Whitecaps Exhibition Game April 8th ~ Free Outing for Spring Break

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Yes, you read it correctly. The West Michigan Whitecaps are playing

the Grand Valley State Lakers and it is a free exhibition game!

The action starts at 6:00pm, gates open at 5:00pm. Admission and

parking are free for Whitecaps fans. Our own home grown baseball

stimulus package.

The big season opener is April 9th at Fifth Third Ballpark, when the

Whitecaps will play the South Bend Silver Hawks. Tickets can be

purchased here.

If the weather cooperates, we are planning on the exhibition game.

They have some new treats at the refreshment stands, and a trip to

the White Caps is always a fun time.

So if you have Wednesday evening April 8th open……….…..

see ya at the ball game!!

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Cascade Township MI Absorption Report ~ Hidden Hills ~ March 2009

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Hidden Hills is an established neighborhood of homes off Cascade Road

and 30th Street in Cascade Township, Michigan, a suburb of Grand Rapids.

Home construction started here in the 1960’s housing boom in the Forest

Hills School District and has continued through to today. There are new

homes still being built in this neighborhood.

Mid-size homes with quality construction are the rule, this suburban sub-

division area has been a desirable place to live in the Grand Rapids home

market for many years.

Hidden Hills, Cascade Township

Residential Real Estate Market Report

March 2009

6 For Sale, 2 Sold, 1 Pending, 1 Expired

Hidden Hills Active Listings 6

Hidden Hills Average Active Price: $ 301,767

Hidden Hills Average Active Price Per Sq Ft: $ 121.84

Hidden Hills Active Average Days on Market: 71

Hidden Hills Sold Homes 2

Hidden Hills Average SOLD Price: $ 172,500

Hidden Hills Average SOLD Price Per Sq Ft: $ 83.08

Hidden Hills Average SOLD Days on the Market: 112

Hidden Hills Pending Homes: 1

Hidden Hills Expired Homes: 1

Hidden Hills Average Expired Price: $ 400,000

Hidden Hills Average Expired Price Per Sq Ft: $129.87

Hidden Hills Average Expired Days on the Market: 160

The current absorption rate is 21 months, which means we have

a 21 month supply of homes in the Hidden Hills market, IF no new

homes enter the market and homes sell at the current rate.

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Hidden Hills average SOLD home price has

dropped about $100K and about $20 /SqFt in the last 9 months.

Time on the market has decreased slightly and we have had 2 homes

sell since the first of the year. Prices selling way below 2004 prices

is sobering news for Hidden Hills sellers but solid homes available at bargain

prices for buyers who want Forest Hills School District.

Sellers: You can’t get top price if your condition is vintage 1980’s.

Today’s buyers have too many choices to settle for outdated homes.

Forest Hills School District Average Sold Home Prices last 5 years:

2008 – $ 279,709

2007 – $ 269,445

2006 – $ 300,691

2005 – $ 282,173

2004 – $ 268,072

Hidden Hills Market Report Oct 2008

Forest Hills MI Market Report Nov 2008

If you would like further information about Cascade Homes or

Forest Hills homes, please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

photo of Leslie E Tassell Park by Bonnie Westbrook

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ East Village ~ March 2009

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

The East Village subdivision off Ada Drive in Ada Township is a fairly

new development. The new housing construction started in 2005 and

is still continuing to date. You can buy a resale home or a new home

in this centrally located housing development. Near both public and

private schools, East Village is also close to Forest Hills and 28th

Street shopping areas. The Ada Bike or Walking Trail also connects

this area on Ada Drive with the village of Ada, Grand Rapids, and the

village of Cascade.

East Village is also close by the expressway for easy access to many

different parts of our greater Grand Rapids area. Large,

executive style homes with many amenities and extras are the rule in

this neighborhood. If you would like to start with a brand new house,

this may be the place for you to call home.

Real Estate Market Report East Village March 2009

For Sale: 5

East Village Homes average list price: $ 490,720

East Village average price/sqft (main floor): $ 183.23

East Village average days on the market: 49 days

Pending:1

Sold: 3

East Village SOLD homes average price: $ 398,333

East Village SOLD homes average price/sqft: $140.94

East Village SOLD homes average days on market: 86 days

Expired: 3

East Village expired homes average price: $434,933

East Village expired homes average price/sqft: $177.02

East Village Homes are selling, if priced correctly. Buyers are

paying about $140/SqFt on the main floors, which is down from

last summer’s prices.

The absorption rate for East Village is 2.85 months, which means

if no new homes enter the marketplace, it will take 2.85 months

for the current home inventory to sell.

East Village Market Report December 2008

Forest Hills Market Report November 2008

If you would like further information about East Village, Ada, or

Grand Rapids Homes, please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Cascade Township MI Real Estate Market Report ~ Caravelle Village ~ March 2009

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Cascade Neighborhood Absorption Report

Caravelle Village is an established subdivision built in the late 1960’s

and 1970’s just south of Burton Street, east of Kraft Avenue and west

of Cascade Road in Cascade Township. These Grand Rapids Homes

have the traditional mix of two stories, tri-levels and ranches. A desirable

place to live with median priced homes, Forest Hills Schools, and close to

28th shopping and restaurants. Originally built by a variety of builders, the

homes here are quality construction in a safe neighborhood and close to

the historic village of Cascade and 28th Street shopping.

Caravelle Village Residential Real Estate

March 2009 Market Report

4 For Sale, 7 SOLD, 1 Pending, 3 Expired

Caravelle Village Active Listings: 4

Caravelle Village Average Active Price – $ 187,175

Caravelle Village Average Active Price/Sq Ft – $ 129.91

Caravelle Village Average Days on the Market – 210

Caravelle Village SOLD Listings: 7

Caravelle Village Average Sold Price – $ 183,071

Caravelle Village Average Sold price/SqFt – $ 128.21

Caravelle Village Average Sold Days on the Market – 62

Caravelle Village Pending Listings: 1

Caravelle Village Expired Listings: 3

Caravelle Village Average Expired Price – $193,200

Caravelle Village Average Expired Price/SqFt – $126.96

Caravelle Village Average Expired Days on the market – 97

At the current rate of sales, we have a 3.5 month supply of homes in

Caravelle Village, if no new homes come on the market.

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Not much new activity for Caravelle Village since

November of last year. The average listed price has dropped slightly,

but buyers are still reluctant.

This is a popular area for home buyers, but your home must be in top

notch condition and priced to sell in today’s market.

Caravelle Village Market Report August 2008

Forest Hills Schools Market Report Sept 2008

Caravelle Village Market Report Oct 2008

Ada Cascade Market Report Nov 2008

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

photo of Cascade Township Park & Thornapple River by Bonnie Westbrook

Wyoming Michigan Absorption Report ~ March 2009

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Current Wyoming Michigan Real Estate Market

The Absorption Rate for Wyoming MI Homes is

7 months supply, which means that if no new

homes enter the market, it will take 7 months

to deplete the existing inventory of homes.

house for sale picture

There are currently 138 Active Listings in

Wyoming, Michigan.

Since Oct 1, 2008, there have been 117 SOLD

and Pending Wyoming MI Homes.

The high SOLD Price is $ 175,000 the low sold price is $ 50,000.

The average Sold Price is $ 87,828

Average Sold Price /Sq Ft is $75.95

The average List Price is $ 100,996

Average List Price/Sq Ft $ 92.99

Market Analysis: Wyoming homes continue to sell and the

absorption rate is fairly low for the Grand Rapids Area.

The bad news is that home prices continue to decline, going

down another 10% on average since December 2008.

Inventory is going down and this might drive prices up again.

If you are considering buying a Wyoming home, now is the

time. I believe we have hit bottom on the market this winter

and spring and summer will see decreased inventory and

less selection. This usually brings prices up.

If you have questions about your Wyoming MI or Grand Rapids

home, please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ March 2009

Posted on March 29, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills is actually a school district in Ada Cascade MI. This market

is always active. These Grand Rapids suburban communities have

wonderful neighborhoods, some new and some older with Top Ranked

Forest Hills Public Schools, and private schools, such as Ada Christian

& St Roberts that attract many home owners.

This report will cover the Sept 1, 2008 to March 29, 2009 real estate

market activity.

Forest Hills Eastern High school Ada Township MI

Forest Hills MI Listings over $300,000

The absorption rate for Forest Hills MI is 18.9 months, which means if no

new listings come on the market, it will take 18.9 months to sell the existing

homes at the current rate of sale. This rate is up from last month, sold

prices are about the same. Inventory is ticking up, but sales are holding

fairly steady. Your Forest Hills home has a good chance to sell if it is in

good condition and priced correctly.

There are 224 Active Forest Hills Listings in the over $300,000 category with

an average price of $628,678. The Average price per square foot of Active

Listings is $201.55 with a low price of $300,000 & a high price of $2,700,000.

There have been 69 Sold Forest Hills Listings in the over $300,000 category

with an Average price of $491,382. The Average Sold price per square foot is

$ 163.75. The lowest sold price is $309,900 & the highest sold price is

$1,325,000. There are 14 Pending Forest Hills Listings in this category.

Forest Hills Listings $100,000 to $300,000

The Absorption rate for Forest Hills homes in this price range is 8.56

months, which means that if no new homes enter the market, at the

current rate of sales, it will take 8.56 months to sell all current inventory.

There are 197 Forest Hills Active Listings with an Average Price

of $214,962. The Average Active Price/SqFt is $120.32 and the

Average Active Days on the Market are 123. The High Active Price is

$300,000 and the Low Active Price is $104,900.

There have been 124 Sold Forest Hills Listings in the last 7 months. The

Average Sold Price is $193,873 with the Average Sold Price per square foot

at $102.24. Average Sold Days on the Market is 109 Days. The high Sold

price is $299,900 & the low sold price is $104,500. There are 37 Pending

Sales in this category.

Market Synopsis: Although the absorption rate is one of the lowest in

the area, for the under 300K homes, this market area is still seeing

some reduction in sold price and price per sq ft. With more active listings

coming on the market in the spring, this will not help current inventory

sell faster or for more money.

Ada Cascade Market Report December 2008

Ada Cascade Market Report October 2008

Ada Cascade Market Report Sept 2008

If you would like specific information about an Ada Cascade or

Forest Hills MI Homes, please contact me directly.

Click here ^ to subscribe to my Grand Rapids Blog

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Photo of Forest Hills Eastern High School by Bonnie Westbrook

East Grand Rapids Absorption Report ~ March 2009

Posted on March 29, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Current Real Estate Market Report For East Grand Rapids Michigan

East Grand Rapids MI Public Library

march 2009 Absorption rate for East Grand Rapids MI housing

market is currently at 11.66 months, which means if no new listings

come on the East Grand Rapids market, it will take 11.66 months

for the existing home inventory to sell.

There are 154 active listings on the East Grand Rapids market now,

ranging from $109,899 to $2,039,000.

18 Pending Home Sales w/ prices ranging from $ 99,900 to $ 2,495,000.

75 Sold Homes with sold prices ranging from $ 25,000 to $ 912,500

since Sept 1, 2008 in the East Grand Rapids housing inventory.

The lower end of this market (under $300K) has seen 2/3 of the sales

in the last seven months. Since this market has such a wide range of

home prices, it is difficult to analyze. The higher priced listings are

selling, as well as the bargains below $100,000. The lowest priced

listing is now over $ 100,000 which we haven’t seen for over 6 months

here in the East Grand Rapids housing market.

East Grand Rapids December 2008 Absorption Report

If you have any questions about the value of your East GR home,

please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Photo of East Grand Rapids Public Library by Bonnie Westbrook

Lowell Michigan Absorption Report ~ March 2009

Posted on March 29, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ March 2009

Lowell Michigan is located on the Flat River just east of Grand Rapids, MI.

It has really grown in the last 20 years, in many ways. Lowell has a great

school system, a thriving business community, a lively arts society, and

is one of the best kept secrets in Kent County.

These are the statistics for home sales in the Lowell School District.

Lowell Michigan Absorption Report March 2009

Active Listings: 152 Active Listings

Average Price: $259,353

Price per Sq Ft: $128.58 (Main Floor only)

Average days on the Market: 93

PENDING: 20 homes

SOLD: 55 Sold Homes

Average Price: $ 131,478

Average Price Per Sq Ft: $ 78.63 (Main floor only)

Average Days on the Market: 47

Expired: 43 Expired listings

Average Expired Price: $216,756

Average Price Per Sq Ft: $132.56 (Main floor only)

Average Days on the Market: 109

Absorption Rate for Lowell Listings is 14.2 months for the

current housing inventory. If no other homes enter the market, it

will take 14.2 months for the current homes to sell at the current

rate of sales.

Lowell Homes that are priced competitively are selling and selling

fairly quickly compared to the greater Grand Rapids area.

As you can see by the statistics, the homes that have their price

per square foot under $80 are seeing the most activity. There are

quite a few foreclosure or short sale homes which are bringing

down the average sales price and square footage rates lower than

they might normally be.

Some sellers have retired from the market and will try again soon,

filling an already saturated market.

They might find a better buying market, but prices are

still on the downward trend. Today’s buyer is looking for a

well priced bargain in great condition.

If you would like additional information about Lowell

Area Homes, please contact me through email or my web site.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ Adatowne ~ March 2009

Posted on March 27, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Adatowne is a popular entry level home market in the Ada area of

the Greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area.

Part of the appeal is the proximity of Ada Elementary, Forest Hills

Central Middle and High Schools, Ada Christian Schools, St Roberts

School and being close to the village of Ada. Adatowne is an

established subdivision, started in the early 1970’s by E.L. Ladd

Builders of Ada.

I have held many open houses in these new plats

and sold many of the homes as new construction – to be built.

If you doubt the power of your home as an investment, a basic

ranch (about 1000 sq ft) sold for $ 19,900 in 1975.

Adatowne Residential Neighborhood in Ada, Michigan

March 2009 Real Estate Market Report

4 Sold, 3 Pending, 3 For Sale

Adatowne Active Listings: 3

Adatowne Average Active price – $158,433

Adatowne Active average price/SqFt – $105.14

Adatowne Active average days on market – 51

Adatowne Pending: 3

Adatowne Sold Listings: 2

Adatowne Average Sold Price – $ 119,000

Adatowne Average sold price/SqFt – $ 91.00

Adatowne Average Sold days on market – 40

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Absorption Rate for Adatowne is 4.2 months,

which means it would take 4.2 months for the 3 active listings to sell,

if no other homes entered the market, according to current sales

statistics. The price per square foot here really tells the story: Active

listings are averaging $ 105/sqft and sold are averaging $ 91/sqft.

With the new trend of consumers downsizing and the popularity of

Forest Hills Schools, the real estate market should remain strong

and viable for Adatowne homes, as long as they are in "great

condition" and priced at less than $100 sq ft.

If you would like more information about Ada or Grand Rapids

Homes, please feel free to contact me directly.

Adatowne Market Report Sept 2008

Adatowne Market Report Jan 2009

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

Photo of Ada MI walking path by Bonnie Westbrook

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ Cascade Woods ~ March 2009

Posted on March 25, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Cascade Woods is an established neighborhood of large, executive

style homes in Cascade Township, MI. Most of these homes were

built in the 1960’s and 1970’s, although there are a few newer

homes that were built recently in the area. Close to the village of

Cascade and the Thornapple River, this heavily wooded area has

been a Grand Rapids desired suburban place to live for decades.

Part of the Forest Hills School District, which draws many families,

there is also the river and it’s picturesque appeal. The drive down

Thornapple River Drive between Ada and Cascade in the fall is one

of the prettiest drives in the greater Grand Rapids area.

Leslie E Tassell Park Cascade Township MI

Cascade Woods Absorption Market Report

March 2009

8 Homes For Sale, 0 Pending, 4 SOLD, 12 Expired

Cascade Woods Active Listings: 8

Cascade Woods Active average price – $285,025

Cascade Woods Active average $/SqFt – $112.48

Cascade Woods Active average days on market – 119

Cascade Woods Sold Listings: 4

Cascade Woods average sold price – $142,500

Cascade Woods average sold $/SqFt – $ 61.80

Cascade Woods average sold days on market – 80 days

Cascade Woods Expired Listings: 12

Cascade Woods Expired average price – $386,650

Cascade Woods Expired average $/Sq/Ft – $ 135.77

Cascade Woods Expired average days on market – 187

The Absorption Rate for Cascade Woods Homes is 4 months,

Which means if no new listings come on the market, it will take

4 months to sell the existing inventory. The average sold price

per SqFt is half of the Active listings Price /SqFt. It could reflect

foreclosures and homes in poor condition that have sold over

the last 7 months.

Or it could be home condition which is slowing the sales of

older homes in this area. You can see that the expired listings

had their homes priced $100K over the average list price.

Will the spring market see an uptick in prices paid for Cascade

Woods homes?

Today’s buyers do not want to do ANY updates, which includes

painting, new kitchens & baths, new flooring. If your Cascade

Woods home hasn’t sold, it is probably condition, which gets

us back to price. If you don’t want to improve your home, you

won’t get the same price as people who have updated and kept

their home current according to recent trends.

Cascade Woods December 2008 Market Report

If you would like further information about Grand Rapids or

Cascade Homes, please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

photo of Leslie E Tassell Park on the Thornapple River by Bonnie Westbrook

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Monthly Archives: March 2009

Whitecaps Exhibition Game April 8th ~ Free Outing for Spring Break

Cascade Township MI Absorption Report ~ Hidden Hills ~ March 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ East Village ~ March 2009

Cascade Township MI Real Estate Market Report ~ Caravelle Village ~ March 2009

Wyoming Michigan Absorption Report ~ March 2009

Current Wyoming Michigan Real Estate Market

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ March 2009

East Grand Rapids Absorption Report ~ March 2009

Lowell Michigan Absorption Report ~ March 2009

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ March 2009

Lowell Michigan Absorption Report March 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ Adatowne ~ March 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ Cascade Woods ~ March 2009