Kent County "BEST HIGH SCHOOLS ~ 2009"

Posted on January 24, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

The U.S. News and World Report has published their annual survey of the

best public high schools across the country.

These top open enrollment schools were placed into gold, silver,

bronze, and honorable mention categories.

Six public schools in Kent County were mentioned. Two Grand Rapids

inner city schools and 4 Grand Rapids suburban schools were named

in Best High Schools Kent County 2009.

City Middle/ High School, East Grand Rapids High School, Forest Hills

Central High School, Lee High School, Lowell High School, and Ottawa

Montessori School all received Silver or Bronze awards.

Schools are an important consideration when buying and

selling a home. Public schools in the Grand Rapids area

are some of the best in the country.

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate ~ Five Star Realty

Photo of Forest Hills Central High School by Bonnie Westbrook

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Market Report

Posted on January 20, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Cascade Neighborhood Absorption Report

Caravelle Village is an established subdivision built in the late 1960’s

and 1970’s just south of Burton Street, east of Kraft Avenue and west

of Cascade Road in Cascade Township. These Grand Rapids Homes

have the traditional mix of two stories, tri-levels and ranches. A desirable

place to live with median priced homes, Forest Hills Schools, and close to

28th shopping and restaurants. Originally built by a variety of builders, the

homes here are quality construction in a safe neighborhood and close to

the historic village of Cascade and 28th Street shopping.

town hall gardens cascade mi

Caravelle Village Residential Real Estate

January 2009 Market Report

4 For Sale, 7 SOLD, 4 Expired

Caravelle Village Active Listings: 4

Caravelle Village Average Active Price – $ 188,675

Caravelle Village Average Active Price/Sq Ft – $ 131.17

Caravelle Village Average Days on the Market – 141

Caravelle Village SOLD Listings: 7

Caravelle Village Average Sold Price – $ 183,071

Caravelle Village Average Sold price/SqFt – $ 128.21

Caravelle Village Average Sold Days on the Market – 62

Caravelle Village Expired Listings: 4

Caravelle Village Average Expired Price – $191,125

Caravelle Village Average Expired Price/SqFt – $124.08

Caravelle Village Average Expired Days on the market – 124

At the current rate of sales, we have a 6.4 month supply of homes in

Caravelle Village, if no new homes come on the market.

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Not much new activity for Caravelle Village since

November of last year. The average listed price has remained constant,

but buyers are reluctant.

This is a popular area for home buyers, but your home must be in top

notch condition and priced to sell in today’s market.

Caravelle Village Market Report August 2008

Forest Hills Schools Market Report Sept 2008

Caravelle Village Market Report Oct 2008

Ada Cascade Market Report Nov 2008

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

photo of Cascade Town Hall Gardens by Bonnie Westbrook

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Market Report ~ Tamarron Estates ~ January 2009

Posted on January 20, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Cascade Neighborhood Absorption Report

Tamarron Estates is an upscale suburban development with large

wooded lots, walking access to Thornapple Elementary School and

the Thornapple River Backwaters. It is located just off of

Thornapple River Drive and Cascade Road in Cascade Township.

The house styles vary from large, comfortable ranches, traditional

two stories, to contemporary homes. Many of the homes were built

in the late 1970’s to the mid 1980’s, though there is a new street

that has much newer homes on acreage settings. Some houses close

to and surrounding this development are in the upper price brackets

in the Grand Rapids real estate market.

Tamarron Residential Real Estate

January 2009 Market Report

5 Sold, 3 For Sale, 11 Expired

Tamarron Active Listings: 3

Tamarron Average Active Price – $ 361,300

Tamarron Average Active Price/SqFt – $ 107.93

Tamarron Average Active Days on Market – 153

Tamarron SOLD Listings: 5

Tamarron Average Sold Price – $ 339,480

Tamarron Average Active Price/SqFt – $ 98.11

Tamarron Average Sold Days on Market – 63

Tamarron Expired Listings: 11

Tamarron Average Expired Price – $ 388,891

Tamarron Average Expired Price/SqFt – $ 129.65

Tamarron Average Expired Days on Market – 137

At the current selling rate, we have a 4.2 month supply of homes on the

market in Tamarron in Cascade Township.

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Tamarron homes are selling but not at the prices that

some sellers would like to see. Today’s market is accepting homes under

$100.00 a sq ft. This is a price reduction for this area. As you can see,

the remaining sellers think their homes will sell at $ 107 a sq ft. This isn’t

happening.

The expired listings are even further out of sync at $ 129 a sq ft. If you have to

sell your Tamarron Estates home now, the market place is telling you that

you need to be at $ 100 a sq ft or less to see your home sell.

Cascade Township has seen tremendous growth in the last fifty

years, though the growth rate has slowed considerably since 2000.

The majority (82%)live in a single family home, and the median

value is $220,00. Household incomes in Cascade Township are the

highest among surrounding Grand Rapids areas at $ 87,290. Most

people in Cascade Township prefer to live here because of the quality

housing, safe areas, and quality schools.

Tamarron Estates Market Report August 2008

Forest Hills Market Report Sept 2008

Tamarron Estates Market Report Oct 2008

Ada Cascade Market Report Nov 2008

If you have questions about the value of your Cascade or Forest Hills

Home, please contact me directly.

Photo of Leslie Tassell Park by Bonnie Westbrook

Ada Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ Adatowne ~ January 2009

Posted on January 19, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Adatowne is a popular entry level home market in the Ada area of

the Greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area.

Part of the appeal is the proximity of Ada Elementary, Forest Hills

Central Middle and High Schools, Ada Christian Schools, St Roberts

School and being close to the village of Ada. Adatowne is an

established subdivision, started in the early 1970’s by E.L. Ladd

Builders of Ada.

I have held many open houses in these new plats

and sold many of the homes as new construction – to be built.

If you doubt the power of your home as an investment, a basic

ranch (about 1000 sq ft) sold for $ 19,900 in 1975.

Adatowne Residential Neighborhood in Ada, Michigan

January 2009 Real Estate Market Report

3 Sold, 2 Pending, 4 For Sale

Fall foliage in Ada MI

Adatowne Active Listings: 4

Adatowne Average Active price – $147,650

Adatowne Active average price/SqFt – $113.16

Adatowne Active average days on market – 94

Adatowne Sold Listings: 3

Adatowne Average Sold Price – $ 138,300

Adatowne Average sold price/SqFt – $ 119.19

Adatowne Average Sold days on market – 47

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Not much has changed since last month.

We have one less home on the market, which has reduced the

average price. With the new trend of consumers downsizing,

the real estate market should remain strong and viable for

Adatowne homes, as long as they are in “great condition”

and priced at $110-120 a sq ft.

If you would like more information about Ada or Grand Rapids Homes,

please feel free to contact me directly.

Adatowne Market Report July 2008

Adatowne Market Report Aug 2008

Adatowne Market Report Sept 2008

Adatowne Market Report Oct 2008

Adatowne Market Report Nov 2008

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

Photo of Ada MI fall foliage by Bonnie Westbrook

Ada Woods Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report ~ Grand Rapids Michigan Jan 2009

Posted on January 19, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Ada Woods is an established development of homes in Ada, Michigan,

just west of Ada and south of Fulton Street (M46). Ada Woods started

out as an E.L. Ladd development, but towards the end of the project

many lots were sold to other builders and completed by individual owners.

The dates of building range from 1980’s to 2005. Most of the homes

have more square footage and more amenities than Adacroft Commons,

its adjacent neighborhood. As with Adacroft Commons, there is designated

common land in the development that remains heavily wooded and in a

natural state. This development is in the Forest Hills School System and

close to Ada Christian & St Roberts private schools.

Ada Woods Real Estate Market Report

January 2009

6 Sold, 2 For Sale, 9 Expired

Fall in Ada MI

Ada Woods Active Listings: 2

Ada Woods Average Active Price – $ 278,950

Ada Woods Average Active Price/SqFt – $129.51

Ada Woods Average Days on Market – 142

Ada Woods SOLD Listings: 6

Ada Woods Average Sold Price -$ 313,567

Ada Woods Average Sold Price/SqFt – $121.37

Ada Woods Average Sold Days on Market – 119

Ada Woods Expired Listings: 9

Ada Woods Average Expired Price – $ 319,678

Ada Woods Average Expired Price/SqFt – $ 135.51

Ada Woods Average Expired Days on Market – 162

MARKET SYNOPSIS: The average sold price is the same as last month

but down about 8% from November. The average asking price has went

down about 20% from last month. The expired listings are up which tells

me that some sellers have given up trying to get their price for now.

If you don’t have your Ada Woods home priced about $ 120 a sq ft,

you will be waiting for a stronger sellers market to sell your home.

Ada Woods Market Report August 2008

Ada Woods Market Report Sept 2008

Ada Woods Market Report Oct 2008

Ada Woods Market Report Nov 2008

Ada Woods Market Report Dec 2008

If you have any questions about Grand Rapids or Ada Homes,

please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

Fall Color photo in Ada Mi photo by Bonnie Westbrook

A Microcosm of Home Values Decline in Forest Hills Michigan

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Many experts will tell you that all real estate is local. Just how local

do you get? I just did a little research for a client this weekend and

thought I would share it with you. Forest Hills is a strong local market

and homes continue to sell here, but we have still seen a decline. Home

values may be stable in one neighborhood and falling in another.

This is all predicated on how badly people want to live in your area.

I did research on an “average home” in Forest Hills.

Your Home

The search parameters were:

Forest Hills School District

Two Story Home

2200- 2600 square feet

Year 2006 2007 2008

Avg Sold Price $ 308,488 292,289 267,278

Homes Sold 88 86 78

Cost$/SqFt 127.53 120.80 112.61

An overall decline of 13% in the last 3 years

What can you do but read this and weep? You might like to

attend your local township Board of Review. This

is the only place you can petition to get your tax assessment

lowered.

See your local taxing authority for details. The Review Boards

usually meet in March of each year.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

Top Home Buys Forest Hills Michigan ~ January 2009

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the top Forest Hills Houses

to buy. Please note that this list can change daily as

some homes sell, prices are adjusted and other homes

come on the market.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot. The

lowest price/Sq Ft range from $54.68 to $74.56 here.

The lowest list price is $79,900 and the highest list price is

$236,537 for January 2009 homes in Forest Hills School District.

This list could include properties in Ada Township, Cascade

Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and the

city of Kentwood.

The Top Forest Hills Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

378 Pettis Ave SE $ 79,900 1300 Sq Ft $61.46/SqFt

1417 Grand River Dr $ 89,900 1248 Sq Ft $72.04/SqFt

831 Honey Creek $150,578 2913 Sq Ft $63.13/SqFt

6224 Lincolnshire Ct $ 79,900 1712 Sq Ft $69.36/SqFt

5505 Whitneyville $109,900 1536 Sq Ft $71.55/SqFt

8195 45th St SE $134,500 2193 Sq Ft $61.33/SqFt

3521 Thornapple River Dr $136,900 1836 Sq Ft $74.56/SqFt

7133 Bridgewater Dr $159,000 2160 Sq Ft $73.61/SqFt

2205 Christine Ct SE $179,900 2600 Sq Ft $69.19/SqFt

3150 Hayward Dr $189,900 2574 Sq Ft $73.78/SqFt

6948 Maplecrest Dr $194,900 3200 Sq Ft $72.72/SqFt

3327 Hidden Hills Ave $209,900 3400 Sq Ft $72.38/SqFt

7399 Lime Hollow Dr $225,000 3085 Sq Ft $72.93/SqFt

38 E Beltline Ave SE $ 94,900 1328 Sq Ft $71.46/SqFt

4714 Cutter Parkway $ 99,950 1828 Sq Ft $54.68/SqFt

3310 Midland Dr SE $209,900 4000 Sq Ft $59.46/SqFt

4271 Woodside Oaks Ct $236,537 3453 Sq Ft $68.50/SqFt

If you would like a list of top best buys in your area, please contact

us through our website:

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

Cascade Michigan Retreat ~ Fabulous Location ~ Reduced Price

Posted on January 5, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Are you dreaming of a Cascade home on a wooded setting, yet close to

schools, shopping, and work? Would you like to look out your Cascade

bedroom window and see Bambi and his doe-eyed Mom looking back?

Then you might want to take a look at this unique Cascade home at 7117

Oak Brook SE with many upgrades and custom built-ins. Built by a local

builder as his own residence, there are many, many extras and unusual

additions that you just don’t see in the average home.

Custom brickwork abounds, 3 fireplaces, a spiral staircase, custom arched

pillars in the family room and stairwell, stained glass windows, oversized

windows that let in the light and the gorgeous scenery. Special attention to

details, such as the heated solarium, large rooms, large closets, solid wood

doors & trim, custom window seat, and large arched windows.

Decorative mirrors, built in china cabinet, built in bar cabinet, a sunken living

room, sunken whirlpool tub in master with a custom stone waterfall wall are

just some of the added amenities.

This Cascade home has only had 2 owners and has been well cared

for. Photos don’t do justice to the unique character and setting of this home.

That private Cascade retreat you have dreaming of may be available here –

come and take a look for yourself.

Cascade MI home for sale

7117 oak brook cascade mi home for sale

Forest Hills Public Schools are the school district for this home.

Offered at $ 259,900. MLS # 729286

Adacroft Commons ~ Forest Hills MI Absorption Report Dec 2008

Posted on December 31, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

Adacroft Commons is a popular home market in Ada for the

Grand Rapids area.

Part of the appeal is the proximity of Forest Hills Central 5/6 School,

Middle School, High School, St Roberts School & Ada Christian

School, which are within walking distance. Adacroft Commons is also

close to the village of Ada and Forest Hills shopping. It is an established

subdivision, being started in the early 1970’sby E. L. Ladd Builders of

Ada, at the same time they were buildingin Adatowne. Adacroft

Commons homes were required to have atwo stall attached garage and

a family room, while Adatowne homes did not. There is designated

common land in thedevelopment that remains heavily wooded and in a

natural state,as in its adjacent neighborhood, Ada Woods. I have held

many open houses in these plats when they were new and sold many of

the homes as new construction – to be built. We personally purchased a

spec home here in 1976 and livedin Adacroft for 5 years before we built

our dream home on 6 acres(also in Ada Township).

If you doubt the power of your home as an investment, a 4 bedroom 2

story home (about 1750 sq ft) sold for $ 39,900 in Adacroft Commons

in 1970.

Adacroft Commons Real Estate

December 2008 Market Report

8 Sold, 0 For Sale, 1 Pending, 10 Expired

Adacroft Commons Active Listings: 0

Adacroft Commons Active Price – $0

Adacroft Commons Active Price/SqFt – $0

Adacroft Commons Active Days on Market 0

Adacroft Commons SOLD Listings: 8

Adacroft Commons average sold price – $ 165,625

Adacroft Commons average sold price/SqFt – $96.99

Adacroft Commons average sold days on market -77

Adacroft Commons Expired Listings: 10

Adacroft Commons average expired price – $ 186,410

Adacroft Commons average expired price/SqFt – $ 134.36

Adacroft Commons average days on market – 110

There are no current homes for sale in Adacroft Commons

listed on the local MLS board. This is an extremely desirable

area to live, with its close proximity to Forest Hills Central

Middle & High Schools. In the above stats you can see the

$20,000 disconnect between sellers and buyers, or $37 /SqFt.

difference on the main floor. If you would like to sell in this market,

you have tobe priced at the current market price, not 2004

prices, IF you want to sell your home.

If you have detailed questions or just need general info

about Grand Rapids or Ada Homes, please contact me.

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

Adacroft Entrance on Ada Drive Photo by Bonnie Westbrook

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Market Report Dec 2008 ~ Centennial Park Condominiums

Posted on December 31, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

Centennial Park Meadows Condominiums are located just off 28th Street

and Thornapple River Dr. in Cascade, Michigan. The Condos wrap around

the Centennial Golf Course and community.

This private par 70 golf course has plenty of challenges for golfers at

every level. This community also has a clubhouse and restaurant for

members.

We have relocated several clients into this community and they find it a

wonderful place to live. Just minutes from 28th Street & Cascade shopping,

dining and amusements, you are centrally located but tucked away from

the bustle of the area for quiet, serene living and easy access to golf.

Centennial Park Meadows Condos

Real Estate Market Report

December 2008

16 For Sale, 0 Pending, 5 SOLD, 9 Expired

Centennial Condos Active Listings: 16

Centennial Condos Active Average Price – $248.569

Centennial Condos Active average $/SqFt – $ 132.68

Centennial Condos Active average days on market – 129

Centennial Condos Sold Listings: 5

Centennial Condos Sold average price – $ 102,810

Centennial Condos Sold average $/SqFt – $ 72.45

Centennial Condos Sold average days on market – 48

Centennial Condos Expired Listings: 9

Centennial Condos Expired average price – $ 249,844

Centennial Condos Expired average $/SqFt – $ 152.26

Centennial Condos Expired average days on market – 144

The Absorption Rate for Centennial Park Condos is 38.4 months,

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

38.4 months for the existing condos to sell at the current rate

of sales. This is a high number for Grand Rapids, which reflects the

weak market for condos, over priced listings, or a combination

of both, which I believe is the case.

Centennial Park Condos Market Report Oct 2008

Centennial Park Condos Market Report Sept 2008

Centennial Park Condos Market Report August 2008

Centennial Park Condos Market Report July 2008

Centennial Park Condos Market Report June 2008

If you would like information about Grand Rapids – Cascade MI Condos

or Grand Rapids – Cascade MI Homes, please contact me directly.

If you would like this report emailed to your inbox every month, please

Grand Rapids – Ada Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

photo of Golf Equipment by Bonnie Westbrook

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Category Archives: Forest Hills MI

Kent County "BEST HIGH SCHOOLS ~ 2009"

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Market Report

Cascade Neighborhood Absorption Report

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Market Report ~ Tamarron Estates ~ January 2009

Cascade Neighborhood Absorption Report

Ada Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ Adatowne ~ January 2009

Ada Woods Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report ~ Grand Rapids Michigan Jan 2009

A Microcosm of Home Values Decline in Forest Hills Michigan

Top Home Buys Forest Hills Michigan ~ January 2009

Cascade Michigan Retreat ~ Fabulous Location ~ Reduced Price

Adacroft Commons ~ Forest Hills MI Absorption Report Dec 2008

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Market Report Dec 2008 ~ Centennial Park Condominiums