Top Best Buys Waterfront Homes ~ Kent County Michigan August 2009

Posted on August 24, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Current market conditions have brought home prices down to levels

we haven’t seen in several years. All price levels and amenities

have been affected.

Now may be a great time to purchase a Waterfront Home.

I have included a list of 24 homes in Eastern Kent County Michigan

in the $100,000 to $200,000 price range with private water frontage.

: Grand River Ada Michigan

Address Price

1915 Laraway Lake Dr SE $ 119,900

2201 Shady Dr NE 120,000

4575 Abrigador Trl NE 127,000

4351 Porter Hollow Dr NE 134,900

1038 N Hampton Dr NE 139,900

3574 Michigan St NE 144,900

7159 Pennisula Dr NE 145,900

4565 Wakefield Ave NE 153,500

9027 Brouwer Lake Rd NE 159,900

7111 Eva Dr NE 159,900

7073 Pennisula Dr NE 160,000

3067 Valley View Dr NE 169,900

8820 66th St SE 169,900

6655 West River Dr NE 169,900

1542 Lamberton Lake Dr NE 174,900

2121 High Bluff Dr NE 185,000

6587 Summer Shores Dr SE 189,000

2780 Thornapple River Dr SE 189,000

7268 Pennisula Dr NE 189,900

4151 Bud Dr NE 189,900

8181 84th St SE 194,900

5065 Porter Hollow Dr NE 199,876

3300 Shadyside Dr NE 199,900

7214 Ramsdell Dr NE 199,900

If you are eligible for a first time buyer tax credit, buying a home

could be less than you think.

The above link will take you to an explanation of the 2009 tax

credit and some possible applications I have provided.

If a leisure lifestyle appeals to you, this may be the perfect time

to make your move. I am always available for questions or details

concerning Michigan real estate. 1-888-240-1968 X 0

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Grand River photo by Bonnie Westbrook

Day Trip to Grand Haven Michigan Pier

Posted on August 24, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

On a beautiful day in April, we went on a day road trip

to Grand Haven Michigan, which is about 30 miles from

Grand Rapids. Grand Haven is on Lake Michigan, it has a

great beach. If you won’t take my word for it, it was

named one of the Top 5 Beaches in the United States by

Good Morning America-Travel Mom and has hosted the AVP

Pro Beach Volleyball Tournament throughout the summer

months, due to the quality of its sand beaches.

It also has 2 lighthouses, connected by a lighted catwalk

which runs along the pier to the shore. Grand Haven is a

Great Lakes port, home to a large charter fishing fleet, the

US Coast Guard Lake Michigan Group, which coordinates all

Lake Michigan Coast Guard activities. In fact, Grand Haven

is officially nicknamed, Coast Guard City USA.

Grand Haven State Park is also a popular destination for tourists,

because it is on fabulous Lake Michigan. We are so fortunate to

live so close to a natural wonder, Lake Michigan, one of the

largest fresh water lakes in the world. On a balmy day in

April, it is so serene. The same scene in stormy November

or January can look totally different. We get warnings on our

weather channels about wave heights and swimming in

dangerous rip tide conditions all summer.

But on a day trip to Grand Haven in April, all we have to

concern ourselves with was lunch. Which we had on the channel

at the Snug Harbor Restaurant while we watched the boats

going up and down the channel out to the big lake.

Grand Haven has lots to offer, whether you come for a vacation,

the Annual US Coast Guard Festival, or just a day tripper, like us.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iemIL4twKYc&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

SE Grand Rapids Condo at Reeds Crossing

Posted on August 22, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Too Late ~ We have sold this home!

This tastefully decorated home features 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths,

finished walkout lower level and is located in Forest Hills

School District, close to shopping, East Grand Rapids, and

major expressways, yet set in privacy above a heavily wooded

ravine.

This home has a wooded private back yard, lots of natural light

and has been professionally decorated and meticulously maintained.

Total finished living area is 2283 square feet, although there is room

for a bonus room expansion in lower level.

The main floor has a kitchen with beautiful cherry cabinets,

dining area, living room with a vaulted ceiling, a full bath,

main floor laundry area, the master bedroom has a tray ceiling,

private access to the full bath, and an office/den just off the

private entrance.

Special additions include a 4 season glassed in porch off the great

room overlooking the wooded backyard. A main floor laundry area,

9 foot ceilings throughout, even in the lower level, and large windows

for unrestricted views make you feel like you are tucked away in a

private wood.

The finished lower level has a large recreation room, the second

bedroom, a full bath, plus a basement storage area and expansion

room for a third bedroom, if desired. This home is located in

Reeds Crossing, a secluded condo development with easy access

to downtown Grand Rapids, 28th Street shopping or the I96

expressway.

Featured Listing

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Michigan Rated 5th Most Affordable Housing in US by CNNMoney

Posted on August 21, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

It looks like the most affordable homes in the United States are in the

Midwest, according to CNNMoney.com’s latest posting about the Most

& the Least affordable cities to buy a home. New York and the California

dominate the least affordable cities to buy a home today.

Grand Rapids Michigan comes in 5th Most Affordable with an affordability

score of 92.9%.

CNNMoney’s lineup is as follows:

MOST AFFORDABLE

Indianapolis, IN median home price – $107,000
Youngstown, OH median home price – $ 73,000
Detroit, MI median home price – $ 86,000
Dayton, OH median home price – $105,000
Grand Rapids, MI median home price – $100,000

LEAST AFFORDABLE

New York City, NY median home price – $419,000
San Francisco, CA median home price – $580,000
Honolulu, HA median home price – $395,000
Los Angeles, CA median home price – $294,000
Santa Ana, CA median home price – $391,000

The foreclosure crisis that has hit the Midwest hard has influenced the

prices of homes in a downward trend for the past few years. The

auto industry is a big factor, although many of these Midwest cities, like

Grand Rapids are diversifying their economic base and will come out of

this much stronger and with many more people as homeowners.

If you are looking for a home in Grand Rapids Michigan, you are much

more likely to find a home you can afford than many other cities, which

is great news for the average home buyer today.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate – Westbrook Realty

Great Lakes 2nd Annual Irish Music Festival ~ Fifth Third Ballpark ~ Grand Rapids Michigan

Posted on August 21, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Wearing o’ the green would be appropriate for attending the

Great Lakes Irish Music Festival held at Fifth Third Ball Park,

this Saturday August 22, 2009 11:00 am – 9:20 pm.

Gates open at 11:00 am and the first entertainment hits the

stage at noon.

Of course there will be Irish food available for purchase, bangers

and beer, for starters, plus other delectable Irish delights.

The musical entertainment will be performed by international acts:

Quinn’s School of Irish Dance, Stephen’s Green, The Elders,

Brendan Nolan and the Screaming Orphans. Michigan’s Fenian’s

Players will once again take the stage to regale the crowd with

ballads and the spoken word.

There will also be Irish markets and workshops devoted to Irish music,

history and it’s language that will be available for participants. A

Children’s Area will be provided by the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

from 12:00pm-4pm for the wee ones entertainment.

An added attraction at Fifth Third Ballpark this year is Art in the Park,

an non-juried art fair running from noon until 6 pm, where you can buy

artwork to take home.

Admission for this one day event is $12 for adults, children 3-12 $1, and

those babes under 3 get free admission. Parking is $5 per car, $10 for

buses and RVs.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate – Westbrook Realty

The Caribbean Festival ~ St Cecilia Music Center August 20-26-27-28 2009

Posted on August 18, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

St Cecilia Music Center presents their 2nd Annual Caribbean Festival

at The St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom NE Grand Rapids Michigan.

Most of the events are free of charge to the public.

The list of events is as follows:

Artists Reception – Thursday August 20, 6-9 pm

Featuring Caribbean Art and Food

Musical Performances by Pa’lo Hondo and Ozzie –Free to the public

Artists Exhibit Aug 20- Sept 30

Terryberry Gallery at St. Cecilia Music Center Mon – Fri 9am-5 pm

Performance Events – August 26, 27, 28 6-9 pm

Featuring Caribbean art, poetry, folk dance and food

Lecture – Wednesday August 26 6-9 pm

Los Munequitos: The Caribbean in the political art of cartoons, 1898

Grand Rapids Public Library – Free to the public

Dance & Poetry – Baile, prosa y poesia – Thursday August 27, 6-9 pm

Caribbean Food Tasting & Exhibit – Friday Aug 28, 6-9 pm

Fussion – Thurs, Sept 18, 6-8 pm Free to the public

Closing Ceremony – Awards, Dance and live music performance

Thursday Sept 18, 6-8 pm Tickets $ 10

For details, Call St. Cecilia Music Center 616-459-2224

Online tickets

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate – Westbrook Realty

Photo of Beach scene by Bonnie Westbrook

Ada Michigan Historical Society Hosts Free Music on the Lawn Series ~ Summer 2009

Posted on August 17, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

It seems there are free summer concerts everywhere this summer.

I have seen banners flying in small towns and villages all over Michigan.

What a great way to get out and enjoy the local parks, people

and scenery. Not to be outdone, Ada Michigan is joining the free

music array this summer.

Ada Historical Society is jumping on the proverbial “bandwagon”

with their Music on the Lawn Series.

Last Friday, they featured the Nowhere Band, which bills itself as a

Beatles tribute band. Darn, we missed that but I plan on attending

some of the remaining concerts this summer.

All concerts are located at the Ada Historical Society

7144 Headley St Ada Michigan 49301 616-676-9346

Tuesday, August 18 – Java Jive – dance standards from ‘30s & ‘40s

Tuesday, August 25 –Ransom Street Band from Saint Cecelia’s Society playing swing music

Tuesday, Sept 1 – Crossroads Country Band plays country & bluegrass

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate – Westbrook Realty

Photo of Ada Historical Society Barns by Bonnie Westbrook

Grand Rapids Township Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ July 2009

Posted on August 11, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Current Absorption Rate for Grand Rapids Township homes is 6.3 months,

which means if no new listings come on the market, it will take 6.3 months

to sell the existing inventory of homes. The average sold home price has

went down slightly from last month, but prices seem stable. Summer

inventory is up compared to last month and absorption rate is at normal

levels.

If you want your Grand Rapids Township home to sell for top dollar,

it must be in tip top condition and priced to sell.

Meijer Gardens Entrance

There are 175 Active listings currently for sale.

The average List price is $ 311,630

Average List price $/SqFt $145.34

109 Sold & Pending Grand Rapids Township Homes since April 1-09

The average SOLD price is $ 243,157

Average Sold Price /SqFt $118.66

High Sold Price $ 720,000

Low Sold Price $ 53,000

Grand Rapids Township MI Real Estate 2009

If you have questions about Grand Rapids Township or Grand

Rapids homes, please contact me directly:

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate – Westbrook Realty

Photo of Frederick Meijer Gardens Entrance by Bonnie Westbrook

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ July 2009

Posted on August 11, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills (Ada Cascade) MI Real Estate Absorption Report

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 April 1, 2009 to July 30, 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 13.3 months, which means if no

new listings come on the market, it will take 13.3 months to sell the existing

$ 300K+ homes at the current rate of sale. This rate is down significantly

from last month, sold prices are inching upward. Inventory is down slightly,

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.

$300,000+ Homes

227 Active Forest Hills Listings

Average price of $626,539

Average price/square foot $202.82

Low price of $305,000

High price of $2,700,000.

Sold Forest Hills Listings 50

Average sold price $478,188

Average Sold price/sq ft $ 162.00

Lowest sold price $310,000

Highest sold price $1,100,000

Pending Listings 18

Forest Hills Active Listings $50,000 – $300,000

The Absorption rate for Forest Hills homes in this price range is 5.47

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

current rate of sales, it will take 5.47 months to sell all current inventory.

This is down from last month, but still within normal range.

Forest Hills Active Listings 230

Average Active Price $208,088

Average Active Price/SqFt $118.34

Average Active Days on the Market 105

High Active Price $300,000

Low Active Price $59,900

Sold Forest Hills Listings 119

Average Sold Price $195,384

Average Sold Price/sq ft $101.73

Average Sold Days on the Market 89 Days

High Sold Price $300,000

Low Sold price is $53,000

Pending Sales 49

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

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

some stabilization in market prices. With less active listings coming on

the market, competition will be tighter for Forest Hills buyers.

Forest Hills MI Top Best Buy Homes ~ July 2009

Forest Hills RE Market Reports 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Public Schools Update 2009

If you would like specific information about an Ada Cascade or

Forest Hills MI Homes, please contact me directly:

email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

ph. 1-888-240-1968 x 0

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Photo of Forest Hills Eastern High School by Bonnie Westbrook

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ July 2009

Posted on August 11, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Absorption Report ~ July 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.

Active Listings: 177 Active Listings

Average Price: $251,741

Price per Sq Ft: $129.65 (Main Floor only)

Average days on the Market: 180

PENDING: 32 homes

SOLD: 104 Sold Homes

Average Sold Price: $ 146,115

Average Sold Price Per Sq Ft: $ 88.18 (Main floor only)

Average Sold Days on the Market: 103

These stats are figured from Jan 1, 2009 to July 30, 2009

Absorption Rate for Lowell Listings is 9 months for the

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

will take 9 months for the current homes to sell at the current

rate of sales. This figure is inching down each month and is

getting closer to the normal range of 6-8 months.

Lowell Homes that are priced competitively are selling.

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

per square foot under $90 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, but average list price is up slightly

and average sold price is up a bit from last months stats.

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 price is still king.

Today’s buyer is looking for a well priced bargain in great condition.

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Reports

Lowell Michigan Top Best Home Buys July 2009

Video Tour of Lowell Michigan

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

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Monthly Archives: August 2009

Top Best Buys Waterfront Homes ~ Kent County Michigan August 2009

Day Trip to Grand Haven Michigan Pier

SE Grand Rapids Condo at Reeds Crossing

Too Late ~ We have sold this home!

Grand Rapids Michigan Rated 5th Most Affordable Housing in US by CNNMoney

Great Lakes 2nd Annual Irish Music Festival ~ Fifth Third Ballpark ~ Grand Rapids Michigan

The Caribbean Festival ~ St Cecilia Music Center August 20-26-27-28 2009

Ada Michigan Historical Society Hosts Free Music on the Lawn Series ~ Summer 2009

Grand Rapids Township Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ July 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ July 2009

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ July 2009