Pedal On – Bicycle Safety

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Hey, hey, May is National Bike Month. Spring and summer are popular

bike riding times. Before you get on two wheels, take a moment to

review bicycle safety rules and have a safe and fun riding season.

Ride with traffic – Always be aware of the traffic around you and

be prepared to stop. Sliding through that corner without stopping

isn’t worth it if you are hit by a car.

Ride single file in a straight line when riding on the road. Riding

2 or 3 abreast forces traffic to swerve into the other lane, NEVER

a safe option.

Always obey traffic signals – Learn the rules of the road and

obey all traffic laws. This should go without saying, but every

year bikers are injured on the roads.

Bicycle Safety Rules

Kent Trails Info

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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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Take the Stress Out of Home Buying – Part # 3

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Take the Stress Out of Home Buying – Part # 3

Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance

for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will

make it much harder to make a decision. Asking a trusted relative or

parent is different than surveying the whole family and friends.

Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people

who will be living in the home.

Homes are as unique as the people that live in them.

Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location,

the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may

be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities

and focus in on things that are most important to you.

Let the minor ones go.

Which Mortgage Do I Choose?

SEARCH GR HOMES

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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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday – Trees + House = Tree House

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Foto Friday – Trees + House = Tree House

I admit I love trees and I love houses. What could be more perfect

than a darling tree house that looks like something Hansel and Gretel

would have stumbled upon in the big, dark forest?

I have been fascinated with this tree house in the our area for

some time. It can only be seen when the leaves are off the trees.

I wanted a photo of it and managed to remember that fact when we

were out driving in the area the other day.

If you are looking for a house in the woods, give us a call.

There are many homes available near Grand Rapids that are in a

heavily wooded area, with a little more square footage.

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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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Take the Stress Out of Home Buying Part #2 Timing

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Take the Stress Out of Home Buying Part #2 Timing

by Bonnie and Terry Westbrook

2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there is no

perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess

interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing

out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t

change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a

good home won’t stay on the market long.

In fact, we are seeing a dearth of buyer ready homes on the market

in many areas of Greater Grand Rapids right now. Buyer ready homes

are clean, neat, decorated with current, soothing colors and have all

major repairs and updates done. No one wants to go through the stress

of moving AND doing repairs and redecorating. Buyers want a home move-in

ready.

Remember, buying and selling a home is a personal decision. It is

always up to the individuals involved, not scheduled by clocks or market

forecasts.

Call Terry at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 if you are ready to buy or sell a home.

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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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Do I Need a Permit for My Home Improvement Project?

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Do I Need a Permit for My Home Improvement Project?

Check with your local building department before beginning

home improvement projects. Requirements vary, but many building

departments require permits for home improvement projects,

including electrical, mechanical, structural or plumbing work.

As a result of getting a permit, an inspector will check the work.

Inspections provide a measure of safety to protect your life

and property.

Projects That Usually Require Permits:
•     Re-roofing
•     Installing electrical outlets
•     Windows
•     Remodeling kitchens or bathrooms
•     Installing a pool, spa or hot tub
•     Building an addition, including seasonal rooms
•     Installing appliances and replacements such as furnaces, boilers,
water heaters, fireplaces and space heaters
•     Building a tall fence—over 6 feet in height

If you are planning to make home improvements, contact your local

building department (949-3765) to find out what building code

provisions apply in your area and if you need a permit.

Note: Many contractors will apply for the permit and schedule the

final inspections. Be sure to find out if your contractor supplies

this service.

Before undertaking a home improvement project, check out the

Cost VS Value 2010 Report From National Association of Realtors.

It will tell you local values on popular home improvement projects.

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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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Take the Stress Out of Home Buying – Part # 1

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Take the Stress Out of Home Buying – Part # 1
Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your

dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as

peaceful as possible.

1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying

is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one.

It’s critical that the REALTOR® you choose is both highly skilled

and a good fit with your personality.

Why choose a REALTOR®?

Only real estate agents in the U.S. that belong to the National

Association of Realtors are REALTORS®. Why is this important?

Being a REALTOR® means you subscribe to a Code of Ethics

REALTORS^® are committed to treating all parties to a transaction

honestly. REALTORS^®subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. The Code

of Ethics establishes obligations that, in many cases, are higher

than those mandated by state license law.

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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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

You Want to Rent A Foreclosure Home?

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

You Want to Rent a Foreclosure Home?

I actually got a call from a potential home buyer the other day

and they were considering renting a foreclosed home. The buyer

was having credit issues, so they knew they would have to rent

for awhile before they could purchase a home.

I explained that foreclosed homes are not for rent and probably

never would be. The bank or investor just wants to sell the property

and recover some of their investment. They are not interested in

keeping the home for any reason.

I have seen an increased interest in people renting single family

homes. For many reasons, former home-owners are now renters.

If you have a damaged credit score, renting for 2 years and

getting your score repaired is crucial before you can buy a

home of your own. Speaking with a mortgage loan officer can be

helpful in getting your credit score back into shape so you can

buy that home when you are ready.

Avoiding foreclosure for current homeowners can be found here.

SEARCH For GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score

Budget Basics

Buyer Answers

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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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Michigan Goes Green

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan Goes Green

by Bonnie and Terry Westbrook

Since April is the month when we talk about all things green,

we thought we would mention the Princeton Review’s latest list of

the Top 311 Green Colleges in the U.S. A couple of Grand Rapids

colleges are on the list, Aquinas and Grand Valley State University.

Grand Rapids also has satellite colleges from Western Michigan

University and Michigan State University, who also made the list

of 8 Michigan schools.

Kudos to Michigan State University’s School of Human Medicine

Secchia Center on Grand Rapids Medical Mile which just received

a LEED Gold rating.

Well done.

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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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Lowell Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Lowell Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011

A list of the TOP Best Lowell Michigan Houses to buy,

based on price 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 should be similar.

The price should reflect the interior finish of the home.

For example, if it has updated decor, new flooring, & an

updated kitchen and baths, this would be more per square

foot than a home that still has the 1980’s decor and/or is in

poor condition.

Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

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

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot.

April 2011 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes

The Top Lowell Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

218 N Center St $48,400 855 Sq Ft $56.61/SqFt

13901 Oberley Dr $70,000 1288 Sq Ft $51.22/SqFt

1376 Grand River Dr $75,000 896 Sq Ft $83.71/SqFt

10776 Deerwood Dr $89,900 1224 Sq Ft $73.45/SqFt

225 Donna Dr SE $89,900 1232 Sq Ft $72.97/SqFt

10925 Sconcewood $89,900 1224 Sq Ft $73.45/SqFt

622 N Washington $94,000 1168 Sq Ft $80.48/SqFt

10846 Sconcewood $99,800 1360 Sq Ft $73.38/SqFt

10820 Sconcewood $99,900 1224 Sq Ft $81.62/SqFt

1679 Stonewood $107,900 1172 Sq Ft $92.06/SqFt

9795 36th St $109,900 1480 Sq Ft $74.26/SqFt

503 N Washington $114,900 1517 Sq Ft $75.74/SqFt

10933 Woodbushe Dr $116,000 1256 Sq Ft $92.36/SqFt

925 Beech St $119,900 1384 Sq Ft $86.63/SqFt

1845 Woodpine Ct $119,900 1290 Sq Ft $92.95/SqFt

11712 Grand River $124,900 1440 Sq Ft $86.74/SqFt

10960 Deerwood Dr $124,900 1498 Sq Ft $83.38/SqFt

12502 52nd St $127,873 1458 Sq Ft $87.70/SqFt

1250 Highland Hill $145,000 1508 Sq Ft $96.15/SqFt

13198 Grand River $149,900 2040 Sq Ft $73.48/SqFt

1638 Wales $150,000 2047 Sq Ft $73.28/SqFt

203 N Hudson St $169,900 2568 Sq Ft $66.16/SqFt

13217 52nd St $179,900 2755 Sq Ft $65.30/SqFt

900 Beech St $179,900 1936 SqFt $92.92/SqFt

10 Sold Homes, 10 Pending Sales in Lowell in the last month

$85,040 Average sold price

70% of sales under $ 100,000 last month

Sold homes got 96.25% of list price to sale price

The best priced homes are selling in Lowell this month but most

activity is in the lower price brackets. “Price” seems to be the

motivator although condition can make the difference between

competing homes.

SEARCH LOWELL HOMES

Additional Lowell Michigan Articles:

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Blogs

Lowell Michigan Photo Tour

Home Buyer Questions & Answers

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures or

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

in present condition.*

If you have questions about any of these homes, please

contact Terry: 1-616-292-7263

Or email : terry@terrywestbrook.com

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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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011

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

based on $70-$80/ 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 March 2011

April 2011 TOP BEST BUYS in Kentwood Michigan Homes

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

6639 Eastern Ave $79,900 1128 Sq Ft $70.83/SqFt

51 Marcus St SW $84,500 1072 Sq Ft $78.82/SqFt

1339 Brookmark St $84,900 1170 Sq Ft $72.56/SqFt

1727 Weymouth Dr $104,900 1344 Sq Ft $78.05/SqFt

5730 Jefferson Ave $ 108,000 1392 Sq Ft $77.59/SqFt

128 Maplelawn St $119,000 1600 Sq Ft $74.38/SqFt

58 Matt St SW $119,900 1500 Sq Ft $79.93/SqFt

515 Brownell St $124,900 1708 Sq Ft $73.13/SqFt

824 59th St $125,000 1644 Sq Ft $76.03/SqFt

6756 Adrian Ave $139,900 1764 Sq Ft $79.31/SqFt

5732 Buchanan $140,000 1924 Sq Ft $72.77/SqFt

3626 Running Brk $140,000 1758 Sq Ft $79.64/SqFt

4821 Curwood Ave $144,900 1838 Sq Ft $78.84/SqFt

5297 Queensbury $149,900 2000 Sq Ft $74.95/SqFt

2264 Embro Ave $150,000 1988 Sq Ft $75.45/SqFt

5928 Timberlake $150,000 2070 Sq Ft $72.46/SqFt

4628 Middlebury $154,900 2016 Sq Ft $76.84/SqFt

5970 Sable Ridge $155,000 2047 Sq Ft $75.72/SqFt

6544 Avalon Dr $158,000 2016 Sq Ft $78.37/SqFt

3067 Creekway Ct $158,900 2000 Sq Ft $79.45/SqFt

5940 E Timberlake $159,900 2216 Sq Ft $72.16/SqFt

4949 Weatherstone Ln $169,900 2405 Sq Ft $70.64/SqFt

3340 Mesa Verde Ct $190,000 2626 Sq Ft $72.35/SqFt

10 Pending homes, 72 Sold Homes in the last month in this

price bracket in Kentwood. Average sold price = $ 123,436

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, which means you have to

have funds for home improvements.

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.

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Pedal On – Bicycle Safety

Kent Trails Info

Take the Stress Out of Home Buying – Part # 3

SEARCH GR HOMES

Foto Friday – Trees + House = Tree House

Take the Stress Out of Home Buying Part #2 Timing

Do I Need a Permit for My Home Improvement Project?

Take the Stress Out of Home Buying – Part # 1

You Want to Rent A Foreclosure Home?

SEARCH For GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

Grand Rapids Michigan Goes Green

Lowell Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011

April 2011 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes

SEARCH LOWELL HOMES

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes April 2011

SEARCH FOR KENTWOOD HOMES

More Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Articles