Grand Rapids Real Estate is My Real Job - Terry Westbrook

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. and

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,it is less than a block away.

Grand Rapids Christian School Under Construction in Ottawa Hills

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

San Diego Harbor & USS Midway Museum Photo Tour

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:27:36 -0600

I took 2 hours for a sight seeing trip while in San Diego to walk through

USS Midway Museum, which was just a short walk from my hotel. I took a few

photos of the flight deck, control tower and views around the harbor. Hope you

enjoy this brief tour.

I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to see how our Navy crews lived through

WWII, Vietnam, and Desert Storm.

In the Vietnam War, I flew Helicopters for the 155th Army Air Corps. The Vietnam

workhorse Huey helicopter, one very similar to what I flew back in 1970 was on

the flight deck. During the Vietnam War, I'm sure the USS Midway provided air

cover for several of the Missions I was involved in while serving.

The runway and conning tower of the United States' longest

serving carrier in the 20th century.

It was fascinating to learn that this ship burned 260 gallons of oil for every mile

and carried a 3.4 million gallon fuel capacity. The new carriers are powered by a

Nuclear reactor, so refueling isn't a problem anymore.

Another trivia tidbit that awed me - the USS Midway served 10 tons of food daily

to the crew of 4500. 3000 potatoes and 1000 loaves of bread served daily.

And 500 pies were served when offered.

A Slide show of all my USS Midway photos can be seen here.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Mandarin Chinese Spoken Here

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:56:40 -0600

Would your kindergartener come home and ask for a bowl of cereal

in Mandarin Chinese? If you live in the Forest Hills School System

in Grand Rapids Michigan, this isn't as far fetched as it sounds.

The Meadowbrook Elementary School is home to the Forest Hills

Chinese Immersion Program. This program is the first of its kind in

West Michigan. The program just received a Federal Grant of $238,000

for the first year. If all program objectives are met, it will receive

additional funds for the next 2 years.

Leaders in Forest Hills educational community decided to add Mandarin

Chinese Immersion to their bilingual offerings with the assistance

of Michigan State University's Confucius Institute. Currently 2

Chinese teachers are on the school faculty to give students in

the program an early start in bilingual education.

The Forest Hills District is continuing to expand Mandarin language

courses at middle and high school levels. With 55 percent of the

world's population speculated to be from Asia in the year 2025 and

5 percent from North America, being fluent in Chinese will be a real

asset in the future business world.

Forest Hills also has a Spanish Immersion Program running at the

Ada Vista Elementary School.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Front Doors Say Hello When You Aren't Home

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:13:01 -0600

Front doors are the first impression that visitors and passersby get of your home.

We all make instant judgments about a home's interior when we see the front door,

just like we do about a person we first meet. If you want to make a good first

impression, you should make sure your front door is attractive and welcoming.

I have a fascination with front doors. I drive by homes and look at the front door

or front entry. I love to see a home with a touch of personality or a piece of artwork

displayed by the front door that lets me know a little bit more about them.

Do they like animals? Are they proud of their home? Does everything appear to be

in good repair?

This front door reminds me of castle. I saw several doorways similar to

this in England inside castle walls.

Holidays and seasonal decorating are especially fruitful for my voyeuristic entertainment.

I especially like the his and hers well-dressed scarecrows guarding this front door.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

New NAR Consumer Site ~ HOUSELOGIC.com announced at NAR Convention

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:15:22 -0600

For all of you that are not attending the NAR Convention in San Diego a little

peak at one of the Hot Topics. NAR has announced a new web site to

assist home Owners. It is still in Beta but you might like to check it out:

You care about your home. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® cares

about home ownership. To help you become the best, most responsible homeowner

you aspire to be, we want to provide you with free information and tools you can

use to make smart and timely decisions about your home.

Have fun and give me some feedback. I'll pass your comments on to the group

that developed it.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Climbing the Learning Curve of Social Media for Real Estate ~ Rebar Camp Indianapolis Indiana

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:48:09 -0600

We attended Rebar Camp in Indianapolis on November 2nd. We had a wonderful

time, met some great people, and got all juiced up on Social Media. Seriously,

if you have the opportunity to attend one of these free seminars, you really should

take advantage of it. Some of the best and brightest talents on the web were

presenters. Plus you get the input of everyone attending, so it is a very intelligent,

knowledgeable crowd with expertise in many areas.

Here are few photos of our groups soaking up the information:

We want to thank the Indianapolis hosts and planners for being so welcoming and

sharing their Rebar Camp experience with us.

Thank you - Lola MacIntyre, Dave Woodson, & Harrison Painter

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Dog Blood Drive ~ Cascade Michigan ~ Nov 14th 2009

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:03:50 -0600

Cascade Hospital for Animals is holding a canine blood drive on Saturday,

November 14th, 2009 from 10am to 5 pm at their facility, 6730 Cascade

Road SE, Grand Rapids Michigan.

Blood donation is a simple procedure, taking less than 30 minutes, and does

not require anesthesia or sedation. Dogs must be healthy, friendly,

50 pounds or over, between one and six years old. parasite free, current

on vaccinations, have no heart murmur, and not taking the following

medications: thyroid, Phenobarbital, NSAIDS, steroid therapy, or allergy

injections.

If accepted for the donation drive, the pet will receive approximately

$235 worth of blood work performed free.

If interested, call 949-0960 or mail chfa@chfa.net.

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Autumn in East Grand Rapids Michigan

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:30:00 -0600

We enjoy autumn in Michigan, it is one of our favorite seasons. The fall colors, the

crisp fall air, football games, crisp crunchy apples are just a few of the wonderful

things about fall in Michigan.

While the autumn colors on the trees are a thing of beauty, they quickly become

a much detested chore to clean up. Raking leaves on a beautiful fall day

is fun for about 30 minutes. On a blustery cold, rainy day, it is a miserable

chore, a never ending job to complete. The leaves fall like rain, and will

take a few days to 2 weeks to completely leave the trees.

If you live in the city of East Grand Rapids, Michigan, this isn't such a chore because the

city takes away your leaves for you. All you have to do is get them to the curb.

As you can see in these photos of a few streets in East Grand Rapids, many

leaves are at the curb, ready to be picked up and composted.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Living Alone and Liking It

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:40:01 -0600

According to NAR's [National Association of Realtors] latest figures,

Did You Know: November 6, 2009, the increase in single owner households is

on the rise. They attribute it to baby-boomers that are widowed but staying

in their home. There has been an increase in single women purchasing homes,

per NAR's stats, almost one-quarter of first time home buyers were single

females who purchased their first home on a median income of $47,400.

Click on photo to see flyer

The national average for single occupant households is 28%. This figure

is likely to rise after the results of the 2010 census is revealed in January.

This trend is good news for the small bungalows and ranch homes built

after World War II that are on the market today. We have found that

condos and townhouses have great appeal to the single buyer, too.

It used to be unusual for people to live alone but is much more

accepted as the norm today.

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Roselle Park in Ada Michigan ~ Grand River Natural Habitat Trail

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:01:24 -0600

Roselle Park in Ada Michigan along the Grand River is 247 acre park that is

a dedicated Natural Habitat Refuge. On a rainy Saturday a few weeks

ago, we stopped and took a few photos. It was cold and windy but

the fall colors were great. We walked on one of the trails along the Grand

River. A very peaceful place to visit. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

These silos were left from the previous owner of the property. The one with

the stars on top has been made into a 9 story observation tower.

This stone states that Roselle park is dedicated the people of Ada Township

View from the observation tower toward the Grand River

On the walking trail along the river.

The Grand River, the longest river in Michigan. It starts near Hillsdale MI and

winds it's way north then west, eventually emptying into Lake Michigan.

This spot is just north of the confluence of the Thornapple River at Ada MI.

Roselle Park Nature Preserve on the Grand River

Roselle Park Flood Stage Spring 2009 Video

Roselle Park Photos

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Top Best Buy Homes Kentwood Michigan ~ October 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:14:19 -0600

We have gathered a list of the Top Best 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 $26.34 to $69.44 in

Kentwood this month.

Homes on the list this month are still at bargain prices, with

average price per square foot @ $58.50.

Kentwood & Wyoming have been hit hard by the automotive

shutdowns and subsequent job losses in these areas. Nearly half of

the homes we researched this month were short sale properties

that will 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.

October 2009 39 TOP BEST BUYS in Kentwood Homes

The lowest list price is $29,900

the highest list price is $179,900

Top Kentwood 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

5545 Kalamazoo Ave $48,800 848 Sq Ft $57.55/SqFt

2102 68th St SE $57,400 2179 SqFt $26.34/SqFt

97 Roth St SE $59,900 1100 Sq Ft $54.45/SqFt

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

5443 Claudia Ave $59,900 975 Sq Ft $61.44/SqFt

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

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

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

4525 Grantwood Ave $62,900 960 Sq Ft $65.52/SqFt

5891 Pine Vista St $69,900 1269 Sq Ft $55.08/SqFt

426 Pine Vista St $70,000 1248 SqFt $56.09/SqFt

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

293 68th St SE $79.900 1152 Sq Ft $69.36/SqFt

6817 Quincy Ave $79.900 1461 Sq Ft $68.64/SqFt

5916 Pine Vista St $79,900 1152 Sq Ft $69.36/SqFt

5689 Gentian Ct SE $79,900 2182 Sq Ft $54.91/SqFt

5818 Pinetree Ave $81,900 2200 Sq Ft $37.23/SqFt

1582 Marwood Dr $84,900 2047 SqFt $62.24/SqFt

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

1620 Mapleview St $89,900 1900 Sq Ft $57.37/SqFt

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

5393 Newcastle Dr $90,000 2696 Sq Ft $50.53/SqFt

5518 Edgelawn Dr $99,900 2155 Sq Ft $68.71/SqFt

110 Lurie St SE $104,900 1627 Sq Ft $64.47/SqFt

1635 Pembroke St $109,900 1596 Sq Ft $68.86/SqFt

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

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

2655 52nd St SE $116,900 1687 Sq Ft $69.29/SqFt

2528 Mapleview Ct $119,900 1992 Sq Ft $60.19/SqFt

4675 Brooklyn Ave $124,900 2817 Sq Ft $59.05/SqFt

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

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

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

6665 Crystal Downes $149,900 2586 Sq Ft $57.97/SqFt

1889 60th St SE $150,000 2436 Sq Ft $61.58/SqFt

4546 Torrington Dr $169,900 2736 Sq Ft $62.10/SqFt

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

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.

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Top Best Buy Homes Rockford Michigan ~ October 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:03:36 -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.

October 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 $64,900 1330 Sq Ft $48.80/SqFt

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

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

9272 10 Mile Rd $84,900 1621 Sq Ft $52.38/SqFt

7730 Belding Rd NE $87,900 1181 Sq Ft $74.43/SqFt

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

3955 Butternut Dr $93,600 1184 Sq Ft $79.05/SqFt

2153 Post Dr NE $94,900 1281 Sq Ft $74.08/SqFt

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

125 S Main St $99,900 1688 Sq Ft $59.18/SqFt

7635 10 Mile Rd NE $109,900 1832 Sq Ft $59.99/SqFt

5017 10 Mile Rd NE $115,000 2016 SQ FT $57.04/SqFt

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

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

10636 Trailside Wds $138,688 1936 Sq Ft $71.64/SqFt

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

8596 Sunny Hours $150,000 4454 Sq Ft $53.69/SqFt

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

6874 Peninsula Dr $154,900 2000 Sq Ft $77.45/SqFt

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

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

5645 Ramsdell Dr $169,900 2300 Sq Ft $73.87/SqFt

6156 Meadowlark $169,900 3364 Sq Ft $75.51/SqFt

6879 Blueridge Dr $176,900 2800 Sq Ft $63.18/SqFt

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

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

647 Highlander Dr $189,900 3050 Sq Ft $62.26/SqFt

7031 Bonaire Ct NE $199,900 3160 Sq Ft $73.55/SqFt

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

6160 Belding Rd $209,900 2524 Sq Ft $83.16/SqFt

7690 N ArroyoVista $369,900 4395 SqFt $84.16/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, it is

almost to the President's desk for a signature to extend to

June 2010.

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

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Autumn on the Thornapple River Grand Rapids Michigan

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:25:31 -0600

Autumn is a picturesque time of year here in West Michigan. We have lots

of rivers, lakes, fall color, and lots of wildlife. This series of photos lets you

see a few residents of the Thornapple River at their daily routine.

The Thornapple River flows into the Grand River, the longest in the state at

Ada Michigan. Needless to say, a haven for wildlife year round. This gaggle

of geese was just off the Thornapple Pointe Golf Club in southeastern Kent

County a few weekends ago.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes ~ October 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:36:44 -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 October 2009 is 19 properties, up from last month.

The lowest price/Sq Ft for homes range from $39.17 to $137.56

here in Forest Hills.

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

$288,900 for Oct 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

383 Pettis Ave NE $79,900 2040 Sq Ft $39.17/SqFt

6225 Acropolis Dr $58,000 1114 /SqFt $52.06/SqFt

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

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

6600 Cascade Rd SE $89,900 1788 Sq Ft $50.28/SqFt

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

1890 Leffingwell Ave $105,400 2128 SqFt $49.53/SqFt

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

1789 Grand Ct NE $119,900 1600 Sq Ft $74.94/SqFt

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

6461 Cascade Rd $139,900 2023 Sq Ft $69.15/SqFt

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

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

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

2669 Cascade Springs $ 179,900 2590 SqFt $69.46/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

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Lowell Michigan Top Best Buy Homes ~ October 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:38:33 -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. We

are NOT Listing Short Sales, if stated.

Great opportunities to buy a Lowell Home at bargain prices.

The lowest price/Sq Ft range from $36.36 to $83.44

in Lowell Top Best Buy Homes this month.

Oct 2009 24 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 $64,900 1731 Sq Ft $59.00/SqFt

2848 Whites Bridge $ 99,900 1305 Sq Ft $76.55/SqFt

821 Lincoln Lake $107,900 1692 Sq Ft $63.77/SqFt

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

7849 Pratt Lake $116,900 1568 Sq Ft $74.55/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

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

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

1700 Wales Rd $125,900 1635 Sq Ft $77.00/SqFt

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

2550 Bewell Ave SE $129,900 1904 Sq Ft $68.22/SqFt

13445 Crestwood Dr $129,900 1888 Sq Ft $78.82/SqFt

6016 Bancroft Ave $139,900 1912 Sq Ft $73.17/SqFt

10380 36th St $144,900 2288 Sq Ft $63.33/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 5

homes priced under $100K and 2 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

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_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

10 Questions To Ask a Realtor Before You List Your Home ~ Part 4 of 4

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:44:56 -0500

Most of us sell only a small number of homes in our lifetimes. With limited experience

in real estate how are we capable of maximizing the profits from our home sale? Many

home sellers make the critical mistake of thinking all Realtors are the same. They list

with the first agent who comes along. Does it make good business sense to put the

responsibility of selling your home with someone who has no plan or qualifications?

This report will educate you with valuable information that will help you

make the best decision concerning: With which real estate agent should you list?

Start by doing a few hours of research. Ask around ... talk with someone who has had a

positive experience with a Realtor in your neighborhood. Find out which agents are highly

visible in your market area. Get to know who has the most web presence, ads and

marketing material in your neighborhood. Who's the most active agent? Compile a list

of agent names and use these questions to help you determine which agent is right for

you. Now you have the list ----Google each one to see how they compare. Make an

appointment and ask the prospective agents the following questions:

What does the listing agreement entail, what are the beginning and expiration dates,

and what are the fee amounts I will be paying?

Have your agent go over every detail in the listing agreement with you until you

understand it completely. Make sure the beginning and ending dates are on the

agreement; a good standard for length is four to six months. Know exactly what fees

you will be paying and remember that less is not always better. If the agent stands to

make very little commission you can bet it will be reflected in the amount of time and

effort that is spent marketing your home. If the agent reduces the commission to get

the listing it may mean they intend to spend very little money promoting the property.

What disclosure laws apply to me and what do I need to be aware of ?

Expect your agent to thoroughly explain the state required Seller's Disclosure Statement

and Lead Base Paint Disclosure. When completing these forms be sure to answer truthfully.

If the basement leaks, say so! We do not operate in a "Buyer Beware" real estate

environment and agents expect sellers to answer property condition statements

straightforwardly. The best method of dealing with any property defect or maintenance

requirement is to have it repaired or replaced prior to marketing the home. This prevents

a repair from becoming a negotiating issue.

What separates you from your competition and what kind of feedback will I receive

from you? How effectively will you advertise? Do you have 24-hour advertising

capability? Will all the leads be followed up on by your agent's team or will they go

to other agents who may have other listings they would prefer to show?

Agents who are innovative and offer new methods of attracting home buyers will

measurably outperform agents who rely on methods of the past. Marketing effectively

in today's market and beyond requires progressive strategies that add value and

service for both buyers and sellers!

10 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You List Your Home ~ Part 1

10 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You List Your Home ~ Part 2

10 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You List Your Home ~ Part 3

All 10 Questions Can Be Viewed Here

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

10 Questions to Ask a Realtor Before You List Your Home ~ Part 3 of 4

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:38:32 -0500