22/SqFt

4837 13 Mile Rd $84,900 1300 Sq Ft $65.31/SqFt

3955 Butternut Dr $88,600 1184 Sq Ft $74.83/SqFt

2153 Post Dr NE $89,900 1281 Sq Ft $70.18/SqFt

162 E Division St $90,000 1782 Sq Ft $50.51/SqFt

5035 Bear Ave $99,900 1629 Sq Ft $61.33/SqFt

2720 Rogue River $99,900 1600 Sq Ft $68.61/SqFt

221 W Division St $125,000 3141 Sq Ft $39.80/SqFT

8596 Sunny Hours $127,500 4454 Sq Ft $45.63/SqFt

7991 Cannonsburg $130,000 1864 Sq Ft $69.74/SqFt

4351 Porter Hollow $134,900 2000 Sq Ft $67.45/SqFt

5302 10 Mile Dr $149,900 1843 Sq Ft $81.33/SqFt

6868 Peninsula Dr $154,900 2000 Sq Ft $77.45/SqFt

2390 Rogue River $159,900 1992 Sq Ft $80.27/SqFt

10676 Trailside Wds $165,700 2140 Sq Ft $77.43/SqFt

1479 10 Mile Rd $169,900 2164 Sq Ft $78.51/SqFt

9204 N Division $179,900 2418 Sq Ft $74.40 /SqFt

7331 Old Mission $184,900 2208 SqFt $83.74/SqFt

5693 Tiffany Ave $184,900 3488 Sq Ft $53.01/SqFt

647 Highlander Dr $189,900 3050 Sq Ft $64.03/SqFt

6160 Belding Rd $199,900 2524 Sq Ft $78.82/SqFt

7031 Bonaire Ct NE $200.000 3160 Sq Ft $73.58/SqFt

6754 Blythefield $200,000 3392 Sq Ft $82.30/SqFt

6160 Belding Rd $199,900 2524 Sq Ft $83.16/SqFt

7690 N ArroyoVista $229,900 3500 SqFt $82.11/SqFt

7758 Pine Island Ct $369,900 4395 Sq Ft $84.16/SqFt

There are still bargains to be had in the Rockford area, there

are 10 listings under $100K. If you are thinking of

buying in Rockford, now is the time to be looking. Prices are

climbing in other areas of the Grand Rapids market. Homes

that are in great condition and priced right are selling quickly.

"Below tax appraisal" priced homes are disappearing from the

market in some areas of Grand Rapids.

Don't overlook the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers

or buyers who haven't owned a home for the last 3 years; also,

up to a $6500 tax credit for existing homeowners.

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Blogs

Rockford Michigan Video Tour

If you would like to view a Rockford Top Best Buys Home,

please contact us 1-888-240-1968 x 0

or email terry@terrywestbrook.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes - November 2009

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:58:24 -0600

We have gathered a list of the Top Best Forest Hills Houses

( Ada-Cascade) to buy, based on price per square foot.

Please note: This list can change daily as some homes sell,

prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

The homes listed below are probably dated and would need

updating with new carpeting, paint, and kitchen- bath redos

at a minimum to bring them to current market standards.

They might need major repair work done, such as new roofs

& mechanicals.

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot, not the

basement, even if finished.

The list for November 2009 is 19 properties, same as last month.

The lowest price/Sq Ft for homes range from $40.51 to $137.56

here in Forest Hills.

The lowest list price is $59,900 and the highest list price is

$288,900 for November 2009 homes in Forest Hills School District.

This list could include properties in Ada Township, Cascade

Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and the

city of Kentwood.

Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures, short sales

and not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.

The Top Forest Hills Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

8245 Fulton St E $59,900 1124 Sq Ft $53.29/SqFt

6217 Acropolis Dr $79.900 1316/SqFt $71.59/SqFt

6381 Wainscot Dr SE $80,000 1116 Sq Ft $71.68/SqFt

5505 Whitneyville SE $84,900 1536 Sq Ft $55.27/SqFt

6342 Wainscot Dr SE $84,900 1224 Sq Ft $69.36/SqFt

6250 Architrave St $ 90,000 1814 Sq Ft $66.37/SqFt

2201 Shady Dr NE $99,000 2444 Sq Ft $40.51/SqFt

1791 Grand Ct NE $118,900 1600 Sq Ft $74.31/SqFt

6461 Cascade Rd $119,900 2023 Sq Ft $59.27/SqFt

1787 Park Trail NE $119,900 1600 Sq Ft $74.94/SqFt

2847 Winesap Ave $139,900 1557 Sq Ft $137.56/SqFt

2309 3 Mile Rd $149,900 3340 Sq Ft $70.54/SqFt

6931 Sandy Lane Dr $159,900 2600 Sq Ft $71.90/SqFt

1575 Bridgewater Ct $164,900 2280 Sq Ft $72.32/SqFt

3206 Oak Hollow Dr $169,900 2509 Sq Ft $67.72/Sq/Ft

8384 Fulton St E $185,000 4575 Sq Ft $71.90/SqFt

4287 Woodside Oakes $189,741 2736 Sq Ft $69.35/SqFt

2328 Dean Lake Ave $199,900 2757 SqFt $72.51/SqFt

8801 Fulton St E $288,900 4132 Sq Ft $69.92/SqFt

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles 2009

If you would like to see a particular Top Best Buys Forest Hills

Home, please contact us at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or email us at:

terry@terrywestbrook.com

Share this post :

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Lowell Michigan Top Best Buy Homes - November 2009

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:19:13 -0600

We have gathered a list of the Top Best Buys in Lowell Homes.

Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot.

Great opportunities to buy a Lowell Home at bargain prices;

the average price for this list is $124,353.

The lowest price/Sq Ft range from $36.36 to $84.60

in Lowell Top Best Buy Homes this month.

NOV 2009 39 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes

Lowest list price is $29,900

Highest list price is $278,500

The Top Lowell Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

14129 Fulton St E $ 29,900 660 Sq Ft $45.30/SqFt

1012 E Main St $ 54,900 1510 Sq Ft $36.36/SqFt

319 N Monroe St $ 59,900 1645 Sq Ft $36.41/SqFt

803 Avery St $ 59,900 1731 Sq Ft $54.45/SqFt

222 S Division St $ 69,000 1300 Sq Ft $53.08/SqFt

249 Elizabeth Dean $ 69,900 1212 Sq Ft $76.64/SqFt

1294 Jane Ellen $ 76,500 916 Sq Ft $83.52/SqFt

906 N Washington St $ 82,900 1154 Sq Ft $71.84/SqFt

423 Foreman St $ 87,900 1041 Sq Ft $84.44/SqFt

1201 Whites Bridge $ 95,000 3000 Sq Ft $52.78/SqFt

821 Lincoln Lake $ 99,900 1692 Sq Ft $59.04/SqFt

10241 Peck Lake Rd $109,900 2304 Sq Ft $47.70/SqFt

369 Donna Dr $109,900 1536 Sq Ft $71.55/SqFt

11712 E Bear Mdws $117,304 1585 Sq Ft $74.01/SqFt

6531 Kodiak Dr $119,813 1878 SqFt $63.80 /SqFt

545 North St $119,900 1906 Sq Ft $62.91/SqFt

743 Grindle Dr $119,900 1606 SqFt $66.91/SqFt

506 Lincoln Lake $119,900 1511 Sq Ft $79.35/SqFt

11383 Taunton Dr $119,900 1606 Sq Ft $74.66/SqFt

10861 Settlewood Dr $119,900 1588 Sq Ft $75.50/SqFt

2022 Conservation Trl $124,900 1788 Sq Ft $69.85/SqFt

3802 Buttrick Ave $124,900 2602 Sq Ft $48.00/SqFt

13445 Crestwood $124,900 1888 Sq Ft $75.79/SqFt

10960 Deerwood Dr $125,000 1498 Sq Ft $83.44/SqFt

11669 Kodiak Ct $125,243 2040 Sq Ft $61.39/SqFt

2051 Conservation Trl $129,900 1600 Sq Ft $81.19/SqFt

11653 Barnsley $139,513 2040 Sq Ft $68.39/SqFt

10380 36th St $144,900 2288 Sq Ft $63.33/SqFt

11661 Barnsley $145,299 2174 Sq Ft $66.83/SqFt

10300 Sayles Rd $150,000 2418 Sq Ft $62.03/SqFt

735 Hunt St $152,000 1810 Sq Ft $83.98/SqFt

11400 Grand River Dr $159,900 1900 Sq Ft $84.60/SqFt

1638 Wales $159,900 2047 Sq Ft $78.11/SqFt

13950 84th St #3A $164,500 2640 Sq Ft $74.77/SqFt

12602 52nd St $179,900 2400 Sq Ft $74.96/SqFt

13950 84th St #10A $183,400 2640 Sq Ft $83.36/SqFt

219 N Washington $195,000 3106 Sq Ft $62.78/SqFt

13217 52nd St SE $200,000 2911 Sq Ft $68.70/SqFt

130 Sagamore Trl $278,500 4694 Sq Ft $78.05/SqFt

There are still bargains to be had in Lowell, there are 11

homes priced under $100K and 3 new construction homes

for under $130K.

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Blogs

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

If you have questions about any of these homes, please

contact Terry: 1-616-292-7263

Or email : terry@terrywestbrook.com

Share this post :

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes - November 2009

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:45:35 -0600

We have gathered a list of the TOP Caledonia Michigan Houses

to buy, based on price per square foot.

Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot.

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $57.60 to $88.08 in Caledonia.

November 2009   TOP BEST BUY Caledonia MI Homes

Highest list price is $292,080 Lowest list price is $59,900

The Top 29 Caledonia Homes to Buy by Price per Sq Foot:

8776 Morse Lake Ave  $ 59,900    1040 Sq Ft   $ 57.60 /SqFt

6937 McCords Ave       $59,900     1032 Sq Ft   $58.04/SqFt

8585 Acorn Ave SE      $87,900     1282 Sq Ft   $68.56/SqFt

3940 68th St SE          $ 89,900     2247 Sq Ft   $76.45/SqFt

6977 Hammond Ave    $100,000    1950 Sq Ft   $65.88/SqFt

4249 92nd St              $104,900     1632 Sq Ft    $64.28/SqFt

7221 Kettle Lake Dr    $106,900     1782 Sq Ft   $59.99/SqFt

6499 Belay Point Dr    $129,900     2200 Sq Ft   $85.91/SqFt

5780 68th St SE          $130,000     1777 Sq Ft   $73.16/SqFt

6606 Buttrick Ave       $139,876     2674 Sq Ft   $88.08/SqFt

213 Johnson St SE       $134,900    1942 SqFt   $69.46/SqFt

9628 Morse Lake Ave   $ 144,900    2751 Sq Ft $61.66SqFt

209 Terrace SE             $144,900     1650 Sq Ft $87.82/SqFt

1648 Crescent Pointe   $149,900     2047 Sq Ft $73.23/SqFt

8544 Haystack Rd         $156,750     1872 Sq Ft   $ 83.73/SqFt

1616 Crescent Pointe   $158,500     2174 Sq Ft $72.91/SqFt

6101 N. Costner Ct        $169,900    1926 Sq Ft   $88.21/SqFt

6634 Glen Hollow          $169,900     3846 Sq Ft   $80.98/SqFt

327 Johnson St            $178,500     3000 Sq Ft $59.50/SqFt

8845 Whitneyville Ave $179,800    3000 Sq Ft   $81.73/SqFt

7607 Golf Meadows Dr $186,900    3200 Sq Ft   $84.95/SqFt

7328 Patterson Ave     $190,000     3227 Sq Ft   $76.71/SqFt

8706 Alaska Ave SE      $194,900     3121 Sq Ft   $62.45/SqFt

323 Johnson St            $239,900    3800 Sq Ft    $82.92/SqFt

9555 Kraft Ave SE      $249,000      3216 Sq Ft  $77.43/SqFt

10441 E Rivershore Dr $271,950    3095 Sq Ft   $87.87/SqFt

2947 92nd St SE           $285,000    4158 Sq Ft    $68.54/SqFt

8860 Vincent Ave SE   $292,080    4272 Sq Ft    $69.54/SqFt

We are starting to see prices creep up and inventory go

down, so if you have been waiting for the best time to

buy in Caledonia, don't wait much longer.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate

If you would like to see a Caledonia Top Best Buys Home, please

contact me: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

or email me at terry@terrywestbrook.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

East Grand Rapids Michigan ~ Top Best Buy Homes - November 2009

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:08:54 -0600

We have gathered a list of the top East Grand Rapids Houses to buy

based on price per square foot. Please note that this list can change daily

as some homes sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come on the

market. Price per square foot is a great leveler. If two similar homes are

listed at similar prices, their price per square foot should be similar.

It should reflect the interior finish of the home. For example, if it has

crystal chandeliers, marble tile, a new kitchen, this would be more per

square foot than a home that is in derelict condition.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the main floors

are used to figure price per square foot.

November 2009 - 15 TOP BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $52.00 to $112.59

Highest List Price - $ 349,700 Lowest List Price - $ 89,900

The Top East GR Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

729 Gladstone DrSE $ 89,900 800 Sq Ft $112.38/SqFt

2258 Lake Dr SE $155,000 2261 Sq Ft $68.55/SqFt

430 Rosewood Ave $159,900 2650 Sq Ft $73.72/SqFt

428 Edgemere Dr $164,900 3006 Sq Ft $54.86/SqFt

1646 Robinson Rd $164,900 3171 Sq Ft $52.00/SqFt

159 El Centro Blvd $164,900 1848 Sq Ft $89.23/SqFt

2752 Robinson Rd $169,900 1532 Sq Ft $110.90/SqFt

348 Gladstone Dr $174,900 1775 Sq Ft $98.54/SqFt

2150 Anderson Dr $209,000 3322 Sq Ft $75.29/SqFt

3030 Cascade Rd $209,900 3000 Sq Ft $111.77/SqFt

147 El Centro Blvd $215,000 2318 Sq Ft $108.48/SqFt

1401 Pinecrest Ave $220,000 2350 Sq Ft $103.97/SqFt

529 Rosewood Ave $265,000 3045 Sq Ft $87.03/SqFt

2305 Wilshire Dr $279,900 3000 Sq Ft $112.59/SqFt

1401 Breton Rd $349,700 3873 Sq Ft $102.85/SqFt

The bargains are still here but not as many as last month here in

East Grand Rapids this fall. Only one home under $100K (it is under

1000 square feet) has been listed for the past 6 months.

If you have been waiting for the right time to buy, don't wait much

longer. We are seeing definite signs of competition for homes in most

areas, like East Grand Rapids and Forest Hills. Homes in good condition and

priced appropriately are selling quickly.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and not habitable

as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

East GR Real Estate Market Blogs

If you would like to view an East Grand Rapids Best Buy Home,

please contact us @1-888-240-1968 x 0 or email us :

terry@terrywestbrook.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Grand Rapids Michigan Ottawa Hills Open House Sunday 11-22-09 3-5pm

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:58:13 -0600

This charming Tudor Style home will be open for the first time on Sunday

22, 209 3-5 pm. Ottawa Hills, in Grand Rapids has been a wonderful

neighborhood to live in Grand Rapids since the 1930's.

This quality built home has refinished hardwood floors on the main floor,

and a fireplace in the living room for warm, crackling fires for the holidays

and into winter's cold, snowy evenings. It alos has a sunroom, a large kitchen,

half bath off the back entry. A two stall garage, a backyard deck, and an attic

for storage or future expansion.

1407 Alexander SE Listed at $129,900

VIDEO LINK

There is a new neighbor coming in the fall of 2010: a new Christian Elementary School.

If you lived in this home, your children could walk to school, less than a block away.

Grand Rapids Christian School Under Construction in Ottawa Hills

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area,

and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263