Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes January 2011

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes January 2011

A list of the Top Best Buy Caledonia 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 but doesn’t

always reflect the interior finish of the  home.

For example, if the home has a newer kitchen, wood floors,

& remodeled bathrooms, this would be more per square foot than a

home that still has 1990’s decor and/or is in derelict or tired condition.

CaledoniaTwnspsign thumb Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes November 2010

January 2011   TOP BEST BUY Caledonia MI Homes

Highest list price – $314,900

Lowest list price – $44,900

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $36.10 to $97.44

The Top 16 Caledonia Homes to Buy by Price/Square Foot:

6320 Buttrick Ave          $ 44,900     750 Sq Ft   $59.87/SqFt

8782 66th Street           $ 56,320    1560 Sq Ft   $36.10/SqFt

8650 Acorn St               $ 58,000     910 Sq Ft   $63.74/SqFt

114 Johnson St             $ 69,900    1200 Sq Ft    $58.25/SqFt

8601 Acorn St               $84,900     998 Sq Ft    $85.07/SqFt

7777 Thornapple River   $114,900    1847 Sq Ft    $62.21/SqFt

7102 Channel Dr          $124,900     1624 Sq Ft    $76.91/SqFt

7050 84th St              $125,000     1400 Sq Ft    $89.29/SqFt

6240 Whitneyville         $149,900    1836 Sq Ft    $81.64/SqFt

7962 Pine Hollow         $155,000     1750 Sq Ft    $88.57/SqFt

6989 68th St             $159,800     1640 Sq Ft    $97.44/SqFt

327 Johnson St          $174,500     3000 Sq Ft    $58.17/SqFt

7468 E Morgan Ln      $177,750     2136 Sq Ft     $83.22/Sq Ft

6641 Woodville Ct      $199,900    2066 Sq Ft     $96.76/Sq Ft

7792 Golf Meadows    $299,900    3100 Sq Ft     $96.74/Sq Ft

10270 Southridge Dr  $314,900     3324 Sq Ft    $94.74/SqFt

With only 5 homes priced under $100K, there are fewer

bargain houses in Caledonia real estate.  Price is still being driven

downward UNLESS homes are in great condition and even

that isn’t a guarantee that the home will sell quickly.

If a Caledonia home is where you would like to live,

interest rates are at historically low rates and inventory

is still high. Waiting to see the bottom of the market could

be a mistake, new mortgage requirements will take effect in

60 days, which will mean you pay more for less house.

More Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Articles

Home Buying Questions Answered

***Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

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

Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.

If you would like to see a Caledonia Top Best Buys Home, please

contact me: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

or email me at 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!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011 ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011 ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Copyright 2011 All rights reserved

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Forest Hills Homes

(Ada-Cascade) to buy, based on price per square foot.

The homes listed below might need updating with new carpeting,

paint, and kitchen–bath redos at a minimum to bring them to

current market standards.

 

These homes might need major repair work done, such

as new roofs, new plumbing, electrical & other major mechanicals.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot, not the

basement, even if finished.

 

Outside gardens winter

 

This list could include properties in Ada Township, Cascade

Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and the

city of Kentwood.

 

Please note: This list can change daily as some homes sell,

prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

 

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

8338 Fulton St SE         $109,900      1265 Sq Ft   $86.88/SqFt

4326 Kenilworth Dr        $110,000      1360 Sq Ft   $80.88/SqFt

2565 3 Mile Rd NE          $119,900     1496 Sq Ft   $80.15/SqFt

1981 Laraway Lake        $129,750     1504 Sq Ft   $86.27/SqFt

27 Robinhood Dr           $134,900     2093 Sq Ft   $64.45/SqFt

 

1157 Fernridge Ln        $134,900      1542 Sq Ft   $87.48/SqFt

2749 Indian Ridge Dr    $139,000     1670 Sq Ft   $83.23/Sq Ft

6534 Burger Ave          $145,000     1836 Sq Ft   $78.98/Sq Ft

2056 Burton Knoll Ct     $149,900     1944 Sq Ft   $77.11/Sq Ft

733 Crahen                 $154,900     2124 Sq Ft   $72.93/Sq Ft

 

7429 Linda Ave SE       $159,900     1878 Sq Ft    $85.14/SqFt

7648 Buccaneer Dr       $169,900     2400 Sq Ft    $70.79/Sq Ft

205 Shore Haven Dr      $189,900     2672 SQ Ft   $71.07/SqFt

4224 Woodside Oaks     $190,000     2264 Sq Ft   $83.92/SqFt

7042 Cascade Rd          $224,900    2708 Sq Ft    $83.05/SqFt

 

2694 Ashville Dr NE       $244,000    2800 Sq Ft     $87.46/SqFt

7382 Treeline Dr SE       $249,900   3800 Sq Ft    $65.70/SqFt

8275 Bailey Dr SE          $249,900   3353 Sq Ft    $74.53/SqFt

3108 Colchester Dr        $300,000    3660 Sq Ft   $81.97/Sq Ft

 

 

Pricing seems to have stabilized in Forest Hills. If you are willing

to do repairs and update a home, there are still some good buys at

historically low interest rates, though rates and mortgage requirements

are rising.  The homes in the most up-to-date condition sell the fastest.

 

WARNING: Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures,

short sales and not habitable as is or available for a mortgage

in present condition.

More Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles 2010

Search For Forest Hills Homes

If you would like to see a particular Top Best Buys Forest Hills

Home, please contact us at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or email us at:

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!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Nov 2010 ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Nov 2010 ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Nov 2010

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Copyright 2011 All rights reserved

Forest Hills MI Waterfront Homes Jan 2011

Forest Hills MI Waterfront Homes Jan 2011

This list of 28 homes located in the Grand Rapids area, are within

Forest Hills School District, and have waterfront footage.

The home listed in red is the least price/square foot of the

homes for sale.

Grand River at Roselle Park

Address:                                     Sale Price              Price/Sq Ft

2942 Appleleaf Dr NE                     $144,900              $103.21

4069 Reeds Lake Blvd.                $1,590,000               $345.65

6371 Duxbury Dr SE                      $279,900               $161.33

2455 Pettis                                 $299,900                $171.37

2601 Lansdow NE                         $349,000                $210.02

 

1041 Thornapple Dr  SE                  $485,000               $196.60

365 Dogwood Ave NE                     $495,000               $120.32

7459 Conservation St NE              $1,895,000               $279.62

8371 Cascade Road SE                    $169,900               $126.23

6727 Burger Dr SE                           $299,000               $127.07

 

1901 Forest Shores Dr SE               $375,000                $226.04

4061 Maracaibo Shores Dr SE          $375,000                $187.13

3468 Goodewood Dr SE                  $399,400                 $151.52

5253 Tuscan Crest Dr SE                $399,900                 $260.01

7333 Grachen Dr SE                       $399,900                 $257.67

 

3010 Thornapple River Dr SE            $425,900                 $234.01

2278 Thornapple River Dr SE            $440,000                 $185.73

7879 Old Elm Ct SE                         $459,000                 $207.41

1855 Forest Shores Dr SE                 $495000                 $283.83

2515 Cascade Springs Dr SE              $499,000                $205.94

 

1999 Forest Shores Dr SE                 $695,000                $261.57

7400 Ventura Dr SE                         $730,000                 $183.00

2168 Thornapple River Dr SE              $899,000                 $279.19

7177 Agua Fria Ct. SE                      $1,195,000               $236.54

7421 Kenrob Dr SE                           $1,195,000               $268.90

 

7303 Grachen Dr SE                         $1,385,000               $465.55

7101 Gladys Dr SE                           $1,595,000                $371.79

1960 Steketee Woods SE                  $1,599,000                $444.17

 

With a low price per square foot of $103.00 and a high price/square

foot of $ 444.00, these homes will range from modest to palatial, but

they all have waterfront in common…..and the top ranking public school

system in Michigan = Forest Hills Public Schools.  

 

Additional Forest Hills Articles

                                           

Copyright 2011     All rights reserved

_____________________________________________________________________________

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!

ar125812212017642 Foto Friday – What Were They Thinking? ar125812218972939 Foto Friday – What Were They Thinking? ar125812225271331 Foto Friday – What Were They Thinking?

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Byron Center Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan –Dec 2010

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.

home front entrance

 

        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!

ar125812212017642 Byron Center Michigan Photos ar125812218972939 Byron Center Michigan Photos ar125812225271331 Byron Center Michigan Photos

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Copyright 2011  All rights reserved

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

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.

Attached condo

The 9 Top Elements to Consider:

  1. Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongings.
  2. 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.
  3. Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.
  4. 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.
  5. Security. Keyed entries and even doormen are common in many condos. You’re also closer to other people in case of an emergency.
  6. 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.
  7. 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. 
  8. 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.
  9. Neighbors. You’re much closer to your neighbors in a condo or town home. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors

Copyright 2011     All rights reserved

_____________________________________________________________________________

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!

ar125812212017642 Foto Friday – What Were They Thinking? ar125812218972939 Foto Friday – What Were They Thinking? ar125812225271331 Foto Friday – What Were They Thinking?

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2010

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

Lowell Michigan Skyline across Flat river winter

 

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.

Copyright 2011     All rights reserved

_____________________________________________________________________________

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!

ar125812212017642 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2010 ar125812218972939 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2010 ar125812225271331 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2010

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2010

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.

snowcoveredfirtrees thumb Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report – Jan Dec 2009

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.

Copyright  2011 All rights Reserved

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!

ar125812212017642 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report – Jan Dec 2009 ar125812218972939 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report – Jan Dec 2009 ar125812225271331 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report – Jan Dec 2009

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

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.

Copyright 2011  All rights reserved

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!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan–Dec 2009 ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan–Dec 2009 ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan–Dec 2009

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2010

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.

P1030534

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

 

Copyright 2011  All rights reserved

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!

ar125812212017642 Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2009 ar125812218972939 Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2009 ar125812225271331 Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2009

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Buying a Home – Budget Basics

Buying a Home – Budget Basics

Budgeting has always been a part of my life.  My parents

taught me basic budgeting by example.  We were supplied all

the necessities but luxuries were handed out sparingly, if at all.

If we really wanted something, we had to prove it wasn’t a passing

fancy and then plan for, or work for the money to buy the items

we wanted.

 

Buying a home in today’s economy is much the same.  You must

have your financial “ducks in a row”.  Getting prequalified with a mortgage

lender is a necessity in today’s real estate market.  Gone are the

days of writing an offer, getting it accepted, and then worrying about

financing your purchase.  Today’s sellers wants to know you are serious

and can afford to buy their houses. 

 

the perfect Grand Rapids house

January is a perfect time to analyze last years budget and see

where  you spent your money.  Before meeting with a mortgage lender, you

should have this information at hand.  Lots of online sources exist to

help you with this project, such as online banking reports which are

down-loadable every month and at year-end.  We have a basic budget

analyzer page on our web site if you don’t know where to start.

 

If you know you can’t afford to buy a home but would like to work

towards purchasing one, there are many sources that can help. 

Home Repair Services in Grand Rapids offers free classes on money

management and repairing your credit.  Or give me a call to discuss

home buying basics at 616-292-7263.

 

Additional Articles:

You Want to Buy a House, Now What?

Which Mortgage is Best for Me?

Grand Rapids Michigan Online Relocation Guide

_____________________________________________

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