Top Home Buys Lowell Michigan ~ January 2009

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the top Lowell 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.

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The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot. The

lowest price/Sq Ft range from $22.21 to $69.39 in Lowell

Best Buys.

The lowest list price is $19,900 and the highest list price is

$785,000 for January 2009 BEST BUY Homes in

Lowell, Michigan.

The Top Lowell Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

11360 Bluewater Hwy $ 54,900 1222 Sq Ft $44.93/SqFt

11216 Bluewater Hwy $ 59,900 920 Sq Ft $65.11/SqFt

6459 Kodiak Dr SE $109,998 1635 Sq Ft $67.27/SqFt

716 Amity St $ 19,900 896 Sq Ft $22.21/SqFt

369 Donna Dr $ 29,900 1350 Sq Ft $42.71/SqFt

212 North Hudson $ 57,000 1536 Sq Ft $37.11/SqFt

916 Beech St $ 57,000 1624 Sq Ft $35.10/SqFt

229 Jefferson St $ 59,900 1100 Sq Ft $54.45/SqFt

721 Avery St $ 65,000 1418 Sq Ft $45.84/SqFt

803 Avery St $ 74,800 1731 Sq Ft $68.00/SqFt

319 N Monroe St $ 74,900 1645 Sq Ft $45.53/SqFt

323 Sherman St $ 74,900 1576 Sq Ft $47.53/SqFt

422 Grindle St $ 79,900 1872 Sq Ft $42.68/SqFt

3790 Ashley Ave NE $199,900 3800 Sq Ft $52.61SqFt

1367 Northwind Dr $ 95,000 1456 Sq Ft $65.25/SqFt

14129 Fulton St E $ 46,400 660 Sq Ft $64.90/SqFt

1625 Sibley St $ 64,900 1536 Sq Ft $64.90/SqFt

10831 Sconcewood Dr $ 74,900 2130q Ft $61.19/SqFt

11381 60th St SE $ 99,900 1512 Ft $66.07/SqFt

1033 Lincoln Lake $124,900 1800 Ft $69.39/SqFt

13217 52nd St SE $199,800 2911 Sq Ft $68.64/SqFt

1494 Lincoln Lake NE $ 89,900 1440 Sq Ft $62.43/SqFt

983 Lincoln Lake SE $ 95,500 1751 Sq Ft $54.54/SqFt

12740 Triple Oak Dr NE $159,900 4400 Sq Ft $44.00/SqFt

10188 3 Mile Rd NE $785,000 17,840 Sq Ft $44.00/SqFt

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

If you would like a list of top best buys in your area, please

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

Top Home Buys Rockford Michigan ~ January 2009

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the top Rockford 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. The

lowest price/Sq Ft range from $35.31 to $74.31 here.

The lowest list price is $54,900 and the highest list price is

$179,999 for January 2009 BEST BUY Homes in

Rockford, Michigan.

The Top Rockford Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

10495 Summit Ave NE $ 86,400 1740 Sq Ft $49.66/SqFt

6597 Echo Dr NE $ 54,900 1555 Sq Ft $35.31/SqFt

8359 Courtland Dr NE $ 79,900 1469 Sq Ft $54.39/SqFt

7401 Wilkinson Dr NE $ 89,900 1600 Sq Ft $56.19/SqFt

7041 S Cannon Place $110,000 1514 Sq Ft $72.66/SqFt

9480 Fricke Dr NE $115,000 2550 Sq Ft $69.53/SqFt

6777 Kies St NE#1 $134,900 2709 Sq Ft $58.42/SqFt

4853 Cannonsburg Rd $138,900 2550 Sq Ft $68.69/SqFt

6304 Belding Rd NE $144,900 2980 Sq Ft $48.62/SqFt

6674 Echo Dr NE $154,900 2387 Sq Ft $64.89/SqFt

9210 Myers Lake Ave $ 89,900 2304 Sq Ft $39.02/SqFt

5600 10 Mile Rd NE $ 91,900 2298 Sq Ft $39.99/SqFt

9898 Whitten St NE $123,500 1792 Sq Ft $68.92/SqFt

10130 11 Mile Rd NE $112,500 2600 Sq Ft $43.27/SqFt

1900 Rogue River Dr $ 56,900 1510 Sq Ft $37.68/SqFt

6913 Northland Dr NE $ 74,500 1459 Sq Ft $51.06/SqFt

2331 Post Dr NE $124,000 1880 Sq Ft $65.96/SqFt

125 S Main St $ 59,900 1688 Sq Ft $35.49/SqFt

10 North Fremont St $ 74,900 1008 Sq Ft $74.31/SqFt

68 W Division St $179,999 1138 Sq Ft $70.30/SqFt

221 Hunters Lane NE#7 $ 89,900 1320 Sq Ft $68.11/SqFt

647 Highlander Dr NE $199,320 3050 Sq Ft $65.35/SqFt

9394 Parmeter Ave NE $ 99,900 2016 Sq Ft $49.55/SqFt

592 North Crest Ct NE $143,610 1936 Sq Ft $74.18/SqFt

8355 Nugent Ave NE $119,900 4000 Sq Ft $70.45/SqFt

If you would like a list of top best buys in your area, please

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

A Microcosm of Home Values Decline in Forest Hills Michigan

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Many experts will tell you that all real estate is local. Just how local

do you get? I just did a little research for a client this weekend and

thought I would share it with you. Forest Hills is a strong local market

and homes continue to sell here, but we have still seen a decline. Home

values may be stable in one neighborhood and falling in another.

This is all predicated on how badly people want to live in your area.

I did research on an “average home” in Forest Hills.

Your Home

The search parameters were:

Forest Hills School District

Two Story Home

2200- 2600 square feet

Year 2006 2007 2008

Avg Sold Price $ 308,488 292,289 267,278

Homes Sold 88 86 78

Cost$/SqFt 127.53 120.80 112.61

An overall decline of 13% in the last 3 years

What can you do but read this and weep? You might like to

attend your local township Board of Review. This

is the only place you can petition to get your tax assessment

lowered.

See your local taxing authority for details. The Review Boards

usually meet in March of each year.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

Top Home Buys Kentwood MI ~ January 2009

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the top Kentwood Homes

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.

j0427594

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot. The

lowest price/Sq Ft range from $30.22 to $57.71 here.

The lowest list price is $24,500 and the highest list price is

$182,635 for January 2009 BEST BUY Homes in

Kentwood.

Top Kentwood Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

44 Violet St SW $ 38,700 774 Sq Ft $50.00/SqFt

114 Peony St SW $ 45,000 1489 Sq Ft $30.22/SqFt

62 60th St SW $ 60,000 1352 Sq Ft $44.38/SqFt

6654 Andale Ave SW $ 69,900 1248 Sq Ft $56.01/SqFt

1132 60th St SE $ 56,900 986 Sq Ft $57.71/SqFt

2179 32nd St SE $ 54,000 1197 Sq Ft $45.86/SqFt

3671 Kalamazoo SE $139,900 2652 Sq Ft $52.75/SqFt

50 Hyacinth St SW $ 24,500 740 Sq Ft $33.11/SqFt

124 Nancy St SE $ 25,200 800 Sq Ft $31.50/SqFt

978 52nd St SE $ 29,900 759 Sq Ft $39.39/SqFt

157 Nora St SE $ 33,000 999 Sq Ft $33.03/SqFt

56 58th St SE $ 48,000 992 Sq Ft $48.39/SqFt

4591 Burgis Ave SE $ 56,900 1488 Sq Ft $57.59/SqFt

136 Nancy St SE $ 59,000 1680 Sq Ft $35.12/SqFt

990 52nd St SE $ 69,900 1298 Sq Ft $53.85/SqFt

2705 Ridgemoor Dr $ 70,000 1505 Sq Ft $46.51/SqFt

2763 32nd St SE $ 83,900 1900 Sq Ft $51.92/SqFt

5693 Kalamazoo $ 93,600 1707 Sq Ft $54.83/SqFt

439 Pine Place St SE $ 99,850 1750 SqFt $57.06/SqFt

5818 Pinetree Ave $117,900 2200 SqFt $53.59/SqFt

1926 Waterbury Dr $155,000 3328 SqFt $55.36/SqFt

4533 Middlebury Dr $182,635 3453 SqFt $52.89/SqFt

190 56th St SW $ 39,900 1116 SqFt $35.75/SqFt

5754 Haughey Ave $ 75,000 1320 SqFt $56.82/SqFt

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

If you would like a list of top best buys in your area, please

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

Top Home Buys Forest Hills Michigan ~ January 2009

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the top Forest Hills 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.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot. The

lowest price/Sq Ft range from $54.68 to $74.56 here.

The lowest list price is $79,900 and the highest list price is

$236,537 for January 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.

The Top Forest Hills Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

378 Pettis Ave SE $ 79,900 1300 Sq Ft $61.46/SqFt

1417 Grand River Dr $ 89,900 1248 Sq Ft $72.04/SqFt

831 Honey Creek $150,578 2913 Sq Ft $63.13/SqFt

6224 Lincolnshire Ct $ 79,900 1712 Sq Ft $69.36/SqFt

5505 Whitneyville $109,900 1536 Sq Ft $71.55/SqFt

8195 45th St SE $134,500 2193 Sq Ft $61.33/SqFt

3521 Thornapple River Dr $136,900 1836 Sq Ft $74.56/SqFt

7133 Bridgewater Dr $159,000 2160 Sq Ft $73.61/SqFt

2205 Christine Ct SE $179,900 2600 Sq Ft $69.19/SqFt

3150 Hayward Dr $189,900 2574 Sq Ft $73.78/SqFt

6948 Maplecrest Dr $194,900 3200 Sq Ft $72.72/SqFt

3327 Hidden Hills Ave $209,900 3400 Sq Ft $72.38/SqFt

7399 Lime Hollow Dr $225,000 3085 Sq Ft $72.93/SqFt

38 E Beltline Ave SE $ 94,900 1328 Sq Ft $71.46/SqFt

4714 Cutter Parkway $ 99,950 1828 Sq Ft $54.68/SqFt

3310 Midland Dr SE $209,900 4000 Sq Ft $59.46/SqFt

4271 Woodside Oaks Ct $236,537 3453 Sq Ft $68.50/SqFt

If you would like a list of top best buys in your area, please contact

us through our website:

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

What are those designations behind a Realtors name?

Posted on January 11, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

What are Designations? Are they important to me, the

consumer? Should I care?

In most cases buyers and sellers get into an agreement with an agent

and have no idea of the qualifications of the agent they have selected.

They might use several sets of criteria to make their decision. This

information may assist them in the decision or at least have them

realize that all agents are not created equal. Some have spent

years educating themselves to assist buyers and sellers.

Four of the more popular designations most buyers and sellers

should know: CRS GRI e-pro ABR

Check to see if your agent has graduated to one of these

designations:

The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest

Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field.

The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishment in both

experience and education.

Since 1977 the Council of Residential Specialists has been conferring

the CRS Designation on agents who meet its stringent requirements.

There are over one million REALTORS® in business today.

So if you want to find that one-in-a-million REALTOR®, start with the

over 39,000 who hold the Certified Residential Specialist

Designation. CRS is the symbol of excellence in residential real

estate. Our members have proven they have the experience, training

and commitment to be among the best in their profession.

Requirements to become a CRS.

Why Choose a REALTOR® With a GRI designation?

Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it’s often

the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime.

At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly

complicated.

New technology, laws, procedures and the increasing sophistication

of buyers and sellers require real estate practitioners to perform at an

ever-increasing level of professionalism.

So it’s more important than ever that you work with an agent who has

a keen understanding of the real estate business. The GRI program

has helped the best and the brightest in the industry achieve

that level of understanding.

GRIs are:

Nationally recognized as top performers in the real estate industry
Professionally trained
Knowledgeable
Dedicated to bringing you quality service

A GRI can make a difference

When you see the letters “GRI” after an agent’s name, you can count on receiving the knowledge and guidance you need to make your transaction go smoothly. In short, you can count on getting the best service available from a real estate professional.

Requirements to become a GRI.

The vision for the future of e-PRO Certification is to create a

well-trained, core group of real estate professionals who are

thriving in the on-line-based real estate industry. The e-PRO

Internet Professional belongs to a special community of highly skilled

and continuously trained real estate professionals who collaborate to

enjoy deeper satisfaction and greater financial rewards as the result of

their e-PRO Certification status.

This Program will teach the REALTOR® about Internet business

principles required to remain in the center of the real estate transaction,

including:

Options and requirements to Get Connected
E-mail Communication and Marketing Practices
WWW Marketing Strategies and Practices
Creating and Maintaining Personal Technology Plan of
Action and your Internet Marketing Plan.

Requirements to become an e-Pro.

The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is

the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This

coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the

Real Estate BUYER’S AGENT Council (REBAC) of the

National Association of REALTORS® who meet the specified

educational and practical experience criteria.

Requirements to be an ABR.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

Reading at the Zoo Saturday, January 10th ?

Posted on January 8, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

As bizarre as this sounds, that is exactly what is being promoted

by the Kent District Library’s One Book One County Reading

Program for Saturday, January 10th.

The book that will be chosen for this year’s program will be unveiled

at the John Ball Park Zoo’s Aquarium building at 11:00 am.

Besides announcing the new book for this year, the zoo staff will

give tours and presentations, and the zoo will be free from

11:00 until 2:00 pm for visitors.

Winter isn’t the usual time you think about going to the zoo, but

lots of animals are more active in the winter months, such as

the tigers, who have warm coats and like cooler weather.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

2008 ~ The Good News -The Bad News for Grand Rapids Real Estate

Posted on January 5, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids is a large geographic real estate market. The city of Grand

Rapids proper is one market, and the outlying suburbs usually have a

different sales ratio than the city of Grand Rapids does. And these different

suburbs were all over the board in 2008. There were a lot of homes that lost

value and there were a few bright spots where sales were almost up to the

average. This is really better done, neighborhood by neighborhood, but this

report will give you the “BIG PICTURE” for real estate 2008.

2008 can’t be analyzed without talking about foreclosures, bank owned

properties, or short sales. This category of sales was about 40% -70%

of our 2008 market (depending on the month), but only about 20% of our

homes listed on our local board. Many homeowners that were in the seller’s

seat this year were not in a happy place. Many are selling their homes

at less than they paid for them a few years ago. If anything, this market

emphasized how valuable home equity is in a soft market.

As you can see, the average home sale lost almost 17% of its value

compared to 2007 totals. This is good news compared to the 2008 stock

market (losses are runnning at 40%) but bad news if you owed more on your

mortgage than your home would sell for.

The majority of sales were in the under $160,000 category. This doesn’t

mean homes worth more were not selling, they were at a slower

rate of sale because there were fewer buyers for this price range.

There were only 3 townships that showed any growth in sales last year.

Alpine Township was up 3%, Ada Township was up 1%, and Grand Rapids

Township was 0%, which I rate as a plus in this market.

If you have questions about your Grand Rapids home value, contact me

through my website highlighted below.

If you would like to receive free Grand Rapids Market Reports in your

inbox, please let me know.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

*All statistics come from the GRAR MLS Service, which is deemed to be

reliable but not guaranteed. Homes not listed on the MLS would not be

included in the above information.

Grand Rapids Beckwith Hills Two Story ~ Reduced Price

Posted on January 5, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

dewberry-ct-frt-elevation-best-sm This home is in the desirable location of Beckwith Hills subdivision in

Northeast Grand Rapids, just west off the I96 expressway at Leonard.

This wonderful two story home at 1400 Dewberry Court NE has lots of

room for family activities.

Total finished square footage is 2638 of gracious living with a finished

lower level. The main floor has a large living room, family room, eat in

kitchen with a central island, main floor utility and half bath.

A deck off the sliding glass door to the dining area is convenient for

grilling and entertaining.

Three bedrooms up with a full bath, the master bedroom has a large

walk in closet. The finished lower level has a recreation room, full bath,

and study or home office, plus play area and additional storage.

1400 Dewberry Ct NE Grand Rapids MI home for sale

Offered at $ 169,900. MLS # 729848

Video Tour Link

For more information about this home, contact me directly at

1-888-240-1968 ext 2306

Cascade Michigan Retreat ~ Fabulous Location ~ Reduced Price

Posted on January 5, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Are you dreaming of a Cascade home on a wooded setting, yet close to

schools, shopping, and work? Would you like to look out your Cascade

bedroom window and see Bambi and his doe-eyed Mom looking back?

Then you might want to take a look at this unique Cascade home at 7117

Oak Brook SE with many upgrades and custom built-ins. Built by a local

builder as his own residence, there are many, many extras and unusual

additions that you just don’t see in the average home.

Custom brickwork abounds, 3 fireplaces, a spiral staircase, custom arched

pillars in the family room and stairwell, stained glass windows, oversized

windows that let in the light and the gorgeous scenery. Special attention to

details, such as the heated solarium, large rooms, large closets, solid wood

doors & trim, custom window seat, and large arched windows.

Decorative mirrors, built in china cabinet, built in bar cabinet, a sunken living

room, sunken whirlpool tub in master with a custom stone waterfall wall are

just some of the added amenities.

This Cascade home has only had 2 owners and has been well cared

for. Photos don’t do justice to the unique character and setting of this home.

That private Cascade retreat you have dreaming of may be available here –

come and take a look for yourself.

Cascade MI home for sale

7117 oak brook cascade mi home for sale

Forest Hills Public Schools are the school district for this home.

Offered at $ 259,900. MLS # 729286

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Monthly Archives: January 2009

Top Home Buys Lowell Michigan ~ January 2009

Top Home Buys Rockford Michigan ~ January 2009

A Microcosm of Home Values Decline in Forest Hills Michigan

Top Home Buys Kentwood MI ~ January 2009

Top Home Buys Forest Hills Michigan ~ January 2009

What are those designations behind a Realtors name?

Reading at the Zoo Saturday, January 10th ?

2008 ~ The Good News -The Bad News for Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Beckwith Hills Two Story ~ Reduced Price

Cascade Michigan Retreat ~ Fabulous Location ~ Reduced Price