Forest Hills Public Schools Resolve $9.5 Million Budget 2011 Shortfall

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Budget woes for school districts are not news for communities today,

as the monetary belt tightens for school districts all over the United States.

But the Grand Rapids Forest Hills Public School District has done a great

job of planning ahead AND getting concessions from their teaching and

support staff. The recent budget shortfall was lessened by a $7.5

million voluntary decrease in staff and teaching compensation alterations.

The other $2 million will come from the district’s strategic reserves.

Good schools are valued by the people who live in the community

and Forest Hills has been ranked the number one school district in Kent

County by Grand Rapids Magazine.

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Tree Trimming as a Spectator Sport

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Tree Trimming as a Spectator Sport

The tree trimming we are talking about is major work.

We have lived in our home for 20 years, plus. The trees have

managed to envelope us in a leafy canopy in that period of time.

Our cottonwood tree is huge and towers over the others in

our neighborhood. Below, it is pictured before trimming.

Two events coincided to make this a reality: a storm cracked off

a 26 ft limb on our cottonwood tree in the back yard and our 4 year old

grandson was coming for a week. We decided this would be the perfect

time to entertain him with a tree trimming exhibition. Side note: He lives

in the city in a high rise. So we thought this would be high entertainment

for him and us.

We called Shaffer Tree Services on the recommendation of a friend who

was pleased with the tree trimming work he had done for them.

Joseph Shaffer is up in our cottonwood tree. He would get into much

scarier positions. Once, he was over our neighbor’s yard, bouncing on

a just sawed off limb tip. He got quite a ride on that one!

In the process, the sawyer is up in the tree, roped for safety, cutting.

Four helpers are on the ground, dodging limbs, dragging away the small

brush, and trimming the large logs into short pieces.

The final result is a lot more sunlight in our backyard……

………………and a lot more wood to cut up and burn in our fireplace

for winters to come.

We would call Shaffer Tree Services to do any tree work that we

would need to do in the future. We were happy with the results and

the efficient clean-up job the crew did for us.

**This recommendation is not coerced or compensated in any way by

Shaffer Tree Services.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Ada Michigan Road Paving Schedule August 2011

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Ada Michigan Road Paving Schedule August 2011

The Kent County Road Commission will be laying down the top coat

of asphalt on Ada Drive on Thursday, August 25 and Friday, August 26.

The schedule calls for one side of the road to be completed on Thurs-

day, and the other side on Friday. Work will begin each morning in the

Village, and progress south and west on Ada Drive to Fox Hollow Ave.

The portion of the work between Thornapple River Dr. and Bronson St.

should be completed by noon on each of those days.

Parking restrictions will be in effect on Ada Drive in the Village until

the afternoon, both days. It will be good to have a new road surface and

to get this construction behind us.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Foto Friday – Grand Haven Idyll

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Foto Friday – Grand Haven Idyll

Summertime in West Michigan is magical, if you are paying attention.

Our good friends, John and Betsy were celebrating good news by taking a

few days of camping at Grand Haven State Park. They asked us out for

a walk along the boardwalk and a bite to eat at Snug Harbor.

We jumped at the chance to see the big lake [that’s what the locals call it],

we haven’t been there at all this summer.

And shame on us, as you can see by the lovely sunset we experienced.

We had our lawn chairs parked on the beach on a perfect summer evening,

soaking up the atmosphere. It doesn’t get much better than this.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Landscape Shrubs that Deer Dislike

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Landscape Shrubs that Deer Dislike

If wild deer are a part of your neighborhood, you know that your

favorite shrubs can be eaten down to mere nubs over a Michigan winter.

Deer are just trying to survive and you might as well plant shrubs

that are not on their “favorite” dining list. Please note these lists

comprise plants that can be eaten by deer – if hungry enough and

nothing else is available.

Deer Rarely Eat :

Barberry

Paper Birch

Common Boxwood

Russian Olive

American Holly

Drooping Leucothoe

Colorado Blue Spruce

Japanese Pieris

Deer Seldom Eat:

American Butternut

European White Birch

Red Osier Dogwood

Flowering Dogwood

Kousa Dogwood

English Hawthorn

Redvein Enkianthus

European Birch

Forsythia

Honey Locust

Chinese Holly

Inkberry

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 July 2011

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

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

based on $80-$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 marble tile, new windows, new mechanicals & a new kitchen,

this would be more per square foot than a home that still has pre-1990’s

fixtures, decor and/or is in poor or tired condition.

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2011

July 2011 TOP BEST BUYS in Kentwood Michigan Homes

Top Kentwood MI Homes to Buy $80-$90 per Square Foot:

6676 Eastern Ave $79,900 936 Sq Ft $85.36/SqFt

5261 Blaine Ave $99,900 1150 Sq Ft $86.87/SqFt

5181 Breezefield Ct $100,000 1119 Sq FT $89.77/SqFt

3276 Tallman Ave $109,900 1232 Sq Ft $89.20/SqFt

4622 Blaine SE $117,900 1372 Sq Ft $85.93/SqFt

4857 Marshall Ave $117,900 1360 Sq Ft $86.60/SqFt

934 Sluyter St $119,900 1400 Sq Ft $85.64/SqFt

3435 Meadow Lake Ct $124,900 1392 Sq Ft $89.73/SqFt

5762 Sugarberry Dr $129,900 1460 Sq Ft $88.70/SqFt

5069 Alyssum Dr $131,900 1487 Sq Ft $88.70/SqFt

2582 Blooming Bud Ln $137,655 1554 Sq Ft $88.59/SqFt

3558 Raintree Ct $144,900 1692 Sq Ft $85.64/SqFt

5616 E Grove Dr $154,900 1812 Sq Ft $85.49/SqFt

1939 Hollow Creek Dr $159,000 1795 Sq Ft $88.58/SqFt

2441 Whispering Mdw $169,900 1978 Sq Ft $85.89/SqFt

2161 Stowevalley Dr $174,900 2056 Sq Ft $85.07/SqFt

5727 W Grove Dr $179,900 2080 Sq Ft $86.49/SqFt

1931 Hollow Creek Dr $179,900 2000 Sq Ft $89.95/SqFt

3505 Birch Knoll Ct $244,900 2796 Sq Ft $87.59/SqFt

1265 Meadow Green $285,000 3214/SqFt $88.67/SqFt

52 Pending homes, 53 Sold Homes in Kentwood last month.

Average sold price = $ 101,979 down 4% from last month

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.

The FHA 203K loan will allow you to roll some home

improvement costs into your home loan. If you have been

considering a Kentwood home purchase, ask us about how

this loan can work for you. Interest rates are still at record

lows and inventory is very affordable in Kentwood.

SEARCH FOR KENTWOOD HOMES

SEARCH KENTWOOD MI Short Sale & Foreclosure Homes

Foto Friday – GR arts Murals

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Foto Friday – GR arts Murals

Grand Rapids is into art in a big way. If you are familiar

with our city, you know we have murals downtown.

Cool murals thanks to ArtPrize, and forward thinking businesses

and artists. This mural was an ArtPrize 2010 entry on the Kendall

School of Design building on Division Ave at Pearl.

ArtPrize 2011 is gearing up to display 1500 works of art in our fair

city in September. Are you in?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 July 2011

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Forest Hills Homes

(Ada-Cascade) to buy, based on price per square foot.

Price per square foot is a great leveler, if two homes are

priced similarly they should be very comparable in amenities.

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.

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.

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

2676 Deli Ct. NE $86,000 1092 Sq Ft $78.75/SqFt

111 Greenbrier Dr SE $88,400 1610 Sq Ft $54.91/SqFt

2512 Appleton Ave NE $92,500 1224 Sq Ft $75.57/SqFt

9035 Bailey Dr NE $98,500 1272 Sq Ft $77.44/SqFt

4191 Bradford St $129,900 1816 Sq Ft $71.53/SqFt

1043 Farnsworth $139,900 1680 Sq Ft $83.27/SqFt

6367 3 Mile Rd $ 139,900 1704 Sq Ft $82.10/SqFt

1607 Thornapple Dr $149,900 1806 Sq Ft $83.00/SqFt

6384 Cascade Rd $159,900 2300 Sq Ft $69.52/SqFt

3451 Cascade Rd $160,000 2500 Sq Ft $64.00/SqFt

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

6905 Adaridge Dr SE $169,900 1896 SqFt $89.61/SqFt

8824 Grand River Dr $169,900 2330 Sq Ft $73.92/SqFt

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

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

6181 Witherbee Dr SE $174,900 2022 Sq Ft $86.50/SqFt

2457 B Leffingwell $179,900 2070 Sq Ft $86.91/SqFt

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

1537 Laraway Lake $185,000 2166 SQ Ft $85.41/SqFt

2324 Beatrice Dr NE $225,000 2690 Sq Ft $83.64/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

955 Honeycreek Ave $289,900 3828 Sq Ft $81.99/SqFt

Summer buying season is on and heating up in Forest Hills,

64 sold homes and 85 pending sales in the last month.

Average sold price = $ 285,802

Pricing seems to have stabilized 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, though rates and mortgage

requirements are rising. The homes in the most up-to-date condition

sell the fastest, as most buyers do not want to do repairs or updates.

WARNING: Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures,

short sales and not habitable as is or available for a mortgage

in present condition.

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

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

This is our list of the Top Best Buy East Grand Rapids Houses

to buy based on price/square foot. 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 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 here is wide.

For example, if it has crystal chandeliers, wood flooring, a new

kitchen, this would be more value per square foot than a home

that still has the 1980’s decor and/or is in derelict condition.

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

are adjusted and other homes come on the market. If you would like

to sign up for daily new listing email, just contact Terry. You can also

sign up for saved searches on our website. This saves your profile

search and lets you monitor and control your search details.

July 2011 – TOP BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes

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

2216 Audubon $71,500 882 Sq Ft $81.07/SqFt

2246 Estelle $104,000 1070 Sq Ft $97.20/SqFt

1600 Wealthy St SE $119,900 1248 Sq Ft $96.07/SqFt

2450 Gilmour St $121,900 1500 Sq Ft $81.27/SqFt

2147 Hall St $137,500 1198 Sq Ft $114.77/SqFt

1112 Eastwood $139,000 1275 Sq Ft $109.02/SqFt

2543 Richards Dr $139,900 1400 Sq Ft $99.93/SqFt

2543 Lake Dr $140,000 1754 Sq Ft $79.82/SqFt

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

2234 Argentina $149,900 1339 Sq Ft $111.95/SqFt

1058 Orchard Ave $149,900 1335 Sq Ft $112.28/SqFt

2144 Hall St SE $164,900 1742 Sq Ft $94.66/SqFt

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

2050 Tenway $169,900 1520 Sq Ft $119.99/SqFt

1045 Lakeside Dr $174,900 1520 Sq Ft $115.07/SqFt

1245 Woodshire $199,750 2248 Sq Ft $88.46/SqFt

319 Kingswood Rd $209,000 1796 SQ Ft $116.97/SqFt

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

1555 Edgewood Ave $212,000 2123 Sq Ft $99.44/SqFt

541-3 Greenwood $244,900 3676 Sq Ft $66.62/SqFt

2254 Brighton Dr $269,900 2250 Sq Ft $119.96/SqFt

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

1563 Edgewood $ 294,900 2779 Sq Ft $106.12/SqFt

2733 Maplewood Dr $295,000 2746 Sq Ft $107.43/SqFt

3131 Lake Dr $319,900 3300 Sq Ft $96.94/SqFt

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

22 Pending, 0 Sold in the last month in EGR

Average Sale List Price $ 253,762

Home sales have increased this month, home inventory

is moving in East GR. Distressed properties are still popping up

but much scarcer than other areas around GR. Price per square

foot is moving up slowly but can be affected by higher priced homes.

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

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

A list of the Top Best Buy Caledonia Michigan Houses to buy

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 derelict or “tired” condition.

July 2011 TOP BEST BUY Caledonia MI Homes

Highest list price – $300,000

Lowest list price – $42,282

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $46.46 to $99.97

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

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

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

8933 Braden St SE $115,000 1380 Sq Ft $83.33/SqFt

8560 Keiser SE $124,900 1324 Sq Ft $94.34/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 $164,900 3000 Sq Ft $54.97/SqFt

9144 Glengarry Ct $169,900 2048 Sq Ft $82.96/SqFt

6575 Hayfield Rd $172,900 2680 Sq Ft $64.51/SqFt

7473 McCords Ave $179,900 2010 Sq Ft $89.50/SqFt

7874 Golf Point Dr $180,000 2117 Sq Ft $85.03/SqFt

8687 Rainbow’s End $219,000 2966 Sq Ft $73.84/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

8462 Curley Trail $240,000 3000 Sq Ft $80.00/SqFt

7792 Golf Meadows $294,900 3100 Sq Ft $95.13/SqFt

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

10270 Southridge Dr $299,900 3324 Sq Ft $90.22/SqFt

8980 Alanada Dr $299,900 3181 Sq Ft $94.28/SqFt

Caledonia real estate has 1 home under $100K this month

but homes in the $100K-200K category are picked up fast, if

in good condition. Activity is ramping up with the advent of

spring/summer, as 36 homes went pending in the last month,

14 sold homes in the Caledonia school district.

Price is still a huge factor, the average sale price was down

from last month to $ 183,027, with lots of distressed homes and

foreclosures closing to bring average prices down. 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

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Forest Hills Public Schools Resolve $9.5 Million Budget 2011 Shortfall

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

MORE FOREST HILLS ARTICLES

Tree Trimming as a Spectator Sport

Ada Michigan Road Paving Schedule August 2011

Foto Friday – Grand Haven Idyll

Landscape Shrubs that Deer Dislike

Deer Rarely Eat :

Deer Seldom Eat:

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

SEARCH FOR KENTWOOD HOMES

More Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Articles

Foto Friday – GR arts Murals

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

Search For Forest Hills Homes

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

SEARCH EAST GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

SEARCH CALEDONIA MI HOMES