Forest Hills Michigan Fine Arts Center Winter-Spring 2010

Posted on February 15, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Fine Arts Center Winter-Spring 2010

We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful entertainment venue

in our Forest Hills Area. The fabulous Fine Arts Centers Shows this

winter-spring season have something for everyone. Not only the

headlining events like Amy Grant, and Whose Live Anyway, the local

high school productions are not exactly the amateur events I remember

from my school days. The musicals we have seen have had seriously

talented young performers from our local high schools.

There are still quite a few shows to catch this season. If you haven’t

been to our fabulous gold star LEED performance center, you should

stop by and take a look.

It is open every day from 8am to 5 pm with a featured artist-in-residence

work displayed in the lobby. This month, fiber artist Jo-Ann Van Reeuwyk

displays vessels that explore the concept of containment.

Fine Arts Center Forest Hills MI

February 22 – Forest Hills Central -Evening of Percussion 7 pm

February 23 – Jazz Night 7 pm

March 11 – Cynthia Hagedorn Artist Reception – 6-7:30 pm

March 12-13 – Grand Rapids Balley Company Interactive 7:30 pm

March 25,26,27 – Forest Hill Central Musical – The Wizard of Oz – 7:30 pm;

+ 3:00 pm matinee Mar 27th

April 17 – An Evening with Amy Grant – 7:30 pm

April 18 – Grand Rapids Symphony – Percussion Explosion – 3:00 pm

April 20 – Forest Hill Public Schools K-12 Student Artists Reception, 6 – 7:30 p.m

Thursday, April 29, 2010 – Whose Live Anyway

May 26 – National Senior Health and Fitness Day , 9 a.m. – 3 p.m

June 3 – International Society of Experimental Artists’ Reception, 6 – 7:30 p.m

Fine Arts Center

We volunteer at the Fine Arts Center and find it a very entertaining and

rewarding way to give back to our community. We have ushered shows,

taken tickets, handed out programs, placed posters and guided people to

their seats. The Fine Arts Center is a part of the Forest Hills School

System but must survive financially on its own, which means volunteers

are vital to the program. Without volunteers, it wouldn’t be possible to

fund the shows and events that take place to enrich the community.

Fine Arts Center GR MI 49546

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate: Foreclosures, Short Sales Dominate

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate: Foreclosures, Short Sales Dominate

As the inventory of existing homes seeks a new normal, we find that the

distressed properties are a big portion of our market. Following the trends

in this area can give us insight into the future. The following chart shows

how they affect our market every month. And I see some encouraging

information.

HUD home notice

Percentage of Foreclosures/Short Sales of Grand Rapids sold properties.

Short Sales and Foreclosures Grand Rapids mi 2009

Looking at the chart you can see that Foreclosures & Short Sales control

over 59% of our current market volume in January 2010 but the $ Dollar

percentage is only 44%. I am guessing the dollar percentage of total sales

will increase over time so the short sales and foreclosures will not have

as much of an effect on current traditional (non-foreclosure + short sale)

sales.

Experts in the financial markets have written extensively about the increase

coming in the foreclosure market, last month figures were estimated to be

3 million or more homes that are facing foreclosure in U.S. in the next

6-12 months.

G R MI home

So, will a buyer always go for the distressed sale home over the traditional sale?

Apparently not. We hear from our buyer clients over and over that they

DO NOT WANT TO DO REPAIRS or UPDATING. They want to purchase a

home and get on with their life – not devote 6 months to 12 months of their

spare time and money on painting, repairs and updating. If they can buy a

home that is in good condition and is a foreclosure or short sale home, great!

But that is not usually the case.

We have seen that banks are starting to do basic repairs and updates before

putting homes on our local market. What a difference this makes to first time

buyers who don’t have money for extra repairs and updates.

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Winter Family Fun at Ada Township Park Feb – Mar 2010

Posted on February 11, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Winter Family Fun at Ada Township Park Feb-Mar 2010

Winter fun is on the schedule in Ada Michigan this winter.

The following activities were published today:

Ada Township Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a series of

upcoming programs for youth & families to get outside & enjoy

the winter.

For Kids Ages 3-5, Discovery Days Program: Build a Bird Feeder

Tuesday, February 17, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00

Ada Park Learning Center, $4/youth

Designed especially for Pre-Schoolers along with a parent or guardian

to have a fun, educational adventure out in Ada Park. This session

will explore different birds and how they feed, making bird feeders

to take home and outdoor discovery hike looking for birds.

Come dressed for both indoors and outside activity.

For Kids Ages 7-12, Junior Naturalist Program:

Winter Survival on Snowshoes Saturday, February 20, 2010

10:00 a.m. – 12:00, Ada Township Park, $4/youth

Starting inside the Learning Center with tips and tricks on how to

prepare for winter outings. Followed by an outdoor winter

adventure where youth will be challenged to “survive” out in the

park by making a shelter, fire, finding food and signaling for help.

Come dressed to be outside in the woods.

Snowshoes and snacks provided.

For Kids of All Ages and Families: Birds of a Feather

– Part 2: nesting boxes

Saturday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00, Ada Township Park,

$3/adults $2/youth

Meet in the Learning Center to learn about how different birds

need different types of nesting sites, habitats and materials.

Then work as a “team” to build your own nesting box (bird house)

suitable for local birds. Materials and tools supplied.

Pre-registration requested by Wednesday, March 3 by calling 676-0520

or email: mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com. Pay on site.

Pre-registering is highly recommended for all Ada Parks & Rec. programs

by calling the Ada Park office at 616-676-0520

or email: mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com.

Payment of fees may be made on the day of the program.

Ada Township Park is located at 1180 Buttrick Drive in Ada, MI 49301.

Contact the Ada Park office for more details: 616-676-0520,

mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com, www.adatownshipmi.com

Ada Township Park

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Promoting Michigan ….Yes, We Can!

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Promoting Michigan ….Yes, We Can!

We attended an inspiring event sponsored by Rapid Growth Media

and Michigan State Housing Development Authority last night at

the Wealthy Street Theatre. This was the first in a year long series

of events. This premier event was called “Touting Michigan”.

Rapid Growth brought together 5 panelists that are each individually

promoting Michigan, our state economy and image, and doing

something positive about rebuilding our state.

The message was clear – We have to do it ourselves!

Panelists from left to right are:

Sean Mann from Let’s Save Michigan

John Bell from Michigan Awesome

Lisa Diggs from Buy Michigan Now

Kevin Buist from Michigan by Choice

Neil Yaremchuk from Made in Michigan

and Moderator Jennifer Pascua

From Neil Yaremchuk: If we buy just $10 worth of Michigan made

products every week, we would pump $37 million back into our

local economies. This means JOBS!!

Think Michigan First, Buy Local, and support your local

businesses and farmers. It is actually cheaper and greener.

Why send our hard earned Michigan money elsewhere?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Foreclosures and Short Sales Affecting Grand Rapids Housing Market

Posted on February 7, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Foreclosures and Short Sales Affecting Grand Rapids Housing Market

We have been tracking the activity on Short Sales and Foreclosures

of our local Grand Rapids market for some time. They have become

a large share of our housing market here in West Michigan and sellers

must understand the fact that they have to compete with this segment

of the market and will for the next few years.

Experts in the financial markets have written extensively about the

increase in foreclosures, last month figures were estimated to be 3

million or more homes that are facing foreclosure in U.S. in the next

6-12 months.

1) What are buyers looking for when they search for a home?

Selection search Criteria Grand Rapids MI

As you can see from the graph above, this is the order of importance buyers

put in their home searches:

Square Footage
Bedrooms
Baths
Price

Price is number 4 behind Square Footage, Bedrooms, and Baths. So, will a

buyer always go for the distressed sale home over the traditional sale?

Apparently not. We hear from our buyer clients over and over that they

DO NOT WANT TO DO REPAIRS or UPDATING. They want to purchase a

home and get on with their life – not devote 6 months to 12 months of their

spare time and money on painting, repairs and updating.

BUT Price is the ultimate point of competition.

Price is the only thing left when you have 30 similar homes on the market

competing for the same buyers. Supply and Demand will continue to rule

the real estate housing market in the foreseeable future.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Old or New – Michigan Attractions are Unique

Posted on February 7, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Old or New – Michigan Attractions are Unique

We all like to take a stroll down memory lane.

This video shows Michigan back before our childhood days. It was filmed

in 1949 as part of James A. Fitzpatrick’s Travel Talks. Take a look at our

bathing beauties, the “Bear Man” and our stunning Michigan scenery.

The areas shown have grown and changed but the appeal of

Michigan is still being promoted to tourists today. And they come by

the thousands to see our unique treasures, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes

on Lake Michigan. This area is now a National Park and dune buggies

are prohibited on the fragile dune landscape.

Mackinaw Island has attracted people since early times, the original

residents here in Michigan; the Ojibiwa, the French, the English, and

tourists have been coming here since Victorian times.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMR7veI78f8]

Thanks for visiting with us in Michigan along this vintage highway

to the past. We hope you decide to visit us in person real soon.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Lowell Michigan – Privacy, Wooded Views, Ranch Home

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Lowell Michigan – Privacy, Wooded Views, Ranch Home

Another Westbrook Realty SOLD Home

This country estate is located on 10 acres of wooded land in a small

development with all homes having at least 10 acres and no splits

allowed. There is a private paved road that is maintained by the

homeowners.

The home has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a finished lower level with

walk out, a separate storage barn, and lots of privacy.

The kitchen was redone in 2008 with new appliances, tile flooring,

Solid surface countertops, updated cabinetry and lighting.

A quality built home that has been well maintained.

Call or email for further details.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Possible Wind Farm in Lake Michigan

Posted on February 3, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Possible Wind Farm in Lake Michigan

Lots of controversy on a proposed wind farm in Lake Michigan about

1-2 miles off the West Michigan shore. Wind Farms are up and

contributing to the grid in Texas, Iowa, California, Washington, and

Minnesota, which are the top 5 wind power states. Wind power

grew by 39% in capacity over 2008, for a total of 35 gigawatts,

according to the American Wind Energy Association.

A proposed offshore Wind Farm that would cost $3 Billion dollars is

trying to get public support for its plan. The Scandia Wind Energy

LLC say it would create thousands of jobs, primarily constructing the

massive wind turbines in the waters of Lake Michigan just south of

Ludington. The company says that location is positioned to transmit

electricity to Chicago or Detroit areas perfectly.

A new jet engine wind turbine with 4 times the efficiency has interested

the DOE enough to give $ 8 Million in grants for further testing. The theory

is that it would take less electricity to power the turbines, so output would

be doubled. This could be the look of the future, with massive wind

turbines scattered over the countryside and in our lakes.

Grand Rapids is proposing putting two 300 foot wind turbines on land they

own in Grand Haven, on Lake Michigan to power their water plant. If this

project goes forward it would be the first of its type in Michigan.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Kentwood Michigan Home in Bailey’s Grove

Posted on February 3, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Kentwood Michigan Home in Bailey’s Grove

Another Westbrook Realty SOLD Home!

This large home in Kentwood Michigan located in Bailey’s Grove has lots of

added extras and tastefully decorated. Our video takes you on a narrated

tour of this large 6 bedroom, 4 bath home with a 3 car garage, finished lower

level with daylight windows, and set on a premier wooded lot.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmme9fQh8rQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0]

Bailey’s Grove Neighborhood has a Community Clubhouse, Community Park,

Community Pool with annual membership available, and a Community Web

Site with lots of local information and neighborhood news.

Share this post :

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Monthly Archives: February 2010

Forest Hills Michigan Fine Arts Center Winter-Spring 2010

Forest Hills Michigan Fine Arts Center Winter-Spring 2010

Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate: Foreclosures, Short Sales Dominate

Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate: Foreclosures, Short Sales Dominate

Winter Family Fun at Ada Township Park Feb – Mar 2010

Promoting Michigan ….Yes, We Can!

Promoting Michigan ….Yes, We Can!

Foreclosures and Short Sales Affecting Grand Rapids Housing Market

Foreclosures and Short Sales Affecting Grand Rapids Housing Market

Old or New – Michigan Attractions are Unique

Old or New – Michigan Attractions are Unique

Lowell Michigan – Privacy, Wooded Views, Ranch Home

Lowell Michigan – Privacy, Wooded Views, Ranch Home

Another Westbrook Realty SOLD Home

Possible Wind Farm in Lake Michigan

Possible Wind Farm in Lake Michigan

Kentwood Michigan Home in Bailey’s Grove

Kentwood Michigan Home in Bailey’s Grove

Another Westbrook Realty SOLD Home!