active rain: When You Get Writer's Block, Start Reading - 05/07/10 02:51 AM
 
Excellent advice from Margaret Woda at Team Woda on getting the wheels of inspiration
turning for your next blog post.
I like to keep a list of potential ideas perculating for the right time and blog topic, also.
Being in real estate gives you a wide range of topics and interests to blog about.
Just keeping up on local information can be a full time blog job! Read Margaret's post and get inspired.
 

Is there anyone on Activerain who hasn't experienced writer's block? 
Whether you're a brand new member or have hundreds of thousands of points, there are some … (3 comments)

active rain: Announcing Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Michigan - 04/21/09 11:20 PM
Spring is when the earth is waking up. Spring is the perfect time to start new
ventures and businesses.  So, officially, April 22, 2009, Westbrook Realty is
a reality. We have been working feverishly behind the scenes to get things
ready for the official opening ceremony. 
We are inviting you all to our virtual opening here on Active Rain.
 

 
Without Active Rain and the internet presence we now have (because we
have been blogging consistently for almost 18 months) I am not sure this
entrepeneurial venture would be starting out now.  Thanks to all of you
online that … (8 comments)

active rain: Meijer Gardens Announces Summer Concert Line Up ~ Grand Rapids Michigan - 04/21/09 09:24 AM
Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announces
2009  Summer Concert Series
Meijer Gardens has a wonderful Outdoor Amphitheater that will host
 12 Concerts and a few musical legends in entertainment this summer.
 Among those featured that you might know are our own Michigander,
 Jeff Daniels, and Lyle Lovett, The Doobie  Brothers, and Bonnie Raitt.
I must admit, some of the newer bands are not familiar to me but they
have great web sites!
 
The 12 Concerts are as follows:
Derek Trucks Band will open the Concert Series on Wednesday, June 10th.
 
The Avett Brothers will be featured on Thursday, June 18th.
 
(0 comments)

active rain: Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Absorption Report ~ April 2009 - 04/21/09 08:14 AM
Kentwood Michigan is a large suburb of Grand Rapids with a population
under 50,000. It has manufacturing, shopping centers, and lots and lots
of residential housing. Kentwood Public Schools are one of the largest
school systems in the area with over 9000 students and 16 buildings
within a 24.25 square mile area.


Kentwood home sales are still on a general downward trend
in price. Over 1/3 of Kentwood Homes Equity has dissolved in
 the last 3 years, according to the current stats.
 We are still seeing a teeny price erosion from last month's figures,
again this month. 
 The homes under $ … (0 comments)

active rain: East Grand Rapids Michigan ~ Top Best Buys ~ March 2009 - 03/16/09 09:51 AM
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. 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.
 
March 2009 BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes
Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $63.55 to … (0 comments)

active rain: Caledonia Michigan ~ Top Best Home Buys ~ March 2009 - 03/16/09 03:40 AM
We have gathered a list of the top Caledonia Houses to buy.
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 $36.31 to $79.95 in Caledonia.
 
March 2009  BEST BUY Caledonia Homes
Highest list price is $285,000
Lowest list … (0 comments)

active rain: Kentwood Michigan Top Home Buys ~ March 2009 - 03/13/09 07:23 AM
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 … (0 comments)

active rain: Cascade Michigan Walkout Ranch ~ Too Late Sold! - 03/11/09 05:15 AM
This custom built home near the Thornapple River has privacy, great views and
quality construction.  If you are looking for a Forest Hills home with
lots of extras, set in an exclusive neighborhood, we would encourage
you to take a look.
 
 
 
 
 
About 3700 square feet of finished living space, this is priced at a little
over $60 /sq ft.  A fantastic bargain in this neighborhood.
MLS# 729286
Contact me at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 all rights reserved
(4 comments)

active rain: NE Grand Rapids Condo Coming on Market Soon..... - 03/10/09 09:27 AM
This neat as a pin NE Grand Rapids Condo is coming on the market soon,
probably by the end of March.  This condo has an open floor plan with kitchen,
eating area, dining room, living room, master bedroom, 1.5 baths, & den/office
on the first floor.  The lower level walkout has a bedroom, family room, full bath
and storage.  South facing with lots of natural light, this condo will be available
for viewing soon.
 
 
 
Contact me by email or phone: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate
Copyright 2009 all rights reserved
(6 comments)

active rain: Historic Lowell Michigan ~ Video Tour - 03/09/09 01:58 PM
We have created a photo tour of Lowell, Michigan. Lowell is a small community on the Flat River, about 14 miles from Grand Rapids. Since Lowell is right next door to us, we find ourselves visiting often. Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty Copyright 2009 all rights reserved … (2 comments)

active rain: Caledonia MI Real Estate Absorption Report ~ Crystal Springs Feb 2009 - 02/26/09 02:32 AM
Crystal Springs ~ Kentwood Absorption Report February 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. 
(2 comments)

active rain: The "LONG" Tale of the Short Sale - 02/25/09 07:48 AM
The term Short Sale has nothing to do with the time it takes to close this
type of transaction.  It refers to the money the bank or mortgage holder
 will receive from the sale of the property.  The closing will be "short" of the
funds that the seller owes on the mortgage. In other words, they are upside
down: they owe more than the home is currently worth.
 

 
Since we don't live in a past world where the home "was" worth more or a future
world where it "may" be worth more,  this is the sad financial situation … (9 comments)

active rain: Ada Michigan Absorption Report ~ Ada Woods February 2009 - 02/25/09 06:54 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.   This development is in the Forest Hills School System and
 close to several private schools.    
 
(2 comments)

active rain: Grand Rapids Township, MI ~ Top Best Home Buys ~ Feb 2009 - 02/25/09 12:41 AM
We have gathered a list of the top Grand Rapids Township Houses to buy based
on price per square foot.  An added bonus, most of these Grand Rapids Township
 Homes are in Forest Hills Public School system.
**Please note that this list can change daily as somehomes sell, prices are
adjusted and other homes come on the market.  Check back often or just
 subscribe to our blog to getup-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.
 
(0 comments)

active rain: Caledonia MI Absorption Report Feb 2009 - 02/23/09 12:04 PM
Current Caledonia MI Real Estate Market Report




Absorption rate for Caledonia MI Market is  currently 10 months,
which means if no other homes come on the market, it will take
10 months for the current inventory to sell at the current
sales rate.  This is up slightly from last month.
 
There are 136 current active listings, from $54,900 to $1,100,000 in
Caledonia MI.

17 Pending Home Sales, and 64 Sold Homes since Sept 1, 2008.
The current average Caledonia home listed price is much higher
[about $323,207] than the average sold price [$180,310]. 
 
This shows … (0 comments)

active rain: Forest Hills Michigan ~ Watermark Residences Feb 2009 Absorption Report - 02/23/09 07:55 AM
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 a friendly group of players. 
We have an excellent grounds staff and a great pro shop staff. 
 
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.
 
 


(2 comments)

active rain: Ada Michigan Video Tour - 02/21/09 12:57 PM
Ada Michigan is a small village and township close to Grand Rapids. It has rolling hills, 2 rivers running through it, and mostly residential housing. The village itself is quaint, located on the Thornapple River, and predates Grand Rapids as a permanent settlement. Come take a look at our community snapshots......... Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty Copyright 2009 All rights reserved All photos taken by Bonnie Westbrook … (6 comments)

active rain: Kent County MI ~ Great Opportunities to Buy WaterFront Homes for Less - 02/20/09 02:26 AM
Current market conditions have brought home prices down to levels we haven't
seen in several years. All price levels and amenities have been affected.
Now may be a great time to think of owning a Waterfront Home.
I have includes a list of over 30 homes in Kent County Michigan in the
$200,000 to $300,000 price range, in the above link.

This river front home is listed for $219,900 and is nearly new, being built in 2008.
If you are eligible for a first time buyer tax credit, buying this home could be less than you think.
The above link will … (2 comments)

active rain: Caledonia Michigan ~ Top Home Buys ~ Feb 2009 - 02/20/09 02:23 AM
We have gathered a list of the top Caledonia 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. The
lowest price per Sq Ft range from $31.17 to $79.95 in Caledonia.
 
 February 2009  BEST BUY … (2 comments)

active rain: 2009 Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan - 02/19/09 08:09 AM
 "Attached is an example of the President's Housing Plan that was in the NYT,
 I hope you find it helpful. Also attached is our quick summary with appropriate
links to our web page that has all the White House explanatory material.
February 18, 2009 The New Housing Plan
President Obama's housing plan is expected to help as many as seven million
 to nine million homeowners by making it easier for them to either refinance
their mortgages or renegotiate payments."
  
Removing a limit on refinancing for "responsible homeowners" 4 million to 5 million households.
The bill will remove the current restriction … (0 comments)

 
Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re (Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)

Terry & Bonnie Westbrook

Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

Grand Rapids, MI

More about me…

Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner

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

Office: (616) 292-7263

Mobile: (616) 292-7263



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