Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2011

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2011

Forest Hills is actually a school district in Ada/Cascade real

estate market that is always active. These 2 Grand Rapids suburban

communities have wonderful neighborhoods, some older, some new

with Top Ranked Forest Hills Public Schools and private schooling,

such as Ada Christian that attract many home owners.

This report covers the third quarter 2011 Forest Hills real

estate market activity.

Forest Hills July – Sept 2011 Real Estate Market Report:

Active Listings – 400

Average Sold Price: $283,932

Pending – 63

Sold – 169

% Sale Price to List Price – 94.1%

Absorption Rate: 5.17 Months

Please bear in mind that this report is all about averages.

While it might take one home 330 days to sell, another may sell in

under a week. Condition, location, amenities, and price play a

large role in a fast sale. Even though there are many multi-million

dollar homes in this district, the majority of homes are under

$400K with the average sold price under $300K.

The Absorption Rate is increasing with fall approaching, 5.1

months means that it will take 5.1 months for the current inventory

of homes to sell, if selling at the current rate. This is considered a

normal market. Real estate is selling in the Forest Hills district,

despite what you hear on the nightly news.

Additional Forest Hills Articles:

SEARCH FOREST HILLS HOMES

SEARCH Forest Hills Bank Owned – Short Sale Homes

Forest Hills Real Estate Market Reports

Forest Hills District Ranks Top in State

Forest Hills District Posts MEAP Scores

If you would like specific information about an Ada, Cascade or

Forest Hills MI Home, please contact me directly.

Photo of Forest Hills Northern Trails School Banner by Bonnie Westbrook

_____________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Flipping or Renting? Which Option is Best?

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Flipping or Renting? Which Option is Best?

Many investors, big and small, are reconsidering flipping houses

in this slow-as-molasses housing market we are in. Renting an invest-

ment home is becoming a much more viable option in many markets,

including Grand Rapids Michigan.

This article discusses the new trend to rent an investment house

to get a fast dollar return. Single Family Rental homes are in high

demand in most market areas but check with your local realtor

before splashing into this pool.

Renting single family homes is very often the only choice for sellers

that find themselves unable to sell their home for the amount they

have invested. This option can be a great alternative to selling;

as long as you have all your bases covered:

Renters may pay or not – Do you have contingency funds?
Do you have an eviction plan? This can happen to anyone – be prepared.
Renters may damage your property –Plan on additional funds.
Video home before moving in with tenants – condition is verified.
Houses need Maintenance – plan on time/money for repairs.
Consider a property manager if you don’t want to deal with tenants.
Home insurance canceled and/or increased – vacant homes are at risk.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

A list of the TOP Best Buy Kentwood Michigan Houses to buy,

based on $85-$90/ per square foot. Price per square foot is a

great leveler, if two similar homes are listed at similar prices, their

price per square foot and amenities should be similar.

The price should reflect the interior finish of the home. For example,

if the home has newer flooring, new mechanicals & a decent kitchen,

this would be more per square foot than a home that still has pre-1970’s

fixtures, decor and/or is in poor condition.

Top Kentwood MI Homes to Buy $85-$90 per Square Foot:

187 68th St Se $69,750 816 Sq Ft

5059 Pillar Creek $75,860 848 Sq Ft

5261 Blaine SE $99,900 1150 Sq Ft

487 Brownell Dr $105,000 1176 Sq Ft

6912 Madison Ave $109,900 1224 Sq Ft

3276 Tallman Ave $109,900 1232 Sq Ft

4857 Marshall Ave $117,900 1360 Sq Ft

4622 Blaine SE $117,900 1372 Sq Ft

934 Sluyter $119,900 1400 Sq Ft

5600 E DeBlaay Ct $123,900 1430 Sq Ft

5069 Alyssum Dr $131,900 1487 Sq Ft

5940 Wind Brook Ct $139,900 1575 Sq Ft

4606 Brookmeadow Ct $149,900 1689 Sq Ft

1546 Maple Hollow St $150,000 1736 Sq Ft

2054 Willmont Dr $155,000 1804 Sq Ft

5616 E Grove Dr $154,900 1812 Sq Ft

1939 Hollow Creek Dr $157,000 1795 Sq Ft

2161 Stowevalley Dr $174,900 2056 Sq Ft

1931 Hollow Creek Dr $179,900 2000 Sq Ft

2027 Glen Canyon Dr $204,900 2375 Sq Ft

40 Pending homes, 50 Sold Homes in Kentwood last month.

Average sold price = $ 123,808

Average original price = $138,055

Kentwood has been hit hard by the real estate downturn,

propelled by foreclosures and short sales. Short Sales are

extremely difficult for most home buyers to consider as a

purchase due to timing. Please keep in mind the time alone

[2-9 months] of negotiating with the banks makes it difficult

for some buyers to consider. Foreclosures are “somewhat” easier

to purchase but many are sold as-is; so, funds for home repairs

and improvements are crucial to making this transaction viable

for buyers.

SEARCH FOR KENTWOOD HOMES

SEARCH KENTWOOD MI Short Sale & Foreclosure Homes

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

This list of Top Best Buy Caledonia Michigan Houses for Sale

based on price per square foot between $45-$100/SqFt. Price per

square foot is a great leveler. If two similar homes are listed at

similar prices, their price per square foot should be similar. The

price should reflect the interior finish of the home. For example,

if the home has a newer kitchen, wood floors, & remodeled

bathrooms, this would be more per square foot than a home

that still has 1970’s decor and/or is in worn or “tired” condition.

Sept 2011 TOP BEST BUY Caledonia MI Homes

The Top 21 Caledonia Homes to Buy by Price/Square Foot:

8802 66th St SE $ 49,900 722 Sq Ft $69.11/SqFt

6800 Kegel Ave SE $55,900 1069 Sq Ft $52.29/SqFt

8601 Acorn St $74,900 998 Sq Ft $75.05/SqFt

7050 84th St $105,000 1400 Sq Ft $75.00/SqFt

8560 Keiser SE $119,900 1324 Sq Ft $90.56/SqFt

8956 Braden $124,900 1619 Sq Ft $77.15/SqFt

8460 Alaska Ave $129,900 1328 Sq Ft $97.82/SqFt

7384 68th St $135,000 1750 Sq Ft $78.95/SqFt

429 Emmons St $139,900 2372 Sq Ft $58.98/SqFt

327 Johnson St $149,900 3000 Sq Ft $49.97/SqFt

6575 Hayfield Rd $157,900 2680 Sq Ft $58.92/SqFt

9114 Glengarry Ct $159,000 2048 Sq Ft $77.64/SqFt

8543 Grainery Ave $169,900 1722 Sq Ft $98.66/SqFt

7586 E Morgan Ln $173,400 2070 Sq Ft $83.77/SqFt

7473 McCords Ave $174,900 2010 Sq Ft $87.01/SqFt

6126 S Costner Ct $199,900 2085 Sq Ft $95.88/SqFt

8519 Haystack Rd $199,900 2212 Sq Ft $90.37/SqFt

7935 Creekwood Ct $219,900 2240 Sq Ft $98.17/SqFt

7070 Thornapple River $229,000 2636 Sq Ft $86.87/SqFt

7434 E Morgan Ln Ct $235,000 2364 Sq Ft $99.41/SqFt

6162 S Costner Ct $235,000 2390 Sq Ft $98.33/SqFt

8300 Kraft Ave SE $295,000 4200 Sq Ft $70.24/SqFt

Caledonia real estate is selling fairly quickly if priced correctly.

Only 6 of the sold & pending homes this month have been listed

for 100+ days. Price is still a huge factor, the average sale price

is up to $182,707 but the real telling factor is percent of sale

price to list price – only 2 homes were under 90%.

Distressed homes are still about 30% of the sold market here

in Caledonia. Mid priced homes in good condition are selling almost

as fast as they hit the market.

SEARCH CALEDONIA MI HOMES

Search Bank Owned & Short Sale Caledonia Homes

More Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Articles

Home Buying Questions Answered

Home Buying List a Must

***Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

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

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 to see a Caledonia Home, please

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

or email me at terry@terrywestbrook.com

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

East Grand Rapids Library Family Sundays Program Oct 2 2011

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

East Grand Rapids Library Family Sundays Program Oct 2 2011

The East GR Public Library has a paper airplane event this coming weekend.

The drop-in family program will be held from 2-4pm on Sunday Oct 2nd.

The library is located at 647 Lakeside Drive in East Grand Rapids.

Participants will join in an afternoon of paper airplane mischief, building,

decorating, and flying their own airplane creations.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

East Grand Rapids Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

Our list of the Top Best Buy East Grand Rapids Houses

to buy is based on price/square foot. If two similar homes are

listed at similar prices, their price per square foot should be similar

and it should reflect the interior finish of the home. East GR has

homes listed at almost $500/Sq Ft and under $100/Sq Ft, so the

range in this community is wide.

If a home has new kitchen, wood flooring, and new bath updates,

this would be more valuable per square foot than a home that still has

the 1980’s cabinets, dated bathrooms and worn carpeting.

Please note that this list can change daily as some homes sell, prices

are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

September 2011 – TOP BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes

2246 Estelle $79,900 1070 Sq Ft $74.67/SqFt

1600 Wealthy St SE $114,900 1248 Sq Ft $92.07/SqFt

2543 Richards Dr $119,900 1400 Sq Ft $85.64/SqFt

2253 Estelle Dr $123,900 1068 Sq Ft $116.01/SqFt

2221 Burchard St $129,900 1104 Sq Ft $117.66/SqFt

2145 Hall St $132,500 1198 Sq Ft $110.60/SqFt

1112 Eastwood $134,000 1275 Sq Ft $105.10/SqFt

1438 Eastlawn $139,900 1290 Sq Ft $108.45/SqFt

2151 Tenway $141,900 1396 Sq Ft $101.65/SqFt

1647 Franklin St $149,900 1400 Sq Ft $107.07/SqFt

3009 Lake Dr $154,900 1600 Sq Ft $110.96/SqFt

619 Gladstone Dr $159,000 1348 Sq Ft $117.95/SqFt

2243 Heather St $159,900 1416 Sq FT $99.94/SqFt

2050 Tenway $159,900 1520 Sq Ft $112.92/SqFt

2405 Oakwood Dr $165,000 1786 Sq Ft $92.39/SqFt

1245 Woodshire $175,750 2248 Sq Ft $78.18/SqFt

2135 Lake Dr SE $ 182,500 1882 Sq Ft $96.97/SqFt

2540 Albert Dr $189,900 1598 Sq Ft $118.84/SqFt

560 Laurel Ave SE $209,900 2321 Sq Ft $90.44/SqFt

1753 Breton Ave $210,000 2740 Sq Ft $76.64/SqFt

938 Maxwell Ave $212,000 1844 Sq Ft $114.97/SqFt

1059 Eastwood Ave $249,500 2124 Sq Ft $117.47/SqFt

2254 Brighton Dr $259,900 2250 Sq Ft $115.51/SqFt

1447 Woodcliff Ave $274,900 2861 Sq Ft $96.09/SqFt

3131 Lake Dr $300,000 3300 Sq Ft $90.91/SqFt

955 Gladstone Dr SE $399,000 3414 Sq Ft $116.87/SqFt

2649 Boston St SE $425,000 3666 Sq Ft $115.93/SqFt

12 Pending, 14 Sold in the last month in EGR

Average Sale List Price $ 232,071

Home sales have started to slow with increased inventory and

fewer buyers this last month. Distressed properties are still coming

on the market but much scarcer than other areas around GR. The

150K – 300K is still a strong market in East Grand Rapids housing.

SEARCH EAST GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

Bank Owned & Short Sale EGR Homes Search

Related Posts:

Which Mortgage Do I Choose?

East GR Real Estate Market Articles

Home Buyer Questions & Answers

East Grand Rapids – America’s Hometown

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present

condition. Sold-As-Is*

If you would like to view an East Grand Rapids Home,

please contact us @1-888-240-1968 x 0 or email us :

terry@terrywestbrook.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Mini ArtPrize 2011 Photo Tour

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Mini ArtPrize 2011 Photo Tour

Just a small taste of the art work displayed in Grand Rapids

this fall at ArtPrize 2011. We have less than a hundred

photos of the 1500 art pieces scattered all over Grand Rapids

until Oct 9th. Come on out and experience Grand Rapids coolness

first hand!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

Top Best Buy Forest Hills Homes (Ada-Cascade) for Sale,

based on price per square foot. Price per square foot is a great

leveler, if two homes are compared by square foot pricing, you

get a much better picture of whether the home is overpriced

compared to similarly sized and priced homes.

These homes might need major repair work done, such

as new kitchens and baths, roofs, new plumbing, electrical &

other major mechanicals. They may have dated decor, an

odd floor plan, or additions/add-ons that are not what most

people are looking for.

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

410 Pettis Ave SE $ 52,800 1012 Sq Ft $ 52.17/SqFt

111 Greenbriar Dr $82,300 1610 Sq Ft $51.12/SqFt

4485 Whitneyville $82,900 1312 Sq Ft $63.19/SqFt

4447 Burton St SE $99,900 1290 Sq Ft $77.44/SqFt

4191 Bradford St $114,900 1816 Sq Ft $63.27/SqFt

6966 Adaridge Dr $122,900 1385 Sq Ft $88.74/SqFt

1938 Garrett NE $124,900 1416 Sq Ft $88.21/SqFt

6384 Cascade Rd $139,900 2300 Sq Ft $60.83/SqFt

1607 Thornapple Dr $144,900 1806 Sq Ft $80.23/SqFt

6905 Adaridge Dr SE $159,900 1896 SqFt $84.34/SqFt

4662 E Forest Dr $164,900 2212 Sq Ft $74.55/SqFt

7648 Buccaneer Dr $167,000 3262 Sq Ft $51.20/SqFt

2150 Forest Hills Ave $169,500 2144 Sq Ft $79.06/SqFt

6181 Witherbee Dr SE $169,900 2022 Sq Ft $84.03/SqFt

6588 Tanglewood $170,000 1977 Sq Ft $85.99/SqFt

4116 Burton St SE $170,000 2682 Sq Ft $63.39/SqFt

1141 Thornapple River $175,900 2056 Sq Ft $85.55/SqFt

7535 Woodvale Dr $179,900 2242 Sq Ft $80.24/SqFt

7244 Thorncrest $179,900 2077 Sq Ft $86.62/SqFt

1537 Laraway Lake $179,900 2166 SQ Ft $83.06/SqFt

7385 Cascade Terrace $200,000 2224 Sq Ft $89.93/SqFt

2878 Big Timber Dr $209,000 2439 Sq Ft $85.69/SqFt

2105 Forest Hills Ave $209,800 2750 Sq Ft $76.29/SqFt

5900 Hall St SE $239,900 2880 Sq Ft $83.30/SqFt

8275 Bailey Dr SE $249,900 3192 Sq Ft $78.29/SqFt

6648 Gleneagles $259,900 2990 Sq Ft $86.92/SqFt

146 Honeycreek Ave $274,900 3536 Sq Ft $77.44/SqFt

Summer buying season is on in Forest Hills, 28 sold homes

and 35 pending sales in the last month.

Average sold price = $ 331,289

Average Sold Price = 94.7% of List Price

Average sold price is up this month in Forest Hills School District.

If you are willing to do repairs and update a home, there are still some

good buys at historically low interest rates. The homes in the most

up-to-date condition sell the fastest, as most buyers

do not want to do any repairs or updates. Distressed homes are

fewer and home prices are on the rise in Forest Hills for Sept. 2011.

This list could include properties in Ada Township, Cascade

Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and the

city of Kentwood.

Please note: This list can change daily as some homes sell,

prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

Search For Forest Hills Homes

Search Short Sale & Bank Owned Forest Hills Homes

More Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles

If you would like to see a Forest Hills Home, please contact

us at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or email us at:

terry@terrywestbrook.com

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Waterfront Homes Sept 2011

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Waterfront Homes Sept 2011

Waterfront homes are in high demand in all areas and in all localities,

proving the old adage: the 3 best things to consider when purchasing

a property are: Location, location, location. Waterfront homes are

in high demand in all areas and in all localities. West Michigan is very

fortunate to have many lakes and rivers that make wonderful

year round homes on the waterfront a viable option for many.

Current market conditions have brought home prices down

to levels we haven’t seen in about 10 years. Homes at all price

levels and amenities have been affected, as well as interest rates.

Now is a great time to purchase a Waterfront Home if you have

been considering living on the water in West Michigan.

We have included a list of 22 homes in Eastern Kent County Michigan

under $500,000 with private water frontage. Summer is a real active

time in the waterfront home market.

Waterfront STATS: 18 sold and 6 pending sales in Forest Hills since May 1, 2011.

Avg Sold Price: $ 333,252

Address Price

6588 Tanglewood SE $ 170,000

2780 Thornapple River Dr $ 179,000

2693 Thornapple River Dr $ 179,900

4007 Clearview NE $ 197,500

1891 Laraway Lake Dr SE $ 199,900

6995 Burger Dr SE $ 249,900

6727 Burger Dr SE $ 255,000

4131 Clearview St NE $ 264,900

762 Mooring Dr SE $ 274,900

3059 Thorncrest Dr SE $ 279,900

1172 Dogwood Meadows Dr $ 334,900

3303 Branisha Dr SE $ 349,900

7600 Leonard St NE $ 375,000

2845 Cascade Springs SE $ 389,900

3010 Thornapple River Dr $ 399,000

2515 Cascade Springs Dr SE $ 399,750

1855 Forest Shores Dr SE $ 419,900

3704 Monarch Dr $ 420,000

4555 Little Harbor Dr SE $ 449,500

7278 Cascade Rd SE $ 469,000

1919 Forest Shores Dr SE $ 499,000

4567 Little Harbor Dr SE $ 499,000

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

If you would like to view a Forest Hills or other waterfront home,

give me a call or contact me through my website.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Beckwith Hills Home Beckons

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Beckwith Hills Home Beckons

Grand Rapids is a large metropolitan area that is full of neighborhoods.

Neighborhoods like Beckwith Hills, which is close to I 96 and downtown.

Well maintained homes are the rule in this very popular neighborhood.

This well built home with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths is located on

a lot with shade trees, has an extensive deck, and a finished

lower level walk out. In addition, two fireplaces that will keep

you warm and cozy this winter. This home has a main floor family

room, laundry room and large bedrooms all on the upper floor.

For more photos & information, visit our website.

For a private showing, call me at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or

email me at terry@terrywestbrook.com.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2011

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2011

Additional Forest Hills Articles:

SEARCH FOREST HILLS HOMES

Flipping or Renting? Which Option is Best?

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

SEARCH FOR KENTWOOD HOMES

More Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Articles

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

SEARCH CALEDONIA MI HOMES

East Grand Rapids Library Family Sundays Program Oct 2 2011

East Grand Rapids Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

SEARCH EAST GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

Mini ArtPrize 2011 Photo Tour

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Sept 2011

Search For Forest Hills Homes

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Waterfront Homes Sept 2011

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Grand Rapids Beckwith Hills Home Beckons