We Do Not Want to List Your Over Priced Home

We Do Not Want to List Your Over Priced Home

Some sellers don’t understand the current real estate market.

They have fuzzy visions of listing their home: flocks of eager buyers will

ascend to their level of home ownership and buy an overpriced house. 

They believe in the words of comic Judy Tenuta, “ It can happen! “

 

I hate to have to break the news to many optimistic sellers BUT

it ain’t gonna happen!  Buyers with adequate funds have researched

their area market. They are probably working with a seasoned agent

who has helped to educate them about the local market.  If you are

overpriced by any amount, buyers just don’t look at your home seriously.

 

We recently made a listing presentation to a seller that had his home

for sale for over a year by another agent.  An overpriced year, overpriced

by about 1/3 of current value, so not even close.  Results: the seller  had

1 showing  in a year.

 

We had a heart-to-financial-heart talk and we gave him the facts. 

Even if he found someone dumb enough to pay what he was asking, it

would not close because the home would not appraise for even close to

his price.  He argued that someone with cash could buy it.  In our experience,

people with that kind of cash are not careless with their money. 

 

We encouraged this seller to get an appraisal so he could make a

decision about selling for market price.  This information came as a shock.

Sadly, the reality of a home’s worth today is a shock in many cases. 

The seller wanted to know why his former agent hadn’t explained this to him.

Yes, we were curious, too.

 

We do not want to list your over priced house.  We read industry experts

and they predict further price erosions later this year.  Whether this

happens or not, sellers should get an independent appraisal if there is any

question about their home’s value. 

________________________________________________________________________________

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.  We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Foto Friday   Michigan Capital Rotunda ar125812218972939 Foto Friday   Michigan Capital Rotunda ar125812225271331 Foto Friday   Michigan Capital Rotunda

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

           Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday – Michigan Capital Rotunda

Foto Friday – Michigan Capital Rotunda

Inside Michigan Capitol Rotunda

The Capital Building in Lansing Michigan was restored to it’s

original 1879 Neoclassical splendor in 1992.  The classic Italianate style,

a sub-style of Neoclassical, is ornate with carvings, custom chandeliers,

painted borders, and gold leaf details.  If you haven’t made a pilgrimage

to see our state Capital building, we hope this photo of the 133 year old

rotunda will wet your appetite. 

 

Be sure to let your local representative know you are coming, they

typically announce visitors on the floor, if the legislature is in session.

______________________________________________________________________________

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.  We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Foto Friday – Grand Haven Michigan Sunset ar125812218972939 Foto Friday – Grand Haven Michigan Sunset ar125812225271331 Foto Friday – Grand Haven Michigan Sunset

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday – Grand Haven Michigan Sunset

Foto Friday – Grand Haven Michigan Sunset

 

Grand Haven Michigan Sunset

Painting the sky with a fiery brush, the sun sets over Lake Michigan

at the Grand Haven pier.  On a beautiful summer evening last September,

we watched the sun slowly disappear over the horizon.  One of nature’s

most pleasing spectacles that we never tire of viewing.

If you would like to have this view from your front porch*, give us a call.

*Anywhere in West Michigan, the big lake is usually less than 1 hour away.

SEARCH FOR Grand Haven WATERFRONT HOMES

______________________________________________________________________________

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.  We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Snapshot  January 2011 Compared to January 2012 ar125812218972939 Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Snapshot  January 2011 Compared to January 2012 ar125812225271331 Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Snapshot  January 2011 Compared to January 2012

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Snapshot -January 2011 Compared to January 2012

Grand Rapids Real Estate  Market Snapshot – Jan 2011 Compared to January 2012

The latest figures for January 2012 real estate activity in Grand Rapids

are out from the Grand Rapids Real Estate Board.  These statistics compare

January real estate activity last year with January activity for 2012. 

We have good economic news overall:

 

  • Listing inventory down 5.4%
  • Pending Sales up 10.6%
  • Residential sales up 14.9%
  • Home Inventory = 5.2 months

Not only are residential home sales up almost 15%, but the sales volume

is also up in almost every category. 

    Could the spring market be arriving early?

Spring Primrose

 

SEARCH GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

______________________________________________________________________________

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.  We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan–Dec 2011 ar125812218972939 Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan–Dec 2011 ar125812225271331 Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan–Dec 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foreclosures Costly for Neighborhoods & Communities

Foreclosures Costly for Neighborhoods & Communities

You might think that a foreclosure or short sale of a home in your

neighborhood doesn’t affect you.  It is a shame for those people but what

does it have to do with you?  Plenty, it turns out, if you plan on moving

in the next few years.  According to the U.S. government’s website about

the National Mortgage Settlement with major banks, it can affect your

bottom line tremendously.

hud house notice

When a house is subject to foreclosure, it creates a ripple effect

that lowers the value of nearby single-family homes and other properties.

  In 2009 the Center for Responsible Lending projected that homeowners

living near foreclosed properties, on average, would lose $7,200 in property

value, and projected a four-year increase in losses to $20,300 per household.

 

No one who owns a home is safe from this reversal of real estate values.

We have seen this play out in wealthy suburbia and lower priced homes, where

it hits financially vulnerable households.  Homes that were selling for $100,000

a  few years ago are now priced at $80,000 – $60,000, or considerably less. 

We have heard that investors are being offered homes grouped in tens in some

areas, that  are  priced below $10,000 each.  The effect on neighborhoods is

sobering.  In fact, it traps homeowners in homes that they can’t sell.  Their only

options are short sales or foreclosure to get out from under their mortgage on

a home that isn’t worth what they are paying for it.

 

Because we have been watching this train wreck in our local neighborhoods

for awhile now, we are optimistically awaiting the outcome of the National Mortgage

Settlement. ( see link above)  This could bring financial relief to millions of homeowners

by lowering their monthly payments.  Many Michigan households that teeter on

the edge of a financial precipice are waiting for relief……….Will they get it?

________________________________________________________________________________

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.  We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan–Dec 2011 ar125812218972939 Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan–Dec 2011 ar125812225271331 Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan–Dec 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan–Dec 2011

Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan–Dec 2011

Quick Snapshot of Crystal Springs Real Estate Activity

Jan 1 through Dec 31, 2011

SMDeck thumb Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan June 2011

9 Active Listings  Ranging from $ 167,000 to $ 449,000

1 Pending Sales

13 Sold Properties

Average sold price = $ 235,415

 

Absorption Rate for Crystal Springs = 8.33 months

Home inventory is still high for this area.  Homes are selling

but they must be in great condition if you expect buyers to

pay top dollar.

 

StoneWater Country Club is now part of Watermark properties,

so if you belong to StoneWater, you may also play Watermark

Country Club and Sunnybrook Country Club….a great trio of local

courses to challenge your game.

 

SEARCH FOR Kentwood Homes

Search Foreclosed & Short Sale Kentwood Homes

StoneWater Country Club

Michigan Golf Photos

Kentwood  Michigan Real Estate Articles

____________________________________________

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.  We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan June 2011 ar125812218972939 Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan June 2011 ar125812225271331 Kentwood Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Crystal Springs Jan June 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Tamarron Estates Jan–Dec 2011

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Tamarron Estates Jan–Dec 2011

Quick Snapshot of Tamarron Estates Real Estate Activity

Jan 1 through Dec 31, 2011

ThornappleElementarySchool thumb Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Tamarron Jan – June 2011

Active Listings – 4

Pending Sales – 1

Sold Properties – 8

Average Sold Price – $ 321,613  High= $455,500  Low= $229,900

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles

________________________________________________________________________________

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.  We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Tamarron Jan – June 2011 ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Tamarron Jan – June 2011 ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Tamarron Jan – June 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Hidden Hills Jan – Dec 2011

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Hidden Hills Jan – Dec 2011

Quick Snapshot of Hidden Hills Real Estate Activity

Jan 1 through December 31, 2011

Gardens2 thumb Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Hidden Hills Jan – June 2011

Active Listings – 14

Pending Sales – 2

Sold Properties – 19

Average Sold Price – $ 205,636   High= $395,000  Low= $92,380

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles

_________________________________________________________________________________

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.  We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Hidden Hills Jan – June 2011 ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Hidden Hills Jan – June 2011 ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Hidden Hills Jan – June 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Ada Township Park Offers Make a Birdfeeder Program Feb 11 2012

Ada Township Park Offers Make a Birdfeeder Program Feb 11 2012

Ada Township Parks and Recreation has a great class for families

and individuals to invite nature into their own backyard.  They will be

offering a “Make A Birdfeeder” on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 at 10:00am.

Birds are stressed in the winter trying to find food, especially

under snowfall.  Even with the open winter we have had this year,

birds struggle to maintain their daily intake.  Offering food in a back

yard birdfeeder helps the birds get the necessary nutrients they need

to stay healthy all year.

The Birdfeeder Program will help identify local winter birds, help

attract them to your backyard, and help you  build a wooden birdfeeder

to take home and install.  All materials and supplies will be included.

Participants will also learn how to be a part of the Great Backyard Bird

Count held Feb 17-20 throughout the United States.  This event tallies

more than 10 million observations from Citizen Scientists in the U.S.

and provides locations of over 600 bird species.

 

Pre-registration is requested – Call Ada Township Parks office at

616-676-0520 or email mfitspatrick@adatownshipmi.com by Thurs,

Feb 9th.  Cost is $10 per bird feeder, payable at the event.

Bird photo from Flickr

_____________________________________________________________________________

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. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan–Dec 2011 ar125812218972939 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan–Dec 2011 ar125812225271331 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan–Dec 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan–Dec 2011

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2011

 

TGChartImage (5)

Caledonia real estate has the an inventory problem, just like

most of the area.  Too many homes for sale and too few buyers.

TGChartImage (6)

 

Months of inventory peaked at almost a 2 year supply at the beginning of

2011 and fell in the spring and summer months, then started climbing

again as fall progressed into winter.  Though high inventory is way below

last winter’s highs.

 

TGChartImage (7)

Average sale price is still depressed in Caledonia as elsewhere, as

evidenced by the distance between average list price and average sale

price in the chart above.

 

The huge unknown for any real estate market this year, is when

and how the foreclosures and bank owned homes will re-enter

the marketplace.  If they are dribbled back onto the market,

prices may hold steady.  If these homes are dumped back on

the market, en mass, this will lead to further price erosion

for all homes. 

 

SEARCH CALEDONIA MI HOMES

 

SEARCH BANK OWNED SHORT SALE CALEDONIA HOMES

 

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  2012 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. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – June 2011 ar125812218972939 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – June 2011 ar125812225271331 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – June 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM