What do you think...is this a good thing?? I have to say that I am not yet entirely convinced it is because now I find myself working with a lender whom I've have no previous working relationship with.   

We meet, talk, go over their questions...learn more about what their wants and needs are...oh, and by they way....they love their lender, he is a great Gal/Guy and they have confidence that they have chosen well.  Perfect!   But is it?

I now make the initial call to the new lender (to introduce myself and touch base before the process begins) the offer has been made, accepted, the process is now launched and...
The new Lender/Realtor relationship has begun.

Now, there it is...that pesky little knot in my stomach only because I have found myself to have been disappointed in past experience.  It was not because we did not close, or even that they were not good people...they simply did not handle their business in a manner that provided confidence and trust.  This is the largest and most important purchase my Buyers will may ever make and I need to know that I am working with a competent, communicative and trustworthy lender...every time.

What could a "new lender" do to provide confidence, trust and also use as a great building block to establish a new business relationship?

1. Communication, communication, communication.

2. Please don't tell me I will have something by the end of the day if you are not 100% confident you will.

3. Please answer a straight question with a straight answer.  Don't be evasive.

4. Please confirm receipt of my e-mails in a timely manner, all I request is a "Thanks Therese, got it. (or even "got it" works)

5. I need to learn of any changes or new hurdles from you...not my client. 

6. Please be responsive, if you keep me updated as to how things are progressing I'm happy.  :-)

7. Always feel free to let me know if I can help...for I'm always happy too.

No, it is not the new tools many lender's now have available to help me "grow my business" that will bring my business to them for although these new tools may be very nice, this is not what I need or expect from them.

I am always looking to make new, strong connections with others in the real estate industry. Over this past summer I had one of the most difficult transactions of my career.   I represented the Seller side and one day felt compelled to contact this new lender just to ask..."what is your confidence level in that we can bring this transaction to close?"   After speaking with him a few moments I had great confidence in him and ultimately we did close.  This lender also kept me updated on appropriate matters during this lengthy and stressful process.  Would I look to work with him again?  Absolutely....because he was present throughout the transaction.

The established working relationships I currently have with Lenders are ones who put the clients needs first, are proud of their profession, do their job very well and they are truly vital to my success for they are a reflection of me and how I do business. These lenders take excellent care of my clients, I trust them and if I could work with them each and every time on all of my transactions I certainly would.   But this is not my choice...it's the Buyers choice.

So to my future new lenders out there....Please take extraordinary care of my clients for that is all I really want or need and it couldn't be more appreciated!

Our First Time Home Buyers are beginning to take advantage of another excellent option for home ownership....the Condo!

 This can be an excellent opportunity for although many want to take advantage of becoming a homeowner during this Buyers Market of low prices, low interest rates and the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, they do not necessarily want all the corresponding work that comes along with it.....primarily yard work and exterior maintenance.

 Yes, more and more First Time Home Buyers are noticing that a condo can be a great fit for them and are no longer thinking of them as the retirement communities of days gone past.

 Determining whether or not a condo is for you will be determined by specifying clearly what your wants and needs are. You will also be required to abide by associations rule and /or by-laws so be sure to talk to your Realtor and have a very clear understanding of what these are and what they entail.

 Condo associations have “association fees” which will vary both on what they cost and cover.    Most often this fee will cover trash, lawn and yard care, water, sewer, snow removal and insurance.  You may also find that electric, cable and or gas could also be included among other things.   If your association offers any amenities such as a fitness center, club house, pool etc...the care of these facilities are also taken care of with the association fee.  It is important for Buyers to learn exactly what this fee will cover before they decide to move forward on a purchase.

 So.......You want to become a homeowner but don’t want the all the expense and up keep that comes along with it??  Then you may want to consider a condo as this could be a really great fit for you!

 -If you are looking for a condo in the Jenison, Hudsonville or Grandville MI Areas, including the Greater Grand Rapids MI Area and could use some assistance, please give me a call for I’m always happy to help.

It’s Halloween time and if you and your children participate in the tradition of trick or treating now is the time to consider what you can do to help keep them safe before they heard out the door!

Here are a few suggestions.....

1. Watch the weather and be sure children are dressed appropriately.

    2. Be sure costumes fit well and most importantly are not too long to avoid  tripping.

3. I like to suggest face painting as a good alternative to face masks.  It can be as easy or elaborate as your would like to make it and a safer alternative, for their vision will not be impaired if the mask does not fit properly.

4. If at all possible trick or treat before dark this may not fit too well with older children however the younger ones really don’t mind...they are too excited about getting candy!

5. Set a curfew and stick too it...better yet, have your child bring a cell phone and check in with you at set times.

6. Be considerate of others and watch out for the little ones. (be careful you don’t stumble over them!)

7. NEVER GO ALONE!!  If your kids are old enough to go Trick-or-Treating with friends without adult supervision, pick up the Glow in the Dark sticks which come on a string to place around their necks (you can often find these at dollar stores) this will make them more visible to other people and motorists.

8. Always say, “thank you” have fun and most importantly be safe!

It would be my "treat" to hear your safety Suggestions!

                         Booooooooooooooooo..........

I vividly remember the very first time I saw a 50% off rack in a clothing store...I honestly thought I might just keel right over!  I couldn’t believe my good fortune and the great deals I was about to get, I actually got a little rush with the thought...couldn’t wait for my husband to get home and show him all my good deals.  I was truly so excited I could hardly stand it!!

 At that time this was something unheard of...50% off...a true stunner but what a great motivator to make me to buy.  Of course I bought more than I normally would have and even bought things I could have easily done without.   Gosh, I was used to the 10% - 30% off racks and 30% was considered a really good deal!  I am a girl with a strong retail background and back then didn’t think too much about being price conscious, if I wanted or needed it I bought it and if it happened to be on sale even better but it certainly was not a requirement.

Now fast forward 15+ years or so and WOW how things have changed and how I have changed!   I now find that the 50% off racks are really no longer a stimulus that will make me buy....I’m now looking for the 60%-80% off items and let me tell you I get great deals on good name brand merchandise...no one knows or really cares how much I spent and quite frankly it really is none of their business.

 So why should the housing market be any different?  In this economy we are all more price conscious than ever and everyone is looking for the good deals no matter what they are shopping for.  You see it everywhere....all the discount stores, the thrift stores and retail stores offering great sales on merchandise in order to be competitive etc...

 Our Buyers now are not only more price conscious than ever they are also very knowledgeable and have been doing their research.  They know what a good deal on a home is and they understand the great Buyer incentives currently available with the low interest rates, first time home buyer tax credit, seller paid closing costs and great prices on homes!

 This is a Buyers dream market and if they are in a position to take advantage of all the available incentives then we should all be saying good for them!

 These are very difficult times for our Sellers though... we all understand and yes even sympathize but our current market is what it is.   Sellers you must understand your pricing is key... so give yourself the advantage and let your Realtor assist you in pricing your home properly right from the beginning, be competitive, don’t let your home be the one that helps other homes sell first because they are the ones priced right to sell.... and are the good deals.

 Also, let’s try our best not to become too irritated with our Buyers for taking advantage of the great home deals, do our best to work with them knowing they are even more excited than I was all those years ago and are most likely almost keeling over themselves!  And if at all possible...hard though it may be... please take the emotion right out of the deal for it is in fact business for our Buyers and not personal.

This is the single biggest purchase any Buyer in all probability will ever make and if you were in their shoes.... I just bet you would be looking for the very best deals or even the 70%-80% off racks too!!

I have many people coming up and asking me about how things are going for me in real estate these days.  Most of them are concerned, for they find it hard to believe anyone can survive in this volatile market.  Many of them are just interested in learning any information they can about real estate or how our market is doing, which of course I am always happy to talk about.

But most ask me the same question...so...”Are you selling a lot of HUD and Foreclosure homes to your Buyers??  ”My response to this question is surprising even to me, “No, I am not selling a lot of HUD or foreclosed homes. “  (And believe me it is not for lack of showing them!)   But how can this be??

Nearly every time I begin working with a new Buyer they request the same thing...”I am really looking for a HUD or Foreclosed home that I can get a good deal on and fix up.”  They all see the media where they hear of Buyers finding their dream home for cents on the dollar, which even appear to be in quite good condition.  What they don’t yet realize is that although this can and does happen it is most often the exception not the norm...until they begin looking that is.

Once we begin our viewing of these homes they start to see the sad and true reality of what the HUD and Foreclosure market really is.  The vast majority of these homes are in great distress that will require many $1000.00’s of dollars and hours of hard work to bring them back to a livable condition.  Once they take all this into consideration the bubble bursts!  Their home buyer vision seems to shift and the request comes...”Can we take a look at some homes that are not HUDS or Foreclosures?”

Just as an example:  I was recently showing a distressed home to a Buyer and when we began to walk into one of the kids bedrooms it smelled STRONGLY OF URINE!   My Buyer didn’t even make it into the room and walked immediately right out of the house.  He was done.  When I contacted the listing agent to let her know what had occurred her response was, “Oh, I know...one of the older kids is a bed wetter and it’s JUST the mattress!”  Now maybe I’m expecting a little too much, but personally, I would get that mattress OUT OF THERE.   Distressed homes are difficult enough to sell but this could have quite easily been taken care of.

It is now when the Buyers notice that even though our market is loaded with  HUD and Foreclosed homes there is also a good selection of homes available for sale that are not...and priced very well.  Often when comparing these ”normal sale” homes (if there is such a thing as a normal sale these days) to the HUDS and Foreclosures, then taking into consideration the money, time and resources they will require just getting into to the home, it becomes quite overwhelming , the HUD and Foreclosed homes seem to just fall by the wayside.

Now, I am not saying there are not good deals out there in the HUD and Foreclosure Market only that it takes someone with a strong motivation, the time, the talent and the financial resources to take on these homes and many of our First Time Home Buyers are finding they are either not willing or capable of doing this ....and their vision shifts.

If you are a First Time Home Buyer is a HUD or Foreclosed Home is What You Really Want?  You may just surprise yourself so be sure to keep your options open.

-Therese is Selling and Marketing Properties in the Greater Grand Rapids, MI Area while specializing in Jenison, Grandville and Hudsonville.  Please contact Therese directly at 616.780.0786 or by e-mail: tvmhomes@sbcglobal.net  In this Challenging Market Every Advantage is Important! COPY RIGHT 2009 Therese VanderMeer All Rights Reserved.

I came into Real Estate in almost an instinctive kind of way, finding myself at a crossroads in life in feeling the Management Position I held no longer provided value nor substance to either the people I was working with nor even to myself.  People who came to me for help during those days really didn't want to be there (which was apparent at the very onset of most jobs) and the atmosphere was typically one of lurking negativity.

...And in stepping back suddenly one day, thinking over where I was currently at in my life...just the basics...was I happy, was I content?.... I found my answer to be a resounding NO.

Now in having both an awareness and a longing to find a profession that could not only bring tangible fulfillment into my life but also be able to provide true value and helpfulness to others, I found Real Estate to be the only thing I could actually envision myself both doing and enjoying...everything now seemed so clear!

Today, when I look back to where I once was and to where I now am, I find myself to be humbly grateful for I would never trade a thing and would never turn back.  What I have found is a definite fulfillment here in this place, for the smiles on the faces of my clients and the personal friendships which I have made along the way hold such value to me and would be most impossible to replace.

Therese

It's for real.... our desirable Jenison area has much to offer in Condo Living.  Whether you are looking for a relaxing retirement community or a place for your young family to live and enjoy....we have it!  Below are a number of different Condo Communities to assist you as you begin your search for your new home however; this list does not include all of our area condo's....we still have more!

Please feel free to peruse below at your leisure.  I hope you find this general information (containing just a bit of data for each) helpful as you begin to explore what our Jenison Condo Communities have to offer YOU!



Cottonwood Forest - Amenities include - Fishing Pond, Fitness Club Membership, 15 Acre Nature Preserve with hiking trains through woods to Grand River.  Although this is primarily a younger community with approximately 70% of its residents being first time home owners all ages truly enjoy it here!

-Approximate Pricing: Mid 50's up to high 80's.
-Association Dues: $207 per Mos.
-Some water view condo's available.
- No age restrictions
-Custom Options are available.
-Lease with Option to Purchase available.
-Dogs restricted to certain buildings.


-New Amsterdam Village- Senior Living Community - Feel like your living in a little Dutch Village (each condo is unique) where social networking is encouraged simply by the layout of the buildings within this quaint community. You will also be sure to enjoy the many senior activities which are held at the club house.

-Approximate Pricing: Starts in Low 50's up into 90's.

-Association Dues: $180.00 per Mos.
-Age 55 yrs or older.
-No Pets Allowed.

-Boulder Bluff - Offers association swimming pool, tennis court, shuffle board, and club house also close to a children's park.  Kids will love it here!

-Approximate pricing: Mid 60's up to approx $120's.
-Association Fee: $165 per Mos.
-No Age restrictions.
-No pets Allowed.

                                                            -Wallinwood Spring -Exclusive

Condo Community on Wallinwood Golf Course!  All units are unique from each other in beautiful classic designs.

-Approximate Pricing: $175,000 & up
-No Age restrictions.
-Association Fee: $250.00
-Pets Allowed.





Pinegrove Estates #2 - Easy, reasonably priced living in desirable Jenison condo community.

-Approximate Pricing: Low 80's into $150's.
-Association Fee: $125.00
-No age restrictions however primarily retirement community.         
-No Pets Allowed. 




Parkside Condominium - This is "primarily" an early retirement condo community and is just down the street from our wonderful Hager Park, also offers a children's Play Area and Tennis Courts.

-Approximate Pricing: Low $100's to Mid/High $140's.
-Association Fee: $145.00.
-No Age Restrictions.
-Pets Allowed.

Waterfront Condominium - Quietly nestled in our popular Jenison community this condo association offers many units with a lovely water view.

-Approximate Pricing: Low $100's to Mid/High $140's.
-Association Fee: $155.00.
-Age restrictions.
-No Pets Allowed.

Allen Springs Villas -  One of our new additions and still in the building phase these are stand alone, custom designed, Ranch Style Villas. A la carte concierge services such as laundry, house keeping, meals and much more available!   6 Different Floor Plans.  Gardening allowed if approved.

-Approximate Pricing: $225,000 - $270,000+
-Association and Board Dues.- $100. 00.  Additional $100.00 per mos. collected to maintain an individual account for future repairs of each villa.
-No Age restrictions - However most are 50's and above.
-Pets Allowed.



Jenison is just minutes from Downtown Grand Rapids, Holland, GVSU, our lovely Lake Michigan and Rivertown Crossings Mall.

*All Prices & Fees are approximate and subject to change.

**Please feel free to contact me to schedule your own personal showings.

-Therese is Selling and Marketing Properties in the Greater Grand Rapids Area while specializing in Jenison, Grandville and Hudsonville.
Please contact Therese Directly at 616.780.0786   In this Challenging Market every advantage is Important! COPY RIGHT 2008 Therese VanderMeer All Rights Reserved.