Foto Friday – Chihuly Saffron Tower

Foto Friday – Chihuly Saffron Tower

The Chihuly exhibit at Frederick Meijer Gardens will be leaving on

October 30th.  If you haven’t had a chance to go see this fantastic

art exhibit in one of the most popular gardens in the world, you are

missing a fantastic experience.

Chihuly Saffron Tower Meijer Gardens

This photo of the Saffron Tower was taken on a rainy day this summer.

Even in these conditions, the tower lights up the meadow with its color

and form, especially framed by this modern sculpture.

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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!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Eight Top Rated Michigan Golf Courses

Eight Top Rated Michigan Golf Courses

If you are planning a trip to Michigan, don’t forget to bring your clubs and book a tee

time at one of the famous, award-winning, and challenging courses we have to offer.

We have lots to choose from.   Not all are public courses  but a good proportion are.

There are plenty of great tracks for the low handicappers, medium tracks for the mid-ranks,

and a few cow pastures, if you just want to hack it around.  Pick your challenge.

 Picture Perfect Golf Day Tulleymore Golf Course

The Bear

Designed by golf great Jack Nicklaus, The Bear is our best-known course and described

as one of the toughest in the Midwest. You’ll quickly appreciate this beautiful par 72,

links-style course featuring Scottish terraced fairways, tiered greens, deep grassy

roughs, moguls, mounds, and deep pot bunkers. Lakes, ponds, hardwood forests,

streams, and fruit orchards are home to a variety of wildlife.

Stonebridge Golf Club in Ann Arbor

Stonebridge is a public 18 hole championship golf course designed in 1991 by

world famous golf course architect Arthur Hills.

Donald Ross Memorial, Boyne Highlands

Golf Digest named this course one of “Michigan’s Finest Courses.”

The Ross features the likeness of 18 of Donald Ross’ most famous holes

from around the world.

Hawk’s Eye Golf Resort, Bellaire

Hawk’s Eye is an example of Northern Michigan golf at its finest.  Hawk’s Eye

was voted the fourth best course in Michigan by the readers of Michigan

Golf magazine.

 Mom and Bambi Tulleymore GC

Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club, Clarkston

With 27 tour-caliber holes to challenge you, 350 acres of rolling wooded

land to inspire you,  Shepherd’s Hollow golf course is truly a thing of beauty.

Located 30 miles north of Detroit in Northern Oakland County and designed

by Arthur Hills, this course has full practice bunkers, full service locker room

w/showers, and dining facility.  No two holes are alike, each occupies a

roomy corridor, all are faithful to the rise and fall of the terrain.

Treetops Resort, Gaylord

Treetops has been named one of the nation’s finest golf facilities.  Dramatic

views, undulating contours and rolling terrain provide a beautiful setting

for world-class golfing.  Named one of the Top 50 golf courses for women.

Marquette Golf Club, Greywalls Course, Marquette

One of Michigan’s newest courses, Greywalls has received national awards

from Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, Travel + Leisure Golf and Golf Week, as

one of the best in Michigan.

St. Ives & Tulleymore Golf Resort, Stanwood

Tullymore & St. Ives Golf Courses feature elaborate, artistic bunkering,

wandering over and around 800 acres of rolling land and lakes just a short

ride from Grand Rapids.  Wildlife abounds here, so bring your camera!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

You Want to Buy a House, Now What?

You Want to Buy a House, Now What?

Buyers have questions, lots of questions, especially first time

buyers but that is to be expected. Educating yourself before

you purchase your first home is essential. Everyone that ever

bought a home for the first time remembers the thrill and the

trepidation that accompanies that first home you call your own.

SM Frt door

This link to 100 basic home buyer questions & answers

from the US Housing and Urban Development site has lots of

basic information.

The site above just covers the most basic questions and answers.

If you need specific answers to your questions, we would be happy

to answer them for you. As a seasoned real estate agent, years

of experience in real estate has given me lots of time in the trenches

of real estate transactions.  We have run into just about every situation

and have the skills and expertise to advise you through many unique

situations.

We have developed relationships with trustworthy lenders

and mortgage professionals, inspectors, and other professions

associated with home buying and home maintenance.

Buyers have the upper hand in this market, and you just might

be able to buy more house than you thought possible.

Additional Michigan Homeownership Resources

How Much House Can I Afford?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday – Autumn at John Ball Zoo

Foto Friday – Autumn at John Ball Zoo

 grizzly bear at the zoo

With summer over, we often forget  the zoo as an attraction to visit.

Actually, fall and winter are much more active times for lots of the animals,

such as the grizzly bear above, the snow leopards, and the mountain lions.

They are up and moving around, whereas in the summer heat, they just snooze.

Winter rates are on at John Ball Zoo, making a visit more affordable

for the whole family.  Hours are 10am – 4pm daily.

Halloween is celebrated at the zoo with Zoo Goes Boo! this month.

John Ball Park & Zoo

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Home Heating Equipment: Repair or Replace?

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

search for Grand Rapids homes Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Keeping Halloween Fun – Grand Rapids Michigan

Keeping Halloween Fun – Grand Rapids Michigan

Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays as a child.

What costume to wear?  Where will we go Trick or Treating?

Can my friends go?  How much candy will I get?  Can I eat it tonight?

Halloween 2007

Yes, I am in disguise with our little Yorkie on a past Halloween.

We like to get into the fun while answering the door to Trick-or-Treaters.

With all the excitement of costumes and candy, it is helpful to review

some safety tips.

Hope your Halloween is Safe, Spooky and FUN!

  • Have a plan –know where to go, how long, and stick to it
  • Accompany your children, if too young to go alone
  • Safety in numbers – have older children travel in groups
  • No short cuts through alleys, parking lots or back yards
  • Make sure costumes are bright colors and not too long
  • Dark costumes should have reflective strips applied
  • Use make-up instead of masks, so children can see
  • Only approach homes that have lights on and Halloween Decorations out
  • Don’t let children go inside homes – get candy on the porch or steps
  • Obey traffic laws and carry flashlights
  • Be aware of candles, fire hazards to costumes and fake hair
  • Hair spray may be better than a wig
  • Use a small bag so child doesn’t trip or fall
  • Save candy until you get home and can inspect it
  • Make sure all candy is sealed in original wrappers
  • Say no to Strangers – kids should never accept rides or get into a car

If you still need a little inspiration for a costume, this has some topical ideas

and this site has oodles of suggestions for home made costumes.

If you are a procrastinator, this site has some last minute ideas.

_ Pumpkins __________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday: Grand Rapids Michigan’s Mirror

Foto Friday: Grand Rapids Michigan’s Mirror

Grand Rapids MI Buildings

Looking west from Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids, this is

what you see sometimes, when the light is just right.  There is nothing

between the large mirrored building and the street.  The large old gray

building is a reflection.  It is actually just behind the camera on the right.

From this angle the mirrored building almost appears as a large film screen

showing a building against a cloudy sky.  Kewl, huh?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Feb 2011

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Feb 2011


A list of the TOP Best Buy Kentwood Michigan
Houses to buy,

based on price per square foot.   Price per square foot is a great leveler,

if two similar homes are listed at similar prices, their price per square foot

should be similar.

The price should reflect the interior finish of the  home. For example,

if the home has updated lighting, wood floors, new windows, new mechanicals

& a new kitchen, this would be more per square foot than a home that still

has pre-1980’s fixtures, decor and/or is in poor condition.

New Kentwood MI Library

February 2011  32  TOP BEST BUYS in  Kentwood MI Homes

range from $70 to $80 per square foot.

Lowest list price – $ 62,000

Highest list price – $325,000

Top Kentwood MI Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

153 Majestic St SE  $ 62,000     868 Sq Ft    $71.43/SqFt

1464 Katrina Dr      $ 70,000     988 SqFt      $70.85/SqFt

1498 Katrina Dr      $ 73,040     1025 SqFt    $71.26/SqFt

5541 Christie Ave   $ 74,000       960 SqFt    $77.08/SqFt

2365 60th St        $ 74,900     1004 SqFt    $74.60/SqFt

 

27 Morning Glory   $ 83,900     1052 SqFt    $79.75/SqFt

1431 Brookmark St  $ 83,900      1142 SqFt   $73.47/SqFt

4258 Curwood Ave  $ 89,800      1160 Sq Ft   $77.41/SqFt

6639 Eastern Ave   $ 89,900      1128 SqFt    $79.70/SqFt

75 Manila St          $ 92,000      1200 Sq Ft    $76.67/SqFt

 

6745 Adrian Ave    $ 99,900       1280 SqFt    $78.05/SqFt

1727 Weymouth Dr $104,900     1344 Sq Ft   $78.05/SqFt

4592 Grantwood    $105,000      1368 SqFt    $76.75/SqFt

4705 Grantwood    $109,000      1454 SqFt    $74.97/SqFt

3268 44th St SE    $110,500      1550 SqFt    $71.29/SqFt

 

128 Maplelawn      $119,000      1600 Sq Ft    $74.38/SqFt

243 Buck Creek Ct $119,900      1500 SqFt    $79.93/SqFt

58 Matt St SW     $119,900      1500 SqFt    $79.93/SqFt

1805 Kendall St    $120,500      1548 SqFt    $77.84/SqFt

2382 Sunny Creek $124,468     1726 SqFt    $72.11/SqFt

 

515 Brownell St    $124,900     1708 Sq Ft   $73.13/SqFt

964 Bellewood      $124,900     1750 Sq Ft  $71.37/SqFt

6756 Adrian Ave   $139,900     1764 Sq Ft  $79.31/SqFt

5732 Buchanan    $140,000     1924 SqFt   $72.77/SqFt

2264 Embro Dr     $150,000     1988 SqFt   $75.45/SqFt

 

6499 Prairie Point $152,900     2096 SqFt   $72.95/SqFt

3067 Creekway Ct $158,900    2000 Sq Ft  $79.45/SqFt

5297 Queensbury  $159,900    2000 SqFt   $79.95/SqFt

5940 E Timberlake $160,000   2216 Sq Ft   $72.20/SqFt

2915 Mulford Dr     $169,900   2246 Sq Ft   $75.65/SqFt

 

4949 Weatherstone Ln $174,900   2405 Sq Ft  $72.72/SqFt

7387 Old Lantern Dr    $325,000    4125 Sq Ft  $78.79/SqFt

 

Kentwood has so many homes for sale, we have focused

on those in a medium price bracket.  Some of these may be

Short Sales or Foreclosures.  Short Sales are extremely difficult

for most home buyers to consider as a purchase due to timing.

Please keep in mind the time alone [2-9 months] of negotiating

with the banks makes it difficult for some buyers to consider. 

Foreclosures are somewhat easier to purchase but many are sold

as-is, which means you have to have additional funds for improvements. 

The FHA 203K loan will allow you to roll some home improvement

costs into your home loan. If you have been considering a

Kentwood home purchase, ask us about how this loan can work

for you.  Interest rates are still at record lows and inventory

is very affordable in Kentwood.

 

SEARCH FOR KENTWOOD HOMES

More Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Articles

 

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

All information is subject to verification & no liability for omission

or error is assumed.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Oct 2010

Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Oct 2010

A list of the TOP Rockford  Michigan Houses to buy, based

on price per square foot.   Price per square foot is a great leveler,

if two similar homes are listed at similar prices, their price per

square foot should be similar.

The price should reflect the interior finish of the  home.

For example, if it has updated decor, new flooring, & an

updated kitchen and baths, this would be more per square

foot than a home that still has the 1970’s decor and/or is in

poor condition.

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

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 a new roof & mechanicals.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present

condition.*

Rockfor MI Boardwwalk over dam

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.

October  2010  20 Top BEST BUY Homes Rockford Michigan.

Lowest list price – $ 39,400

Highest list price – $239,000

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $41.16 to $74.72

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

6680 Echo Dr NE    $ 39,400     710 Sq Ft   $55.49/SqFt

5921 West River Dr $ 59,900   1124 SqFt    $53.29/SqFt

10251 Edgerton     $ 74,200    1764 Sq Ft   $42.06/SqFt

9966 Courtland Dr  $ 82,000     1165 SqFt   $70.39/SqFt

1812 Pettis Drive   $ 82,000     1100 Sq Ft   $74.55/SqFt

7674 Northland Dr  $ 89,900    1300 Sq Ft  $69.15/SqFt

314 N Main St       $ 89,900    1706 SqFt    $52.70/SqFt

7089 Cannonsburg $ 99,000    1400 SqFt   $70.71/SqFt

333 Summit Ave    $ 99,876    1400 Sq Ft   $71.34/SqFt

63 S Monroe St    $ 99,900     2427 Sq Ft   $41.16/SqFt

6784 Gran Via       $114,900    1680 Sq Ft  $68.39/SqFt

8490 10 Mile Rd    $118,000     1620 SqFt   $72.84/SqFt

8342 Courtland Dr  $129,900    2217 Sq Ft  $58.59/SqFt

17 N Dayton St     $129,900    1756 SqFt    $73.97/SqFt

1382 Shaw Ct       $149,900    2008 Sq Ft   $74.65/SqFt

52 S Main St        $149,900    2100 Sq Ft   $71.38/SqFt

573 NorthCrest Ct $159,900    2140 Sq Ft    $74.72/SqFt

7505 Las Palmas    $170,000   3200 Sq Ft    $53.13/SqFt

3961 13 Mile Rd     $174,900    2604 Sq Ft   $67.17/SqFt

7773 Ramsdell Dr    $239,000    3248 Sq Ft   $73.58/SqFt

There are still bargains to be had in the Rockford area,

with 10 homes listed under $100K this month. If you are

considering buying in Rockford, now is the time!

Prices are staying low in Rockford and inventory is high.

Homes that are in great condition and priced right are

selling quickly.  Mid-range homes in great condition are hot!

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Blogs

Rockford Michigan Photo Tour

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

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

or email terry@terrywestbrook.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Lowell Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2010

Lowell Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2010

A list of the TOP Best Lowell  Michigan Houses to buy,

based on price per square foot.   Price per square foot

is a great leveler, if two similar homes are listed at similar

prices, their price per square foot should be similar.

The price should reflect the interior finish of the  home.

For example, if it has updated decor, new flooring, & an

updated kitchen and baths, this would be more per square

foot than a home that still has the 1970’s decor and/or is in

poor condition.

Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

Lowell Michigan City Sign

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 $44.88 to $89.79

in Lowell 19 Top Best Buy Homes this month.

September  2010  19 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes

Lowest list price is $49,900

Highest list price is $190,000

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

1650 SE Foreman St      $ 52,900    1100 Sq Ft   $45.36/SqFt

906 Washington            $ 52,894    1154 Sq Ft   $45.84/SqFt

204 Brook St                $ 55,000     997 Sq Ft   $55.17/SqFt

825 Hunt St                 $ 59,900      825 SqFt   $55.46/SqFt

2838 Guildford Dr          $ 60,000     1116 Sq Ft   $53.76/SqFt

730 E Main St             $ 64,900      1446 Sq Ft   $44.88/SqFt

506 Lincoln Lake          $ 104,900     1511 SqFt    $69.42/SqFt

1608 Birmingham          $ 109,000     1409 Sq Ft   $77.36/SqFt

10820 Sconcewood      $109,900      1224 Sq Ft   $89.79/SqFt

936 Beech Ave            $114,000      1792 Sq Ft    $63.62/SqFt

11275 Barnsley           $119,900     1584 Sq Ft    $75.69/SqFt

10960 Deerwood Dr     $125,000     1498 Sq Ft    $83.44/SqFt

10989 Woodbushe Dr   $129,900    1596 Sq Ft    $81.39/SqFt

829 N Monroe St         $134,900    1564 Sq Ft    $86.25/SqFt

1090 N Washington Rd  $139,900   2290 SqFt    $61.09/SqFt

1638 Wales               $159,900     2047 Sq Ft   $78.11/SqFt

3041 Nyala Dr             $160,000    4500 Sq Ft   $57.14/SqFt

423 Howard St           $166,000     1857 Sq Ft   $89.39/SqFt

13217 52nd St SE       $190,000     2911 Sq Ft   $65.27/SqFt

****Homes listed in red have had price reductions****

There are still bargain priced homes for sale in Lowell, though

fewer than last month. There are 6 homes priced under $100K.

The Best Buy Homes seem to be increasing in price in Lowell

and price/sqft has also risen substantially.  Could the bottom

of the real estate market be behind us?

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Blogs

Lowell Michigan Photo Tour

*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

contact Terry: 1-616-292-7263

Or email : terry@terrywestbrook.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM