New Watermark Listing ~ Golf Course Living in Cascade Township, Michigan

A gorgeous  condominium on prestigious Watermark Golf Course is

 Just Listed!

Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3090 finished square feet of elegant

living, including an enclosed porch with golf course view, and many

upgrades make this a fantastic buy and a great home in Forest Hills

School District.

If you have been thinking about retiring and living the good life on

one of West Michigan’s premier golf links, you should take a look

at this quality built home.

 

Talamore frt exteior best sm web

 

Talamore rear ext best sm web

Talamore watermark 17th hole sm web

Offered at $500,000

For a private showing, please contact me at  888-240-1968 ext 0

or email terry@terrywestbrook.com

 

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes ~ June 2009

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 17 properties, up from last month.

The lowest price/Sq Ft for homes range from $53.67 to $73.78

here in Forest Hills.

The lowest list price is $57,900 and the highest list price is

$236,537 for June 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:

 

4198 Knapp Ct NE             $ 57,900     1200 SqFt   $57.90/SqFt

2635 Chatham Woods       $59,400       817 Sq Ft  $72.71/SqFt

6225 Acropolis Dr SE          $59,900     1116 Sq Ft  $53.67/SqFt

2049 Rowland #4             $ 64,500     1150 SqFt    $56.09/SqFt

2493 Dunnigan Ave NE     $ 74,000     1352 Sq Ft   $54.73 /SqFt

 

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

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

5505 Whitneyville SE         $ 99,900   1536 Sq Ft   $65.04/SqFt

6250 Architrave St            $ 99,998     1814 Sq Ft   $73.74/SqFt

6600 Cascade Rd             $104,900    1788 SqFt   $58.67/SqFt

 

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

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

5610 Ada Drive SE            $159,000    2437 Sq Ft   $65.24/SqFt

3012 Jeanlin Dr SE            $159,000  2548 Sq Ft    $62.40 /SqFt

6948 Maplecrest Dr           $165,000   3200 Sq Ft   $61.57/SqFt

 

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

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

 

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

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Best Home Buys ~ Lowell,Michigan June 2009

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.

Lowell MI High School 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 $34.31 to $73.48

in Lowell Top Best Buys.

        June  2009  31 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes

        Lowest list price is $30,000

        Highest list price is $210,000

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

 

220  Grant St               $ 30,000      588 Sq Ft  $51.02/SqFt

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 $ 54,900    1600 Sq Ft  $34.31/SqFt

 

1012 E Main St            $ 59,000    1510 Sq Ft   $39.07/SqFt

3296 Whitesbridge Rd $ 67,500   1568 Sq Ft  $43.05/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

11860 TJ Lane             $ 72,900    1530 Sq Ft  $52.15/SqFt

 

2838 Gulliford Dr SE    $ 79,900    1600 Sq Ft  $49.94/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  $ 95,000   1751 Sq Ft   $54.25/SqFt

3658 Honeycreek NE  $ 99,900    1564 Sq Ft  $63.87/SqFt

 

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

110 Horatio St #112  $115,000  1612 Sq Ft   $71.34/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

 

4161 Honeycreek NE  $129,900   1816/SqFt   $71.53/SqFt

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

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

2550 Bewell Ave SE     $139,900   1904 Sq Ft  $73.48/SqFt

511 N Jefferson St       $149,900   2058 Sq Ft   $72.40/SqFt

 

12327 4 Mile Rd NE     $149,900   2200 Sq Ft   $68.14/SqFt

1333 Cumberland      $159,900    2277 Sq Ft  $70.22/SqFt

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

11891 Brownberry Dr   $169,900   2340 Sq Ft   $72.61/SqFt

3790 Ashley Ave NE     $179,900   3800 Sq Ft   $47.34/SqFt

13217 52nd St SE        $210,000    2911 Sq Ft   $72.14/SqFt

 

 

There are still bargains to be had here in Lowell, there are 11

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

the last month in Lowell School District 5/16/09 to 6/16/09

low price $25,250 – high price $627,500.

 

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

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

Or email : terry@terrywestbrook.com

 

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

West Michigan Schools Ranked in Top 1500 US High Schools 2009 by Newsweek

Newsweek makes its determination by ranking according to a ration devised by Jay Mathews: the number of Advanced Placement, Intl. Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge Tests taken by all students at a school in 2008 divided by the number  of graduating seniors. All of schools on the list have an index of at least 1.000; they are all in the top 6 percent of public schools measured this way.  (Most rankings just use AP)

 

FHCentral entrance

West Michigan schools that ranked are:

Black River High School (Holland) Rank # 464  – 4th time on the list

East Grand Rapids High School   Rank #1011 – 4th time on the list

Forest Hills Central High School   Rank # 1088 – 5th time on the list

Lowell High School                    Rank # 1271 – 4th Time on the list

Jenison High School                 Rank  # 1292 – 5th Time on the list

Mona Shores High School (Norton Shores) Rank # 1185 – 2nd time on the list

 

We all want our children to go to award-winning schools. These are the top

high schools in the area, by Newsweek ranking standards.  Where you have

top high schools, you have an educated workforce, and typically higher

real estate prices because people want to live where their children will get

a great education.

 

Grand Rapids Real Estate Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate ~ Open Houses

Sunday June 14th 2009

These two homes are open this coming Sunday June 14, 2009

This NE Grand Rapids Condo is new to the market and is worth a

visit.  It has about 1700 square feet of living space, lots of light,

and many extras.  If you would like to say good bye to home

maintenance, this could be the spot for you.

Open Sunday 12-2 pm  2103 Shetland Dr NE  $179,900

 

Upper Deck web sm

 

Open Sunday 3-5pm  3000 Lake Dr SE $265,000

This East Grand Rapids home is in tip top condition,

has had extensive decks added to the back, an

enclosed porch, and a finished basement with 2

bedrooms, a bath, and recreation room with fireplace.

Enclosed Porch

If you have questions about these homes, please contact me directly:

 terry@terrywestbrook.com or call me at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

 

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Reports ~ May 2009 ~ Tamarron Estates

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.

Leslie E Tassell Park Cascade MI

                     Tamarron Residential Real Estate 

                       May 2009 Market Report

                      2 Sold,  5 For Sale, 4 Expired

Tamarron Active Listings: 5

Tamarron Average Active Price – $ 571,680

Tamarron Average Active Price/SqFt – $ 162.20

Tamarron Average Active Days on Market – 67

Tamarron  SOLD Listings: 2

Tamarron  Average Sold Price $ 202,000

Tamarron Average Sold Price/SqFt – $ 79.07

Tamarron Average Sold Days on Market – 66

Tamarron Expired Listings: 4

Tamarron Average Expired Price – $ 518,725

Tamarron Average Expired Price/SqFt – $ 135.09

Tamarron Average Expired Days on Market – 167

 

At the current selling rate, we have a 12.5 month supply of homes

on the market in Tamarron in Cascade Township.

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Tamarron homes are selling but not at the

prices that sellers would like to see. Today’s market is accepting

homes under $80.00 a sq ft. This is a substantial price reduction for

this area.  As you  can see, the current sellers think their homes

will sell at $ 160/sq ft.

Expired listings weren’t selling at $ 135/SqFt.  If you have to sell your

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

need to be under $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.

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

Home, please contact me directly:  terry@terrywestbrook.com or

call me at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

 

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Photo of Leslie Tassell Park by Bonnie Westbrook

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Reports ~ May 2009 ~ Adacroft Commons

The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner,

Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since

2000. There is a new proposed 80 unit condo site – Villas of Ada

and Stone Falls of Ada – a 210 unit apartment complex, currently

under construction here. Both of these new developments are quite

close to Adacroft Commons.

                   Adacroft Commons Real Estate

                   May  2009 Market Report

                  2 Sold, 1 For Sale, 0 Expired

Adacroft Commons Entrance Ada MI 49301

Adacroft Commons Active Listings: 1

Adacroft Commons Active Price – $189,900

Adacroft Commons Active Price/SqFt – $94.38

Adacroft Commons Active Days on Market -12

Adacroft Commons SOLD Listings: 2

Adacroft Commons average sold price – $ 187,00

Adacroft Commons average sold price/SqFt – $95.99

Adacroft Commons average sold days on market -13

Adacroft Commons Expired Listings: 0

 

There is only one current home 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 that homes are

selling for close to the list price, although average $/SqFt has

decreased slightly since 2008. 

 

 

If you have detailed questions or just need general information

about Grand Rapids or Ada Homes, please contact me directly.

terry@terrywestbrook.com

or call 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real EstateWestbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Adacroft Commons Entrance Photo by Bonnie Westbrook

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report ~ Clements Mill ~ May 2009

Clements Mill is  a newer home development built by Eastbrook

Construction in the Ada MI area, started in 1999 and completed in

2003. Apart from newer homes, part of the appeal is the proximity

of  Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools, Forest Hills

Woodlands 5/6 School, St Roberts & Ada Christian Schools, which

are within walking distance.

Clements Mill is midway between the Village of Ada and Forest Hills

shopping area at Cascade Road and Forest Hills.

Ada’s Clements Mill has seen steady to declining values in the short

time it has been built out.  This is largely due to the current over

abundance of houses for sale in a soft resale market.

                Clements Mill  Market Report

                          May 2009

          6  Sold,  5 For Sale, 3 Expired

bike trail on Ada Dr ada mi

Clements Mill Active Listings: 5

Average Active Price: $262,900

Average Active Price/SqFt: $138.42

Average Active Days on Market: 113

Clements Mill Sold Listings: 6

Average Sold Price: $221,950

Average Sold Price/SqFt: $101.43

Average Days on Market: 89

Clements Mill Expired Listings: 3

 

Absorption Rate for Clements Mill homes is averaging

4 months, which is a low rate for Grand Rapids.  List prices

are about $40K above sold prices, which could be why

days on the market are high for active listings.

 

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan ~ Public School Update May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ April 2009

 

The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner,

Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since

2000. There is a new proposed 80 condo units Villas of Ada

and Stone Falls of Ada a 210 unit apartment complex, currently

open & under construction here.  The Stone Falls of Ada apartment

project is adjacent to Clements Mill

 

If you have detailed questions about Ada Homes, Forest Hills

Homes or  just need further information, please contact me

directly:  terry@terrywestbrook.com  or call 1-888-240-1968 x 0

 

Grand Rapids Ada MI  Real Estate Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009  All rights reserved

Ada Drive Walking Trail Photo by Bonnie Westbrook

Cascade Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report ~ Hidden Hills ~ May 2009

Hidden Hills is an established neighborhood of homes off Cascade Road

and 30th Street in Cascade Township, Michigan, a suburb of Grand Rapids.

Home construction started here in the 1960’s housing boom in the Forest

Hills School District and has continued through to today. There are new

homes still being built in this neighborhood.

Mid-size homes with quality construction are the rule, this suburban sub-

division area has been a desirable  place to live in the Grand Rapids home

market for many years.

Tassell Pak Path 3

                          Hidden Hills, Cascade Township

                     Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report

                                 May 2009

                  8 For Sale, 7 Sold, 3 Pending, 4 Expired

Hidden Hills Active Listings 8

Hidden Hills Average Active Price: $ 283,688

Hidden Hills Average Active Price Per Sq Ft: $ 117.56

Hidden Hills Active Average Days on Market: 82

 

Hidden Hills Sold Homes 7

Hidden Hills Average SOLD Price: $ 174,673

Hidden Hills Average SOLD Price Per Sq Ft: $ 89.83

Hidden Hills Average SOLD Days on the Market: 148

 

Hidden Hills Pending Homes: 3

Hidden Hills Expired Homes: 4

Hidden Hills Average Expired Price: $ 303,675

Hidden Hills Average Expired Price Per Sq Ft: $117.79

Hidden Hills Average Expired Days on the Market: 149

 

The current absorption rate is  4 months, which means we have

a 4 month supply of homes in the Hidden Hills market, IF no new

homes enter the market and homes sell at the current rate.

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Hidden Hills average SOLD home price has

dropped  about $120K and about $30 /SqFt in the last 14 months.

Time on the market has decreased slightly and we have 10 homes

sold since the first of the year.  Prices selling way below 2004 prices

is sobering news for Hidden Hills sellers but solid homes available at

bargain prices for buyers who want the Forest Hills School District.

Sellers:  You can’t get top price if your condition is vintage 1980’s.

Today’s buyers have too many choices to settle for outdated homes.

 

Forest Hills School District Average Sold Home Prices last 5 years:

2008 – $ 279,709

2007 – $ 269,445

2006 – $ 300,691

2005 – $ 282,173

2004 – $ 268,072

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan ~ Public School Update May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ April 2009

 

If you would like further information about Cascade Homes or

Forest Hills homes, please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids – Ada Real Estate Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009  All rights reserved

photo of Leslie E Tassell Park by Bonnie Westbrook

Cascade Township Michigan Neighborhood Absorption Report ~ Caravelle Village ~ May 2009

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.

Leslie E Tassell Park

           Caravelle Village Residential Real Estate

                       May 2009 Market Report


                   4 For Sale, 1 SOLD, 1 Pending, 1 Expired

Caravelle Village Active Listings: 4

Caravelle Village Average Active Price – $ 177,425

Caravelle Village Average Active Price/Sq Ft – $ 129.79

Caravelle Village Average Days on the Market – 204

 

Caravelle Village SOLD Listings: 1

Caravelle Village Average Sold Price – $ 175,000

Caravelle Village Average Sold price/SqFt – $ 128.39

Caravelle Village Average Sold Days on the Market – 34

 

Caravelle Village Pending Listings: 1

Caravelle Village Expired Listings: 1

 

At the current rate of sales, we have a 20 month supply of homes in

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

 

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Only one home has sold in Caravelle Village since

January of this year.  The average listed price has dropped about $10K

from last year, but buyers are still reluctant.

This has been a popular area for home buyers, but your home must be

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

 

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan ~ Public School Update May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ April 2009

 

Grand Rapids -Ada Real EstateWestbrook Realty

Copyright 2009  All rights reserved

photo of Cascade Town Hall Gardens by Bonnie Westbrook