Wyoming Michigan Ranch ~ Pending Sale

We are definitely seeing signs of the

local real estate market heating up.

 

This all brick ranch located in Wyoming Michigan

off 52nd Street between The Pines Golf Course

and L E Kaufman Golf Course is officially a pending

sale.   It has been listed a week today.

1939 52nd St frt ext sm

Deck and patio

tulip magnolia

deck sm

Gezon Park sign

It is located on .85 acres of land and has 1500+

square feet of finished living area.  A large deck,

two stall garage, outdoor storage building, and fully

fenced back yard.

We always have new listings coming up and have

buyers waiting for the right home to be placed on

the market. 

 

If you would like to purchase a new home, ask about

the $8000 First Time Buyer’s Tax Credit that Uncle Sam

is handing out in 2009.  It could be available to you.

Contact me:

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

terry@terrywestbrook.com

 

Grand Rapids Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Just How Much Will that New Bathroom Cost Me??

Just How Much Will that New Bathroom Cost Me??

bu Bonnie and Terry Westbrook

It is spring and the home improvement train is chugging along.

Especially for people that are staying in their home, by choice

or economic necessity.  A home improvement project can be top on

the list of things to do.  So, how do you determine if it is a

cost that is reasonable for your budget or even a smart thing

to do?  Wouldn’t it be nice to have a ball park figure before

you call the contractor.

 

905 N Ottillia frt

 

As usual, the web is here to help you.

HGTV has a Local Cost estimator for home improvement projects

that will estimate a project in your local area.  Costs do vary by

location, so remember this is just a guess-timate.  If you want

marble tile or $500 faucets, the cost of your new bath can

escalate quickly.

Here is another site that might be helpful in your process of

home improvement decisions.  The DIY Network has a remodeling

Budget Estimator that covers frequently asked questions.  It

is always helpful to get as much information as possible to aid

in your decision making process.

Viewing these home improvements from a Realtor’s viewpoint,

some projects will make your home more attractive but will they

make it more valuable to a buyer?  Check out Realtor Magazine’s

Cost vs Value 2008 Report

to see if that new bath will add to the value of your home before

you spend your hard earned money.

 

It might be worth while to you as a family no matter what the

payback if you sell your home in the future.  It might not, too.

For example, if you know that your job will probably be

transferred in a year or two, do you really want to put $40K in

a new bathroom?  Will you get any payback for this when you

sell?

The Top Five Remodeling Project Paybacks:

1. Upscale fiber cement siding (86.7%)

2. Midrange wood deck (81.8%)

3. Midrange vinyl siding (80.7%)

4. Upscale foam-backed vinyl (80.4%)

5. Midrange minor kitchen remodel (79.5%

 

Exterior projects that improve curb appeal are leading the list.

What will your home improvement project be this summer?

 

Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Michigan

Copyright 2009     All rights reserved

Congratulations! You are Homeless!

Yes, that is exactly what I said to my newest sellers last night.  Their home

just went on the market yesterday. A buyer just waiting for this type of listing

found it within hours of putting the sign in the yard and going live on our MLS. 

They called me to get details while we were on our way to take pictures and

get measurements to enhance our listing on our web site and the Multiple

Listing Service.  Then they called their agent and he scheduled a showing

for 6 pm. 

Large Back Yard of home

 

I received another sign call to show the property last night on my way over to

my clients to present the offer the first buyer wrote.

I haven’t seen this pace of activity on a listing in quite some time here in the

Grand Rapids market.

So my new listing is pending after being on the market less than a day.

This is what can happen when homes are prepared for sale correctly and

priced correctly.

Congratulations to my now homeless sellers, time to find them a

new place to live.

 

If you would like information about Wyoming or Grand Rapids

Area Homes, please contact me through email or my web site.

 

Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Michigan

Copyright 2009     All rights reserved

Wyoming Michigan Ranch with Large Backyard Offered for Sale

This Wyoming Michigan 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home has just been listed.

A great backyard and large deck, storage building all set on .85 acre of land

off 52nd Street just north of the Medical Facilities at Burlingame and 68th St.

wyoming mi home for sale

Right across the street from Gezon Park, a great location near major

expressways and yet it seems like you are our in the country with the

mature shade  trees and large, fenced back yard. Minutes away from

Pines Golf Course and LE Kaufman Golf Course.

wyoming mi home for sale

1939 52nd St SW

MLS # 753093   Offered at $ 104,900

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Michigan

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Forest Hills Michigan ~ Real Estate Market Report ~ April 2009

Forest Hills is actually a school district in Ada Cascade MI. This market

 is always active. These 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 Feb 1, 2009  to April 28, 2009 real estate

market activity.

fhcentral-entrance.jpg

 

          Forest Hills MI Listings over $300,000

 

The absorption rate for Forest Hills MI is 17.3 months, which means if no

new listings come on the market, it will take 17.3 months to sell the existing

homes at the current rate of sale.  This rate is down from last month, sold

prices are up slightly. Inventory is ticking up, but sales are holding

fairly steady. Your Forest Hills 300K+ home has a good chance to sell if

it is in good condition and priced correctly.

 

 Active Forest Hills Listings -225

Average price – $633,519

Average price per square foot – $201.55

Low price – $300,000       High price – $2,700,000.

  Sold Forest Hills Listings – 23

 Average SOLD price – $539,372

 Average Sold price per square foot -$ 168.63

 Lowest sold price – $310,000    Highest sold price – $1,325,000

 Pending Forest Hills Listings – 16

  

  Forest Hills Listings $100,000 to $300,000

The Absorption rate for Forest Hills homes in this price range is 6.28

months, which means that if no new homes enter the market, at the

current rate of sales, it will take 6.28 months to sell all current inventory.

 

There are 197 Forest Hills Active Listings

 Average  Price   $213,567. 

 Average Active Price/SqFt is $119.82

Average Active Days on the Market – 119

High Price – $300,000  Low Active Price – $104,900.

Sold Forest Hills Listings -58

Average Sold Price – $193,873 

 Average Sold Price per square footat $96.78 

Average Sold Days on the Market is 100 Days. 

High price is $299,900       low sold price – $100,000. 

 36 Pending Sales 

Market Synopsis: Although the absorption rate is one of the lowest in

the area, for the under 300K homes, this market area is still seeing

some reduction in sold price and price per sq ft.  With more active listings

coming on the market in the spring, this will not help current inventory

sell faster or for more money.  Your home must be  priced competitively

and be in great condition to see the best offer from a Forest Hill buyer.

 

Ada Cascade Market Report March 2009

Ada Cascade Market Report December 2008

Ada Cascade Market Report October 2008

Ada Cascade Market Report Sept 2008

 

If you would like specific information about an Ada Cascade or

Forest Hills MI Homes, please contact me directly.

 

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate  ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009  All rights reserved

Photo of Forest Hills Eastern High School by Bonnie Westbrook

Lowell Michigan Absorption Report ~ April 2009

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ April 2009

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 best kept secrets in Kent County.

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

 

Lowell MI Chamber of Commerce sign

Active Listings: 153 Active Listings

Average Price: $257,040

Price per Sq Ft: $131.73 (Main Floor only)

Average days on the Market: 89

PENDING: 18 homes

SOLD: 52 Sold Homes

Average Price: $ 141,826

Average Price Per Sq Ft: $ 83.42 (Main floor only)

Average Days on the Market: 54

Expired: 43 Expired listings

Average Expired Price: $255,400

Average Price Per Sq Ft: $144.02 (Main floor only)

Average Days on the Market: 113

Absorption Rate for Lowell Listings is 17.48 months for the

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

will take 17.48 months for the current homes to sell at the current

rate of sales.

Lowell Homes that are priced competitively are selling and selling

fairly quickly compared to the greater Grand Rapids area.

As you can see by the statistics, the homes that have their price

per square foot under $80 are seeing the most activity. There are

quite 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 both average list price and average sold

price are up from last months stats.

Some sellers have retired from the market and will try again soon,

filling an already saturated market.

They might find a better buying market, but price is still king.

  Today’s buyer is looking for a well priced bargain in great condition.

 

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report March 2009

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report February 2009

 

If you would like additional information about Lowell

Area Homes, please contact me through email or my web site.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009     All rights reserved

Top Buys Waterfront Homes ~ Kent County Michigan ~ April 2009

Current market conditions have brought home prices down to levels

we haven’t seen in 10 years. All price levels and amenities have been

affected.

Now may be a great time to purchase a Waterfront Home in Kent

County, Michigan.

I have included a list of 14 homes in Kent County in the

$200,000 to $300,000 price range with private water frontage.

 

Ada MI  Grand River

 

DOM                     Address                                     Price

178              8820 66th St  SE                        209,900

  30              8181 84th St SE                         209,900

  12              8555 Je Ne Be Dr NE                  234,900

  63              7744 Thornapple Bayou Dr        235,000

217              7720 Thornapple River Dr         259,900

188              2474 Grand River Dr NE           274,900

147              3001 Thorncrest Dr   SE            249,900

221             7349 Kilmer Dr SE                      275,000

  38            5901 Coit Ave NE                         269,900

28             5956 Myer Lake Ave  NE             269,876

60             3683 Jupiter Ave NE                   275,000

95             9101 Parmeter Ave   NE             295,000

63             472 9 Mile Rd NE                         299,900

63            8870 Brower Lake Rd NE            299,900

If you are eligible for a first time buyer tax credit, buying this home could

be less than you think.  The above link will take you to an explanation

of the 2009 tax credit and some possible applications I have provided.

If a leisure lifestyle appeals to you, this may be the perfect time to make

your move.  I am always available for questions or details concerning

West Michigan real estate.

 

Top Buys Kent County Waterfront Homes March 2009

 

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Video Tour of Picturesque Rockford Michigan

Rockford Michigan is a picturesque small town north of

 Grand Rapids, Michigan.

It has a vibrant downtown shopping area with boutique stores,

restaurants, and a beautiful downtown park, Pebbles Park. 

Rockford is located right on the Rogue River.  Though it is small,

it has many attractions and large suburban housing areas

surrounding the downtown area.

We hope you enjoy our video tour of Rockford Michigan.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-2X0hqcV88&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1]
Rockford Michigan video

Rockford has a large public school system with state of the art schools.

Wolverine Worldwide is also located in Rockford on the Rogue River and

employs many people in this area. If you aren’t familiar with their name,

they make Merrell, Hush Puppy, Sebago, Track’nTrail, Hy-Test, Patagonia,

Cat, Harley Davidson, and Bates Brand Shoes and clothing.  They have an

outlet store right next to the factory and that is always a good place to

go shopping in downtown Rockford.

 

Grand Rapids Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 all rights reserved
Photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report April 2009

Current Absorption Report ~ Rockford Michigan ~ April 2009

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report March 2009

Current Absorption Rate for Rockford Michigan is 24.69 months

on average, which means if no new listings come on the market,

it will take 24.69 months to sell current inventory.  This is a

slight  increase since last month.  If you don’t need to sell

your Rockford home, don’t put it on the market.  If you have

to sell, it must be priced correctly and be in excellent condition

with the huge inventory available, buyers can be picky.

Rockford Public Library Rockford MI

 

The under $200K market is moving faster than the over $200K.

Homes Less than $200,000 Since Oct 1, 2008 sold prices are

still declining, even though 20 homes sold last month in Rockford

Public School District.

The over $200K market is starting to rise in average price and

price per square foot over the last month, though inventory is

still very high.

204 Active Rockford MI Listings under $200,000

Sold Rockford Homes: 87

Average sold price  $ 135,626

High sold price $196,330

Low sold price  $40,000

Average Sold Price/SqFt $87.67

Over $ 200,000 Rockford MI Homes

159 Active Rockford MI Listings

Sold Rockford Homes  16

Average Rockford List Price:  $ 352,855

Average Rockford Sold Price: $ 346,500

Average Sold Price/SqFt  $135.57

High Sold Price $ 515,000

Low Sold Price  $200,000

Inventories are increasing with the spring market and sales are

slowing in Rockford over the last 7 months.  The absorption

rate is extremely high at 24.69 months. It is imperative that you

have your home in great condition and priced correctly. Over-priced

homes will not sell in this buyer’s market.

If you have any questions about a Rockford or

Grand Rapids MI homes, please contact me directly:

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

 

Rockford Michigan Absorption Report ~ Feb 2009

Rockford Michigan Absorption Report ~ January 2009

Rockford Michigan Top Best Home Buys ~ April 2009

 

Grand Rapids -Ada Real EstateWestbrook Realty

Copyright 2009  All rights reserved

Photo of Rockford Public Library – Downtown Rockford by Bonnie Westbrook

Video tour of Caledonia Michigan

Caledonia Michigan is a quiet little suburb about 25 miles from Grand Rapids

downtown, and about 6 miles from the international Gerald R Ford Airport.

Originally a farming community, this growing Grand Rapids suburban area

has a wonderful newer school system, a low crime rate, and low air pollution

index.

If you are considering  relocating to the Grand Rapids or West Michigan Area,

Caledonia is a viable option to consider seriously.

We have put together a short video of photos of the Caledonia area.

 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T2JjWbIbuM&hl=en&fs=1]

 

Please contact me directly if I can answer any questions about Caledonia

Michigan homes.   1-888-240-1988 ext 0

email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

 

Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved