Monthly Archives: December 2008

Ada MI Absorption Report ~ Clements Mill ~ Dec 22, 2008

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Clements Mill is  a newer home development built by EastbrookConstruction in the Ada MI area, started in 1999 and completed in2003. Apart from newer homes, part of the appeal is the proximityof  Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools, Forest Hills Woodlands 5/6 School, St Roberts & Ada Christian Schools, whichare within walking distance.Clements Mill is midway between the Village of Ada and Forest Hillsshopping area at Cascade Road and Forest Hills.Ada’s Clements Mill has seen steady to declining values in the shorttime it has been built out.  This is largely due to the current overabundance of houses for sale in a soft resale market.                 Clements Mill  Residential Real Estate                      Market Report December 2008

           22 Sold, 2 Pending, 2 For Sale, 10 Expired bike trail on Ada Dr ada miThe Absorption Rate for Clements Mill Ada Township MIis 1 month, which means if no new listings come on the market,it will take 1 month for the current homes inventory to sell atthe existing sales rate. Clements Mill Active Listings December 2008: 2Average Active Price: $182,400Average Active Price/SqFt: $105.12Average Active Days on Market: 230Clements Mill Sold Listings December 2008: 22Average Sold Price: $271,531Average Sold Price/SqFt: $122.07Average Days on Market: 116Clements Mill Expired Listings: 10Average Expired Price: $283,300Average Expired Price/SqFt: $ 131.99Average Expired Days on Market: 139 Clements Mill Market Report Nov 2008Clements Mill Market Report Sept 2008Clements Mill Market Report July 2008Clements Mill Market Report June 2008 The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner,Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since2000. There is a new proposed 80 condo units – Villas of Adaand Stone Falls of Ada – a 210 unit apartment complex, currentlyopen & under construction here.  The Stone Falls of Ada apartmentproject is adjacent to Clements Mill.  Both are scheduled for completion by spring 2009 but are open for business now. If you have detailed questions about Ada Homes, Forest Hills Homes orjust need further information, please contact me directly.Grand Rapids Ada MI  Real Estate   Five Star Real Estate LLCCopyright 2008  All rights reservedAda Drive Walking Trail Photo by Bonnie Westbrook

Caledonia MI Absorption Report ~ Crystal Springs ~ Dec 22, 2008

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    Crystal Springs Development in Caledonia, Michigan is a large,

    residential suburban housing development that was started in the

    late 1980’s and most construction was finished in the 1990’s although

    some newer homes have been built since 2000. There are also a few

    vacant lots left to develop.

    This development covers a large area around the Stonewater Golf

    Course at Crystal Springs south of 68th Street to 72nd Street and

    encompassing Kalamazoo Avenue on the east and west.  This

    development has single family homes and condos, many located

    right on the Stonewater Golf Course. 

    The public school system is Kentwood, even though the address is

    Caledonia.

    Crystal Springs is close to the shopping plaza at 68th and

    Kalamazoo, Kentwood High School, and a short hop to M-6, which is

    the south beltline for the Greater Grand Rapids area connecting US

    131 on the west and I96 on the east side of the city.

    Kentwood High School Football Stadium

                       December 2008 Real Estate

                        Residential Market Report

                    Crystal Springs Neighborhood

    The absorption rate for Crystal Springs, Caledonia MI is 14.7

    months, which means if no new listings come on the market, it will

    take 14.7 months  for the existing homes inventory to sell at the

    current rate of sale.

    Active Listings: 28 Active Crystal Springs Listings

    Average Price: $250,509

    Price per Sq Ft: $107.09 (Main Floor only)

    Average days on the Market: 109

    PENDING: 0 homes

    SOLD: 23 Crystal Springs Sold Homes

    Average Price: $ 205,735

    Average Price Per Sq Ft: $ 96.63 (Main floor only)

    Average Days on the Market: 71

    Expired: 29 Expired Crystal Springs listings

    Average Expired Price: $254,748

    Average Price Per Sq Ft: $108.34 (Main floor only)

    Average Days on the Market: 146

     

    Crystal Springs Homes that are priced competitively are selling.

    As you can see by the statistics, the homes that have their price

    per square foot around $100 are selling in under 3 months. 

    Many sellers have retired from the market and will try again in

    the spring.  They might find a better buying market, but prices are

    still on the downward trend.  With lower interest rates, this may

    spur the local economy and put more buyers into the game.

     

    Watermark CC purchases Crystal Springs GC

    Crystal Springs GC has a new look & a new name

    Caledonia MI Sept 2008 Real Estate Market Report

    Kentwood MI Real Estate Market Report Oct 2008

    Caledonia MI Crystal Springs Market Report Oct 2008

    Caledonia MI Crystal Springs Market Report Nov 2008

    If you would like additional information about Caledonia

    or Kentwood Homes, please contact me directly at

    1-888-240-1968 ext 0

    Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate  Copyright 2008 All rights reserved

    photo of golf tournament by Terry Westbrook

Beer Tasting Brunch for the Holidays

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What do Breakfast Stout and Wild Blue have in common with Dogfish Brewery?

Breakfast Beer Brunch

Breakfast Beer Brunch

They are all micro brews that are unique and great to serve with a breakfast

brunch.    This is the second time we have hosted a “BEER TASTING

BRUNCH”.  What a lot of fun. Now, I must say I am not a beer aficionado.

The cinnamon rolls would have more appeal for me but some of these

specialty brews are really unusual. One of my favs was the Wild Blue,

made with Michigan blueberries. I know it sounds strange but

it was really good! The Oatmeal Stout was hefty…..guaranteed to have you

napping on the couch by 2pm.

The original brunch was gobbled up fast, so I only have a still life photo to

represent our feast.

This is a great idea for a Holiday Brunch…the beer lovers will appreciate it.

And the non-beer lovers will get a chance to taste beers they

never would order at a pub.

Happy Solstice, Everyone!!

Bottoms UP!!

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Realty

Copyright 2008 Allrights reserved

Photo by Bonnie Westbrook

Grand Rapids Ranch ~ Too Late – Pending!!

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Updated Ranch close to Calvin College – Reduced Price!
Main Photo

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

This neat as a pin 3 bedroom ranch with 2 full baths has almost 1500 sq ft of living space and lots of extras not usually found at this price. Large newer oak cabinet kitchen,refinished hardwood floors, replacement windows w/ lifetime warrranty, new siding, recessed lighting with dimmers/special effects,finished recreation room down, newer furnace, central air and newer hot water heater.
This home also offers a detached garage with upgraded electrical service, a deck off the enclosed back porch, fenced yard, a dog run, and storage shed.
All this within minutes of Calvin College Campus or Breton Village.

Information
Contact Information
Terry Westbrook
1-888-240-1968×0
Pricing
Price: $119,900.00
Property Location
1929 Woodlawn SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
View Map
Links
Features
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Parking Spaces: off street
Year Built: 1954
Lot Size: 75 x 115
Garage Size: 1 stall
School District: Grand Rapids Public
Square Footage: 1499
Agent Name: Terry Westbrook
Broker: Five Star Real Estate
MLS #: 730199
Attributes
Appliances
Range/Oven
Full Refrigerator
Dishwasher
Interior Amenities
Hardwood Floors
Basement
upgraded lighting & controls
Exterior Amenities
Fenced Yard
Grass Lawn
Tool Shed
Deck
Fenced dog run
Photo Gallery

Forest Hills Michigan Absorption Report ~ Dec 19, 2008

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Forest Hills Real Estate Market Report

Forest Hills is actually a school district in Ada Cascade MI. This market

 is always active. These Grand Rapids suburban communities have

wonderful neighborhoods, some new and some older with prestigious

Forest Hills Public  Schools, and private schools, such as Ada

Christian that attract many homeowners. 

 This report will cover the Sept 1 to Dec. 18, 2008 real estate market

activity.

 

Forest Hills Eastern High school Ada Township MI

 

             Forest Hills MI Listings over $300,000

The absorption rate for Forest Hills MI is 14.95 months, which means

 if no new listings come on the market, it will take 14.95 months to sell the

existing homes at the current rate of sale.

There are 228 Active Forest Hills Listings in the over $300,000

category with an average price of $667,231.  The Active Listings have been

on the market for an Average of 158 Days.  The Average price per square

foot of Active Listings is $205.66 with a low price of $300,000 & a high

price of $2,700,000.

 

There have been 68 Sold Forest Hills Listings in the over $300,000

category with an Average price of $475,118.  The Average Sold price per

square foot is $ 161.62 with Average Days on the Market at 122. The lowest

sold price is  $319,000 & the highest sold price is $785,000.  There are 24

Pending Forest Hills Listings in this category.

 

 

             Forest Hills Listings  $100,000 to $300,000

The Absorption rate for Forest Hills homes in this price range is 8.1

months, which means that if no new homes enter the market, at the

current rate of sales, it will take 10.9 months to sell all current inventory.

 

There are 202 Forest Hills Active Listings in Ada -Cascade with an

Average  Price of  $209,692. 

 The Average Active Price per Sq Ft is $120.82

and the Average Active Days on the Market are 115. 

 The High Active Price is $300,000 and the Low Active Price is $109,900.

 

There have been 74 Sold Forest Hills Listings in the last 4 months.  The

Average Sold Price is $194,174 with the Average Sold Price per square foot

at $106.64.  Average Sold Days on the Market is 121 Days.  The high Sold

 price is $299,900 & the low sold price is $104,500.  There are 25 Pending

Sales in this category.

 

Market Synopsis: Although the absorption rate is one of the lowest in

the area, for the under 300K homes, there seems to be a disconnect

between sellers and buyers price expectations.

 Average list price has risen, while average sold price has lowered in this

price  category.  If you have your home listed, you just might  be chasing

the market down.  This is not an effective way to market and sell your home.

Average Sold prices for the over 300K price group has fallen about $20K

since  last month.

If you find yourself in this category, you will need to price your home for

the  buyers market we are currently in. Overpricing the market is a huge

mistake.  If you don’t need to sell, please consider taking your home off the

market,  now  is not the time to test the waters.

 

Ada Cascade Market Report October 2008

Ada Cascade Market Report Sept 2008

 

If you would like specific information about an Ada Cascade or

Forest Hills MI Home, please contact me directly.

 

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate  Five Star Real Estate LLC

Copyright 2008  All rights reserved

Photo of Forest Hills Eastern High School by Bonnie Westbrook

 

Wyoming MI 4 bedroom, 2 bath Two story ~ Too late sold

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They just don’t build houses like this anymore, at least not in this price

range!  This 4 bedroom, two story home has been updated and well

maintained.  The current owners have taken care of this home and it shows.

Located on a quiet street in a desirable Wyoming neighborhood.

 

1823 Havana SW Wyoming MI home for sale

1823 Havana SW Wyoming MI home for sale

 

 

From the original oak hardwood floors & oak trim around the

windows to the spacious eat in kitchen and four generous bedrooms,

 this home has a lot of room to offer.

 

Living Room-Dining Room

Living Room-Dining Room

 

Kitchen & Dining area

Kitchen & Dining area

 

 

Main floor bedroom

Main floor bedroom

The home also has a detached garage, fenced back yard and

a custom tree fort-play structure & play house in the back yard.

All appliances plus a one year home warranty are included.

Offered at $ 74,900  Comes out to $ 43 a sq foot!!!

    

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids  MI Real Estate 

  

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved

Photos property of Terry Westbrook

Wyoming MI Home for Sale ~ 4 Bedrooms, 2 baths ~ less than $43 a sq ft

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Wyoming 4 Bedroom Two Story – Less than $43 a sq ft
Main Photo

Location: Wyoming, MI

This quality built, well maintained two story home at 1823 Havana SW in Wyoming is ready for new owners. This home features 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths. Total finished living area is 1894 sq ft on three levels with a finished recreation room and full bath downstairs on the lower level. This updated home is located in a desirable Wyoming neighborhood across from Lee Middle School on a lot with shade tree, tree fort structure, and playhouse in a fenced yard. This home has been well maintained with original oak hardwood floors and oak trim on the main floor and original wood floors and new carpeting upstairs. A large eat in kitchen with handy half bath looks out on the tree house in the shady backyard. Four bedrooms, 3 upstairs, one on the main floor, 2 full baths and new carpeting in several rooms. The mechanicals have been updated with a newer furnace, newer roof, vinyl siding, and updated electrical, as well as radon mitigation system. The detached garage has a workshop area. The lower level has a finished recreation room, laundry facilities, work shop and a full bath. All appliances and a one year home warranty are included. This “ready to move in ” home is conveniently located close to schools and shopping.
Information
Contact Information
Logo

My Pic Association Logo

Terry Westbrook
1-888-240-1968×0
Pricing
Price: $74,900.00
Property Location
1823 Havana SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
View Map
Features
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Parking Spaces: off street
Year Built: 1931
Lot Size: 40 x 110
Garage Size: 1 car
Square Footage: 1894
Agent Name: Terry Westbrook
Broker: Five Star Real Estate LLC
MLS #: 725891
Attributes
Appliances
Range/Oven
Full Refrigerator
Washer/Dryer
Dishwasher
Microwave
Interior Amenities
Hardwood Floors
Basement
Attic Fan
Exterior Amenities
Fenced Yard
Grass Lawn
Tree Play Structure
Play House
Photo Gallery

Wyoming MI Absorption Report ~ Dec 15 2008

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Wyoming Michigan Real Estate Market Report

j0305899

     The Absorption Rate for Wyoming MI Homes is

     7.3 months supply, which means that if no new

     homes enter the market, it will take 7.3 months

     to deplete the existing inventory of homes.

     There are currently 161 Active Listings in   

     Wyoming.

      Since July 1, 2008, there have been 133 SOLD

      and Pending Wyoming MI Homes.

The high SOLD Price is $ 236,835, the low sold price is $ 53,000.

The average Sold Price is $ 96,754.

The average List Price is $ 100,627.

If you have questions about your Wyoming MI or Grand Rapids home,

please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate  Five Star Real Estate

Copyright 2008 All rights reserved

Grand Rapids Township Absorption Report ~ Dec 15, 2008

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Grand Rapids Township Current Real Estate Market Report

Meijer Gardens Entrance 2004

Current Absorption Rate for Grand Rapids Township homes is 10 months,

which means if no new listings come on the market, it will take 10 months

to sell the existing inventory of homes.

136 Sold and Pending Grand Rapids Township Homes since 7-1-08.

There are 196 Active listings currently for sale.

The average List price is $ 316,107.

The average SOLD price is $ 229,500.

If you have questions about Grand Rapids Township or Grand

Rapids homes, please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

Copyright 2008  All rights reserved

Photo of Frederick Meijer Gardens Entrance by Bonnie Westbrook

Should you Remodel Your Home or Move to…….??

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The Question of the Day: Do we Remodel or Move??

Dreaming of a back yard deck addition? Should you spend the money to

add it on or should you sell and look for a home with a deck already added?

Maybe you could get that extra bath since your teenager is in the bathroom

most of time.

 

Deck Pergola

The Wall Street Journal advises in this article: Questions you should

ask yourself before you hire a contractor or call a realtor.

So many things enter into the decision.

 

Sometimes it just gets down to:

Do you like the home you are in well enough to invest money into it?

Even knowing you may never get the investment back. You will enjoy the

improvements (a new deck) and you really don’t want to move. Your kids

like the school system, you are close to your elderly parents, so many

reasons to consider before you decide to remodel or move.

 

In this economy many contractors are more than anxious to talk to you

about improvements and the cost to complete your dream project may

never be lower. With the combination of lower interest rates, contractors

that are willing to complete projects for bargain prices, and the current

market in your area, it may be your best option to stay and invest in your

current home.

 

If you are contemplating a remodel, I would be happy to give you my

opinion on the return of investment for your home.  This is just another

option to consider in your decision.  Please contact me directly.

 

Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

Copyright 2008  All rights reserved