This post is a contest entry to the The Active Rain Buyer Challenge
September 11, 2007
Dear Joe & Angie,
Thank you for contacting me earlier today. I enjoyed talking with you and exploring the possibility of a permanent move to the Grand Rapids, Michigan area in the near future. Grand Rapids, Michigan is on the leading edge of some exciting developments that are taking place in West Michigan. Recently Grand Rapids was dubbed one of the "most affordable places to live" in the nation! It's a wonderful place to purchase a home for retirement because you get a lot of value for your investment in this community.
I understand that you are interested in homes that will compliment your lifestyle. You also mentioned that you would prefer to be near a body of water like a pool or a lake. West Michigan has a number of lakes and beaches in a variety of communities, but perhaps one of our biggest draws is the what we refer to as the "Big Lake", Lake Michigan which is a scant 30 minutes drive from Grand Rapids, Michigan. The homes that I am including with links in this e-mail have the best of both worlds...water views from your home and quick access to the expanse and beauty of Lake Michigan!
During our conversation, you mentioned some concerns about schools for the kids. Quality education is a true priority in West Michigan. Here's a link to a blog post I wrote after meeting the new superintendent of the Grand Rapids School District, Dr. Bernard Taylor. In addition, I would be happy to send you an E-Neighborhood Report listing the schools in the area of your choice with contact numbers and a lot of information regarding classroom size, funding and pupil to teacher ratios. One of the homes that I am including is in a suburb of Grand Rapids, Jenison Michigan. The Jenison school district ranks one of the highest in the state.
This is a great time to be a buyer in West Michigan. There is a window of opportunity open which has never existed in quite this fashion before. We have an excellent selection of quality inventory and good financing options. You asked for some recommendations for mortgage professionals. At Audu Real Estate, we work with a selective group of professionals who are experts in their field. All our loan officers are senior loan originators who have been serving and helping people to finance their homes for many years. Please know that you are under no obligation to use these individuals, but their names are simply provided as a reference which we believe will be valuable to you as you explore financing alternatives.
They are:
John Seville - First Horizons Home Loans - 616-822-7122
Sarah Baar - Founder's Trust - 616-575-3825
Kathy Thayer - Chemical Bank 616-557-8898
I have been trained to originate mortgages. I have found that this skill has been helpful in aiding my clients in understanding the differences in various lending programs and how to negotiate the purchase/transaction process in such a way to maximize the utliization of resources to create solid returns on their investment. A home that is purchased with these elements in mind becomes a great asset within a solid investment portfolio. If you are interested in exploring investment scenarios further, I would be happy to forward some recommendations in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.
I would also like to strongly recommend you look into joining the Rental Property Association of Grand Rapids, Michigan. We have had several investor clients indicate that this was the best $200 Investment they had ever made! The Rental Property Association is a great resource to find property managers and also provides members with informational seminars as well as access to forms and legal counsel.
In closing, here are the homes that I am recommending that we look at when you arrive in Grand Rapids next week. I have toured all the homes in our initial selection and based on our conversation think that you will be find these 3 homes to be worth your time! One of the homes is a condominium which I wanted to include because of the benefit of having the grounds taken care of if you did decide to rent the home out at a later date. Enjoy!
- 6959 Kenowa MLS # G601835
This lovely 5 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home is situated on Lake Kenowa and also has a large in ground swimming pool. It was built by one of my favorite builders, Ed Herkstra and modeled after one of his parade homes. A unique feature of this home is that it has a fantastic in-law apartment on the walk-out level. This might come in very handy as a teen-age hang-out or for out of town guests! It's set on just under an acre but yet is easily accessible to some great golfing and shopping. It is also just a few minutes drive from Ramblewood Athletics club which has great tennis courts. This home is a great value at $350,000.
- 788 Eastridge Dr. NE MLS # G600245
This nicely maintained home is located on North Twin Lake. Featuring approximately 2500 square feet, this 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath 2 story home is a few minutes drive from the lovely FrederikMeijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the Michigan Street Medical Research Complex, shopping at Knapps corner and Celebration Cinema Movie & Entertainment complex. The walk-out level is unfinished which provides loads of options to add value to your investment. I think you will really like the view from the 3 season porch and the shared lake access. You might enjoy viewing this Real Estate Show Featuring Frederik Meijer Gardens and some other scenic local parks. Listed for $260,000.
- 1658 Stillwater Ct. NE MLS # 597307
This spacious luxury condo sits in quiet repose along the shores of Beckwith Lake, a small private fishing lake. This home was also a former Parade home, so it features upgrades that are not a part of the standard builder's package. One of the features that you will like is that the home is wired throughout for surround sound and Internet high speed. Angie, I think you'll really like the spacious new kitchen with quality appliances. The sun room has an exquisite view of the lake. It's also not to far from a number of the areas golf courses including perhaps our most famous one...Egypt Valley Country Club and Golf Course. Listed for $369,900.
I would recommend you consider reservations at the brand New JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids. The downtown area in Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to many of the areas museums including the brand new Art Museum and the Gerald Ford Museum in addition to excellent restaurants, the DeVos Convention Center and many eclectic shops. It's also a wonderful place to relax along the waterfront of the Grand River and catch a bite to eat and enjoy the view. I've written several articles about the Grand Rapids area including one about my favorite restaurants. I'd love to take you to one of these great eateries while you're in town!
Please feel free to contact me via phone or e-mail with any questions. We look forward to meeting with you soon.
Sincerely,
Lola Audu, CRS GRI e-PRO
Associate Broker
Audu Real Estate
Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved
*Listing information is provided courtesy of Broker Reciprocity.
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Lola - Great post and nice layout! I think this is one of my favorite challenges - we get to see why other towns are so amazing! Thanks for sharing.