Grand Rapids Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Watermark Residences Jan-Dec 2009

Posted on December 14, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Watermark Residences Jan-Dec 2009

The Residences at Watermark are located on Watermark Golf Course just

south of Cascade Road. Yes, I play Watermark golf course every chance

I get. Watermark is a premier course with friendly players.

It has an excellent grounds staff and a great pro shop staff, as well.

Watermark single family homes and condos make this a very attractive

place to live. Quality built homes with access off Cascade Road and

Spaulding Drive, you are close to the airport, 28th Street shopping,

I96 expressway and close to Cascade, Ada, and Forest Hills

schools and shopping areas.

watermark residences entrance grand rapids mi

Watermark Residences

Jan-Dec 2009 Real Estate Market Report

For Sale: 9

There are 9 active Watermark Homes currently on the market.

The median Watermark Homes current active price is $ 538,875

The average Watermark Homes current price per sq ft is $242.10

The average days on the market for active Watermark Homes is 147

The high price is $ 735,000 and the low price is $ 369,900.

Sold: 3

There have been 3 Watermark Sold Homes since Jan 1, 2009.

The average Watermark Sold Home price is $ 454,667

The average Watermark Sold Homes price per sq ft is $178.70

The average days on the market for Watermark Sold Homes is 167.

Pending: 0

Expired: 9

At the current rate of sales, we have a 32 month Absorption rate at the

Watermark Residences. This means that it will take 32 months for the

current listed homes to sell based on the current rate of sales.

Watermark buyers don’t seem very interested at the present prices.

The listed avg. price/square foot is about $60 more than the 3 sales

so far this year.

Additional articles about Watermark Residences:

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate

Watermark Country Club

Watermark CC Golf Pro ~ Mark Wilson

The Grille Restaurant at Watermark

If you would like further information about Watermark Residences

Cascade or Forest Hills Homes, please contact me directly:

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report – Adatowne – Jan-Dec 2009

Posted on December 14, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Adatowne Jan-Dec 2009

Adatowne is a popular entry level home market in the Ada area of

the Greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area.

Part of the appeal is the proximity of Ada Elementary, Forest Hills

Central Middle and High Schools, Ada Christian Schools, St Roberts

School and being close to the village of Ada. Adatowne is an

established subdivision, started in the early 1970’s by E.L. Ladd

Builders of Ada.

I have held many open houses in these plats and sold many of

the homes as new construction – to be built.

If you doubt the power of your home as an investment, a basic

ranch in Adatowne (about 1000 sq ft) sold for $ 19,900 in 1975.

Ada Drive Ada Michigan

Adatowne Residential Neighborhood in Ada, Michigan

Jan- December 2009 Real Estate Market Report

7 Sold, 0 Pending, 2 For Sale, 3 Expired

Adatowne Active Listings: 2

Adatowne Average Active price – $132,450

Adatowne Active average price/SqFt – $87.71

Adatowne Active average days on market – 111

Adatowne Pending: 0

Adatowne Sold Listings: 7

Adatowne Average Sold Price – $ 134,400

Adatowne Average sold price/SqFt – $90.01

Adatowne Average Sold days on market –100

MARKET SYNOPSIS: Absorption Rate for Adatowne is 3.44 months,

which means it would take 3.44 months for the active listings to sell,

if no other homes entered the market, according to current sales

statistics. Price per square foot has went up for both sold

and active listings this year, though average sold price went down

by $30K. The market here was all over for price, topping at $133/SqFt

to a bargain $55 a sq ft. The larger homes brought the best price

per sq ft for sellers. Condition continues to be the difference

between getting the best price and selling at rock bottom.

Additional Ada Michigan Articles:

Ada Michigan Real Estate Reports

If you would like more information about Ada or Grand Rapids

Homes, please feel free to contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate – Westbrook Realty

Photo of Ada MI 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. 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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Cascade Township Michigan Real Estate Market Reports – Cascade Woods – Jan-Dec 2009

Posted on December 14, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Cascade Township Michigan Real Estate Market Reports Cascade Woods Jan-Dec 2009

Cascade Woods is an established neighborhood of large, executive

style homes in Cascade Township, MI. Most of these homes were

built in the 1960’s and 1970’s, although there are a few newer

homes that were built recently in the area. Close to the village of

Cascade and the Thornapple River, this heavily wooded area has

been a Grand Rapids desired suburban place to live for decades.

Part of the Forest Hills Public School District, which draws many

families, there is also the river and it’s picturesque appeal. The

drive down Thornapple River Drive between Ada and Cascade in

the fall is one of the prettiest drives in the greater Grand Rapids area.

Leslie E Tassell Park Cascade Township MI

Cascade Woods Market Report December 2009

8 Homes For Sale, 1 Pending, 10 SOLD, 14 Expired

Cascade Woods Active Listings: 8

Cascade Woods Average price – $427,100

Cascade Woods Average $/SqFt – $142.44

Cascade Woods Average days on market – 156

Cascade Woods Sold Listings: 10

Cascade Woods average price – $193,162

Cascade Woods average $/SqFt – $ 84.37

Cascade Woods average days on market – 89 days

Cascade Woods Expired Listings: 14

The Absorption Rate for Cascade Woods Homes is 7.33 months,

Which means if no new listings come on the market, it will take

7.33 months to sell the existing inventory. The average sold price

per SqFt is still 40% less than the average Active list Price/SqFt. This

is a definite increase since the last report in August, which was

24 moths. Average sold price is still going down, but this could

reflect foreclosures, short sales, and homes in poor condition

that have sold over the last 12 months. The average list price

has increased by $133K because one of the listings in over $1 million

and time on the market has increased.

10 Cascade Woods homes have sold over the last year, only 2

of the 10 homes sold were over $100 a square foot. This tells me

that homes in poor condition, read “dated” are pushing average

prices down in this area.

Today’s buyers do not want to do ANY updates, which includes

painting, new kitchens & baths, and new flooring. If your Cascade

Woods home hasn’t sold, it is probably condition, which gets

us back to price. If you don’t want to improve your home, you

won’t get the same price as people who have updated and kept

their home current according to recent trends.

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Reports

If you would like further information about Grand Rapids or

Cascade Homes, please contact me directly.

photo of Leslie E Tassell Park on the Thornapple River 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. 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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Winter at Frederick Meijer Gardens Sculpture Park Grand Rapids Michigan

Posted on December 14, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Winter at Frederick Meijer Gardens Sculpture Park Grand Rapids Michigan

We invite you to visit our world famous Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We will share our recent snowy winter scenes with you. It usually doesn’t look like this until January or February, but it certainly is getting us in the Holiday mood. This is just a sampling of the 200+ sculptures that are here at the park permanently.

If you get a chance to visit Grand Rapids, don’t miss the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Former President Jimmy Carter called it a “National Treasure.” We would love to have you come for a visit and see for yourself.

More photos of Meijer Gardens

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

GRAR 50th Awards Breakfast Installation Ceremony 2009

Posted on December 11, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

GRAR 50th Awards Breakfast Installation Ceremony 2009

Grand Rapids Association of Realtors had their 50th Annual Awards

and Installation Breakfast this morning. We braved a cold, snowy

morning drive to arrive at Frederick Meijer Gardens Banquet Room.

Our new President, John Postma was sworn in along with the new

Board of Directors by Jeff Schreur. Thanks to the old outgoing President,

Greg Carlson, and the Board of Directors that served in 2009.

Representative Dave Hildebrand received the Pinnacle Award for embracing

Realtor issues in Lansing.

My peers voted for a new Pinnacle award this year, Professional Congeniality

Award, which I humbly accepted.

2009 has been one of the most challenging years in the real estate business

in the last 50 years. 2010 will likely be filled with similar changes and

opportunities for those willing to embrace new avenues and ways to

connect with consumers.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Catamount Jan-Dec 2009

Posted on December 10, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Catamount Jan-Dec 2009

Catamount properties are in the rolling hills adjacent to the

Grand River in the northern section of Ada Township in a gated

community with privacy and wooded acreage. Executive style

homes with lots of room for entertaining and all the custom extras

that make a home luxurious are the norm here. If you are

searching for a prestigious address, this could be what you are

looking for, as it is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the

Grand Rapids area.

Catamount Market Report Jan-Dec 2009

4 For Sale, 5 Sold, 8 Expired

Catamount Active Listings: 4

Catamount average active price – $712,425

Catamount average active price /SqFt – $ 200.72

Catamount average days on market – 75

Catamount SOLD Listings: 5

Catamount average sold price – $ 592,350

Catamount average sold price/SqFt – $ 207.54

Catamount average sold days on market – 142

Catamount Pending Listings: 0

The Absorption Rate for Catamount Homes is 10 months, which means if no new listings

come on the market it will take10 months for the existing homes to sell at the current rate of sales.

The average sold price dropped in 2008 and into 2009. The average list price is $100K higher

than current selling price. 5 homes sold in the last 12 months, with 4 homes for sale in this

neighborhood. Prices have eroded from 3-4 years ago as is typical all over the area.

Foreclosure and short sale homes have likely affected the average price. Homes on the upper

end of the market are slow to sell in the current economy, as the 5 sold and 8 expired homes

for this Ada neighborhood shows.

Additional Ada & Forest Hills Articles:

Ada Michigan Real Estate

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate

If you would like further information about the value of an Ada or

Grand Rapids Home, please contact me directly at:

1-888-240-1988 ext 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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report – East – West Village Jan–Dec 2009

Posted on December 9, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report East West Village Jan-Dec 2009

The East/West Village subdivision off Ada Drive in Ada Township

is a fairly new development. The new housing construction started in 2005

and is still continuing to date. You can buy a resale home or a new home

in this centrally located housing development. Near both public and

private schools, East Village is also close to Forest Hills and 28th

Street shopping areas. The Ada Bike or Walking Trail also connects

this area on Ada Drive with the village of Ada, Grand Rapids, and the

village of Cascade.

East Village is also close to the I96 expressway for easy access to many

different parts of our greater Grand Rapids area. Large, executive style

homes with many amenities and extras are the rule in this neighborhood.

If you would like to start with a brand new house in Forest Hills,

this may be the place for you to call home.

Real Estate Market Report East-West Village Jan-Dec 2009

For Sale: 4

East Village Homes average list price: $ 462,450

East Village average price/sq ft (main floor): $ 159.36

East Village average days on the market:112 days

Pending Sales : 1

Sold Homes : 6

East Village SOLD homes average price: $ 413,983

East Village SOLD homes average price/sq ft: $146.43

East Village SOLD homes average days on market: 99 days

Expired: 10

Market Synopsis: East -West Village Homes are selling, if priced correctly.

Buyers are paying from $115-160/SqFt on the main floors, which is down from

last summer’s prices. New construction is priced higher, so an existing

home should be priced lower per square foot than a new one.

The absorption rate for East -West Village is 8 months, which means

if no new homes enter the marketplace, it will take 8 months

for the current home inventory (4) to sell. This is high for the Ada – Forest

Hills area, it reflects the higher prices of the homes, even though

they are located in Forest Hills. Higher priced homes are slow movers

on today’s market due to buyer’s jitters about further market devaluation.

Ada Michigan Real Estate

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate

If you would like further information about East or West Village, Ada, or

Grand Rapids Homes, please contact me directly.

photo of Ada Bike Trail 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. 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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Forest Hills Michigan Clements Mill Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report ~ Jan- December 2009

Posted on December 9, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Clements Mill Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2009

Clements Mill is a newer home development built by Eastbrook

Construction in the Ada MI area, started in 1999 and completed in

2003. Apart from newer homes, part of the appeal is the proximity

of Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools, Forest Hills

Woodlands 5/6 School, St Roberts & Ada Christian Schools, which

are within walking distance.

Clements Mill is midway between the Village of Ada and Forest Hills

shopping area at Cascade Road and Forest Hills.

Ada’s Clements Mill has seen steady to declining values in the short

time it has been built out. This is largely due to the current housing

economy where all area homes have suffered a decline in value. This

subdivision continues to be a desired location for local residents.

Clements Mill Market Report Jan – December 2009

15 Sold, 1 Pending, 3 For Sale, 6 Expired

Clements Mill Active Listings: 3

Average Active Price: $175,233

Average Active Price/SqFt: $130.21

Average Active Days on Market: 131

Clements Mill Sold Listings: 15

Average Sold Price: $251,113

Average Sold Price/SqFt: $109.44

Average Days on Market: 73

Clements Mill Expired Listings: 6

Absorption Rate for Clements Mill homes is averaging

2.4 months, which is a very low rate for the Grand Rapids area.

Average list price is currently lower that average sold price,

which means that the current active homes are smaller and

priced below the homes that have sold this year.

Additional Forest Hills Articles:

Forest Hills Michigan Real Estate Reports

SEARCH FOR FOREST HILLS HOMES

If you have detailed questions about Ada Homes, Forest Hills

Homes or just need further information, please contact me

directly: terry@terrywestbrook.com or call 1-616-292-7263

Snowman photo 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. 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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Michigan is Snoooooow Fun!

Posted on December 6, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan is Snoooooow Fun!

If life gives you lemons…make lemonade. Well, the residents of Grand

Rapids Michigan don’t need lemonade lessons or snow fun lessons, either.

With the surprise snowfall of about 10 inches and a couple more inches added

yesterday, we have SNOW!! When you put kids & a day off school together,

you get lots of Snow Fun!!

The best sledding hills are where you find them…this one is on a nearby

church backyard.

Lots of energy is being spent here, the low carbon emission type,

perfect for that hot cocoa remedy for cold hands, feet, and faces.

When the uphill climb gets slower and slower, it is a sure signal that it is

time to pack up your gear and head home.

A neighbor made this impromptu snowman. I love the innovative

hat.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

First Choice for Chinese Food in Forest Hills = First Wok

Posted on December 4, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

First Choice for Chinese Food in Forest Hills = First Wok

The First Wok Restaurant at 6740 Old 28th Street in the heart

of Cascade is one of our favorite lunch spots. We enjoy the pleasant

surroundings, the smiling service, but most of all, we love the food.

We aren’t adventurous when it comes to foreign specialties but we

have eaten Chinese cuisine for years all over the US.

First Wok is the best Chinese restaurant we have been to in the Grand

Rapids area. The egg drop soup is not just a few morsels swimming in

broth, it is chock full of vegetables, shrimp, and seasoned just right.

A perfect appetizer for most people, it can be almost a whole meal,

along with an egg roll.

Since we aren’t big fans of hot, spicy foods we can’t testify directly

for those dishes, although our friends seem to like them. We can say

we get lots of freshly cooked Chinese dinners, served with flair. If you

haven’t been to First Wok, you should give it a try. Note: there are

other First Wok locations in Grand Rapids, sadly, these don’t come up

to the standards we experienced at the restaurant in Cascade.

We snapped a few photos of the interior when we were at lunch last week.

We have received no remuneration or compensation for our review of

First Wok Restaurant.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Monthly Archives: December 2009

Grand Rapids Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Watermark Residences Jan-Dec 2009

Grand Rapids Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Watermark Residences Jan-Dec 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report – Adatowne – Jan-Dec 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Adatowne Jan-Dec 2009

Cascade Township Michigan Real Estate Market Reports – Cascade Woods – Jan-Dec 2009

Cascade Township Michigan Real Estate Market Reports Cascade Woods Jan-Dec 2009

Winter at Frederick Meijer Gardens Sculpture Park Grand Rapids Michigan

GRAR 50th Awards Breakfast Installation Ceremony 2009

GRAR 50th Awards Breakfast Installation Ceremony 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Catamount Jan-Dec 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Catamount Jan-Dec 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report – East – West Village Jan–Dec 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report East West Village Jan-Dec 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Clements Mill Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report ~ Jan- December 2009

Forest Hills Michigan Clements Mill Neighborhood Real Estate Market Report Jan-Dec 2009

Grand Rapids Michigan is Snoooooow Fun!

Grand Rapids Michigan is Snoooooow Fun!

First Choice for Chinese Food in Forest Hills = First Wok

First Choice for Chinese Food in Forest Hills = First Wok