Ada Township MI Calling All Volunteers

Ada Township MI Calling All Volunteers

Ada Parks & Recreation Department has volunteer opportunities

to assist with grounds care, gardens, trails, habitat stewardship,

clerical services and youth program.

Contact the Park office at 616-676-0520 or email

mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com for and application,

interview or schedule of events.

Thornapple RiverAda MI

Spring Volunteer Orientation & Luncheon
Tuesday, April 12, 12:00 – 1:00     Ada Township Park  Free

Interested, new & current Volunteers are welcome for a light lunch

by the park staff followed by a presentation on our upcoming project

goals and opportunities for the season.

Please RSVP by April 8th to the Parks office.

Volunteer Stewardship Work Days in Ada Parks
Work on trails, gardens, invasive plants, habitat improvements.

Various Tuesdays and Locations 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

  • April 12: Ada Park
  • April 26: Ada Park
  • May 3: Roselle Park
  • May 10: Leonard Field
  • May 14: Seidman Park (Saturday)
  • May 17: Carl Creek Preserve
  • May 24: Ada Park
  • June 7: Roselle Park
  • August 16: Location TB

 

Information from Ada Township

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 – Is This “BIG” Enough? ar125812218972939 Foto Friday – Is This “BIG” Enough? ar125812225271331 Foto Friday – Is This “BIG” Enough?

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Foto Friday – Is This “BIG” Enough?

Foto Friday – Is This “BIG” Enough?

Sometimes you just have to make a statement.

That is what FruitBasket Flowerland is doing at

their 28th Street Store location this spring.

Big_chair

This huge lawn chair got my attention……

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Clements Mill Neighborhood Video Tour Ada Michigan ar125812218972939 Clements Mill Neighborhood Video Tour Ada Michigan ar125812225271331 Clements Mill Neighborhood Video Tour Ada Michigan

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Clements Mill Neighborhood Video Tour Ada Michigan

Clements Mill Neighborhood Video Tour  Ada Michigan

Clements Mill is a subdivision located in Forest Hills School District,

Ada Michigan.  Ada is a suburb on the east side of Grand Rapids.

We took a quick drive through part of the neighborhood, so you

could get a feel for the area.  There are lots of children in this

neighborhood.  We drove through on a windy, chill day during

Spring Break, otherwise, you would see lots of kids around.

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Top 5 Reasons to Move to Caledonia Michigan ar125812218972939 Top 5 Reasons to Move to Caledonia Michigan ar125812225271331 Top 5 Reasons to Move to Caledonia Michigan

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

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Top 5 Reasons to Move to Caledonia Michigan

Top Five Reasons to Move to Caledonia Michigan:

Main Street Village of Caledonia MI

  1. Rural, Suburban setting
  2. Low Population density
  3. Highly rated public school system 
  4. Proximity to Grand Rapids, Lansing, Holland
  5. Close-knit community

Caledonia Michigan has a small village, an expanding commercial and

life style sector building up on M-37 to the east of the village.  The new

Caledonia Township offices and a newly constructed library are now

residing here.  While lots of rural farm land and suburban housing

is sprinkled all over Caledonia Township, the public schools system

consists of 9 schools.  The high school campus is located just west

of the village off Kraft Avenue.

 

You can register on our website and have up-to-date emails sent

to you with the newest listings in Caledonia sent right to your mail-box

every 24 hours.

 

SEARCH CALEDONIA HOMES

 

Additional Caledonia Michigan 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 Schools Top Ten in Michigan MEAP Scores 2011 ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Schools Top Ten in Michigan MEAP Scores 2011 ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Schools Top Ten in Michigan MEAP Scores 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

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Forest Hills Schools Top Ten in Michigan MEAP Scores 2011

Forest Hills Schools Top Ten in Michigan MEAP Scores 2011

Forest Hills students have posted outstanding MEAP scores

for  the 2010-2011 year.  The Forest Hills students placed at

the top of the Kent County District and the State of Michigan

charts. 

Collins Elementary School

 

Mathematics

  • Gr 3 – 99%
  • Gr 5 – 96%
  • Gr 8 – 97%

Reading

  • Gr 3 – 96%
  • Gr 5 – 97%
  • Gr 8 – 96%

Writing

  • Gr 4 – 72%
  • Gr 7 – 75%

Science

  • Gr 5 – 96%
  • Gr 8 – 96%

 Social Studies

  • Gr 6 – 95%
  • Gr 9 – 92%

 

You can view all Forest Hills Public Schools test scores here

As state and federal governments have raised expectations

for student performance, Forest Hills students have recorded

higher levels of achievement. 

 

Forest Hills 8th Grade students placed in Top Ten scores in 2011

MEAP test results for reading and science.  Of the other Top Ten

ranking schools, Grand Rapids City High/Middle School placed First

in Reading, and Fifth in Science.

 

The school staff, parents and students should be be proud of the

effort and accomplishment for this year’s test scores.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Public Schools Post Outstanding 2010 MEAP Scores ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Public Schools Post Outstanding 2010 MEAP Scores ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Public Schools Post Outstanding 2010 MEAP Scores

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

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Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-March 2011

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-March 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 new and some older

with Top Ranked Forest Hills Public Schools and private schools,

such as Ada Christian & St Roberts that attract many home owners.

This report will cover the first quarter 2011 real estate market activity.

Northern Trails school entrance

Forest Hills Jan- March 2011 Real Estate Market Report:

Active Listings – 288

Average Sold Price – $ 301,188

Pending – 92

Sold – 115

DOM – 106

% Sale Price to List Price – 94.01%

Absorption Rate: 4.17 Months

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

It will probably take a $1,000,000 home longer to sell than one listed

at $199,000.  Even though there are many multi-million dollar homes

in this district, the majority of homes are under $400K with the

average sold price at $300K.

 

The Absorption Rate at 4.17 months means that it will take about

4+ 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.

 

Additional Forest Hills Articles:

SEARCH FOREST HILLS 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 Homes, please contact me directly.

Copyright 2011  All rights reserved

Photo of Forest Hills Northern Trails School 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!

ar125812212017642 Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2010 ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2010 ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2010

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Foto Friday – Grand River View Grand Rapids MI

Foto Friday – Grand River View Grand Rapids MI

Grand_River_Grand_Rapids_MI

The view of the Grand River from the J.W. Marriott Hotel in downtown

Grand Rapids.   The walkway on the right runs along the river for blocks.

Ab Nab Wen Park is to the left behind the trees lining the riverfront, where

you can see original Native American mounds that were left by the earliest

human settlers to the river valley.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Comparing Caledonia and Lowell School Districts in West Michigan ar125812218972939 Comparing Caledonia and Lowell School Districts in West Michigan ar125812225271331 Comparing Caledonia and Lowell School Districts in West Michigan

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

share save 171 16 Comparing Caledonia and Lowell School Districts in West Michigan

Comparing Caledonia and Lowell School Districts in West Michigan

Comparing Caledonia and Lowell School Districts in West Michigan

If you are considering a move to the suburban/rural communities of

Caledonia or Lowell on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, how do they

compare?  Besides the obvious answers of the local businesses,

size, and culture, the school system is usually a large drawing card to

attract local inhabitants.

 

Let’s see how the 2 public schools compare:

 Caledonia High School

Caledonia is a Class A public school system

  • 7 schools
  • 3501 students
  • 85.8% proficiency rate in Math & Reading
  • Median household income = $81,718
  • 92.2% graduation rate
  • Average SAT score = 1169
  • Average ACT score = 22

 Lowell MI High school

Lowell is a Class A public school system

  • 8 schools
  • 3897 students
  • 95.7% proficiency rate in Math & Reading
  • Average household income = $98,326
  • 91.7% graduation rate

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Top Best Buy Homes March 2011 ar125812218972939 Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes March 2011 ar125812225271331 Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes March 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes March 2011

Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes March 2011

A list of the TOP Rockford  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: This list can change daily as some homes sell,

prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

The homes listed below are probably dated and would need

new carpeting, paint, and kitchen-bath redos at a minimum

to  bring them to current market standards. They might need

major repair work done, such as a new roof & mechanicals.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present

condition.*

Boardwwalkoverdamlg thumb 300x228 Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011

Rockford Dam Boardwalk

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot, even if

the basement is finished.

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

6842 Goldenrod Ave   $ 59,900     754 Sq Ft   $ 79.44/SqFt

2596 Lynnhurst           $ 62,500     975 Sq Ft    $ 64.10/SqFt

6430 Northland Dr      $ 69,000    1259 Sq Ft   $ 55.52/SqFt

3287 13 Mile Rd           $ 79,900   1090 Sq Ft    $ 73.30/Sq Ft

4431 Porter Hollow Dr  $ 82,000   1525 Sq Ft   $ 76.78/SqFt

6206 Maksimowski      $89,900     1416 Sq Ft   $63.49/SqFt

5810 Belmont Ave       $99,900     1548 Sq Ft   $64.53/SqFt

6075 13 Mile Rd           $109,900    1750 Sq Ft   $62.80/SqFt

5776 Ethelwin Ave      $118,500    1596 Sq Ft   $74.25/SqFt

6272 Arroyo Vista       $129,900    1732 Sq Ft   $75.00/SqFt

7650 Cannonsburg     $134,900    1780 Sq Ft    $75.79/SqFt

6202 Meadowlark      $147,500     2160 Sq Ft   $ 68.29/SqFt

1382 Shaw Ct NE       $149,900     2008 Sq Ft   $ 74.65/SqFt

6179 RogueRiver Mdws  $154,900   1968 Sq Ft  $78.71/SqFt

6852 Pennisula Dr     $159,900      2040 Sq Ft     $78.38/SqFt

3461 Sunny Hill St    $162,500    2334 Sq Ft    $ 69.62/SqFt

6146 Belrick Ct NE      $174,900    2274 Sq Ft   $76.91/SqFt

6388 10 Mile Rd NE   $189,900     2548 Sq Ft    $74.53/SqFt

653 Highlander Dr    $195,000     2626 Sq Ft    $74.26/SqFt

179 Maple                  $199,900     2900 Sq Ft    $68.93/SqFt

1913 Woodbriar Ct   $199,900    2750 Sq Ft    $72.69/SqFt

7758 Pine Island Ct  $339,900    4395 Sq Ft   $77.34/SqFt

11 PENDING SALES, 9 SOLD HOMES in Rockford since

2/1/2011 in this price range.

There are 6 homes listed under $100K this month and

bargain prices seem to be disappearing from the Rockford

market.  If you are considering buying in Rockford, now is the time!

Prices are staying low in Rockford, inventory is high and rates

are still low but rising.  Homes that are in great condition

and priced right are selling quickly.  There is a scarcity of

mid-range homes in great condition!

Additional Rockford Michigan Articles:

SEARCH FOR ROCKFORD HOMES

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Blogs

Rockford Michigan Photo Tour

You Want To Buy A House, Now What?

If you would like to view a Rockford Top Best Buys Home,

please contact us 1-888-240-1968 x 0

or email 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. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

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

ar125812212017642 Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011 ar125812218972939 Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011 ar125812225271331 Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Jan 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes March 2011

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes March 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 Home Buys Jan 2011

March 2011  18  TOP BEST BUYS in  Kentwood MI Homes

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

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

243 Buck Creek Ct     $109,900    1500 Sq Ft   $73.27/SqFt

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

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

964 Bellewood Dr     $124,900    1750 Sq Ft  $71.37/SqFt

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

1328 Marwood        $130,000    1730 Sq Ft   $75.14/SqFt

1773 60th St SE       $134,900    1825 Sq Ft   $73.92/SqFt

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

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

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

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

1835 Jeffrey St SE     $159,900    2216 Sq Ft   $72.16/SqFt

5940 E Timberlake    $160,000    2216 Sq Ft   $72.20/SqFt

5970 Sable Ridge Dr  $160,000     2047 Sq Ft   $78.16/SqFt

2915 Mulford Dr              $169,900    2246 Sq Ft    $75.65/SqFt

4949 Weatherstone Ln  $174,900   2405 Sq Ft   $72.72/SqFt

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

Pending 16 homes, Sold 3 Homes in last 6 weeks in this price

bracket in Kentwood.

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.

 

SEARCH FOR KENTWOOD HOMES

More Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Articles

Home Buying Questions & Answers

If you would like to view a Kentwood Top Best Buys 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. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

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

ar125812212017642 Kentwood Michigan Top Best Home Buys Jan 2011 ar125812218972939 Kentwood Michigan Top Best Home Buys Jan 2011 ar125812225271331 Kentwood Michigan Top Best Home Buys Jan 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM