2014 Midwest Cost vs Value House Remodeling Trends

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Terry & Bonnie

Cost vs Value House Remodeling Trends 2014 Grand Rapids MI

By Bonnie & Terry Westbrook

Should you remodel the kitchen, get rid of that laminate

countertop and replace it with granite? Would you be

able to recoup the expense of putting a new deck on

your house? Would that new Master Bathroom put

you in the red when it is time to sell your house?

These are all good questions to ask yourself before

undertaking a small or major remodeling job on your home.

Not all improvements add to the value of your home

for future buyers. Be cautious about costly

improvements if you plan on moving in the near future.

Take a look at the Cost vs Value Report that comes

out every year to help you add true dollar value to your home.

This report lets you see what buyers are willing to dole out

more dollars for in home improvements. It changes slightly

from year to year, but the big dollar wise improvements

stay pretty consistent. The key words are”curb appeal”.

A new steel front door and new garage door are the

number one spots for well invested money spent on your home.

The complete report can be viewed at this link:

2014 Cost-vs-Value Trends

Since a kitchen in San Diego, St. Louis, and Boston differ widely in

cost, this report does specify regions of the country. Our Midwest

Region can be viewed at this link:

East North Central Remodeling Trends

Call Terry @ 616-292-7263 if you would like specific advice

about a home improvement you are considering for your

home. He can tell you the most value added improvements

for your particular neighborhood.

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Additional Forest Hills Real Estate Articles:

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles

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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

Call Terry at: 616-292-7263

East Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report July – December 2014

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Terry & Bonnie

East Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report July – December 2014

by Terry & Bonnie Westbrook
East Grand Rapids is a community of homes

priced from the mid $100,000’s to over $1,000,000,

with the majority of homes selling from $300K to $400K.

East Grand Rapids is a very popular place to live in our area,

great public school system, its’ walkability, being close

to downtown GR Medical Mile, businesses, attractions and

shopping in Gaslight and Breton Villages.

Don’t mind feeding these deer.

East Grand Rapids Real Estate Report July-December 2014

Active Listings – 65 from $159,000 to $ 3,500,000

Sold Homes – 132 from $ 106,000 to $ 1,200,000

Average List Price – $ 580,197

Average Sold Price – $ 346,650

Sold home prices have fallen slightly in East Grand Rapids

in the last six months. Home inventory numbers are up slightly,

so good news for buyers. We have heard through the real estate

grape-vine that some small homes are being torn down and mega-

mansions are replacing them. With aging stock and no new land

to develop, this is the only option left to those determined to live

at an East Grand Rapids address.

If you have been thinking of selling your East Grand Rapids home,

2015 could be the time to call for a custom analysis of what your home

might be worth in today’s market. And valuable advice on what updates

current buyers are willing to pay for and which ones they aren’t.

If you have questions about buying/selling an East Grand Rapids home,

give Terry a call at 616-292-7263.

SEARCH EAST GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

East Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Reports

East Grand Rapids Michigan ~ America’s Hometown

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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. 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!

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report July – December 2014

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report

July – December 2014

by Terry & Bonnie Westbrook

Forest Hills is a public school district in Ada–Cascade Michigan.

This real estate market is always active. A Grand Rapids suburban

community that has wonderful neighborhoods, some new, some older

with Top Ranked Forest Hills Public Schools, private schools, and

a suburban life style that attracts many home owners.

2014 Real Estate Market Activity July – December

Active Listings = 162

From $ 62,900 to $ 2,724,900

Sold Homes = 483

Average Sold price – $308,128

Forest Hills home prices are slowly on the rise, while the inventory

of homes is at an all time low. This is frustrating to buyers, especially

ones who have seen dozens of homes on the market in the past 7-8

years sit for long spells before selling. If a good home with lots of

updates comes on the market now, buyers are trying to be the first

ones to look, so they can beat out their competition in the buying process.

If your home needs updates or repairs, do not expect the above

scenario to take place. The home will eventually sell, but not at

full market price it would get if updates were already done.

Call Terry if you are interested in buying or selling a Forest Hills home.

He has over 40 years of experience in selling and buying West Michigan

and Forest Hills homes. If you are a seller, he can provide valued advice

on what to update to get your home sold quickly.

SEARCH FOREST HILLS HOMES

Additional Forest Hills Articles:

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.

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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!

Forest Hills Cascade Ranch 1.28 Wooded Acres Offered by Westbrook Realty

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Cascade Ranch on 1.2 Wooded Acres Offered by Westbrook Realty

By Bonnie & Terry Westbrook

**PENDING SALE**

Welcome to this traditional brick ranch home w/ 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths.

The generous formal entry has large double closets and a slate tile floor.

The living room has built in bookcases, large arched

window with a raised ceiling height of over 20 feet.

The view of the wooded hillside is serene and peaceful.

The formal Dining Room has a lovely bay window,

crown molding, and ample proportions.

Large kitchen with stainless steel appliances, wood

flooring, and lots of storage.

The Screened Porch has 3 skylights, raised ceiling,

and fantastic views of local wildlife.

The wooded back yard is private and a nature retreat.

This property backs up to Cascade Burton Park, which

is an 80 acre nature preserve.

Offered at $ 299,900

More photos and information available at www.terrywestbrook.com

Call Terry today for a private showing at 616-292-7263.

Call Terry @ 616-292-7263

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Additional Forest Hills Real Estate Articles:

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate 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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Call Terry at: 616-292-7263

Forest Hills MI Neighborhood Real Estate Report Tamarron Estates May – August 2014

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills MI Neighborhood Real Estate Report Tamarron Estates May – August 2014

By Bonnie & Terry Westbrook

Snapshot of Tamarron Estates Real Estate Activity

May 1 through August 31, 2014

Active Listings – 5 Avg. List Price: $ 345,900 – $475,000

Pending Sales – 2

Sold Properties – 4 Avg. Sold Price $ 410,125

Home sales have rebounded in Tamarron Estates nicely

in the past 12 months. Buyers are still looking for updated

homes but prices are climbing and inventory is low in

Tamarron, like most of Forest Hills. Consumers have fewer

choices and less bargaining power than in the recent past.
If you have a home to sell or would to purchase in Forest Hills,

Terry can answer any questions you might have.

Call Terry @ 616-292-7263

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Additional Forest Hills Real Estate Articles:

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate 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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Call Terry at: 616-292-7263

Quality Built Lowell 2 Story Home on 2 Acre Wooded Lot

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Terry & Bonnie

Quality Built Lowell 2 Story Home on 2 Acre Wooded Lot

By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook

Another SOLD Home by Westbrook Realty!

Wooded back yard gives you plenty of privacy.

Covered front porch invites guests to enter this well built home.

Cozy gas fireplace in the living room will take the chill off those fall and winter evenings.

The Master Bedroom is expansive w/ recessed lighting, and views of the woods in every window.

Separate walk in closet with an elegant master bathroom.

The spa tub has wrap around windows with nature views.

Picture yourself soaking away your troubles after a long work week.

Fire Pit area in the back yard for those Smore’s nights!

The home of your dreams is waiting for you.

This quality built home has a classic floor plan with a finished recreation

room in the walk out lower level.

Call Terry for a private showing at 616-292-7268

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1GjrNVv1qc&list=PLC921E3143BE28C99[/youtube]

More information on this home can be seen Westbrook Realty site.

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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

Forest Hills MI Neighborhood Real Estate Report – Watermark Residences April – July 2014

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report

Watermark Residences April – July 2014

by Terry & Bonnie Westbrook

Quick Snapshot of Watermark Residences Real Estate Activity

April 1 through July 31, 2014

Cascade Township MI Neighborhood Real Estate Report

Active Listings = 8 from $ 428,900 to $ 1,300,000

Sales Pending = 2

Sold Properties = 6

Average sold price for spring – summer $ 641, 650

Watermark Residences are a popular place to live

in the Greater Grand Rapids area. The private golf course,

public restaurant, club pool, and public work out facilities

are all nearby and easily accessible. An additional attraction

is the access of all 3 golf courses owned by the management if

you are a member at any of their courses.

Watermark Homes are selling, home inventory

is at a 0-3 month supply, which is typical of the Cascade-

Forest Hills area.

If you would like to know what your Watermark home

is worth on today’s active market, give Terry a call: 616-292-7263

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS 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

Ada Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Greentree Estates January – May 2014

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Terry & Bonnie

Ada Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Report Greentree Estates January – May 2014

By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook

Snapshot of Greentree Estates Real Estate Activity

January 1 to May 31, 2014

Active Listings – 2

Average List Price = $ 394,900

Pending Sales – 0

Sold Properties – 2

Average Sold Price = $ 334,500

Greentree Estates Properties are selling for about $ 114 a sq./ft.

on average this year. Both of the properties sold in late March.

Greentree Estates is a rural suburban neighborhood with typically

acreage lots and heavily wooded. If you are considering selling

your Forest Hills home, give Terry a call, we have buyers waiting

for houses in this area.

If you would like information about buying an Ada Township Home,

please contact Terry at 616-292-7263.

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Ada Michigan Photos

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate 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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

Forest Hills MI Neighborhood Real Estate Report Ada Woods Jan-May 2014

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills MI Neighborhood Real Estate Report Ada Woods Jan-May 2014

By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook

Snapshot of Ada Woods Real Estate Activity

January 1 through May 31, 2014

Active Listings – 2 $339,700

Pending Sales – 0

Sold Properties – 0

Average Sold Price = NA

Ada Woods has seen no sales on the MLS during the first

part of this year. With only 2 homes for sale, inventory is

low. Without recent sales, we can’t report how prices have

been affected much less predict for the future.

Perhaps the summer market will heat up and Ada Woods

can reap the benefit of an improved real estate market.

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Ada Michigan Photos

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Articles

If you are interested in information about an Ada Woods

or Forest Hills home, give Terry a call – 616-292-7263

____________________________________________

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

Forest Hills MI Neighborhood Real Estate Report Hidden Hills Jan – May 2014

Posted on June 10, 2014 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills MI Neighborhood Real Estate Report Hidden Hills Jan – May 2014

Quick Snapshot of Hidden Hills Real Estate Activity

Jan 1 through May 31, 2014

Active Listings – 6

Pending Sales – 5

Sold Properties – 0

Average List Price – $ 338,519

Hidden Hills area still has houses on the market

but recent activity has heated up. With 5 pending sales

in the last 2 weeks of May, the inventory may be depleted

quickly considering buyer demand. Even though prices

are starting to return to pre-recession pricing, buyers are

still reluctant to buy a “project”t house. They want all

improvements done, and the home to be move-in ready.

If you are looking to buy or sell a Hidden Hills home,

please contact Terry for a market analysis or a list of

recent home listings. Call 616-292-7263

or email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate 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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263