I'm Upside Down! Bad Solution # 3 ~ Let's Raise the Price & Discount the Commission!! - 08/29/08 12:38 PM
In making follow up calls on my listing appointments the other day, I was served
this solution to a seller's dilemma: " Oh, I listed for a higher price and with an
agent who agreed to discount their commission."
Geez. Good luck with that.  The Seller, hereafter known as TS paid more for the home than it is worth today.
TS has been in the home less than 3 years.   TS is listed above the current market
price.  TS has tried a limited service broker for over 6 months and  agreed that
they did little to help him.  TS hasn't had any real … (8 comments)

Cascade MI Custom Brick Ranch ~ Too Late ! SOLD - 08/29/08 11:15 AM
Have you dreamed of a private Cascade get-away that will start to relax you when you drive
 in? Are you dreaming of a Cascade home on a wooded setting, yet close to schools,
shopping, and work? Would you like to look out your Cascade bedroom window and see
 Bambi and his Mom looking back?
Then you might want to take a look at this unique Cascade home at Oak Brook SE
with many upgrades and custom built-ins.  Built by a local builder, there are many, many
extras and unusual additions that you just don't see in the average home. Custom
brickwork abounds, 3 fireplaces, a … (0 comments)

Cascade MI ~ Custom Brick Walk out Ranch ~ Too late ~ SOLD - 08/29/08 10:10 AM
… (0 comments)

Round Houses Rising at Glen Lake Michigan - 08/28/08 07:26 PM
We recently had the good fortune to visit Glen Lake Michigan for a short visit
with friends at their cottage.  Glen Lake is just a sand dune behind Sleeping
Bear Dunes on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan near the Leelanau Peninsula
north west of Traverse City.  
On one of our sight seeing, ice cream  or lake shore seeking drives, 
 we came across this novel home being built.  It appears to be a
home and studio or small shop. This area is home to many artists, retirees,
and summer homes of the very well-to-do.
The little round house may just be … (2 comments)

Ada MI - Clements Mill Real Estate Market Report ~ August 2008 - 08/28/08 04:34 PM
Clements Mill is  a newer home development built by Eastbrook
Construction in the Ada 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 Central
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. 
Clements Mill has seen steady to declining values in the short time
 it has been built out.  This is largely due to the current over-abundance
of … (0 comments)

Cascade Lakes, Cascade Township, MI ~ August 2008 Market Report - 08/28/08 04:06 PM
Cascade Lakes is a newer, upscale subdivision off Cascade Road
in Cascade Township, MI.  Set on wooded lots with rolling terrain,
and lots of privacy, these executive style  homes are close to
Forest Hills Schools, shopping, bike/walking trail, and the village
of Cascade, Watermark Golf Course is just a short jaunt down the
road and downtown Grand Rapids is ten to fifteen minutes away.  


 
Cascade Lakes Residential Real Estate Market Report August 2008
                          1 For Sale, 0 Pending, 1 SOLD
Address                                  Status         Price      SqFt     $/SqFt     DOM
6709 Cascade Lakes Ct      For Sale      889,500  4055   219.35         8
2228 Cascade Lakes Cir      SOLD         450,000   3054   147.34       31


169 Cascade … (0 comments)

Cascade Township, MI ~ Watermark Residences ~ August Market Report 2008 - 08/28/08 03:27 PM
The Residences at Watermark are on Watermark Golf
Course  just south of Cascade Road.   If you don't like golf, or like
to look at a well manicured course, or get defensive when a stray
 ball rolls into your "yard" you probably would be better off not
buying a home or condo at Watermark. Of course you would be
missing out on the best golf course in Grand Rapids (no prejudice
 here, just the facts, folks)
Yes, I play Watermark golf course every chance I get. Watermark
 is a premier course with a friendly group of players.  We have an
excellent grounds staff and a great pro shop staff.
Watermark single … (0 comments)

Ada MI ~ Ada Moorings Real Estate Market Report ~ August 2008 - 08/26/08 04:15 PM
Ada Moorings is located off Grand River Drive, just east of Ada
and close to Ada Township Park. A recent development by
Eastbrook Builders, these quality built homes are in Forest
Hills School District.  Close to the village of Ada and not far
from the village of Cascade,this subdivision is near 28th
Street shopping and  the Thornapple and The Grand Rivers.
                                               
 
         Ada Moorings Market Report August 2008
            5 For Sale, 0 Pending, 5 Sold, 1 Expired
 
Address                                Price        Status      SqFt     $/Sq Ft  DOM
7705 Thornapple Club        289,900  For Sale    2193    132.19      12
7844 Thornapple Club        269,900  For Sale   2024     133.34      14
… (1 comments)

Cascade Township Michigan ~ Centennial Park Meadows Condos ~ August 2008 Market Report - 08/26/08 04:12 PM
 
… (0 comments)

Grand Rapids Rose Society Fall Show ~ Frederick Meijers Gardens - 08/26/08 04:11 PM
Care to smell the Roses? The public is invited to the Grand Valley Rose Society's Fall Show
& Judging at the Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - August 30-31, 2008.
The Show will be open from 1-5 pm both Saturday and Sunday on the lower level of the
 Fredercik Meijer Gardens building. There is no charge for admission to the Rose Show
but admission to Frederick Meijers Gardens & Sculpture Park is still required.

A class in Fragrance will be offered at 11 am - 5 pm on Saturday. Visitors may take part
by voting for "Most Fragrant Rose" during … (4 comments)

East Grand Rapids, MI ~ Real Estate Market Report ~ August 2008 - 08/21/08 04:18 PM
East Grand Rapids is a small city, population of 10,784 located just east of Grand Rapids
 city limits. It has been a desired place to live in the Grand Rapids area for many years.
It is primarily residential with some commercial business areas.  Many homeowners are
attracted by Reeds Lake which plays a prominent role in the community, its award winning
public school system, proximity to downtown Grand Rapids, and its overall small town feeling.
This is definitely a community that you can walk to school, the ice cream store, or just
around the tree lined blocks to visit the picturesque lakes, Reeds Lake & … (6 comments)

Can't Sell Your Home ~ Thinking about Becoming a Landlord?? - 08/21/08 04:15 PM
This is sadly the situation many people face today. The home they invested in 2-3
or even 5-6 years ago is not worth what they owe on it in today's buyers market.
I can't sell my home without bringing money to the closing.
BRIGHT IDEA # 67  "I think I will just rent it out. That should solve my short term
 cash flow problem."    

 
                      WAIT - STOP -  CHECK THE FINE PRINT
Many mortgages today have clauses that do not allow renting your home.
You must be the occupant living there.  Landlords also pay a higher property
 tax than homeowners do … (2 comments)

Grand Rapids MI ~ Sneak Preview ~ New Listing Coming Soon....Withdrawn - 08/19/08 06:07 PM
New Listing Coming Soon.....Quiet NE Grand Rapids Neighborhood, 3 bedroom,
1.5 bath two story home on double lot with central air, 2 stall garage and lots
of charm. Stay tuned - this will be coming online soon for Grand Rapids buyers.









 
]
Lots of space with a double lot with mature shade trees for gardening or just
 playing games.

Enclosed front porch with awnings.


Grand Rapids Real Estate  Copyright 2008  Westbrook Realty
… (2 comments)

Cascade MI Real Estate Market Report ~ Cascade Woods ~ August 2008 - 08/19/08 05:56 PM
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 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 … (0 comments)

Ada MI Real Estate Market Report ~ East Village ~ August 2008 - 08/19/08 05:56 PM
The East Village subdivision off of 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 the 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 and the village of Cascade.
East Village is also close by the expressway for easy access to many
different parts of our … (0 comments)

Cascade MI Real Estate Market Report ~ Caravelle Village ~ August 2008 - 08/18/08 04:56 PM
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.  It has the traditional mix of two
 stories, tri-levels and ranches.  A desireable place to live with median
priced homes, Forest Hills 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 28th Street shopping.
 
 

 
           Caravelle Village Residential Real Estate
                       August … (0 comments)

Cascade MI ~ Real Estate Market Report ~ Tamarron Estates August 2008 - 08/18/08 04:38 PM
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.
 
             … (0 comments)

Forest Hills Mi August Real Estate Market Report ~ Forest Hills Plat - 08/18/08 04:20 PM
Forest Hills Plat in Grand Rapids Michigan is a well established
home neighborhood located just west of Forest Hills Drive and
just south of Fulton Street.  Built in the late 1950's and 1960's
by R.D. Brooks, this development has a community outdoor pool,
community association, and common park area for residents who
 belong to the association.
It is in Grand Rapids Township, prestigious Forest Hills Schools, and
 close to the I96 Expressway for fast access to many parts of the city.
 Just minutes away from the Forest Hills shopping area, 28th Street
retail corridor, and about 10 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids or
Gerald R. … (0 comments)

Ada MI ~ August 2008 Real Estate Market Report ~ Ada Woods - 08/18/08 11:45 AM
Ada Woods is an established development of homes in Ada, Michigan,
 just west of Ada and south of Fulton Street (M46).  Ada Woods started
 out as an E.L. Ladd development,  but towards the end of the project
many lots were sold to other builders and completed by individual owners.
  The dates of building range from 1980's to 2005.  Most of the homes 
have more square footage and more amenities than Adacroft Commons,
its  adjacent neighborhood.  As with Adacroft Commons, there is designated
common land in the development that remains heavily wooded and in a
natural state.                    

                     Ada Woods Residential Real Estate
               … (0 comments)

Ada MI ~ August 2008 Real Estate Market Report ~ Adacroft Commons - 08/15/08 10:37 AM
Adacroft Commons is a popular home market in the Ada area.
Part of the appeal is the proximity of  Forest Hills Central 
5/6 School, Middle School, High School & Ada Christian
School, which are within walking distance. Adacroft is also close
 to the village of Ada and Forest Hills shopping.
It is an established subdivision, being started in the early 1970's
 by E. L. Ladd Builders of Ada, at the same time they were building
in Adatowne.  Adacroft Commons homes were required to have a
 two stall attached garage and a family room, while Adatowne
homes did not.  … (0 comments)

Ada, MI ~Real Estate Market Report August 2008 ~ Adatowne - 08/15/08 10:34 AM
Adatowne is a popular entry level home market in the Ada 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 new 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
(about 1000 sq ft) … (0 comments)

Ada MI Real Estate Market Report~ August 2008 ~ Flowers Mill & Flowers Crossing - 08/13/08 01:27 PM
Elite executive style homes  are the what you will find in Flowers Mill and Flowers Crossing,
Ada Township, MI. These custom homes are usually featured attractions at the local
Home Builders Parade of Homes and receive lots of attention from the public.
Large homes with custom extras, heavily wooded lots on rolling terrain make this an
exceptionally beautiful place to live.  Forest Hills Public Schools are the school district
with the new Eastern High School, just a few miles away.  Located off Knapp St, east
of the East Beltline, they are close to Knapp's Corners with its lure of shopping, movies
… (0 comments)

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center ~ Artist in Residence Series 2008-2009 - 08/13/08 12:31 PM
The Fine Arts Center in Forest Hills Michigan is a busy place. It not only hosts
musicals,  broadway theatre productions, local school plays and musical productions,
but also has an Artist-in-Residence Program. These artists have their work displayed
in the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center for a scheduled period of time. You can stop in
and take a look at their work for free anytime during regular hours. 
The artists this year have been selected from West Michigan. These artists also do
presentations for the Forest Hills students and adults.
 A retrospective of the last 5 years of Artists-in-Residence works will be exhibited in
… (0 comments)

Cascade MI Real Estate Market Report ~ Stoneshire Homes ~ - 08/12/08 06:15 PM
Stoneshire Homes is a newer development located just south of Hall Street
 and directly across the street from Forest Hills Central High School.
These are executive style homes with landscaped yards, and lots of amenities.
This location on Hall Street is in back of the presigious Manchester Hills development.
They were purposely not connected by a common road, so you can't drive
through to the other development.  This neighborhood is quite new and there aren't
many homes built yet. There are quite a few lots and new homes available.
If you are looking for a new home in the Forest Hills School District, … (0 comments)

Corn & Tomatoes on your Cascade, Michigan Menu Tonite?? - 08/12/08 04:25 PM
It is that time of year..... We wait for it all winter. Spring gives a hint of what is to  come with fresh produce from the deep
south and tropical climes. But it isn't the same...... 

 
Fresh corn on the cob with fresh tomatoes from the garden
 has to be one of life's greatest culinary pleasures.
Well, git off your duff and git goin!  The farm markets and even some of your local supermarkets have
 fresh corn and tomatoes NOW!!
 

We like to go to Bos' Greenhouse and Farm Market here in Cascade, Michigan.
          Their corn … (0 comments)

Cascade Public Library Cascade, Michigan ~ Visiting Sculpture Exhibit - 08/12/08 03:59 PM
The Cascade Public Library in Cascade, MI has a wonderful Bronze
 Sculpture Exhibit going on in the library now through October. 
Everywhere you look, there is a fantastic sculpture to view. Some are
 small, some are large, all are interesting.  Took the tour and snapped
 a few pictures so you could see this marvelous exhibit, too.  Reading was
 a large part of the theme but not all were about enjoying a good book.

This joyful fellow greets you as you walk to the front desk.

Looks like someone has found a quiet spot to get a bit of reading in.

This … (0 comments)

Forest Hills Michigan is Looking for 18 Millionaires - 08/12/08 02:07 PM
Forest Hills, Michigan is a prestigious place to live, I just didn't realize how
prestigious until I happened upon this website on the internet, CNNMONEY.com
The stats here on Forest Hills, MI were surprising and not surprising.

 
 18 homes for sale in the million dollar + category. That surprised me. I figured there were a few but not that many!  
That 92.9% of our kids attend public or parocial schools - no surprise there.
Parents in this community prize education and support their school systems
with their tax dollars and volunteer support.
 
78.9% of our days per year are ranked … (4 comments)

Cascade Township Hall ~ A Part of Michigan History - 08/08/08 03:04 PM
The Village of Cascade was formed over 160 years ago at the
intersection of Cascade Road and the Thornapple River. Originally
a part of Ada Township, Cascade sought separation in 1848.
The first town meeting was held April 3, 1848 at Ezra Whitney's
Public House. There were fifty voters present.   
 
Cascade quickly began to grow, and in 1854 the first General
Store and Post Office were built. St. Mary's Catholic Church and
the Cascade Flour Mill were built in 1856. By 1876, Cascade's
population had reached 1,200. In 1890, a Township hall was built.
This original hall is still used … (1 comments)

New Development coming to Cascade Township, MI ~ Turnburry of Cascade - 08/08/08 02:36 PM
The signs are up but no dirt has been turned or bunnies displaced yet.
The newest planned development for Cascade Township, Michigan is
 going to have Brownstone Architecture, Classic English Cottage &
Garden influence combined with "green" building standards and energy
efficient choices at Turnburry of Cascade should make this development
 environment friendly. 
 
Located at the southwest corner of Burton Street and Kraft Avenue, it will
be near the bike path and just behind the Meijer store on 28th Street and
 Kraft Avenue. Forest Hills Public Schools will be the school district serving
 this new residential area. The latest publicity article says … (6 comments)

Playing in the Treetops ~ Thousand Oaks Golf Course, Grand Rapids MI - 08/08/08 12:32 PM
Once you have played this course, you understand why they named it
 "Thousand Oaks Golf Club". I had the chance to play this course the
 other day and leaped at the opportunity.   What a treat!  Located just a
few minutes north of Grand Rapids at Five Mile near the Grand River,
this course wraps around literally thousands of oak trees. Which makes
 for a gorgeous nature outing this time of year. Golf Digest rated this
Rees Jones designed course one of the 25 best courses in Michigan.
This course is quite deceptive. Because it fluctuates in elevation, you might
 need a few more strokes to … (0 comments)

Ada Michigan ~ Villas of Ada Condos ~ August Update - 08/06/08 07:24 PM
The Villas of Ada Condos are still under construction in our neighborhood
off Hall St and Ada Drive in Ada Michigan. The bulldozers are moving
 earth and getting things prepped for building to begin.
They are really reshaping this 17 acre plat. There was a hill here that
has been flattened and of course, all the trees in the middle are gone.
The ad campaign has started and there is information at  thegrvillas.com
 from the developer about the amenities and construction plans.
According to their articles, they are offering 1 to 3 bedroom ranch condos
with attached 2 stall garage.  They are also … (4 comments)

Yes, Mr 2008 Seller, I would like your house SOLD! - 08/06/08 06:56 PM
Mr. 2008 Seller, I would like to have a heart-to-heart discussion about
selling your home.  I know you think real estate sales people are just
 out for a quick buck. We want to put a bargain price on your home so
 it sells quickly which means we get our commission check. Cha-ching!


This might be the scenario in some cases. Heck, there are bad apples in any
 profession. I have been selling and listing homes for over 35 years and I have
 seen a lot of sold homes and a lot of real estate professionals working in this
 field.  Most of them … (4 comments)

Wyoming Michigan Two Story ~ Too Late - SOLD - 08/06/08 09:04 AM
Wyoming 4 Bedroom Two Story - New Owner Ready Location: Wyoming, MIThis quality built, well maintained two story home at 1823 Havana SW in Wyoming is ready for new owners. This home features 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths. Total finished living area is 1894 sq ft on three levels with a finished recreation room and full bath downstairs on the lower level. This updated home is located in a desirable Wyoming neighborhood across from Lee Middle School on a lot with shade tree, tree fort structure, and playhouse in a fenced yard. This home has been well maintained with original oak … (0 comments)

Cascade, Michigan ~ The Villas of Cascade Condos ~ Sneak Peek - 08/05/08 11:27 AM
 We went on a fact finding mission the other day to investigate the
new sign we had been driving by on Cascade Road, just south of
Burton Street in Cascade, Michigan.  This area is having road
construction right now so it is not easy to spot new activity. The sign
was advertising The Villas of Cascade Condos.

The new condo development was originally a group of 4 three story
buildiings with rental units.  As the units empty, the current developer
will tear each unit down to the studs and redo each to be a 2 bedroom
condo unit.  The potential buyer has … (4 comments)

Caledonia, Michigan ~ Crystal Springs August 2008 Market Report - 08/05/08 10:15 AM
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 Crystal Springs Golf Course
grounds 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 Crystal Springs Golf Course. (See related
article on the acquisition of Crystal Springs Golf … (0 comments)

Local Kentwood Michigan Golfer Wins Hooters Tour in Texas!!! - 08/05/08 10:13 AM
I have been following the golf career of a young man I know
personally for at least the last 12 years.  Last weekend he
won his first professional tour event.
Matt Harmon who attended Michigan State University as
Mr. Golf from Michigan has had his first pro tour win.
In a Texas Hooters Tour event this weekend, he lapped the field
with a 15 under par score for 4 rounds. The closest competitor
was 7 shots behind him.
Congratulations MATT!!  

Matt is the handsome young fellow in the dark blue shirt directly
behind that giant winner's check.
 
In my opinion, the PGA tour gets all … (0 comments)

The 2008 Housing Stimulus Bill is Now Law. - 08/01/08 05:42 PM
Housing Bill Now Law! After the Senate passed the Housing Bill by a vote  of 72-13 over the weekend, President Bush signed  the Housing Stimulus Bill into law on Wednesday. This is a huge success for REALTORS® and you can  be very proud of the role you played in getting this landmark legislation passed! To help you further understand some of the facets of the bill, NAR will be preparing various guides with information in the  next few weeks. To get you started, we have a created a chart on the pieces of the first-time homebuyer tax credit. It’s located on … (1 comments)

 
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Terry+Bonnie Westbrook Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Real Estate

Grand Rapids, MI

More about me…

Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner

Address: 5673 Far Hill Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546

Office Phone: (888) 240-1968 x 0

Cell Phone: (616) 292-7263

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