Cascade Township MI Open House Sunday April 18th 2010 12-2 pm

Posted on April 13, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

If you are looking for a home in Forest Hills School District that is

in MOVE IN Condition, this home should be all you are looking for.

This 4 bedroom GRAND RAPIDS MI home has been redone from top

to bottom. Freshly painted, updated with a New Gourmet Kitchen

with granite countertops, new stainless steel appliances, and new

wood flooring in the kitchen, eating area and back entry.

The master suite has a major remodel with a new master bath. This

bath sports a new walk in shower with glass doors, new marble tile

flooring, and new white vanity cabinets. The solid surface counter

with integral sinks, a dressing table, and a large walk in closet are

just most buyers are wishing they had.

This home is located at 7246 Cascade Woods Dr SE and is listed for

$339,900. Please call Terry 616-292-7263 for a private showing.

It is difficult to list all the extras and the new items that have been

added to this home. Take a look at our Sunday Open House, this

all brick Cascade listing could be your new home.

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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

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan- March 2010

Posted on April 12, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Mar 2010

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 some price reduction even though activity is high.

On the good news for sellers, Kentwood has one of the lowest

absorption rates in the area.

Foreclosures and short sales are still affecting the average

market price here as Grand Rapids has seen jobs disappear.

The homes under $150K in Kentwood are about 80% of the

overall sales. The homes over $150K are selling but at a slower rate.

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 448 home sales: avg sold price:$ 100,561

Home sales for Kentwood – Up to $150,000:

126 Active Listings w/ Average list price $ 120,801

51 sold Average sold price $106,969

Kentwood Absorption Rate for this price range is 3.8 months,

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

on the market, it will take 3.8 months to sell the active listed

homes). This is a great rate for the Grand Rapids area and shows

that Kentwood is a popular and affordable city to live in.

Home sales for Kentwood – $150,001 & UP:

58 Active Listings w/ average list price of $ 192,430

8 sold Average sold price $150K+ = $208,103

Kentwood Absorption Rate for this price range is 13.39 months,

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

on the market, it will take 13.39 months to sell the active listed

homes.

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report – Jan-March 2010

Posted on April 10, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report – Jan-Mar 2010

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

is always active. These Grand Rapids Michigan 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 2010 first quarter real estate market activity,

which we have broken down into 3 separate price categories, which

have very different markets emerging for 2010 totals.

Forest Hills Eastern High school Ada Township MI

Forest Hills MI Listings $ 500,000+

Not much demand and lots of time on the market in the higher price

brackets of Forest Hills with a 20 month Absorption Rate, which

means it would take 20 months for the current inventory to sell.

Active Listings – 100

Average List Price – $ 843,635

Pending – 8

Sold – 7

Average sold price: $ 893,857

Average Sold/Sq Ft: $207.93

Forest Hills MI Listings $250,001 – 499,999

The absorption rate for Forest Hills homes in this price

bracket is 7.4 months, which means if no new listings

come on the market, it will take 7.4 months to sell the

existing $250K-499K homes at the current rate of sale.

This rate is down significantly from 2009 rates, and sold

prices are inching upward. Inventory is up slightly, but

number of sales are holding fairly steady. We aren’t back

to a normal market time of 3-6 months yet, but we are

heading in that direction.

Forest Hills MI Active Listings $250,000 – $499,999

Active Forest Hills Listings: 156

Average list price of $358,671

Sold Forest Hills Listings: 31

Average sold price $346,244

Average Sold price/sq ft $ 151.27

Pending Listings: 32

Forest Hills Active Listings $50,000 – $250,000

The Absorption rate for Forest Hills homes in this price range is 6.8

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

current rate of sales, it will take 6.8 months to sell all current inventory.

This is up from last quarter, but still within normal range, a fast moving

area of the Grand Rapids real estate market.

Forest Hills Active Listings 139

Average List Price $178,575

Sold Forest Hills Listings 61

Average Sold Price $ 181,467

Average Sold Price/sq ft $100.60

Pending Sales 55

Forest Hills Real Estate Market Reports

If you would like specific information about an Ada Cascade or

Forest Hills MI Homes, please contact me directly.

Photo of Forest Hills Eastern High School by Bonnie Westbrook

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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

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – March 2010

Posted on April 10, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Mar 2010

Current Absorption Rate for Rockford Michigan runs from 5 months

for lower end homes under $185,000, up to over 1 year for the

very upper end of the Rockford market.

Rockford Public Library Rockford MI

The lower end of the Rockford market is moving faster than

higher priced homes for the first quarter sales in 2010. With

interest rates already starting to rise and with buyer tax credits

disappearing after the first quarter, long listing times in Rockford

will likely continue into 2010, with prices driven down by weak

buyer demand. Absorption rates have improved from last

year with lower priced homes being the “hot market”.

Higher priced homes are seeing more activity than 2009

but are still not back to normal sales levels.

Active Rockford MI Listings under $185,000

Active Rockford MI listings 195

Absorption Rate : 5.36 months

Sold Rockford Homes: 55

Pending Rockford Homes: 54

Average sold price $ 127,579

High Sold price $184,900

Low Sold price $60,000

Average Sold Price/SqFt $93.76

Rockford MI Listings $ 185,000 – $ 349,000

Absorption Rate: 8.23 months

Active Rockford MI Listings 140

Sold Rockford Homes 17

Pending Rockford Homes 34

Average Rockford List Price: $ 238,822

Average Rockford Sold Price: $ 235,200

Average Sold Price/SqFt $ 116.06

High Sold Price $ 349,000

Low Sold Price $185,900

Rockford MI Listings Over $ 349,000+

Absorption Rate: 15.6 months

Active Rockford MI Listings 78

Sold Rockford Homes 7

Pending Rockford Homes 8

Average Rockford List Price: $477,078

Average Rockford Sold Price: $613,000

Average Sold Price/SqFt: $ 162.35

Inventories will probably increase with the spring market and

buyers will have their pick of the best homes for sale.

It is important that you have your home in great condition

and priced correctly. Over-priced homes and tired looking homes

will not sell for top dollar in this buyer’s market.

If you have any questions about Rockford or

Grand Rapids MI homes, please contact me directly:

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – March 2010

Posted on April 8, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan- Mar 2010

Absorption rate for Caledonia MI Market is currently 4.6 months,

which means if no other homes come on the market, it will take

4.6 months for the current inventory to sell at the current

sales rate. This stat is down by one third+ less than last year’s figure.

We are seeing a definite upturn in sales in Caledonia homes and

sell times are currently returned to a “normal” range of 3-6 months.

There are 125 current active listings, from $77,900 to

$1,195,000 in Caledonia MI.

Current average Caledonia home listed price is much higher

[about $297,773] than the average sold price [$166,914].

37 Pending Home Sales, and 44 Sold Homes since Jan 1, 2010.

The average sold price/Square foot is $ 92.89

Sold High $425,000 Sold Low – $57,400

There are 3 homes in million dollar+ range listed, so this skews

the figures somewhat in the upper home price brackets.

The Caledonia market has been busy so far this year; buyers

bought 6 homes under $100K, the majority of homes purchased

were between $100-200K.

Currently, there are only 9 homes listed under $100K, 39 homes

listed between $ 300K-999,999K, and that means that 77 homes

are listed between $100K and 299,999K, many opportunities

in the middle brackets to own a home in Caledonia.

With interest rates bound to rise, buying now could save you

thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.

More Caledonia Michigan Articles:

Caledonia Real Estate Market

Caledonia Michigan Video Tour

If you have any questions about Caledonia or Grand Rapids MI

homes,please contact me directly through my web site.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Jenison Michigan Condo Offers Affordable Living

Posted on April 7, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Another Westbrook Realty SOLD Home!

This condo in Amsterdam Village in Jenison, Michigan offers move in

conditions at an affordable price. Clean, neat, and ready for a new

owner.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPktd7HRKeg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0]

Jenison MI Condo for sale

With 748 square feet of living space listed at $ 45,900, this condo

has an open floor plan with living room, dining room, kitchen that

are open to each other and look out on the central courtyard

shown above.

This home also has a master bedroom with double

closets, a second bedroom or den with sliding glass door to the

back patio. The bathroom has a tub/shower with ceramic tile

surround, washer/dryer combination, and linen storage.

All appliances are included. A small dog (15#) or an indoor cat is

allowed.

The condo fees include heat, water, trash, lawn service, snow

removal, and 70+ channel cable TV hook up. Carport parking unit

and an additional storage unit are included. Just a short walk

to shops and restaurants on Baldwin Ave.

Call Terry today 1-888-240-1968-ext 9236 for a private showing.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Cheryl Wheeler Concert at Fifth Third Ballpark April 10, 2010

Posted on April 5, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

The inimitable Cheryl Wheeler is coming to Grand Rapids this week!

In concert at Fifth Third Ball Park on Saturday, April 10th, 2010.

Gates open at 6:30 pm, concert starts at 7:30 pm.

Special guest Nicholas James Thomasma

Part of the Pepsi Stadium Club Concert Series

Never heard of Cheryl Wheeler?

Cheryl is a prolific songwriter and talented performer. You have

probably heard her songs. She is very respected by her peers, as many

of them have recorded her songs.

Chery’s songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Dan Seals,

Peter Paul and Mary, Kenny Loggins, Garth Brooks, Suzy Boggus,

Melanie, Bette Midler, Maura O’Connell, Sylvia, Kathy Mattea, and

Holly Near. If they think she is great, then maybe you should find

out why they are fans.

Tickets are $20.00 Parking is free.

Cheryl’s website Tickets online

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Free Whitecaps Exhibition Game Kicks Off 2010 Season

Posted on April 5, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

The West Michigan White Caps will kick off their 2010 season

with a FREE exhibition game with Grand Valley State University

on Wednesday , April 7th, at 6 pm at Fifth Third Ballpark.

The official Whitecaps baseball season begins on Thursday,

April 8 at Lake County, OH. The first home game is scheduled

for Sunday April 11th against the 2009 Midwest League Champion

Fort Wayne TinCaps at 2 pm. This is also Family Day

– Kids Eat Free – sponsored by Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

They are sponsoring 2 of these events in April.

You can go to the website www.whitecapsbaseball.com for ticket information.

Admission to this event is free.

There is always something happening in Grand Rapids! We try to keep

you up to date with local happenings in our blog. Subscribe today!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

10 Common Foods that Could Poison Your Pets

Posted on April 1, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

10 Common Foods that Could Poison Your Pets

We don’t feed our dog human food, well, not much.

Our little Yorkie does like beef jerky and potato chips!

But in researching how many common food items

are not good for pets or extremely toxic is really surprising.

I knew about chocolate and leftover bones but

not the rest of the list. Macadamia nuts, really!

We had a dog that loved grapes…..gee, we did’nt know they weren’t good

for her. I also had a friend in California who lived next to an avocado

grove. Her dog would gorge himself on ripe avocados………..and then

he had kidney failure.

Be aware if your cat likes to eat leaves, many of the common

spring flowers and holiday blooms are toxic to animals.

So read the list, educate yourself and try to resist those imploring

glances. We will, too.

10 Common Toxic Foods for Pets

Grapes & raisins

Chocolate

Onions, onion powder, chives, & garlic

Yeast dough

Avocado

Leftover bones

Foods with high salt or fat content

Sugarless candies

Macadamia Nuts

Alcohol, Coffee

17 Most Common Poisonous Plants

1. Lilies
2. Marijuana
3. Sago Palm
4. Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
5. Azalea/Rhododendron
6. Oleander
7. Castor Bean
8. Cyclamen
9. Kalanchoe
10. Yew
11. Amaryllis
12. Autumn Crocus
13. Chrysanthemum
14. English Ivy
15. Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
16. Pothos
17. Schefflera

What do you do if your pet ate something poisonous?

If your animal is having seizures or losing consciousness, bring

him/her to your veterinarian or emergency vet center.

If your pet is not showing symptoms, but ingested something

potentially toxic, call the ASPCA hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Have the following information available: the species, breed,

age, sex, weight, and information about the product exposure.

It is best to have the package of the product available for reference.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Monthly Archives: April 2010

Cascade Township MI Open House Sunday April 18th 2010 12-2 pm

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan- March 2010

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report – Jan-March 2010

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – March 2010

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – March 2010

Jenison Michigan Condo Offers Affordable Living

Cheryl Wheeler Concert at Fifth Third Ballpark April 10, 2010

Free Whitecaps Exhibition Game Kicks Off 2010 Season

10 Common Foods that Could Poison Your Pets