Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ Watermark Residences July 2009

Posted on August 10, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

The Residences at Watermark are located on Watermark Golf Course just

south of Cascade Road. Yes, I play Watermark golf course every chance

I get. Watermark is a premier course with friendly players.

It has an excellent grounds staff and a great pro shop staff, as well.

Watermark single family homes and condos make this a very attractive

place to live. Quality built homes with access off Cascade Road and

Spaulding Drive, you are close to the airport, 28th Street shopping,

I96 expressway and close to Cascade, Ada, and Forest Hills

schools and shopping areas.

watermark residences entrance grand rapids mi

Watermark Residences

July 2009 Real Estate Market Report

For Sale: 7

There are 7 active Watermark Homes currently on the market.

The median Watermark Homes current active price is $ 834,943

The average Watermark Homes current price per sq ft is $ 278.71

The average days on the market for active Watermark Homes is 158

The high price is $ 2,700,000 and the low price is $ 399,900.

Sold: 2

There has been 2 Watermark Sold Homes since Jan 1, 2009.

The average Watermark Sold Home price is $ 412,500

The average Watermark Sold Homes price per sq ft is $195.61

The average days on the market for Watermark Sold Homes is 190.

Pending: 0

Expired: 7

At the current rate of sales, we have a 25 month Absorption rate at the

Watermark Residences. This means that it will take 25 months for the

current listed homes to sell based on the current rate of sales, up 7

months from our last report.

Watermark buyers don’t seem very interested at the present prices.

The listed avg. price/square foot is over $80 more than the 2 sales

so far this year. The $2.7 million home does inflate the figures but

price/sq ft should be similar. Summer has seen another sale here, but

overpriced homes just aren’t selling no matter where they are located.

Additional articles about Watermark Residences:

Watermark Country Club

Watermark CC Golf Pro ~ Mark Wilson

Watermark Country Club ~ Pool Time

The Grille Restaurant at Watermark

If you would like further information about Watermark Residences

Cascade or Forest Hills Homes, please contact me directly:

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids – Ada Real Estate – Westbrook Realty

photo of Watermark Residences Entrance by Bonnie Westbrook

Forest Hills Schools Get A Face-Lift This Summer

Posted on August 4, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Six different schools in the Forest Hills Public School District are under

some kind of construction this summer.

Every school site will receive different combinations of security cameras,

roof repair/ replacement, parking lot resurfacing, and energy

conservation/sustainability improvements (window replacement,

lighting and mechanical system upgrades).

See details at Forest Hills District News Site

Some photos of the Construction Sites:

Warning - if you like hard hats, you will be in 7th heaven!

Ada Elementary School

Central Middle School

Forest Hills Central High School

School districts reflect the interest people have in their

community public education systems. Forest Hills Schools are

one of the best in our state in almost every category. New

school updates are one of the ways we try to keep you informed

on what is happening in the Forest Hills District.

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Cascade Township Michigan ~ Real Estate Market Report ~ June 2009

Posted on August 3, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Market Report Cascade Township June 2009

Cascade Township is located southeast of the city of Grand Rapids and has

enjoyed rising home prices for several years. The recent readjustment to

the market has hit this area just like all the other areas of Grand Rapids.

But sales are still happening and only truly distressed homes are going for

bargain prices this summer. If your home is up to date and in good condition,

the market for Cascade Township Homes remains strong. Cascade Township

is mainly in Forest Hills Public School System, though

Caledonia Public Schools and Lowell Public Schools are also in the

township.

Units Sold

Cascade Units sold July 2009

Sales Price Graph (Includes Sold Homes Only) Quick Sheet for June 2009

Cascade Units Sold July 2009

Active Listings in Cascade as of July 1, 2009 (Not all homes may be shown

due to map scale)

cascade homes for sale July 2009

Median Sold Price – $ 236,250

Average Days on Market – 75

Percent Sold/List – 94.72%

Current Inventory – 271

Months Inventory – 10

Average Price/SqFt – $ 93.61

Most Cascade Township homes in June 2009 are selling for close

to the list prices, as you can see by the stats, with a 94.72% sold

to list price ratio. This is good news for Cascade Township sellers.

If you would like to view a for sale Cascade Township Home,

please call me or email me directly.

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

East Grand Rapids Michigan ~ America’s Hometown

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

East Grand Rapids Michigan is America’s hometown, at least for quite a few famous people and lots of not-so-famous people. Gerald R Ford, our 38th President and our 40th Vice President grew up in Grand Rapids and lived in East Grand Rapids when he served 25 years as a Michigan Congressman. The movie American Pie was written by Adam Herz, who grew up in East Grand Rapids and based the movie on his teen years.

But East Grand Rapids Michigan is more than a famous hometown, it is a quintessential American hometown. The population is about 11,000 people, and it has fewer than 4000 housing units. East Grand Rapids has 4 seasons, so you can enjoy all seasonal sports and outdoor events.

You can walk or bike to almost anywhere in East in a short time, it has about 3 square miles of total area. You can frolic in Collins Park on Reeds Lake almost year round. If you jet ski, sail, wind surf, fish, or just like to gaze at the water, Reeds Lake is a prominent part of the local community activities.

East GR has great neighborhoods, some include stately mansions, others are average homes, tree lined streets, above average city services, such as leaf & yard waste removal, award winning public schools, a vibrant downtown shopping district- Gaslight Village, and all within 10 minutes of downtown Grand Rapids cultural events.

Take our photo tour of East Grand Rapids MI and get acquainted with it’s charm.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsO3476vU4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]

There are currently 170 homes for sale in East Grand Rapids, ranging

in price from $ 99,980 to $ 2,039,000. If you would like to live in

East Grand Rapids, give me a call at 888-240-1968 ext 0 or email me

at Terry@Terrywestbrook.com

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Video & Photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Top Best Buy Homes Kentwood Michigan ~ July 2009

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the Top Kentwood Home

Buys. 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 updating with 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 new roofs & mechanicals.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

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

kentwood mi top best buys in homes 3-09

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

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

lowest prices/Sq Ft range from $37.63 to $57.06 in

Kentwood this month.

Homes on the list this month are still bargain

prices at an average price of less than $50 a square foot.

Kentwood & Wyoming have been hit hard by the automotive

shutdowns and subsequent job losses in these areas.

July 2009 18 Top BEST BUYS in Kentwood Homes

The lowest list price is $44,900

the highest list price is $125,000

Top Kentwood Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

1509 Kendall St $54,900 1500 Sq Ft $51.26/SqFt

3685 Giddings Ave $69,900 1470 Sq Ft $47.55/SqFt

320 Nora St SE $57,900 1048 Sq Ft $55.25/SqFt

2705 Ridgemoor Dr $ 60,000 1505 Sq Ft $39.87/SqFt

68 Nancy St SE $74,900 1368 Sq Ft $54.75/SqFt

3394 32nd St SE $85,000 1696 Sq Ft $50.12/SqFt

5034 Marwood Ct $84,000 1968 Sq Ft $42.68/SqFt

5393 Newcastle Dr $90,000 2696 Sq Ft $50.53/SqFt

439 Pine Place St $99,850 1750 Sq Ft $57.06/SqFt

5818 Pinetree Ave $89,900 2200 Sq Ft $40.86/SqFt

5733 Averill Ave SW $44,900 1096 Sq Ft $40.97/SqFt

5772 Crippen Ave $49,900 1200 SqFt $41.58/SqFt

2102 68th St. SE $82,000 2179 Sq Ft $37.63/SqFt

3750 Breton Rd SE $79,500 1651 Sq Ft $48.15/SqFt

2540 Mapleview St $89,900 1582 Sq Ft $56.83/SqFt

972 Bellewood Dr $118,500 2511 Sq Ft $47.19/SqFt

1329 Meadowlane $119,900 2192 SqFt $54.70/SqFt

2237 Bentbrook Ct $125,000 2772 Sq Ft $45.09/SqFt

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

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

All information is subject to verification & no liability for

omission or error is assumed.

Top Best Buy Homes Rockford Michigan ~ July 2009

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the top Rockford Houses to buy

based on price per square foot, one of the best ways to sort

through homes for values.

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 updating with 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 new roofs & mechanicals.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

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

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

rockford michigan top best homes for sale

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.

July 2009 27 Top BEST BUY Homes Rockford, Michigan.

The lowest list price is $ 27,500

The highest list price is $240,000

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $30.69 to $74.96

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

1656 10 Mile Rd NE $ 27,500 896 Sq Ft $30.69/SqFt

5035 Bear Ave $114,900 1629 Sq Ft $70.53/SqFt

6452 Bella Vista Dr NE $114,900 1848 SqFt $62.18/SqFt

4853 Cannonsburg Rd $132,900 2550 Sq Ft $65.73/SqFt

4351 Porter Hollow Dr $134,900 2000 Sq Ft $67.45/SqFt

6674 Echo Dr NE $149,900 2387 Sq Ft $62.80/SqFt

5134 Corchel Hls NE $199,900 2696 Sq Ft $74.15/SqFt

6304 Belding Rd NE $129,900 2980 Sq Ft $43.59/SqFt

8596 Sunny Hours Trl $189,900 4454 Sq Ft $67.97/SqFt

5645 Ramsdell Dr NE $169,900 2300 Sq Ft $73.87/SqFt

8050 10 Mile Rd NE $ 73,500 1840 Sq Ft $70.67/SqFt

485 West River Dr $ 74,900 1330 Sq Ft $56.32/SqFt

6480 Belmont Ave NE $ 79,900 1773 Sq Ft $45.06/SqFt

5693 Tiffany Ave NE $240,000 3488 Sq Ft $68.81/SqFt

7692 11 Mile Rd NE $92,000 1983 Sq Ft $46.39/SqFt

271 N Monroe St $ 69,900 1510 Sq Ft $46.29/SqFt

150 Northland Dr $179,900 3100 SqFt $66.63/SqFt

647 Highlander Dr NE $199,320 3050 Sq Ft $65.35/SqFt

6849 Blue Ridge Dr NE $209,900 2800 Sq Ft $74.96/SqFt

107 S Main St $99,900 1530 Sq Ft $73.95/SqFt

125 S Main St $114,900 1688 Sq Ft $68.07/SqFt

52 W Division St NE $128,900 2500 Sq Ft $71.61/SqFt

125 Prospect St $129,900 2548 Sq Ft $50.98/SqFt

6691 Boca Vista Dr $ 69,900 960 Sq Ft $72.81/SqFt

6731 Boca Vista Dr $ 69,900 960 Sq Ft $70.61/SqFt

179 Hunter’s Lane $ 54,900 851 Sq Ft $64.51/SqFt

227 Hunter’s Lane $ 69,900 1064 Sq Ft $65.70/SqFt

8539 Courtland Dr $ 74,900 1080 Sq Ft $69.35/SqFt

There are still quite a few bargains to be had in the Rockford

area. If you are thinking of buying in Rockford, now is the time

to be looking. The below appraisal priced homes are disappearing

from the market in some other areas of Grand Rapids.

Don’t overlook the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers

or buyers who haven’t owned a home for the last 3 years.

This will be available for homes closed until November 30, 2009,

unless Congress extends it. There is the possibility of using

the $8000 tax credit towards your down payment.

Contact me for details.

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market June 2009

Rockford Michigan Video Tour

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

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

or email terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Top Best Buy Homes ~ Lowell Michigan ~ July 2009

Posted on July 28, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the Top Best Buys in Lowell Homes.

Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

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

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

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 $27.74 to $74.44

in Lowell Top Best Buys.

July 2009 28 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes

Lowest list price is $36,400

Highest list price is $225,000

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

14129 Fulton St E $ 36,400 660 Sq Ft $55.15/SqFt

11216 Bluewater Hwy $ 39,900 920 Sq Ft $43.37/SqFt

229 N Jefferson St $ 45,000 1100 Sq Ft $40.91/SqFt

7595 Wingeier Ave SE $ 49,900 1600 Sq Ft $31.19/SqFt

3296 Whitesbridge Rd $ 43,500 1568 Sq Ft $27.74/SqFt

323 Sherman St $55,000 1560 SqFt $35.26/SqFt

1367 Northwind Dr $59,900 1456 SqFt $41.14/SqFt

14109 Fulton St E $ 68,900 1100 Sq Ft $62.64/SqFt

319 N Monroe St $ 69,900 1645 Sq Ft $42.49/SqFt

11555 Peck Lake Rd $ 84,900 1310 Sq Ft $64.81./SqFt

1494 Lincoln Lake NE $ 89,900 1440 Sq Ft $62.43/SqFt

983 Lincoln Lake Ave $ 89,900 1751 Sq Ft $51.34/SqFt

13612 Downes St NE $ 99,900 1450 Sq Ft $68.90/SqFt

11712 E Bear Mdws $117,990 1585 Sq Ft $74.44/SqFt

404 Riverside Dr $123,100 1681 Sq Ft $73.23/SqFt

216 W Main St#6 $129,000 2100 Sq Ft $61.43/SqFt

2022 Conservation Trl $129,900 1788 Sq Ft $72.65/SqFt

6016 Bancroft Ave $139,900 1912 Sq Ft $73.17/SqFt

224 N Hudson St $139,900 2240 Sq Ft $62.46/SqFt

545 North St $139,900 1906 Sq Ft $73.40/SqFt

511 N Jefferson St $135,000 2058 Sq Ft $65.60/SqFt

12327 4 Mile Rd NE $139,200 2200 Sq Ft $63.27/SqFt

1655 Salisbury $141,328 2040 SqFt $69.28/SqFt

1333 Cumberland $149,900 2277 Sq Ft $65.83/SqFt

701 Fallasburg Park $162,700 2280 Sq Ft $71.36/SqFt

10300 Sayles Rd $179,900 2418 SqFt $74.40/SqFt

13217 52nd St SE $200,000 2911 Sq Ft $68.70/SqFt

219 N Washington $225,000 3106 Sq Ft $72.44/SqFt

There are still bargains to be had in Lowell, there are 9

homes priced under $80K. 13 homes reported sold in

the last month in Lowell School District 6/28/09 to 7/28/09

low price $40,000 – high price $345,000.

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Report ~ June 2009

Lowell High School ~ Top Ranked West Michigan Schools

*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

Or email : terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Road Trip Leads to Lynda’s Diner ~ Dutton Michigan

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We are out on the road often to photograph listings, show listings, and

present offers. It is a perfect opportunity to discover local businesses and

give them a try. We would rather go to a local diner than a chain restaurant.

If we see a lot of trucks from local contractors at a restaurant, we can be

sure the food is good and there is lots of it for the price.

We found just such a place when we were in Dutton recently. We drove by

Lynda’s Diner in Dutton and stopped to have lunch.

Dutton MI

Dutton is a very small village on the south eastern border of the Grand

Rapids area on 68th Street. Downtown Dutton Michigan with

The Dutton General Store in background.

Lynda's Diner Dutton MI

Lynda’s Diner is located at 3555 68th St SE Dutton Michigan

Lynda's Diner Dutton MI

Inside the Diner

Lynda's Diner Dutton MI

We got there early and it slowly filled up with local people out for lunch. They

serve breakfast all day and lots of sandwiches, burgers, Mexican, Dinners, and

they have a Buffet Bar with salads and specials that was very busy the day we

were there. We had friendly wait staff and a good meal without spending

mucho dollars.

If you would like to live in or near Dutton, please give me a call to assist you in

buying or selling a Dutton home. We would go back to Lynda’s again anytime

we are in Dutton and getting hungry.

Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate

photos by Bonnie Westbrook

We received no remuneration for our recommendation of Lynda’s Diner in Dutton Michigan.

Top Best Buy Homes in Forest Hills, Michigan ~ July 2009

Posted on July 25, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the Top Best Forest Hills Houses

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

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

updating with 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 new roofs

& mechanicals.

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

top best buys in forest hills mi homes for sale

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.

The list this month is 18 properties, up from last month.

The lowest price/Sq Ft for homes range from $43 to $74.89

here in Forest Hills.

The lowest list price is $39,900 and the highest list price is

$221,988 for July 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.

Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

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

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

5610 Ada Dr SE $153,000 2437 SqFt $62.78/SqFt

2635 Chatham Woods $ 49,900 817 Sq Ft $61.08/SqFt

2653 Chatham Woods $ 39,900 907 Sq Ft $43.00/SqFt

2031 Rowland #8 $ 97,000 1550 SqFt $62.58/SqFt

6375 Wainscot Dr SE $ 84,900 1633 Sq Ft $69.36/SqFt

383 Pettis Ave SE $ 94,900 2040 Sq Ft $46.52/SqFt

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

5505 Whitneyville SE $ 97,500 1536 Sq Ft $63.48/SqFt

6250 Architrave St $ 90,000 1814 Sq Ft $66.36/SqFt

6600 Cascade Rd $ 94,900 1788 SqFt $53.08/SqFt

8195 45th St SE $124,500 2193 SqFt $56.77/SqFt

6461 Cascade Rd SE $139,900 2023 SqFt $69.15/SqFt

3703 Burton St SE $ 66,000 912 Sq Ft $72.37/SqFt

3012 Jeanlin Dr SE $134,900 2548 Sq Ft $52.94 /SqFt

6948 Maplecrest Dr $155,000 3200 Sq Ft $57.84/SqFt

7569 Woodvale St SE $143,900 2238 Sq Ft $60.28/SqFt

4271 Woodside Oaks Ct $221,988 3453 Sq Ft $64.29/SqFt

3206 Oak Hollow Dr SE $187,900 2509 Sq Ft $74.89/Sq/Ft

Forest Hills MI Top Best Buy Homes ~ June 2009

Forest Hills Market Report May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Public Schools Update 2009

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

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Average Sale Price on the Rise in Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate for June 2009

Posted on July 25, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Market Report July 2009

The single family home sales continue to show signs of stabilization.

For the month of June, home sales were up 26.2% compared to

June 2008. Sales price of a single family home has seen an increase

in the average price for the third consecutive month to $119,923,

up from $97,073 in April 2009, but still down 12.5% ($130,220)

from last June, according to the figures prepared by the

Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS®. This is a 19.9% increase

in the home sale price from the beginning of 2009, where home

prices were an average of $95,010 for the month of January.

Greg Carlson, President of the Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS®,

commented on the overall condition of the real estate market in West

Michigan, "We’re seeing small improvements, consistent improvements,

in numerous areas of the market" said Greg.

"The average ‘days on market’ is going down, while the average

selling price, median sales price and the percentage of the listing

price compared to the sales price all continue to show improvement.

In some areas it is a seller’s market."

Julie Rietberg, CEO of the Association, commented on the numbers,

""Distressed properties continue to drag down the overall market,"

said Julie, "about half of all transactions are still distressed properties

and many are in pockets which really skew the numbers. But the

reality is houses are selling; I’ve heard reports from numerous

REALTORS receiving full price offers, and offers above list."

The number of total active residential listings remains virtually

unchanged from 9,131 in June compared to 9,104 in May. Sales

year-to-date for single-family homes was up 10.9% compared to

one year ago.

Total Home Sales up 26.2% From a Year Ago

Quoted from an article on GRAR

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

photo of Grand Rapids Skyline by Bonnie Westbrook

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Category Archives: West Michigan Real Estate

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ Watermark Residences July 2009

Forest Hills Schools Get A Face-Lift This Summer

Cascade Township Michigan ~ Real Estate Market Report ~ June 2009

East Grand Rapids Michigan ~ America’s Hometown

Top Best Buy Homes Kentwood Michigan ~ July 2009

Top Best Buy Homes Rockford Michigan ~ July 2009

Top Best Buy Homes ~ Lowell Michigan ~ July 2009

Road Trip Leads to Lynda’s Diner ~ Dutton Michigan

Top Best Buy Homes in Forest Hills, Michigan ~ July 2009

Average Sale Price on the Rise in Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate for June 2009