Byron Center Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan –Dec 2010

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Byron Center Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – Dec 2010

Byron Center Michigan is a suburb of Grand Rapids, located about

14 miles away to the southwest. This report will cover waterfront homes

which are mostly newer construction in fast growing Byron Center.

Byron Center Waterfront Homes Real Estate Activity

January to December 2010

Current Active Listings – 11
Average Active Price – $ 413,827
Pending Properties – 2
Sold Properties – 18
Average Sold Price – $350,006
Average Sold Square Feet – 2542
Average Price/Sq Ft – $ 149.98

Additional Byron Center Articles:

Byron Center Photos

______________________________________________________________________

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

Byron Center Michigan Photos

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Byron Center Michigan Photos

Byron Center Michigan is located in Byron Township, which is

about 14 miles southwest of Grand Rapids and still within its

metropolitan suburban reach. The population has grown

significantly in the last 5 years with the addition of a large

medical community, headed by Metropolitan and St Mary’s

Hospitals at the M-6 and Byron Center Rd. intersection.

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center is the hub of artistic & theatrical

activity in Byron Center and draws crowds from Grand Rapids, also.

Byron Center High School is located at 8500 Burlingame SW. BCHS

received the 1999-2000 National Blue Ribbon of Excellence Award from

the US Dept. of Education.

The Byron Center High School also houses the Community Pool.

The Byron Center Community Center just opened in April 2009, it houses

the Community Recreation Dept, a Fitness Center, and a multi-use facility

for the community.

Douglas Walker Park entrance is located on 84th Street. This Kent

County Park has Kent Trails access, a rugby field, picnic area, children’s

playground, ball fields, soccer fields and an enclosed shelter.

Children’s Playground Area

Soccer Fields

Wooded Picnic Area

_______________________________________________________________________

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

________________________________________________________

Foto Friday – January Series Beats Winter Blahs

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Foto Friday – January Series Beats Winter Blahs

The January Series hosted by Calvin College is one of January’s

bright spots on the winter scene in Grand Rapids Michigan. Famous

authors, public figures, sports celebrities, and many, many other speakers

are brought in every year for the public’s education and entertainment.

The above photo was taken last Friday at the Calvin College Covenant

Fine Arts Center waiting for Ensemble Galilei to perform. What a treat!

The January Series runs until the 25th of this month, so check out the

remaining speakers for yourself.

An added bonus to this local feature is the archives, where many

speakers from the past have been recorded, so you can browse the

list and listen anytime it is convenient.

_____________________________________________________________________________

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

9 Pros and Cons to Balance When Buying a Grand Rapids Condo

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

9 Pros and Cons to Balance When Buying a Grand Rapids Condo

Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single

family homes in Grand Rapids, and they’re ideal for those who appreciate a

maintenance-free lifestyle. But before you buy, make sure you do your

legwork.

The 9 Top Elements to Consider:

Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongings.
Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you dread yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.
Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.
Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you’re not home — good news if you like to travel.
Security. Keyed entries and even doormen are common in many condos. You’re also closer to other people in case of an emergency.
Reserve funds & association fees. Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees decided by the condo board, whether or not you’re interested in the amenity.
Resale. The ease of selling your unit may be dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar.
Condo rules. Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets, or don’t allow owners to rent out their units. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.
Neighbors. You’re much closer to your neighbors in a condo or town home. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors

_____________________________________________________________________________

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

Foto Friday – What Were They Thinking?

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Foto Friday – What Were They Thinking?

Driving down the East Beltline today, we came across this van.

Uhhh, I don’t get it……what were they thinking? It must be a new definition

of “GREEN”. Isn’t it wonderful that individualists can express themselves in

any way they want? And you thought Grand Rapids was boring.

_____________________________________________________________________________

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

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2010

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2010

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 growing Grand Rapids suburban communities in Kent County.

These are the statistics for home sales in the Lowell School District,

figured from Jan. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2010

Active Listings: 102

Average Price: $235,224

Price per Sq Ft: $119.00 (Main Floor only)

PENDING: 29 homes

SOLD: 229 Sold Homes

Average Sold Price: $ 152,548

High $549,000 Low $ 14,750

Average Sold Price Per Sq Ft: $ 91.04 (Main floor only)

Average Sold Price to List Price: 95.48%

Absorption Rate for Lowell Listings is 4.7 months for the

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

will take 4.7 months for the current homes to sell at the current

rate of sales. This figure is half of 2009’s rate and is in the normal

range of 3-6 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 about $90 -$95/Sq Ft are seeing the most activity.

There are still 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

and average sold price is up from last years stats.

Some sellers have retired from the market and will try again this

spring, driving prices downward, unless demand increases dramatically.

Additional Lowell Articles:

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Reports

Video Tour of Lowell Michigan

Lowell Michigan Events

If you would like additional information about Lowell

Area Homes, please contact me through email or 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

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2010

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2010

Absorption rate for Caledonia MI Market is currently 8.5 months

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

8.5 months for the current inventory to sell at the current

sales rate. This stat has risen since last year, showing the slowdown

in home sales has hit Caledonia, as well as the rest of Grand Rapids.

Active Listings – 166

Average List Price – $210,083

Sold Homes = 207

Pending Sales = 23

Average Sold Price = $181,509

Average Price /Sq Ft = $ 98.00

Sale Price to List Price = 95.66%

Average Square Feet = 1832

The Caledonia Market has more listings than this time last

year, by about 25%. Inventory is high, as sales have slowed.

This is a great time to buy a Caledonia MI home, with low

interest rates, high inventory, and slow sales. The experts tell

us there is a shadow inventory of foreclosures that will hit the

market sometime in the future. Whether they dribble into the

market or hit it in huge floods, the downward pressure on prices

will likely prevail.

More Caledonia Michigan Articles:

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate

Caledonia Michigan Video Tour

If you have any questions about Caledonia or Grand Rapids MI

homes, please contact me directly through my web site.

Photo of Snow Covered Fir Trees by Bonnie Westbrook

_____________________________________________________________________________

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

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2010

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2010

Forest Hills is actually a school district in Ada–Cascade MI real

estate market that is always active. These 2 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 2010 real estate market activity.

ar122417327049208 Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan–Dec 2009

Forest Hills MI 2010 Market Report:

Active Listings – 403

Median Sold Price – $ 219,975

Pending – 68

Sold – 589

DOM – 64

% Sale Price to List Price – 95.38%

Absorption Rate: 7.3 Months

Please bear in mind that this report is all about averages.

It will probably take a $700K home longer to sell than one listed

at $199K. Even though there are many multi-million dollar homes

in this district, the majority of homes are under $400K and with the

median sold price under $220K, you can see where all the activity

is centered.

The Absorption Rate at 7.3 months means that it will take about 7

months for the current inventory of homes to sell, if selling at the

current rate. This is still a Buyer’s Market and until the shadow

inventory is dealt with, looks like it will be for quite some time.

If you are thinking about selling your home, waiting will only

see more homes come on the market [spring season & pending

foreclosures] which will force prices further downward. Experts tell

us that a market like we had in 2005-2006 is probably 10+ years away.

Additional Forest Hills Articles:

Forest Hills Real Estate Market Reports

Forest Hills District Ranks Top in State

Forest Hills District Posts MEAP Scores

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

_____________________________________________________________________________

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

Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan Rankings

Posted on January 11, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Public Schools Top State of Michigan Rankings

_____________________________________________

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-Dec 2010

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2010

Rockford Michigan is a northern suburb of Grand Rapids, about

15-20 minutes by freeway from the center of the city. It is a small

town on the Rogue River with an excellent public school system and

diverse businesses and resources. The real estate picture for 2010

was not one of growth but 464 people bought homes in Rockford,

making it one of Grand Rapids most popular suburbs.

334 Active Rockford MI Listings

Absorption Rate : 9 months

Sold Rockford Homes: 464

Average sold price $ 162,135

Average Sold Price/SqFt $111.00

Housing sales in both Courtland Township, Algoma

Township and City of Rockford were down about 35-38%

from 2009 figures, though average prices were slightly higher.

Inventories will probably increase with the spring market and

buyers will have their pick of the best homes for sale, though

prices seem to be ticking up.

It is imperative 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. Good buys can

be had in all segments of Rockford’s housing market, which ranges

from over a million to $60,000 at the low end.

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

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Reports

Rockford Michigan Video Tour

Photo of Lake Bella Vista sunset by Bonnie Westbrook

____________________________________________________________________________

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: January 2011

Byron Center Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan –Dec 2010