Forest Hills MI Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Caravelle Village Jan-April 2014

Forest Hills MI Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Caravelle Village Jan-April 2014

P1060796_thumb.jpg

Caravelle Village 2014 Quick Market Snapshot:

January 1 to April 30, 2014

 

Active For Sale Homes = 0

Pending Home Sales = 3

Sold Homes = 2

Average Sold Home Price = $ 181,000

 

Caravelle Village homes are selling quickly, like most Forest Hills neighborhoods.

As always, the homes in best condition & market priced sell quickly.  With

current inventory at zero, buyers will be watching for new homes to enter the

market this summer.

 

If you are considering selling your Caravelle Village home,

please contact Terry for a neighborhood market analysis.

The current market place changes rapidly.

 

If you would like information about buying or selling a Forest Hills Home,

please contact Terry at 616-292-7263.

 

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

 

Copyright 2014 All rights reserved

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

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

 

 

Grand Rapids Bungalow Sold Home by Westbrook Realty

Grand Rapids Bungalow Sold Home by Westbrook Realty

By Bonnie & Terry Westbrook

 

This home has sold and closed.

Mulick Park Neighborhood

 

 

 Front Exterior View from the Street

Liv Rm

 

Large room living room with neutral carpeting, custom ceiling

plaster detail, and replacement windows.

 

kitchen

Galley Kitchen looks out on wood deck & backyard.

Dining Room

Dining Area from the kitchen.

M. Bedroom

 

Master Bedroom has hardwood flooring, double closet

Bedroom

Up Bedroom

 

Upstairs bedroom is whole length of the house

Bathroom

 

Updated bathroom

 

Rec Room

 

Recreation Room

Recently Updated Recreation Room Lower Level

 

Grand Rapids Bungalow New on the Market

Additional Bonus Room added also.

Back Yard Deck

Back Yard Deck

 

Back Yard

Back Yard – Rear View of House

 

This home also has a deck in the backyard, a finished basement

with recreation room recently redone, a bonus Room, a storage area, and

laundry area.  Garage is detached.

 

List of Home Improvements Completed:

New Roof – 2008
New Sliding Door to back –  2008
New Deck –  2008
New Replacement Windows –  2008
New Kitchen appliances – 2008
Bathroom renovation –  2008
New Kitchen sink and faucet – 2013
Fenced backyard / paver path – 2011
New Furnace (96% efficient, 2 stage) – Fall 2013
New Air Conditioning – May 2014
Complete basement renovation – 2012
Electric panel upgrade – 2012

 

New on the market,  this Grand Rapids home has lots

of updates recently completed.  Move-in Ready.

 Video Tour Link

Call Terry for details  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 Schools Named Top High Schools in Nation

Forest Hills Schools Named Top High Schools in Nation

Forest Hills Eastern, Northern and Central High Schools have been

named top high schools in the nation by Newsweek in a report on

public schools in America. Located east of the city of Grand Rapids,

Forest Hills Public School District is one of the top rated schools in

the state and the nation.

fheasternhs_thumb.jpg

The high schools in the study were judged on college preparedness,

participation in college level classes,  advanced placement classes,

international baccalaureate programs, and acceptance into two

and four year college programs.

 

Although only the high schools were rated in this article, all of 

Forest Hills Public Schools strive for academic excellence for

all their students.

 

If you are considering locating in the Forest Hills District,

give Terry a call.  He knows the area well and has sold and closed

countless Forest Hills homes, from starter homes to executive enclaves.

 

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.

 

Copyright 2013  All rights reserved

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Mar 2013 ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Mar 2013 ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Mar 2013

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Garden Living in Eastown Grand Rapids MI

Garden Living in Eastown  Grand Rapids MI

This Home is SOLD!

Featuring an Arts & Crafts Style Home in Eastown Area with single stall garage

and a wonderful back yard garden area.  The lot on this home is 222 feet deep,

so there is plenty of space for gardening activities.

 

Eastown Home Garden

There are two pergolas, one over the driveway and one over the backyard deck.

 

Back Yard Deck with Pergola

Back Yard Deck with Pergola

The pergola has a mature wisteria vine growing on it for maximum shade and

beautiful blooms in the spring.  The deck area is large and has an adjacent cement

patio area for the grill.

 

Back Yard View

The lot depth on this home is spacious and ends in a hill, which is a privacy bonus.

 

Back Deck with Pergola

Cozy back deck area makes the most of the back yard.  Whether you are into

container gardening or just sitting on the deck with a cool drink, this home

has a wonderful yard for outdoor living.

 

This back yard garden could be yours as this Grand Rapids Eastown home is for sale.

More details and lots of inside photos can be seen at our website:

Eastown Home for Sale

 

Give Terry a call if you would like a private showing at 616-292-7263.

 

Additional Grand Rapids Real Estate Articles

Why You Should Work With a Realtor

Buying a Home

Real Estate Advice

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 Ada MI Home in the Woods   Retreat to Nature  ar125812225271331 Ada MI Home in the Woods   Retreat to Nature

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

               Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kent County SBA Loan Center Office Open June 18-27, 2013

Kent County SBA Loan Center Office Open June 18-27, 2013

Homes and businesses that suffered damage in the April 7-20  2013 flooding in Kent County

can apply for disaster relief loans to help repair their real estate and personal property.

 

The Small Business Loan Center will be open for one-on one assistance:

June 18-27, 2013

Kent County Sheriff’s Dept.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

701 Ball Ave. NE

Grand Rapids MI 49503

 

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at:

https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

 

More detailed information here on times & hours, if interested.

 

_______________________________________________________________

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  2013 Junegrass Bluegrass Festival Lowell MI ar125812218972939  2013 Junegrass Bluegrass Festival Lowell MI ar125812225271331  2013 Junegrass Bluegrass Festival Lowell MI

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

 

7 Reasons to Buy a West Michigan Home Now

7 Reasons to Buy a West Michigan Home Now

This may sound like the same old rhetoric, especially coming from a

real estate blog.  But if you are considering buying a home in the

next year or two, you might want to step up your timetable.

 

1. Home prices will bounce along the bottom this winter,

but prices are expected to rise 10% over the next four years.

2. Home inventory is still declining – making finding your dream home

much more difficult.

3. INTEREST RATES ARE STILL LOW!

4. Rents are rising – it is not quite the bargain it was a few years ago.

5. Long term home ownership creates family wealth. 

6. Most young adult still desire a home of their own. 

Increased demand + higher interest rates = higher home prices.

Experts estimate the First Time Home Buyer Grant Program will be gone

by June 2013.

7. When Home Prices Rise, your buying power decreases drastically.

You can’t save money fast enough to keep up with rising home prices

and rising interest rates.  Especially if 20% down payment becomes the

new industry standard.

 

If you are thinking of buying a home I will be happy to discuss your options

and availability of homes in the West Michigan area.  Give me a call at

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!

ar125812212017642 Grand Rapids $100 Home Energy Audits ar125812218972939 Grand Rapids $100 Home Energy Audits ar125812225271331 Grand Rapids $100 Home Energy Audits

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry     616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

2013 Michigan Home Buyer Assistance Fund

2013 Michigan Home Buyer Assistance Fund

Michigan is one of the states that has made a settlement with the

big banks in the National home foreclosure law suit.  Because Michigan was one

of the hardest hit by home foreclosures, this settlement awards $ 15 million

to assist new buyers in acquiring homes. 

These grants are awarded on a first come- first served basis until the money

runs out. This grant program is for new home buyers with a preference for

military and disabled veterans.

 

First Time Home Buyer is defined as not owning a home for the last 3 years.

If you are active reserve, active military, or a veteran you are eligible for

$5000 of grant money.  If you are a first time home buyer you are eligible for

$3000 of grant money with this program.

 

MSHA is administering this fund for the state; lots questions and details

can be viewed at their website.  As of Feb.12, 2012, there is $ 10,814,802.59

of grant funds left in the program.

 

If you have any questions about your eligibility or how to buy a home with

the MSHDA National Assistance Grant Program, please call me and I would

happy to discuss this program with you.

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Grand Rapids $100 Home Energy Audits ar125812218972939 Grand Rapids $100 Home Energy Audits ar125812225271331 Grand Rapids $100 Home Energy Audits

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry     616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids $100 Home Energy Audits

Grand Rapids $100 Home Energy Audits

Affordable home energy audits are available in the Grand Rapids area.

Normally, these would cost $300-$400, but the State of

Michigan has set up a program through BetterBuildings for Michigan with

$30 million in federal grant money to help homeowners reduce energy

consumption.

Energy efficient bulb

Before your eyes glaze over with boredom, you might want to consider

the before and after statistics of a Free Home Energy Audit. Savings

have been seen by previous users from $235 to $800 a month.

 

The Team installs energy efficient light bulbs, showerheads,

faucets, and programmable thermostats at no additional charge.

They also suggest additional cost effective and energy saving home

improvements, such as insulation and appliances. They also offer

financial assistance to those who choose to install energy saving

measures, including rebates totaling up to $5000.

 

BetterBuildings for Michigan in Grand Rapids: 616-451-3051 ext. 40

or visit MIHomeEnergy.org.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Real Estate Market Report  April – Sept 2012 ar125812218972939 Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report  April – Sept 2012 ar125812225271331 Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report  April – Sept 2012

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry    616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

East Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan -Mar 2012

East Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report  Jan -Mar 2012

East Grand Rapids is a city with homes priced from the

low $100,000’s to over $2,000,000 with the majority of homes

selling from $120K to $400K.  East Grand Rapids is a very popular

place to live in the Grand Rapids area.

Winter Aconite Blooms

 

2012 First Quarter Real Estate Market Activity

 

East Grand Rapids Current Listings = 83

Average Sale price – $270,878

Average Time on Market = 2 months

Average Sold Price/Sq Ft = $ 123.13

Absorption Rate = 3.9 months

Home inventory is down to a new level in East GR and

homes are taking a few months to sell.  Please note that

average time on the market reflects only the latest “improved”

price by the seller, not the whole time the home was listed.

 

If you have been considering selling your East Grand Rapids

 home, now is the perfect time, give Terry a call.

 

SEARCH EAST GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

 

East Grand Rapids Real Estate Market Reports

East Grand Rapids Michigan ~ America’s Hometown

____________________________________________________________________________________________

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 East Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2011 ar125812218972939 East Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2011 ar125812225271331 East Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – March 2012

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2011

Forest Hills is a school district in Ada–Cascade Michigan

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

community has wonderful neighborhoods, some new and some older

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

a life style that attracts many home owners.

 Grand River Knapp St

2012 first Quarter real estate market activity.

Under $250,000 Homes:

Forest Hills Current Listings = 144

Average Sale price – $164,911

Average Time on Market = 3-4 months

Average Sold Price/Sq Ft = $ 98.27

Absorption Rate = 2.9 months

$ 250,001 and Up  Homes:

Forest Hills Current Listings = 192

Average Sale Price = $ 410,964

Average Time on Market = $2.6 –4 months

Average Sold Price/Sq Ft = $95.31

Absorption Rate = 6.4 months

 

Home inventory is higher in the upper priced home market and

 effects the Absorption Rate, which is double that of the homes under

$ 250K.  Prices have dropped across the board but buyer demand is

still sluggish.  With the mild winter weather and a head start on spring,

we will see if this effects the local real estate market.

 

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

He has over 35 years of experience in selling and buying West Michigan

and Forest Hills homes.

 

 

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 Homes, please contact me directly.

Copyright 2012  All rights reserved

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 2011 ar125812218972939 Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2011 ar125812225271331 Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM