Save the Planet ~ Drink Local Beer ~ June 20th ~ Founder’s Fest ‘09

Posted on May 25, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Okay, so it is a small thing. The average six pack is rumored to put

7 pounds of carbon in the atmosphere in production & shipping. An

excellent reason to drink your local brew. Grand Rapidians are

especially fortunate because we are home to Founders Brewing,

located at 235 Grandville Avenue.

On June 20th , the 2nd Annual Founders Fest will take place there.

The street will be cordoned off (between Williams and Bartlett)and

all the happy beer drinkers can help save the planet by drinking

Founders locally craft brewed beer and enjoying the outdoor beer &

music festival.

The Big Event will be from 3-11pm and cost is $15 for a ticket.

Regional entertainment will be provided by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe,

Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Four Finger Five, Chance Jones,

Total Blam Blams, Oracle, Back Forty, Red Frog and Mucca Pazza.

In case you have been hiding under a beer keg for the past 12 years,

Founders Brewing is rated the 7th Best Brewery IN THE WORLD.

Yeah, pretty great, huh? Serious beer aficionados from around the

world would love to be here for this festival.

Some of them will come. Will you ?

Founders Brewing

Michigan Brewers Guild

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Kentwood Michigan Absorption Report ~ May 2009

Posted on May 25, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ May 2009

Kentwood Michigan is a large suburb of Grand Rapids with a population

under 50,000. It has manufacturing, shopping centers, and lots and lots

of residential housing. Kentwood Public Schools are one of the largest

school systems in the area with over 9000 students and 16 buildings

within a 24.25 square mile area.

Kentwood high school kentwood mi

Kentwood home sales are still on a general downward trend

in price. Over 1/3 of Kentwood Homes Equity has dissolved in

the last 3 years, according to the current stats.

We are still seeing a small price erosion from last month’s figures,

again this month, though the spring activity is high. Foreclosures are

still affecting the average market price here as Grand Rapids has seen

jobs disappear.

The homes under $ 150K in Kentwood are seeing 5-6 times the

sales of the homes over $150K. The homes over $150K may be

priced too high for today’s timid buyers (many of them think prices

will erode still further) or it could be condition. Your list price has to

be close to the sale price or your home just doesn’t get serious

buyer activity. And if you still have the light blue carpeting,

you will need to upgrade or lower your price if you want to see a

sold sign this year.

In 2006, Kentwood has 495 home sales:avg sold price:$159,788

In 2007, Kentwood had 434 homes sales: avg sold price:$151,009

In 2008, Kentwood had 722 home sales:avg sold price: $115,127

In 2009, Kentwood has had 335 home sales: avg sold price:$97,340

Home sales for Kentwood – $70,000 to $149,999 price range:

142 Active Listings with Avg price $ 126,875

77 sold since January 2009

38 Pending sales

Avg sold price $70K-150K $110,473

Avg Days on Market – 88

Home sales for Kentwood – $150,000 to $400,000 price range:

86 Active Listings with avg price of $ 182,999

12 sold since January 2009

6 Pending Sales

Avg sold price $151K-400K $176,707

Avg Days on Market – 129

50 Expired Listings with Avg DOM of 129 days

Kentwood Absorption Rate for this price range is 8.5 months,

at the current rate of sale (which means if no new listings come

on the market, it will take 8.5 months to sell the active listed

homes). This is down from last month, which is good news.

Real Estate is always hyper-local. If you have questions about

a specific Kentwood home, please contact me:

phone: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

or email: Terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

East Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Report – Jan-April 2009

Posted on May 24, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

East Grand Rapids Michigan is doing fairly well in this market cycle.

The statistics are still in the buyers favor but sales continue to

close and inventory is inching downward. All signs of a recovering

market and a return to normal levels, though the 19 months of

inventory says we have a way to go before home inventory returns

East Grand Rapids to previous levels of about 6-9 months.

East Grand Rapids Jan to April 2009

Sales Price Graph (Includes Sold Homes Only)

EGR housing units sold

Comparison of Units Sold 2008 to 2009 – Includes Sold & Pending Homes

EGR Sales Price Graph

Sold & Pending Homes Sales Price Graph April 2008 to April 2009

Avg. Days on Market 98

Percent Sold/List 93.80%

Current Inventory 152

Months Inventory 19

Average $ per Sq ft. $107.30 (Total Finished Living Area)

If you have any questions about an East Grand Rapids home,

please contact me at: 1=888-240-1968 x 0

or email me at: terry@terrywestbrook.com

Westbrook Realty – Grand Rapids Real Estate

All information is deemed correct but no liability assumed. All data from

GRAR.

NE Grand Rapids Condo ~ Video Tour

Posted on May 21, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

This updated, super sharp condominium on Grand Rapids NE

side is in wonderful condition. It has been updated with new carpeting,

freshly painted, new countertops in kitchen, and hardwood floors have

been refinished. This condo home has plenty of natural sunlight, a

main floor utility, energy efficient, and numerous built in upgrades on

construction.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlGE0uDgiwA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6]

Located at 2103 Shetland Drive, listed at $ 179,900.

Open Sunday June 14th, 2009 12-2 pm

Call Terry for a private showing at 1-888-240-1968 x 9106

or email terry@terrywestbrook.com

Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate

Discover West Michigan ~ A Small Museum Tour

Posted on May 21, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Tri-River Small Museum Tour Runs from May 2 to Sept 14, 2009

This venue would be perfect for a touring car club or just curious people

getting to know their area. We have lived in West Michigan for over

35 years and we have not visited any of these small museums. I’ll bet

they hold a lot of local history, which is often fascinating.

The Tri-River Small Museum Tour starts on May 2nd, 2009 and runs until

September 14, 2009.

This tour is a network of small museums, connected by their proximity

to the Grand, Thornapple, and Flat Rivers. There are 18 stops on

this tour and it includes a chance to win a cash prize on Sept 15, 2009.

Punch cards can be obtained from the first museum visited. Cash prizes of

$200, $100, and $50 will be given out for the most museums visited. In

case of a tie, there will be a drawing to determine the winners.

Averill Historic Museum Barns in Ada, Michigan

A partial list of the Tri-Rivers Historical Museums:

Ada Averill Museum – Ada Michigan

Alton Historic Church Museum – 2780 Lincoln Lake Lowell, Michigan

Belding Historic Museum – Belding, Michigan

Bowne Township Museum – 84th & Alden Nash Alto, Michigan

Freeport Museum – Masonic Temple 127 Warren St Freeport, MI

Oakfield Pioneer Heritage Museum – 11009 Podunk Ave Greenville, MI

Pine Forest Museum – 402 East Home St Edmore, Michigan

A complete list can be picked up at any of these museums, local

government offices, and many local area businesses.

Many museums will be offering special events during the tour dates.

Take an interest in our local history, most of these museums operate on

donations and volunteer efforts to stay open.

Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate

photo of Averill Museum Barns by Bonnie Westbrook

Top Home Buys Kentwood Michigan ~ May 2009

Posted on May 20, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the Top Kentwood Home

Buys. Please note: This list can change daily as some

homes sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come

on the market. The homes listed below are probably

dated and would need updating with new carpeting,

paint, and kitchen-bath redos at a minimum to bring

them to current market standards. They might need major

repair work done, such as new roofs & mechanicals.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

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

kentwood mi top best buys in homes 3-09

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 $26.26 to $56.82 in

Kentwood this month.

Two fewer homes on the list this month but still bargain

prices. Kentwood & Wyoming have been hit hard by the

automotive shutdowns and subsequent job losses.

May 2009 BEST BUYS in Kentwood

The lowest list price is $29,900

the highest list price is $103,900

Top Kentwood Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

50 Hyacinth St SW $ 29,900 740 Sq Ft $40.41/SqFt

213 Marcus St SW $ 69,900 1446 Sq Ft $48.34/SqFt

145 Roth St SE $ 36,000 1371 Sq Ft $26.26/SqFt

6654 Andale SW $ 70,000 1548 Sq Ft $56.09/SqFt

6410 College Ave SE $100,000 1760 Sq Ft $56.82/SqFt

3685 Giddings Ave $79,900 1470 Sq Ft $54.35/SqFt

56 58th St SE $35,200 922 Sq Ft $38.18/SqFt

4850 Raymond SE $37,800 1000 Sq Ft $37.80/SqFt

35 Maplelawn St SE $ 39,900 792 Sq Ft $50.38/SqFt

1234 52nd St SE $ 50,000 1656 Sq Ft $30.19/SqFt

2705 Ridgemoor Dr $ 60,000 1505 Sq Ft $39.87/SqFt

1824 Gerda St $84,900 1874 Sq Ft $53.94/SqFt

3394 32nd St SE $85,000 1696 Sq Ft $50.12/SqFt

2540 Mapleview St $89,900 1582 SqFt $56.83/SqFt

5393 Newcastle Dr $90,000 2696 Sq Ft $50.53/SqFt

1049 Springwood Dr $99,900 2200 Sq Ft $45.41/SqFt

5277 Christie Ave $99,900 1980 Sq Ft $50.45/SqFt

5818 Pinetree Ave $103,900 2200 Sq Ft $47.23/SqFt

5733 Averill Ave SW $54,900 1096 Sq Ft $50.09/SqFt

5722 Crippen Ave $65,900 1200 SqFt $54.92/SqFt

5706 Averill Ave $72,400 1350 Sq Ft $53.63/SqFt

If you would like to view a Kentwood Top Best Buys Home,

please call 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or email us at:

terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

All information is subject to verification & no liability for

omission or error is assumed.

Best Home Buys Rockford Michigan ~ May 2009

Posted on May 20, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the top Rockford Houses to buy

based on price per square foot.

Please note: This list can change daily as some

homes sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come

on the market. The homes listed below are probably

dated and would need updating with new carpeting,

paint, and kitchen-bath redos at a minimum to bring

them to current market standards. They might need major

repair work done, such as new roofs & mechanicals.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

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

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

rockford michigan top best homes for sale

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot, even if

the basement is finished.

May 2009 BEST BUYS Rockford, Michigan.

The lowest list price is $ 71,900

The highest list price is $200,000

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $47.82 to $74.77

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

271 N Monroe St $ 71,900 1510 Sq Ft $47.62/SqFt

6480 Belmont Ave NE $ 98,600 1773 Sq Ft $55.61/SqFt

5027 10 Mile Rd NE $102,000 1685 Sq Ft $60.53/SqFt

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

5035 Bear Ave $114,900 1629 Sq Ft $70.53/SqFt

7635 10 Mile Rd NE $119,900 1832 Sq Ft $65.45/SqFt

1240 Buth Dr NE $124,900 2609 Sq Ft $62.86/SqFt

4853 Cannonsburg Rd $134,900 2550 Sq Ft $66.72/SqFt

4351 Porter Hollow Dr $134,900 2000 Sq Ft $67.45/SqFt

6674 Echo Dr NE $149,900 2387 Sq Ft $62.80/SqFt

6845 Rex Dr $159,900 2340 Sq Ft $68.33/SqFt

8596 Sunny Hours Trl $189,000 4454 Sq Ft $67.97/SqFt

5134 Corchel Hls NE $200,000 2696 SqFt $74.18/SqFt

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

There are still quite a few bargains to be had in the Rockford

area. We are seeing home inventory shrink and the

“super” buys are disappearing from the market. If you are

thinking of buying in Rockford, now is the time to be looking

seriously.

Don’t overlook the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers.

This will be available for homes bought until December 2009,

unless Congress extends it. There is the possibility of using

the $8000 tax credit towards your down payment.

Contact me for details.

If you would like to view a Rockford Top Best Buys Home,

please contact us 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

or email terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Best Buy East Grand Rapids Michigan Homes ~ May 2009

Posted on May 20, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the top East Grand Rapids Houses to buy

based on price per square foot. 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.

East Grand Rapids homes for sale

The total square footage is noted here, although only the main floors

are used to figure price per square foot.

May 2009 BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $63.55 to $99.57

Highest List Price – $389,900

Lowest List Price – $ 89,900

The Top East GR Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

2200 Estelle Dr SE $ 89,900 1274 Sq Ft $70.57/SqFt

3009 Lake Dr. SE $139,900 1996 Sq Ft $99.57/SqFt

1635 Breton Rd SE $139,900 2300 Sq Ft $73.63/SqFt

2610 Richards Dr $ 140,000 1716 Sq Ft $81.59/SqFt

2946 Cascade Road $144,900 2280 Sq Ft $63.55/SqFt

2326 Brighton Dr $159,000 2100 Sq Ft $83.68/SqFt

1638 Wealthy St SE $169,900 2400 Sq Ft $80.90/SqFt

2150 Anderson Dr SE $209,900 3322 Sq Ft $75.61/SqFt

2470 Lake Dr SE $279,950 3143 Sq Ft $89.07/SqFt

3047 Cascade Rd $159,900 1726 Sq Ft $92.64/SqFt

244 Morningside Dr $184,900 1946 Sq Ft $95.02/SqFt

2131 Robinson Road $389,900 4300 Sq Ft $90.67/SqFt

Note: The bargains are fewer and prices appear to be getting more

expensive here in East Grand Rapids this month. One home

under $100K is listed this month, compared to none last month.

If you have been waiting for the right time to buy, don’t wait much

longer. We are starting to see signs of the below appraisal home

prices seriously slowing in certain desirable areas, like East Grand

Rapids and Forest Hills.

*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 to view an East Grand Rapids Best Buy Home,

please contact us @1-888-240-1968 x 0 or email us :

terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Best Home Buys Caledonia Michigan ~ May 2009

Posted on May 19, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the top Caledonia Michigan 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.

Caledonia MI homes for sale

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot.

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $38.18 to $79.11 in Caledonia.

May 2009 BEST BUY Caledonia Homes

Highest list price is $285,000

Lowest list price is $44,900

The Top 20 Caledonia Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

6720 Campau Lake Dr $ 44,900 1176 Sq Ft $38.18SqFt

6937 McCords Ave $ 64,900 1032 Sq Ft $62.89/SqFt

6929 Hammond Ave $ 73,900 1624 Sq Ft $45.50/SqFt

10464 Patterson Ave $ 74,900 1740 Sq Ft $43.05/SqFt

10135 Farm Grove Ct $134,900 2050 Sq Ft $65.80/SqFt

9112 Enchantment Dr $134,900 1910 Sq Ft $70.63/SqFt

213 Johnson St SE $144,900 1942 SqFt $74.61/SqFt

6951 Whitneyville $159,900 2047 Sq Ft $78.11/SqFt

7608 Copper Corner $165,000 2274 SqFt $72.56/SqFT

9583 Scotsmoor Ct SE $168,714 2140 Sq Ft $78.84/SqFt

8706 Alaska Ave SE $234,900 3121 SqFt $75.26/SqFt

4949 Sequoia Dr SE $179,900 3064 Sq Ft $58.71/SqFt

6953 Glen Creek Dr $ 76,900 1320 Sq Ft $58.26/SqFt

3106 68th St SE $ 79,900 1680 Sq Ft $47.56/SqFt

4684 84th St SE $129,900 1888 Sq Ft $68.80/SqFt

1616 Crescent Pointe $164,988 2174 Sq Ft $75.89/SqFt

1790 South Park Dr $ 269,900 3453 Sq Ft $78.16/SqFt

2947 92nd St SE $285,000 4158 SqFt $68.54/SqFt

430 Greenridge Dr $164,000 2073 Sq Ft $79.11/Sq Ft

327 Johnston St SE $199,500 3000 Sq Ft $66.50/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 to see a Caledonia Top Best Buys Home, please

contact me: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

or email me at terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

All information is subject to verification & no liability for

omission or error is assumed

Top Best Value Homes Lowell Michigan ~ May 2009

Posted on May 18, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the Top Best Buys in Lowell Homes.

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.

top best buys lowell mi homes for sale

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot.

Great opportunities to buy a Lowell Home at bargain prices.

The lowest price/Sq Ft range from $26.43 to $74.76 in Lowell

Best Buys.

May 2009 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes -28

Lowest list price is $39,900

Highest list price is $210,000

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

11216 Bluewater Hwy $ 39,900 920 Sq Ft $43.37/SqFt

6038 Bancroft Ave $ 47,900 1812 Sq Ft $26.43/SqFt

11555 Peck Lake Rd $89,900 1310 Sq Ft $68.63/SqFt

11696 E Bear Mdws $89,000 1400 Sq Ft $63.57/SqFt

6459 Kodiak Dr SE $109,988 1635 Sq Ft $67.27/SqFt

381 Donna St $ 50,000 1536 Sq Ft $32.55/SqFt

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

319 N Monroe St $ 69,900 1645 Sq Ft $42.49/SqFt

1012 E Main St $ 69,000 1510 Sq Ft $45.70/SqFt

2060 Conservation Trl $ 87,500 2036 Sq Ft $42.98/SqFt

110 Horatio St #112 $115,000 1612 Sq Ft $71.34/SqFt

216 W Main St#6 $129,000 2100 Sq Ft $61.43/SqFt

2022 Conservation Trl $129,900 1788 Sq Ft $72.65/SqFt

224 N Hudson St $139,900 2240 Sq Ft $62.46/SqFt

545 North St $139,900 1906 Sq Ft $73.40/SqFt

12327 4 Mile Rd NE $149,900 2200 Sq Ft $68.14/SqFt

3790 Ashley Ave NE $189,900 3800 Sq Ft $49.97SqFt

3658 Honeycreek NE $ 99,900 1564 Sq Ft $63.87/SqFt

4161 Honeycreek NE $129,900 1816/SqFt $71.53/SqFt

14129 Fulton St E $ 41,400 660 Sq Ft $62.73/SqFt

1325 Sibley St $ 54,900 932 Sq Ft $58.91/SqFt

14109 Fulton St E $ 78,900 1100 Sq Ft $71.73/SqFt

1333 Cumberland $159,900 2277 Sq Ft $70.22/SqFt

1033 Lincoln Lake $113,900 1800 Sq Ft $63.28/SqFt

13217 52nd St SE $210,000 2911 Sq Ft $72.14/SqFt

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

701 Fallasburg Park Dr $170,000 2280 Sq Ft $74.56/SqFt

1000 Boyton Ave SE $186,900 2500 Sq Ft $74.76/SqFt

There are still bargains to be had here in Lowell, although the

list is shorter this month with 9 homes under $80K. Five homes

sold in Lowell School District in April 2009, low price $35,000

high price $103,500.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

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

If you have questions about any of these homes, please

Or email : terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Monthly Archives: May 2009

Save the Planet ~ Drink Local Beer ~ June 20th ~ Founder’s Fest ‘09

Kentwood Michigan Absorption Report ~ May 2009

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ May 2009

East Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Report – Jan-April 2009

NE Grand Rapids Condo ~ Video Tour

Discover West Michigan ~ A Small Museum Tour

Tri-River Small Museum Tour Runs from May 2 to Sept 14, 2009

Top Home Buys Kentwood Michigan ~ May 2009

Best Home Buys Rockford Michigan ~ May 2009

Best Buy East Grand Rapids Michigan Homes ~ May 2009

Best Home Buys Caledonia Michigan ~ May 2009

Top Best Value Homes Lowell Michigan ~ May 2009