New Rockford Listing ~ Sneak Preview

Posted on March 8, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

A sneak peek at a new listing coming soon. This is a custom built 1 1/2 story

home with numerous special features included. For the storage junkies, there

are 4 garage stalls, 3 stall attached to the house & a separate storage building

[think boat, skidoo, trailer]. A bonus room over the garage could be used for

the Friday night poker game, a gameroom for teens, or an art studio.

Spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths, quality built home with fireplace in the great

room, soaring ceilings, and custom “cabin” details set this home apart.

Located close to Northland Drive, the Rogue River and Blythefield Country

Club, this unique home could be “the one!”

Rockford home for sale soon4th garage stall & storage building

4th garage stall & storage building

Rogue River

Blythefield Country Club Sign

Please contact me if you would like a private showing of this home.

Call 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

photos by bonnie westbrook

Ada Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ Feb 2009 ~ Catamount Neighborhood

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Catamount properties are in the rolling hills adjacent to the

Grand River in the northern section of Ada Township in a gated

community with privacy and wooded acreage. Executive style

homes with lots of room for entertaining and all the custom extras

that make a home luxurious are the norm here. If you are

searching for a prestigious address, this could be what you are

looking for, as it is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the

Grand Rapids area. As a bonus, this cute little guy will be one

of your new neighbors.

Catamount Market Report February 2009

6 For Sale, 4 Sold, 5 Expired, 1 Pending

Catamount Active Listings: 6

Catamount average active price – $799,296

Catamount average active price /SqFt – $ 221.41

Catamount average days on market – 222

Catamount SOLD Listings: 4

Catamount average sold price – $ 676,250

Catamount average sold price/SqFt – $ 224.03

Catamount average sold days on market – 71

The Absorption Rate for Ada Moorings Homes is 21 months, which means if

no new listings come on the market it will take 21 months for the existing

homes to sell at the current rate of sales. The average sold price dropped

in 2008 and into the 2009. The average list price is $125,000 over current

selling price. Only 4 homes sold in the last 14 months, which means buyers

are scarce in this segment of the market.

If you would like further information about the value of your Ada or

Grand Rapids Home, please contact me directly at:

1-888-240-1988 ext 0.

If you would like these monthly reports emailed to you,

please send your email address and in which report you are interested

in receiving.

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

photo of the Grand River in Ada by Bonnie Westbrook

Ada Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ Ada Moorings Neighborhood

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Ada Moorings is located off Grand River Drive, just east of Ada and

close to Ada Township Park. A recent development by Eastbrook

Builders, these homes are in Forest Hills Public School

District. Close to the village of Ada and not far from the village of

Cascade,this subdivision is near 28th Street shopping, the Thornapple

and the Grand Rivers.

Grand River Ada Michigan

Ada Moorings Market Report February 2009

3 For Sale, 9 Sold, 4 Expired

Ada Moorings Active Listings: 3

Ada Moorings average active price – $225,967

Ada Moorings average active price /SqFt – $ 121.78

Ada Moorings average days on market – 162

Ada Moorings SOLD Listings: 9

Ada Moorings average sold price – $ 243,211

Ada Moorings average sold price/SqFt – $ 125.24

Ada Moorings average sold days on market – 91

The Absorption Rate for Ada Moorings Homes is 3.3 months, which means if

no new listings come on the market it will take 3.3 months for the existing

homes to sell at the current rate of sales. The average list price has dropped

$20,000 in the last quarter of 2008 and into the 2009, which means sellers

are closer to the actual market price. The average sale price has stayed the

same. The market is good in Ada Moorings, 3.3 months is a great absorption

rate for the Grand Rapids Area.

Ada Moorings Market Report Dec 2008

Ada Moorings Market Report Oct 2008

Ada Moorings Market Report Sept 2008

Ada Moorings Market Report Aug 2008

Ada Moorings Market Report July 2008

Ada Moorings Market Report June 2008

If you would like further information about the value of your Ada or

Grand Rapids Home, please contact me directly at:

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

If you would like these monthly reports emailed to you,

please send your email address and in which report you are interested

in receiving.

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

photo of the Ada Park Entrance in Ada by Bonnie Westbrook

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ February 2009

Posted on February 27, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

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 Michigan Absorption Report Feb 2009

lowell showboat lowell michigan

Active Listings: 142 Active Listings

Average Price: $258,078

Price per Sq Ft: $126.27 (Main Floor only)

Average days on the Market: 88

PENDING: 18 homes

SOLD: 44 Sold Homes

Average Price: $ 132,038

Average Price Per Sq Ft: $ 76.59 (Main floor only)

Average Days on the Market: 47

Expired: 29 Expired listings

Average Expired Price: $222,459

Average Price Per Sq Ft: $140.29 (Main floor only)

Average Days on the Market: 94

Absorption Rate for Lowell Listings is 16.13 months for the

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

will take 16.13 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 $100 are seeing the most activity, although some

sales up to $ 145 a square foot are also moving. 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 should be.

Some sellers have retired from the market and will try again in

the spring. They might find a better buying market, but prices are

still on the downward trend. With lower interest rates, this may

spur the local economy and put more buyers into the game.

If you would like additional information about Lowell

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

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Top Best Home Buys in Grand Rapids Township MI ~ Feb 2009

Posted on February 23, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

We have gathered a list of the top Grand Rapids Township Houses

to buy based on price per square foot. Most of these

Grand Rapids Township Homes are Forest Hills Schools.

**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.

Caledonia MI homes for sale

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot.

Grand Rapids Township:

Lowest price per Sq Ft $54.68

Highest price per Sq Ft $100.32

February 2009 BEST BUY GR Township Homes

Highest list price is $ 414,900

Lowest list price is $ 59,900

The Top GR Township Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

3601 Lake Dr $134,900 1750 SqFt $ 91.58/SqFt

333 Park Ridge Ln $ 139,500 1600 SqFt $ 87.19/SqFt

4198 Knapp Ct $ 74,900 1200 SqFt $ 74.90/SqFt

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

1043 Waltham Ave $ 96,000 1069 SqFt $ 89.80/SqFt

3299 Park Ridge Ln $142,900 1600 SqFt $ 89.31/SqFt

4324 Heather Ln $269,000 2704 SqFt $ 99.48/SqFt

3310 Dean Lake Ave $ 59,900 1039 Sq Ft $ 65.04/SqFt

3675 Willow Spgs $414,900 4832 Sq Ft $ 85.87/SqFt

2755 Pinesboro $179,900 1907 Sq Ft $ 94.34/SqFt

2650 Bridge Place Dr $180,000 2073 Sq Ft $ 86.83/SqFt

3235 Midland Dr SE $159,900 2085 Sq Ft $ 100.32/SqFt

1874 Leffingwell Ave $119,900 1650 Sq Ft $ 80.47/SqFt

2342 Carrington Dr $227,000 3000 Sq Ft $ 98.65/Sq Ft

1796 Grand Ridge Ct $154,900 2200 Sq Ft $ 96.81/SqFt

1789 Grand Ct $134,900 1600 Sq Ft $ 84.31/SqFt

3360 Nottingham Dr $154,900 1608 SqFt $ 96.33/SqFt

3047 Cascade Rd $59,900 1726 SqFt $ 92.64/SqFt

2056 Galahad St $129,900 1500 SqFt $ 86.60/SqFt

4271 Woodside Oaks $236,537 3453 SqFt $ 68.50/SqFt

242 Ivanhoe Ave $129,900 1368 SqFt $ 94.96/SqFt

33 Robinhood Dr $129,900 1628 SqFt $ 79.79/SqFt

1787 Park Trl #30 $129,900 1600 SqFt $ 81.19/SqFt

1762 Park Trl $149,900 1838 SqFt $ 93.69/SqFt

2755 Bridge Place Dr $200,000 2140 SqFt $ 93.46/SqFt

*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 a list of top best buys in your area, please

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Feb 2009 Absorption Report

Posted on February 23, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Current Caledonia MI Real Estate Market Report

Absorption rate for Caledonia MI Market is currently 10 months,

which means if no other homes come on the market, it will take

10 months for the current inventory to sell at the current

sales rate. This is up slightly from last month.

There are 136 current active listings, from $54,900 to $1,100,000 in

Caledonia MI.

17 Pending Home Sales, and 64 Sold Homes since Sept 1, 2008.

The current average Caledonia home listed price is much higher

[about $323,207] than the average sold price [$180,310].

This shows me that the upper end of the Caledonia market is slow

to sell and the lower end (under $200K) is selling. Sold price per

square foot continues to slide downward. There are some excellent

buys in Caledonia, don’t wait until they are gone.

Caledonia December 2008 Absorption Report

If you have any questions about Caledonia or Grand Rapids MI

homes,please contact me directly through my web site.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

Photo of Thornapple River at Ruehs Park by Bonnie Westbrook

Forest Hills MI ~ Watermark Residences Absorption Report Feb 2009

Posted on February 19, 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 a friendly group of players. We have an excellent grounds staff and a great pro shop staff.

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

February 2009 Real Estate Market Report

For Sale: 7

There are 7 active Watermark Homes currently on the market.

The average Watermark Homes current active price is $ 809,743.

The average Watermark Homes current price per sq ft is $ 240.39.

The average days on the market for active Watermark Homes is 125.

The high price is $ 2,700,000 and the low price is $ 179,800.

Sold: 7

There have been 7 Watermark Sold Homes since May 1, 2008.

The average Watermark Sold Homes price is $ 491,714.

The average Watermark Sold Homes price per sq ft is $193.81.

The average days on the market for Watermark Sold Homes is 71.

Pending: 0

Expired: 18

At the current rate of sales, we have a 9.35 month supply of homes on

the market at the Watermark Residences.

If you would like further information about Watermark,

Cascade or Forest Hills Homes, please contact me directly.

Watermark Residences December 2008 Market Report

Watermark Residences November 2007 Market Report

Watermark Residences October 2008 Market Report

Watermark Residences September 2008 Market Report

Watermark Residences August 2008 Market Report

Watermark Country Club ~ Pool Time

Grand Rapids – Ada Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

photo of Watermark Residences Entrance by Bonnie Westbrook

Kent County Waterfront Homes ~ Time to adopt the Leisure Lifestyle

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Current market conditions have brought home prices down to levels we

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

affected.

Now may be a great time to think of owning a Waterfront Home.

I have included a list of over 30 homes in Kent County Michigan in the

$200,000 to $300,000 price range, in the above link.

Water front ranch for sale kent county mi

This river front home is listed for $219,900 and is nearly new, being built in 2008.

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.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

Definition of Excess = 4.5 Million Teardown

Posted on February 11, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

People are fascinated by the wealthy and their myriad ways

of spending their money. The press and the media make a

field day of providing this fodder for us to consider. This recent

Grand Rapids Press Article on the demolition of

Lake Macatawa Home of Richard DeVos of Amway is a

typical example of this phenomenon.

This article piqued our interest because of the impression

it gives of the DeVos family and their concerns.

This has to be one of the most expensive tear-downs in our area

—-ever.

The very wealthy have either forgotten or never cared

about the example they are showing the rest of us. In the

present climate of nearly 10% unemployment in Michigan,

this article shows how out of touch the wealthy really are.

We go on appointments every week and speak with people

who are losing their homes because of unemployment,

lowered values, and the poor buyers market.

I wonder if Mr. DeVos talks with people who are in these

situations every day?

Our business is on the forefront of the economic turmoil

this country is facing. The choice of this type of development

in the face of our current situation is puzzling to us.

How would you spend 5-6 million, if you had it?

Would you buy a huge home, a luxury car or boat, take an

expensive vacation??

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate

Sneak Peak at Villas of Cascade Condos Cascade MI

Posted on August 6, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

Sneak Peak at Villas of Cascade Condos Cascade MI

by Bonnie and Terry Westbrook

We went on a fact finding mission the other day to investigate the new sign

we had been driving by on Cascade Road, just south of Burton Street in

Cascade, Michigan. The sign was advertising The Villas of Cascade Condos.

Villas of Cascade Condos

The new condo development was originally a group of 4 three story buildings

with rental units. As the units empty, the current developer will tear each unit

down to the studs and redo each to be a 2 bedroom condo unit.

The potential buyer has the option to pick colors, flooring, and other options.

We took photos on our tour and spoke with the Project Manager, Duke Gray,

who was hosting an open house. They have done a very nice job of rehabbing

the model condo unit, as you can see by the pictures that are shown below.

Living Room

Kitchen

Dining Area

Master Bedroom

Office-Bedroom

Each unit includes all appliances, including a LG all-in-one Washer & Dryer,

new furnace & air conditioning, standard window treatments, and covered parking.

LG Washer-Dryer combo

The grounds and the driveway will be redone by September 2008

for the Grand Opening. Mezzanine and Terrace Level

will include new 8 x 12 decks.

New Deck

Prices are very reasonable for the Cascade area:

Garden Level – $ 109,900 (Below Grade)

Mezzanine Level – $ 119,900 (Ground Level)

Terrace Level – $129,900 (Upper Level)

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

If you have any questions about Cascade Michigan Homes,

please contact me directly @ TerryWestbrook.com or 616-292-7263

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Category Archives: West Michigan Real Estate

New Rockford Listing ~ Sneak Preview

Ada Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ Feb 2009 ~ Catamount Neighborhood

Ada Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ Ada Moorings Neighborhood

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ February 2009

Lowell Michigan Absorption Report Feb 2009

Top Best Home Buys in Grand Rapids Township MI ~ Feb 2009

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Feb 2009 Absorption Report

Forest Hills MI ~ Watermark Residences Absorption Report Feb 2009

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 a friendly group of players. We have an excellent grounds staff and a great pro shop staff.

Kent County Waterfront Homes ~ Time to adopt the Leisure Lifestyle

Definition of Excess = 4.5 Million Teardown

Sneak Peak at Villas of Cascade Condos Cascade MI

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES