East Grand Rapids Michigan ~ America’s Hometown

East Grand Rapids Michigan is America’s hometown, at least for quite a few famous people and lots of not-so-famous people.   Gerald R Ford, our 38th President and our 40th Vice President grew up in Grand Rapids and lived in East Grand Rapids when he served 25 years as a Michigan Congressman.  The movie American Pie was written by Adam Herz, who grew up in East Grand Rapids and based the movie on his teen years. 

But East Grand Rapids Michigan is more than a famous hometown, it is a quintessential American hometown. The population is about 11,000 people, and it has fewer than 4000 housing units.  East Grand Rapids has 4 seasons, so you can enjoy all seasonal sports and outdoor events.

You can walk or bike to almost anywhere in East in a short time, it has about 3 square miles of total area.  You can frolic in Collins Park on Reeds Lake almost year round.  If you jet ski, sail, wind surf, fish, or just like to gaze at the water, Reeds Lake is a prominent part of the local community activities.

East GR has great neighborhoods, some include stately mansions, others are average homes, tree lined streets,  above average city services, such as leaf & yard waste removal, award winning public schools, a vibrant downtown shopping district- Gaslight Village, and all within 10 minutes of downtown Grand Rapids cultural events.

Take our photo tour of East Grand Rapids MI and get acquainted with it’s charm.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsO3476vU4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0]

 

There are currently 170 homes for sale in East Grand Rapids, ranging

in price from $ 99,980 to $ 2,039,000.  If you would like to live in

East Grand Rapids, give me a call at 888-240-1968 ext 0 or email me

at Terry@Terrywestbrook.com

 

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Video & Photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Top Best Buy Homes Kentwood Michigan ~ July 2009

We have gathered a list of the Top Kentwood Home

Buys.  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 updating with 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 new roofs & mechanicals.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

kentwood mi top best buys in homes 3-09

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot.  The

lowest prices/Sq Ft range from $37.63 to $57.06 in

Kentwood this month.

Homes on the list this month are still bargain

prices at an average price of less than $50 a square foot.

Kentwood &  Wyoming have been hit hard by the automotive

shutdowns  and subsequent job losses in these areas.

 

July  2009  18 Top BEST BUYS in  Kentwood Homes

The lowest list price is $44,900

the highest list price is $125,000

Top Kentwood Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

 

1509 Kendall St         $54,900     1500 Sq Ft    $51.26/SqFt

3685 Giddings Ave     $69,900    1470 Sq Ft   $47.55/SqFt

320 Nora St SE           $57,900     1048 Sq Ft   $55.25/SqFt

2705 Ridgemoor Dr    $ 60,000    1505 Sq Ft   $39.87/SqFt

68 Nancy St SE           $74,900     1368 Sq Ft   $54.75/SqFt

 

3394 32nd St SE        $85,000     1696 Sq Ft   $50.12/SqFt

5034 Marwood Ct       $84,000     1968 Sq Ft   $42.68/SqFt

5393 Newcastle Dr     $90,000    2696 Sq Ft   $50.53/SqFt

439 Pine Place St        $99,850    1750 Sq Ft   $57.06/SqFt

5818 Pinetree Ave     $89,900   2200 Sq Ft   $40.86/SqFt

 

5733 Averill Ave SW  $44,900     1096 Sq Ft   $40.97/SqFt

5772 Crippen Ave      $49,900     1200 SqFt    $41.58/SqFt

2102 68th St. SE       $82,000    2179 Sq Ft   $37.63/SqFt

3750 Breton Rd SE    $79,500    1651 Sq Ft   $48.15/SqFt

2540 Mapleview St    $89,900    1582 Sq Ft   $56.83/SqFt

 

972 Bellewood Dr     $118,500    2511 Sq Ft  $47.19/SqFt

1329 Meadowlane   $119,900    2192 SqFt    $54.70/SqFt

2237 Bentbrook Ct  $125,000    2772 Sq Ft   $45.09/SqFt

 

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

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

All information is subject to verification & no liability for

omission or error is assumed.

Top Best Buy Homes Rockford Michigan ~ July 2009

We have gathered a list of the top Rockford Houses to buy

based on price per square foot, one of the best ways to sort

through homes for values.

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 updating with 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 new roofs & mechanicals.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

rockford michigan top best homes for sale

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.

July 2009  27 Top BEST BUY Homes Rockford, Michigan.

The lowest list price is $ 27,500

The highest list price is $240,000

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $30.69 to $74.96

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

1656 10 Mile Rd NE        $ 27,500     896 Sq Ft    $30.69/SqFt

5035 Bear Ave               $114,900    1629 Sq Ft   $70.53/SqFt

6452 Bella Vista Dr NE    $114,900   1848 SqFt   $62.18/SqFt

4853 Cannonsburg Rd   $132,900   2550 Sq Ft   $65.73/SqFt

4351 Porter Hollow Dr    $134,900   2000 Sq Ft  $67.45/SqFt

 

6674 Echo Dr NE            $149,900   2387 Sq Ft   $62.80/SqFt

5134 Corchel Hls NE     $199,900    2696 Sq Ft   $74.15/SqFt

6304  Belding Rd NE     $129,900   2980 Sq Ft   $43.59/SqFt

8596 Sunny Hours Trl   $189,900   4454 Sq Ft   $67.97/SqFt

5645 Ramsdell Dr NE    $169,900   2300 Sq Ft   $73.87/SqFt

 

8050 10 Mile Rd NE      $ 73,500     1840 Sq Ft   $70.67/SqFt

485 West River Dr        $ 74,900     1330 Sq Ft   $56.32/SqFt

6480 Belmont Ave NE    $ 79,900     1773 Sq Ft  $45.06/SqFt

5693 Tiffany Ave NE     $240,000     3488 Sq Ft   $68.81/SqFt

7692 11 Mile Rd NE      $92,000       1983 Sq Ft   $46.39/SqFt

 

271 N Monroe St           $ 69,900    1510 Sq Ft   $46.29/SqFt

150 Northland Dr          $179,900    3100 SqFt   $66.63/SqFt

647 Highlander Dr NE   $199,320    3050 Sq Ft   $65.35/SqFt

6849 Blue Ridge Dr NE  $209,900    2800 Sq Ft   $74.96/SqFt

107 S Main St                $99,900      1530 Sq Ft   $73.95/SqFt

 

125 S Main St             $114,900       1688 Sq Ft   $68.07/SqFt

52 W Division St NE    $128,900       2500 Sq Ft   $71.61/SqFt

125 Prospect St          $129,900      2548 Sq Ft    $50.98/SqFt

6691 Boca Vista Dr      $ 69,900       960 Sq Ft     $72.81/SqFt

6731 Boca Vista Dr     $  69,900       960 Sq Ft     $70.61/SqFt

 

179 Hunter’s Lane      $ 54,900        851 Sq Ft    $64.51/SqFt

227 Hunter’s Lane      $ 69,900       1064 Sq Ft   $65.70/SqFt

8539 Courtland Dr      $ 74,900        1080 Sq Ft  $69.35/SqFt

 

 

There are still quite a few bargains to be had in the Rockford

area.   If you are thinking of buying in Rockford, now is the time

to be looking. The below appraisal priced homes are disappearing

from the market in some other areas of Grand Rapids.

Don’t overlook the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers

or buyers who haven’t owned a home for the last 3 years.

This will be available for homes closed until November 30, 2009,

unless Congress extends it.  There is the possibility of using

the $8000 tax credit towards your down payment.

Contact me for details.

 

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market June 2009

Rockford Michigan Video Tour

 

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

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

or email terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Top Best Buy Homes ~ Lowell Michigan ~ July 2009

We have gathered a list of the Top Best Buys in Lowell Homes.

Please note that this list can change daily as some homes

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

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

Lowell MI High School Sign

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot.

Great opportunities to buy a Lowell Home at bargain prices.

The lowest price/Sq Ft range from $27.74 to $74.44

in Lowell Top Best Buys.

        July  2009  28 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes

        Lowest list price is $36,400

        Highest list price is $225,000

 

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

 

14129 Fulton St E        $ 36,400     660 Sq Ft   $55.15/SqFt

11216 Bluewater Hwy $ 39,900      920 Sq Ft  $43.37/SqFt

229 N Jefferson St       $ 45,000   1100 Sq Ft   $40.91/SqFt

7595 Wingeier Ave SE $ 49,900    1600 Sq Ft  $31.19/SqFt

3296 Whitesbridge Rd $ 43,500   1568 Sq Ft  $27.74/SqFt

 

323 Sherman St           $55,000    1560 SqFt   $35.26/SqFt

1367 Northwind Dr       $59,900    1456 SqFt   $41.14/SqFt

14109 Fulton St E        $ 68,900   1100 Sq Ft  $62.64/SqFt

319 N Monroe St          $ 69,900   1645 Sq Ft  $42.49/SqFt

11555 Peck Lake Rd   $ 84,900    1310 Sq Ft   $64.81./SqFt

 

1494 Lincoln Lake NE $ 89,900    1440 Sq Ft   $62.43/SqFt

983 Lincoln Lake Ave  $ 89,900   1751 Sq Ft   $51.34/SqFt

13612 Downes St NE $ 99,900   1450 Sq Ft   $68.90/SqFt

11712 E Bear Mdws   $117,990   1585 Sq Ft  $74.44/SqFt

404 Riverside Dr        $123,100   1681 Sq Ft  $73.23/SqFt

 

216 W Main St#6      $129,000   2100 Sq Ft   $61.43/SqFt

2022 Conservation Trl $129,900   1788 Sq Ft  $72.65/SqFt

6016 Bancroft Ave     $139,900    1912 Sq Ft   $73.17/SqFt

224 N Hudson St         $139,900   2240 Sq Ft   $62.46/SqFt

545 North St                $139,900  1906 Sq Ft  $73.40/SqFt

 

511 N Jefferson St       $135,000   2058 Sq Ft   $65.60/SqFt

12327 4 Mile Rd NE     $139,200   2200 Sq Ft   $63.27/SqFt

1655 Salisbury           $141,328    2040 SqFt    $69.28/SqFt

1333 Cumberland      $149,900    2277 Sq Ft  $65.83/SqFt

701 Fallasburg Park   $162,700   2280 Sq Ft   $71.36/SqFt

 

10300 Sayles Rd          $179,900    2418 SqFt    $74.40/SqFt

13217 52nd St SE        $200,000    2911 Sq Ft   $68.70/SqFt

219 N Washington     $225,000     3106 Sq Ft    $72.44/SqFt

 

There are still bargains to be had in Lowell, there are 9

homes priced under $80K.  13 homes reported sold in

the last month in Lowell School District 6/28/09 to 7/28/09

low price $40,000 – high price $345,000.

 

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Report ~ June 2009

Lowell High School ~ Top Ranked West Michigan Schools

 

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

If you have questions about any of these homes, please

contact us: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0

Or email : terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Road Trip Leads to Lynda’s Diner ~ Dutton Michigan

We are out on the road often to photograph listings, show listings, and

present offers. It is a perfect opportunity to discover local businesses and

give them a try.  We would rather go to a local diner than a chain restaurant.

If we see a lot of trucks from local contractors at a restaurant, we can be

sure the food is good and there is lots of it for the price.

We found just such a place when we were in Dutton recently.  We drove by

Lynda’s Diner in Dutton and stopped to have lunch.

Dutton MI

Dutton is a very small village on the south eastern border of the Grand

Rapids area on 68th Street.  Downtown Dutton Michigan with

The Dutton General Store in background.

Lynda's Diner Dutton MI

Lynda’s Diner is located at 3555 68th St SE Dutton Michigan

Lynda's Diner Dutton MI

Inside the Diner

Lynda's Diner Dutton MI

We got there early and it slowly filled up with local people out for lunch.  They

serve breakfast all day and lots of sandwiches, burgers, Mexican, Dinners, and

they have a Buffet Bar with salads and specials that was very busy the day we

were there.  We had friendly wait staff and a good meal without spending

mucho dollars.

If you would like to live in or near Dutton, please give me a call to assist you in

buying or selling a Dutton home.  We would go back to Lynda’s again anytime

we are in Dutton and getting hungry.

Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

photos by Bonnie Westbrook

We received no remuneration for our recommendation of Lynda’s Diner in Dutton Michigan.

Top Best Buy Homes East Grand Rapids Michigan ~ July 2009

We have gathered a list of the top East Grand Rapids Houses to buy

based on price per square foot. Please note that this list can change daily

as some homes sell, prices are adjusted and other homes come on the

market. Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get up-to-date

local real estate information that you want to know.

East Grand Rapids homes for sale

The total square footage is noted here, although only the main floors

are used to figure price per square foot.

July 2009 BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $75.61 to $99.11

Highest List Price -  $265,000

Lowest List Price -  $132,900

The Top East GR Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

2735 Richards Dr        $132,900    1400 Sq Ft   $94.93/SqFt

1638 Wealthy St        $ 159,900   2400 Sq Ft   $76.14/SqFt

1635 Breton Rd SE      $169,000    1893 Sq Ft   $89.28/SqFt

1408 Edgewood         $162,000    1874 Sq Ft    $86.45/SqFt

 

1063 Kenesaw Dr       $175,000    2162 SqFt    $99.32/SqFt

630 Rosewood Ave     $159,900    1862 Sq Ft   $85.88/SqFt

2150 Anderson Dr      $209,900    3322 Sq Ft   $75.61/SqFt

3000 Lake Dr             $265,000    3346 Sq Ft    $79.19/SqFt

 

2470 Lake Dr SE        $255,000   3143 Sq Ft    $81.13/SqFt

4128 Edgemere          $255,000  3006 Sq Ft    $84.83/SqFt

64 Elmhurst Dr SE      $169,900   2300 Sq Ft    $90.81/SqFt

100 Glenview Dr        $ 189,900   1916 SqFt     $99.11/SqFt

 

Note: The bargains are fewer & prices appear to be getting more

expensive here in East Grand Rapids this month.   No homes

under $100K are listed for the past 2 months.

If you have been waiting for the right time to buy, don’t wait much

longer.  We are starting to see signs of below appraisal home

prices seriously slowing in certain desirable areas, like East Grand

Rapids and Forest Hills.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and not habitable

as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*

 

East GR June 2009 Real Estate Market Report

Free Summer Concerts John Collins Park

Free Movies in the Park EGR Summer 2009

 

 

If you would like to view an East Grand Rapids Best Buy Home,

please contact us @1-888-240-1968 x 0 or email us :

terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Top Best Buy Homes in Forest Hills, Michigan ~ July 2009

We have gathered a list of the Top Best Forest Hills Houses

( Ada-Cascade) to buy, based on price per square foot.

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

updating with 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 new roofs

& mechanicals.

Check back often or just subscribe to our blog to get

up-to-date local real estate information that you want to know.

top best buys in forest hills mi homes for sale

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot, not the

basement, even if finished.

The list this month is 18 properties, up from last month.

The lowest price/Sq Ft for homes range from $43 to $74.89

here in Forest Hills.

The lowest list price is $39,900 and the highest list price is

$221,988 for July 2009 homes in Forest Hills School District.

This list could include properties in Ada Township, Cascade

Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and the

city of Kentwood.

Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition

The Top Forest Hills Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

5610 Ada Dr SE                 $153,000     2437 SqFt   $62.78/SqFt

2635 Chatham Woods      $ 49,900       817 Sq Ft  $61.08/SqFt

2653 Chatham Woods      $ 39,900        907 Sq Ft  $43.00/SqFt

2031 Rowland  #8            $ 97,000     1550 SqFt    $62.58/SqFt

6375 Wainscot Dr SE        $ 84,900     1633 Sq Ft   $69.36/SqFt

 

383 Pettis Ave SE           $ 94,900    2040 Sq Ft   $46.52/SqFt

1417 Grand River Dr       $ 89,900    1248 Sq Ft   $72.04/SqFt

5505 Whitneyville SE      $ 97,500   1536 Sq Ft   $63.48/SqFt 

6250 Architrave St          $ 90,000    1814 Sq Ft   $66.36/SqFt

6600 Cascade Rd           $ 94,900    1788 SqFt   $53.08/SqFt 

 

8195 45th St SE              $124,500     2193 SqFt   $56.77/SqFt

6461 Cascade Rd SE       $139,900    2023 SqFt   $69.15/SqFt

3703 Burton St SE          $ 66,000       912 Sq Ft    $72.37/SqFt

3012 Jeanlin Dr SE          $134,900  2548 Sq Ft    $52.94 /SqFt

6948 Maplecrest Dr         $155,000   3200 Sq Ft   $57.84/SqFt

 

7569 Woodvale St SE       $143,900   2238 Sq Ft   $60.28/SqFt

4271 Woodside Oaks Ct    $221,988  3453 Sq Ft   $64.29/SqFt

3206 Oak Hollow Dr SE     $187,900   2509 Sq Ft   $74.89/Sq/Ft

 

Forest Hills MI Top Best Buy Homes ~ June 2009

Forest Hills Market Report May 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Public Schools Update 2009

 

If you would like to see a particular Top Best Buys Forest Hills

Home, please contact us at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or email us at:

terry@terrywestbrook.com

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Average Sale Price on the Rise in Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate for June 2009

Grand Rapids Market Report July 2009

The single family home sales continue to show signs of stabilization.

For the month of June, home sales were up 26.2% compared to

June 2008. Sales price of a single family home has seen an increase

in the average price for the third consecutive month to $119,923,

up from $97,073 in April 2009, but still down 12.5% ($130,220)

from last June, according to the figures prepared by the

Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS®. This is a 19.9% increase

in the home sale price from the beginning of 2009, where home

prices were an average of $95,010 for the month of January.

Grand Rapids Skyline over Grand River

Greg Carlson, President of the Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS®,

commented on the overall condition of the real estate market in West

Michigan, "We’re seeing small  improvements, consistent improvements,

in numerous areas of the market" said Greg.

"The average ‘days on market’ is going down, while the average

selling price, median sales price and the percentage of the listing

price compared to the sales price all continue to show improvement.

In some areas it is a seller’s market."

Julie Rietberg, CEO of the Association, commented on the numbers,

""Distressed properties continue to drag down the overall market,"

said Julie, "about half of all transactions are still distressed properties

and many are in pockets which really skew  the numbers. But the

reality is houses are selling; I’ve heard reports from numerous

REALTORS receiving full price offers, and offers above list."

The number of total active residential listings remains virtually

unchanged from 9,131  in June compared to 9,104 in May. Sales

year-to-date for single-family homes was up 10.9% compared to

one year ago.

Total Home Sales up 26.2% From a Year Ago

July Sales

Quoted from an article on GRAR

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

photo of Grand Rapids Skyline by Bonnie Westbrook

East Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ June 2009

East Grand Rapids  

Units Sold  June 2009

Sales Price Graph (Includes Sold Homes Only) Quick Sheet for June 2009

East Grand Rapids Sale July 2009

Units Sold

East Grand Rapids Units Sold July 2009

Active Listings in East Grand Rapids as of July 1, 2009

(Not all homes may be shown due to map scale)

East Grand Rapids Homes for sale Map July 2009

Median Sold Price $202,500

Average days on Market 66

Percent Sold/List 92.11%

Current Inventory 159

Months Inventory 8.3

Average $ per Sqft. $99.08

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

If you would like to view a listed East Grand Rapids home, please contact me

at 616-292-7263 or email me at Terry@TerryWestbrook.com

Westbrook Realty  Grand Rapids Real Estate

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ June 2009

Caledonia    June 2009     

Units Sold

Caledonia Units sold July 2009

Sales Price Graph (Includes Sold Homes Only) Quick Sheet for June 2009

Caledonia Sales Price Graph July 2009

Active Listings Mapped in Caledonia as of July 1, 2009

(Not all homes may be shown due to map scale)

Caledonia Active Lisitngs July 2009

Caledonia Michigan has plenty of homes for sale, current count is 166

active listings, ranging in price from $39,000 to $ 1,284,900.

Average List price is $ 327,393

Average Price/SqFt = $ 157.13

Average days on market is 128 days

If you would like to view a Caledonia Michigan home, please

contact us at 616-292-7263 or email: Terry@TerryWestbrook.com

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed