Ada Michigan Trail Closed near Paradise Lake

Ada Michigan Trail Closed near Paradise Lake

Ada Trail will be closed for construction starting 6-21-2011

fronting the Villas of Ada’s expansion on Ada Drive.  Sewer

line and utility hook ups are being done.  The Trail should be

closed for traffic for about 6 weeks.

 

ada bike path Ada Dr to Paradise Lake

Then sewer upgrades will be done to Ada Drive east of

Paradise Lake starting August 1st.  The Ada Trail will be affected

and will be closed for 6-8 weeks.  A new trail surface will be

put down on completion of sewer line upgrades.  Time flies….

the current trail is 15 years old.

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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 West Michigan Home Improvements that Could be a Mistake ar125812218972939 West Michigan Home Improvements that Could be a Mistake ar125812225271331 West Michigan Home Improvements that Could be a Mistake

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

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West Michigan Home Improvements that Could be a Mistake

West Michigan Home Improvements that Could be a Mistake

Don’t over improve your home or price it out of the neighborhood.

If all the homes in your neighborhood are priced in a category, don’t

try take your home to the next level with home improvements that

are unwise investments.  We see homeowners do this all the time.

They figure they will get the money back because buyers will

pay more for a home with valuable additions.  Not necessarily so.

P1030182

A perfect example is pools, indoor and outdoor.  Pools are great for

summer recreation here in Michigan, for people that want them.

Many do not.  In fact, most buyers will discount your home if it has

a pool.  They will estimate the cost of removal or filling it in as an

added expense they weren’t planning on.

 

Another example of over improvement is adding a basement bedroom.

This can be a great way to add another bedroom.  But don’t plan on buyers

paying more for your home, they won’t.

 

Also included in this list is finishing a basement.  A finished basement

has added appeal for many homeowners, but they won’t repay your

construction costs.  This is another item that you should plan on

enjoying while you live in the home, not as a return on investment.

 

Expensive improvements that don’t fit the home could be on the top

of the Don’t Do It List!  If you live in a $100,000 home in a $100,000

neighborhood of homes, don’t put in a $30,000 kitchen.  Buyers will

expect a kitchen, but will not repay you for granite countertops,

top-of-the-line cabinetry and a Viking range.  Use common sense and

remember, you will probably want to sell your home someday.

 

Related articles:

NAR Cost VS Value 2010 Report

Do I Need a Permit for my Home Improvement Project?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2011 ar125812218972939 East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2011 ar125812225271331 East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

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Whitneyville Ave Bridge Closed Aug to Oct 2011

Whitneyville Ave Bridge Closed August to Oct 2011

 Crane on bridge

Starting August 1st, MDOT will make repairs to the bridge

over the freeway on Whitneyville Avenue.  The project is

expected to be completed by October 15th.  Whitneyville

Avenue will be CLOSED at the freeway for no more than

four (4) weeks during the project.  The planned detour

will take vehicles from Whitneyville to 48th Street to

Thornapple River Drive.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Rockford Michigan 2011 Rogue River Blues Concerts ar125812218972939 Rockford Michigan 2011 Rogue River Blues Concerts ar125812225271331 Rockford Michigan 2011 Rogue River Blues Concerts

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

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Foto Friday – Bloom Where You Are Planted

Foto Friday – Bloom Where You Are Planted

 Plant_growing_out_of_wall

This plant has started growing in the wall of the C & O Canal in Alexandria

Virginia.  A little seed gets blown into a crack, the sun shines, the rains come

and life goes on……..

 

A real lesson for all of us that see the grass as greener on the other side

of the fence.  Would I really be happier, richer, more popular if I were in

a different place, situation, or generation?  

Thoughts to ponder on a rainy June afternoon.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Free Summer Concerts 2011 ar125812218972939 Kentwood Michigan Free Summer Concerts 2011 ar125812225271331 Kentwood Michigan Free Summer Concerts 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Ada Michigan Free Summer 2011 Concerts

Ada Michigan Free Summer 2011 Concerts

Music on the Lawn, Ada’s summer music series is back for the

11th season.   The concerts take place Tuesday night at 7:00 pm

at the Averill Historical Museum of Ada lawn  7144 Headley St.

  Bring your lawn chair or blanket and join the fun!

Ada MI historical  museum sign

June 14   – Adams Family   60’s & 70’s Favorites

June 21   – Voices of Freedom   Patriotic Acapella

June 28   – Strung Up    Americana Folkwave

July 12  – Chris Vallillo     Rural Folk & Roots

July 19  – Jim Heemstra & Crossroads Band

July 29  Friday  6:30 pm   Nowhere Band   Beatles tribute band

 

August 2  Tony Reynolds   Popular American Hits

August 9  13th Hour     60’s & 70’s Classic Pop Rock

August 16  Great Lakes Chorus    Barbershop

August 23    Tiki O’Riley     Celtic Music

August 30    Java Jive      Swing Dance Band

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Free Summer Concerts 2011 ar125812218972939 Kentwood Michigan Free Summer Concerts 2011 ar125812225271331 Kentwood Michigan Free Summer Concerts 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

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Kentwood Michigan Free Summer Concerts 2011

Kentwood Michigan Free Summer Concerts 2011

Held at the Kentwood Library Amphitheatre on Wednesday nights.

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for the lawn and enjoy the shows.

The new Kentwood Library is located at 4950 Breton Road SE.

kentwood mi  library

Shows start at 7:30 pm.

June 15 – Kentwood Senior Chorale

June 29 – Senior Valentine and Steve”Doc” Yankee – Local Blues Legend

August 3 – Foster and Popps – Comedic Music duo

August 17 – Delilah DeWylde and The Lost Boys – Classic Country

Alcohol and smoke free environment

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Top Best Buy Homes May 2011 ar125812218972939 Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2011 ar125812225271331 Caledonia Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Rockford Michigan 2011 Rogue River Blues Concerts

Rockford Michigan 2011 Rogue River Blues Concerts

by Bonnie sand Terry Westbrook

 rockford mi park

Summer 2011 Schedule – Tuesdays  7:00 pm to 9:00 pmJune 14, 2011  –  Harper and Midwest KindJune 21, 2011   – The Vincent Hayes ProjectJune 29, 2011  –  Rob Blaine’s Big Otis Blues BandJuly 5, 2011     –  BMF BandJuly 12, 2011   – Root DoctorJuly 19, 2011   –  Steve Hilger BandJuly 26, 2011   –  Thirsty Perch Blues Band

AFTER THE BLUES

August 2, 2011  –  Mind’s Eye (Jazz)

August 9, 2011 –  Red Sea Pedestrians (World Beat)August 16, 2011 –  Small Town Son (Country/Rock)

Concerts are held at the Garden Park Stage along the dam and

White Pine Trail.  Free event, bring your folding chair and enjoy!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Lowell Michigan 2011 Sizzling Summer Concerts ar125812218972939 Lowell Michigan 2011 Sizzling Summer Concerts ar125812225271331 Lowell Michigan 2011 Sizzling Summer Concerts

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Lowell Michigan 2011 Sizzling Summer Concerts

Lowell Michigan 2011 Sizzling Summer Concerts

Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer FREE Concerts will run on Thursday

evenings June 16 through August 25 beginning at 7:00pm featuring:

Lowell Showboat Concert
 
June 16   126 Army Band  Michigan National Guard Band

June 23   The Adams Family (50s / 60s)

June 30    Stolen Horses (Country)

July 7       Hank Mowery and the Hawktones (Blues)

July 14      Java Jive (Swing)

July 21   Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son (Country)

July 28   Thirsty Perch Blues Band

August 4  Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra

August 11   4-H Fair week at Lowell Fairgrounds

music concert provided by West Michigan Bluegrass

(no music at Lowell Showboat)
Steam Powered Bluegrass   Patchwork Bluegrass Band

August 18   The Trace (formally Natchez Trace) (Acoustic Classic Rock)

August 25   Tami Helm with MacNaughton Boulevard (Jazz)

FOOD & SPIRITS PROVIDED ON THE LOWELL SHOWBOAT BY

THE FLAT RIVER GRILL.  Refreshments available on the Riverwalk

Plaza.

Admission to the concerts and parking is FREE. The concert venue

is wheelchair accessible and handicap/senior parking is available.

Bleacher seating is available or bring your own folding chair. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 – Capital, Our Capitol ! ar125812218972939 Foto Friday – Capital, Our Capitol ! ar125812225271331 Foto Friday – Capital, Our Capitol !

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

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Foto Friday Capital, Our Capitol !

Foto Friday  Capital, Our Capitol!

by Bonnie and Terry Westbrook

Capitol_building_from_NAR

No, I didn’t misspell my title.  Are you ready for a spelling lesson?

The difference between capital [a city that serves as a seat of

government] and capitol [a building that houses a legislature] is

one little letter.  This photo of our nation’s Capitol building in our

nation’s capital city, Washington DC was taken from the roof of

the NAR headquarters on New Jersey Avenue.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Top Best Buy Homes May 2011 ar125812225271331 Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2011

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 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 April 2011

MAY 2011   TOP BEST BUYS in  Kentwood Michigan Homes

Top Kentwood MI Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

308 Farnham St          $69,900      780 Sq Ft      $89.62/SqFt

6976 Eastern Ave      $79,900      936 Sq Ft     $85.36/SqFt

311 Nora St                 $85,800      960 Sq Ft     $85.08/SqFt

1242 Brookmark St    $89,900     1000 Sq Ft    $89.90/SqFt

43 Majestic St            $89,900      1000 Sq Ft    $89.90/SqFt

1629 Mapleview     $89,900      1000 Sq Ft   $89.90/SqFt

6453 Edgeknoll Ct   $99,000     1157 Sq Ft   $85.57/SqFt

259 68th St              $99,900      1172 Sq Ft   $85.24/SqFt

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

1055 Gentian Dr      $99,900     1137 Sq Ft   $87.86/SqFt

4659 Summer Crk Ln  $122,500    1392 Sq Ft   $88.00/SqFt

1319  Rye Grass Dr    $123,000     1432 Sq Ft   $85.89/SqFt

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

5059 Alyssum              $129,900    1500 Sq Ft   $86.60/SqFt

4522 Country Hill       $129,900    1512 Sq Ft   $85.91/SqFt

4614 Morningside Dr  $134,900    1540 Sq Ft   $87.60/SqFt

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

4734 Conductor            $137,900    1580 Sq Ft   $87.28/SqFt

5584 E Grove Dr           $147,900     1736 Sq Ft   $85.20/SqFt

3558 Raintree Ct         $149,900     1692 Sq Ft   $88.59/SqFt

2172 SummerBrook    $149,900     1692 Sq Ft   $88.59/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

2348 Meadow Lake Ct  $164,900    1897 Sq Ft  $86.93/SqFt

6494 Bentree Ct           $169,900     1996 Sq Ft    $85.12/SqFt

5311 S Elderberry  Ct   $169,900    1908 Sq Ft     $89.05/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

3507 Long Grove Dr       $189,000     2108 Sq Ft    $89.66/SqFt

6907 Terra Cotta Dr       $217,300    2481/SqFt     $87.59/SqFt

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

Average sold price = $ 106,353

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

More Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Articles

Home Buying Questions & Answers

If you would like to view a Kentwood Home, please call

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

terry@terrywestbrook.com

All information is subject to verification & no liability for omission

or error is assumed.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Top Best Buy Homes April 2011 ar125812218972939 Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011 ar125812225271331 Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM