michigan: How Come No One Came To Visit My Open House? (Part 2)
- 01/21/08 08:16 AM
This post is a part of a Series. Click here for Part 1How Come No One Came To Visit My Open House? (Part 1) : We continue our exploration of some of the reasons why we observe diminished attendance at Open Houses and possible solutions to aid in Successfully marketing a home in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.Another point to consider is how many images should be shown of the interior of a home. While it's important to have pictures of your home on line, it may be wise to reconsider if it's appropriate to have too many. It is also prudent to … (6 comments)
michigan: How Come No One Came To Visit My Open House? (Part 1)
- 01/21/08 07:54 AM
"How Come No One Came to the Open House?" It's a question that haunts the home owner who spent time preparing the house for surprise guests and the real estate agent who invested time and money in advertising and waiting for visitors who never showed up. Open Houses have always had an element of risk associated with them. When you hold your home Open to the public without pre-qualification, you may just be conducting a house tour...not a true marketing activity. Yet, Open Houses are widely regarded by most home owners as an important tool in exposing a home to the local market. In … (5 comments)
michigan: Plating Up Delicous Fare at The Main Dish Kitchen In Grand Rapids, Michigan!
- 01/18/08 09:10 AM
I've passed this place oodles of times on my way to the Schuler bookstore on 28th Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan. But this time, I decided to call the number on the window 616-464-3222 to see what the Main Dish was all about. Well, I'm glad I did. By the time, the lady on the phone finished describing some of the meal options which were available, I was intrigued enough to turn around my car and pop into the store to see things for myself. The Main Dish Kitchen is a commercial enterprise which allows customers to prepare their own food or to take … (4 comments)
michigan: 3 Reasons You Might Consider Using a Discount Broker to Sell Your Grand Rapids, Michigan Home!
- 01/15/08 03:30 AM
Real Estate Commissions continue to be the subject of heated debate and investigation. With good reason. Although the cost of selling a home has edged downwards in recent years and consumers of real estate services have a variety of options to choose from when selecting brokerage services, the challenges involved in successfully selling a home have never been greater. Several years ago home owners who wanted to sell a home could literally stand outside their homes with a sign, if they lived in highly desirable communities, and attract a couple offers. It was a natural reaction for home owners to wonder if they needed … (23 comments)
michigan: Keeping Your Eyes On the Ball (Pt 2)...Understanding the Anatomy of a Good Pass!
- 01/12/08 01:02 PM
Over the past decade, I've watched a lot of soccer games and practise sessions. In my previous post, I discussed the importance of Focus in Keeping Your Eyes on the Right Ball. In this article we will explore the Anatomy of A Good Pass. Passing the soccer ball correctly is perhaps the most important skill set that budding soccer players have to master. It is often the Pass, not the shot that enables the scoring of the goal. In soccer terminology, that pass is revered...it even has a special name. It's called an Assist. Passing the ball correctly and accurately allows a good … (14 comments)
michigan: Getting The Best Bang For Your Home Improvment Buck in Some Surprising Places...
- 01/11/08 03:18 PM
No one wants to waste money these days! In Grand Rapids, MI where thousands of homes are vying for the attention of a limited pool of buyers, it's even more important to make your home stand out when buyers do come knocking...knowing they'll be knocking on an average of 20-25 homes before they make a decision. I'm often asked about Home Improvements which home sellers would like to make to improve their chances of selling. I've written about advice which I give regarding home staging. But, what about major home improvements? What's the return on your investment if for instance you want … (13 comments)
michigan: When Rates Go Down...Smart Buyers in Grand Rapids, MI Start Moving!
- 01/09/08 10:23 AM
Rates are going down. Yippee Yeah! This is Great News For home buyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to a January 9, 2007 article by Inman News, the Mortgage Bankers Association, a trade group for lenders indicates that this past week the Jump in applications for loans was a whopping 32%! This is the highest one week increase for mortgage applications documented within the past 4 years. The increase in mortgage applications is due to the fact that mortgage rates are now lower than 6%. The rate on a 15 year note is now averaging 5.21%. If you've got an adjustable rate mortgage, this is the time to get … (22 comments)
michigan: When You've Made a MESS...Clean It UP...Then Figure Out What NOT to Do!
- 01/04/08 11:29 AM
When you consider the fact that a scant 18 ~ 24 months ago, many real estate agents in Grand Rapids, Michigan had never heard the term "Short Sale," it is remarkable that a Search of Listings Currently Active on the Grand Rapids Association of Realtor Multiple Listing Service has 1,217 homes categorized in this way. Almost 40% of Last Quarters Sales Volume(2006) was Short Sale or Foreclosure related. With just over 10,000 Listings, that equates to 1 in 10 Current Listings being a Distress Sale. While, the number of homes in Foreclosure and Short Sale are higher on the East side of Michigan, Western Michigan has … (2 comments)
michigan: Congratulations...Rockford Construction Celebrates the Big 20 in Grand Rapids, Michigan!
- 12/20/07 02:25 PM
Just got in from a great Christmas Party at the New JW Marriott. The occasion was the 20th Anniversary and Christmas Celebration for Rockford Construction. The setting was fitting. Rockford Construction was selected along with the Pepper Construction Group out of Chicago to build theJW Marriot, the latest contemporary addition to the Grand Rapids, Michigan skyline! Rockford Construction was established in 1987 by John Wheeler and Michael VanGessel. Today, the company provides "one stop" construction shopping to clients in over 20 States and 450 cities across the United States. But the company still considers West Michigan "home." It is this commitment to the West Michigan … (2 comments)
michigan: Renting At Risk...An Unexpected Consequence of the Foreclosure Debacle!
- 12/18/07 10:37 AM
The call came into our office as a referral. A former client was recommending us to assist her good friend who needed to purchase a home quickly! Now, who doesn't relish that kind of call? I contacted the individual who confirmed that she was indeed ready to buy a home right NOW. However, there were a few issues. She indicated that she was loosing her home although she didn't own it. She could sense my surprise over the phone and answered my question before I could verbalize it, "You're wondering how I can loose a home I don't even own right?" "Yes," I said, "Please, Explain." She proceeded to explain that several … (26 comments)
michigan: The Science of Selling Real Estate...Why Computer Scientists Should Stick with Computers and Let Realtors Do Their Job!
- 12/17/07 03:07 PM
This past weekend, the Today Show spotlighted an interesting segment titled "The Science of Selling Real Estate." As science was a part of my "past life," prior to real estate state, this title held particular fascination. The focus was an interview with the Redfin CEO, Glenn Kelman who shared several "scientific" insights about Selling Real Estate. According to the segment's introduction, ...Seller's should forget EVERYTHING their real estate agent had ever told them. Kelman who was being interviewed by Meredith Vieira clarifies at the beginning of the segment that Redfin (presumably the Redfin programmers) are computer scientists NOT sales people. The segment's stated aim was to separate the Sales … (14 comments)
michigan: Grand Rapids Mi Real Estate Market Housing Temperature...A little Lower than Normal
- 12/17/07 10:59 AM
The Truth is Very Powerful! It's more powerful than Spin. The Truth about the Grand Rapids, Michigan housing market is the primary means by which home owners can escape being held captive to the whims and negative judgements of dooms day predictors and naysayers. In the housing market in Grand Rapids, Mi this year, the Truth has sometimes seemed obscured by all the negative news. Well, it's about the end of year and time to take a look at the TRUE numbers for sales in and around the Grand Rapids area. Here's a Summary of the Housing Market in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Just over … (8 comments)
michigan: What's It Gonna Cost to Sell My Home in Grand Rapids, Mi?
- 12/14/07 04:28 AM
Glad you asked! This is a Valid Question. Sometimes, the real estate process can feel as though the Costs are not readily discernible or understandable. Because a real estate transaction coordinates the services of different specialities such as title work, required inspections, real estate services and state and local sales tax, this can be a little intimidating. To simply the process, I've compiled a comprehensive list of costs that may be a part of a real estate transaction. Your home is unique however, so to get a detailed analysis which relates to your specific situation you should contact a qualified real estate … (26 comments)
michigan: 3 Winning Strategies For Selling Your Home During the Foreclosure Crisis!
- 12/08/07 03:04 PM
It's the sort of statement you never forget! My real estate coach, Dave was on the phone and we were talking about the valuation of property and the implications for providing proper counsel to real estate clients. Dave said....and I quote "Lola, you don't often find a Buyer with a Bucket Full of Money in one hand and a Bucket Full of Stupid in the Other!" Very true. But in the current market in Grand Rapids, Michigan sometimes it feels like Dave's statement is being challenged. That's because appraisals are coming in below what some buyers are willing to pay for homes! … (29 comments)
michigan: Christmas Happenings...in & Around Grand Rapids, Michigan.
- 12/07/07 03:08 PM
December is a festive and active month in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In a city which traditionally is blanketed in snow and is home to one of the highest per capita church buildings in the United States, there is much to offer in the way of traditional celebrations and events. Here are few offerings you might want to check out! Frederik Meijer Gardens...A display of Christmas Trees highlights the Celebration of Christmas around the world. In addition, the festivities include the option to ride in a carriage. Also featured at Frederik Meijer Gardens is the Gardens Holiday Express. This 600 ft. miniature train ride … (22 comments)
michigan: Michigan Buyers...When the Government Gives Free Money to Buy a House...Go Get IT!
- 11/29/07 11:04 AM
It's almost the end of year...the time when most funding programs tend to run low on funds for buyers without down-payments. In a surprising and refreshing reversal this November, the Federal Housing Authority Administrations (FHA) Philadelphia Homeownership Center has approved several Sales Incentives for use in the purchase of HUD homes in Ohio AND Michigan! This is great news for Michigan buyers! Particularly if you're a first time buyer strapped for cash as the holidays approach. Now, you can give yourself a really nice Christmas Gift...A Great New Home! Here's the skinny... If you use FHA financing, you can obtain a $2,500 … (24 comments)
michigan: Maximizing the Value of Specialization...Understanding Foreclosures & Short Sales (Part 2)
- 11/27/07 02:24 PM
* This blog post is Part 2 of : Maximizing the Value of Specialization...Understanding Foreclosures & Short Sales. Refer to links below for other blog posts in this series about Effectively Marketing Your Real Estate Skills to Provide Value and Optimize Your Income. There are many challenges associated with determining the viability of taking a listing which is in trouble with the bank. It is important to assess the implications carefully before proceeding. There are times when it is not possible to be of assistance. However, many situations can be greatly aided by the skills of a properly trained, licensed real estate agent. Here are some … (17 comments)
michigan: Maximizing the Value of Specialization...Understanding Foreclosures & Short Sales
- 11/27/07 02:22 PM
Earlier this month, an insightful discussion occurred within the comments of a blog post entitled "A Sure Fire Method to Rapidly Increase Your Income." The post opened with this statement about the reality which many in the real estate community are facing as we enter into the holiday season... "As the holiday season approaches, many in the real estate community have two head bangers to deal with. The prospect of having to buy gifts and other holiday fare at a time when there's traditionally a slow down in home sales AND the spectre of looming tax bills around the corner just after the holiday … (6 comments)
michigan: When the Pant Legs Are Two Different Sizes...Why A One Size Fits All Solution Won't Work!
- 11/24/07 02:50 PM
What Was the Deal With That Turkey? There must have been something about that Thanksgiving Turkey...The past 48 hours have spawned one of the most far reaching discussions that I've ever read on Activerain about the foreclosure crisis in different parts of the country. The value of this discussion is enormous...both from an educational perspective and the ability for a professional forum to hash out some much needed analysis. It's also extraordinary to watch Realtors, Lenders & Appraisers add insight...Kudos to Gena Reide, Lenn Harley, Ed Rybczynski, Bryant Tutas, Carole Cohen and others who have added so much Value! Broker Bryant … (27 comments)
michigan: Did You Tell Them to....Please Google Their Home?
- 11/21/07 03:35 PM
I'm not sure exactly how many MLS systems we have in Michigan...but there are a lot of them! I pay to have access to one local Board and fork out more money to have limited privileges on a second. I recently took a listing which caused me to investigate the possibility of listing privileges with a third board. Our initial contacts yielded limited success, but we were finally routed to the right person just in time...for them to go on vacation! Unfortunately, there was no one else to answer the question or process the paperwork, so we waited. When, the individual got back from vacation, we were … (23 comments)
Grand Rapids, Michigan real estate information including houses for sale, rent and home buyer/seller tips. Also includes wisdom and insights from Lola Audu, CRS Associate Broker.
Grand Rapids, Michigan Real Estate
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