Grand Rapids NE Applewood Condo Sold

Posted on February 25, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids NE Applewood Condo Sold

Another Westbrook Realty SOLD Home!

If you have been considering moving into a condominium,

this could be the home you have been looking for. It has lots of pluses and is

located near Knapp’s Corners shopping and entertainment complex.

Take a video tour with us of this well maintained home. It has 3

bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, cathedral ceiling and skylights in the

Great Room, and a covered deck to enjoy those summer sunsets.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnWQvSmbGpg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999]

Grand Rapids condo for sale

Call 616-292-7263 for a private showing.

Bird's Eye View of 2035 Tall Meadow St NE

More information available at: www.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

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes February 2010

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes February 2010

We have gathered a list of the TOP Kentwood Michigan Houses

to buy, based on price per square foot. Price per square foot

is a great leveler. If two similar homes are listed at similar prices,

their price per square foot should be similar. The price should reflect

the interior finish of the home. For example, if it has crystal chandeliers,

marble tile, & a new kitchen, this would be more per square foot than

a home that still has the 1970’s decor and/or is in derelict condition.

Kentwood MI City Hall

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot.

Lowest prices/Sq Ft range from $32.37 to $68.15 in Kentwood this month.

February 2010 31 TOP BEST BUYS in Kentwood MI Homes

The lowest list price is $ 29,900

the highest list price is $194,900

Top Kentwood MI Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

7213 Regal Ave $29,900 750 Sq Ft $39.87/SqFt

126 58th St SE $29,900 772 Sq Ft $38.73/SqFt

337 60th St SE $48,600 1457 Sq Ft $33.36/SqFt

453 Pine Place St $49,900 1248 Sq Ft $39.98/SqFt

3394 32nd St SE $54,900 1696 Sq Ft $32.37/SqFt

4525 Grantwood $57,900 1470 Sq Ft $60.31/SqFt

36 58th St SE $59,900 1540 Sq Ft $57.60/SqFt

303 60th St SE $59,900 1520 Sq FT $39.41/SqFt

5444 Eastern Ave $59,900 976 Sq Ft $61.37/SqFt

315 60th St SE $60,000 864 Sq Ft $69.44/SqFt

155 Wavell St SE $70,000 1350 Sq Ft $51.85/SqFt

2097 60th St SE $70,000 1300 Sq Ft $53.85/SqFt

245 58th St $79,900 1200 Sq Ft $66.58/SqFt

4528 Grantwood $80,000 1650 Sq Ft $64.00/SqFt

74 Jonquil St SW $82,900 1280 Sq Ft $64.77/SqFt

4651 Brooklyn Ave $99,900 1800 Sq Ft $67.73/SqFt

3075 Paris Park Dr $103,900 1711 Sq Ft $60.72/SqFt

876 Bellewood Dr $109,900 2282 Sq Ft $48.16/SqFt

4072 Brookmeadow $112,900 1978 Sq Ft $57.08/SqFt

1570 Marwood Dr $114,900 1686 Sq Ft $68.15/SqFt

4361 Plymouth Ave $119,900 2800 Sq Ft $66.98/SqFt

1449 48th St SE $119,900 2260 Sq Ft $67.40/SqFt

2528 Mapleview Ct $119,900 1992 Sq Ft $60.19/SqFt

1456 54th St SE $122,000 2125 Sq Ft $57.41/SqFt

3615 Kalamazoo Ave $124,900 2725 Sq Ft $45.83/SqFt

5848 Valley Lane Dr $129,900 2046 Sq Ft $63.49/SqFt

1820 Pembroke St $137,900 2224 Sq Ft $62.01/SqFt

1889 60th St SE $139,900 2436 Sq Ft $57.43/SqFt

1260 44th St SE $140,000 2877 Sq Ft $65.91/SqFt

1160 Edsel St SE $179,900 3128 Sq Ft $62.51/SqFt

3350 SandyHook Ct $194,900 2969 Sq Ft $65.64/SqFt

Kentwood & Wyoming have been hit hard by unemployment, auto-

motive plant shutdowns and loss of population. Short Sales are

extremely difficult for most home buyers to consider as a purchase.

Please keep in mind the time alone [3-9 months] of negotiating with

the banks makes it almost impossible for some buyers to consider.

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.

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

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

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

All information is subject to verification & no liability for

omission or error is assumed.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Kentwood Michigan Open House Sunday Feb 28th – Bailey’s Grove 12- 2 pm

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Kentwood Michigan Open House Sunday Feb 28th – Bailey’s Grove 12-2 pm

This tastefully decorated home is Open from 12 to 2 pm at:

family room 3592 meadow grove kentwood mi

This home has 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, a great open floor plan and finished

lower level. The home sits on a wooded lot that borders on a nature

area in Bailey’s Grove. A finished lower level with game room, craft

room, bedroom with daylight windows and a full bath.

kitchen 3592 Meadow grove kentwood mi

A lovely gourmet kitchen with working island, large pantry, and all appliances

included. A main floor utility room and flex room with bath. Video Link

Come and see this home this Sunday, Feb 28th 2010. We will be waiting for 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. 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

Watermark Golf Course Home Open Sunday Feb 28, 2010 3-5pm

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

This luxurious home on Watermark Golf Course is Open this Sunday,

February 28th from 3 to 5 pm.

Watermark Dr SE in Cascade Township, Grand Rapids Michigan

Nov. 2010 Update: this home has been withdrawn from the market.

great room 1698 watermark dr gr mi 49546

This photo shows the Great Room with fireplace, views of the golf course,

and access to the kitchen and eating area. This home has 5 bedrooms

and 4 baths, a finished lower level with Game Room, Kitchen, Billiard

Room, Theatre Room, and Home Office.

game room 1698 watermark dr gr mi 49546

Situated on the 6th tee at prestigious Watermark Golf Course, you can

literally walk out your back door and start playing golf. Or just watch

your friends from the deck as they tee off

6th tee watermark country club grand rapids mi 49546

Video Link

Come out and see us Sunday – We will be waiting for 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. 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

Nothing Short About Grand Rapids Short Sales

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Nothing Short About Grand Rapids Short Sales

The following was a post we did in February of 2009, not much

has changed in 1 year. We are expecting the government to start incentives

to banks and second mortgage lenders to encourage the short sale process

instead of waiting for foreclosure.

Benefits:

House usually sells for a higher price
Credit of the seller is not affected for as long
Neighborhood values are not affected as adversely

The term Short Sale has nothing to do with the time it takes to close

this type of transaction. It refers to the money the bank or mortgage holder

will receive from the sale of the property. The closing will be “short” of the

funds that the seller owes on the mortgage. In other words, they are upside

down- they owe more than the home is currently worth.

upside down house

Since we don’t live in a past world where the home “was” worth more or

a future world where it “may” be worth more, this is the sad financial

situation many reluctant home sellers find themselves in today, selling at

a loss. It doesn’t make for happy campers.

The Short Sale scenario usually doesn’t have anything to do with

greed or mismanaging money. Many of the cases we see are typical families

that bought a home, fixed it up a little, and then got a job transfer, had a job

loss, a divorce, a family death or illness occurred which drastically changed

their financial situation.

not happy

What the falling prices on homes does is trap the homeowner.

He can’t sell it for what he paid for it—— he has to take a loss, go bankrupt,

or lose his credit rating. Many people do not have equity in their home, or

savings, or a 401K they can borrow from to pay their losses. We see that

occasionally, but it is not the rule.

The banks and mortgage companies are in a difficult situation.

They are going to take a loss, no matter what happens. The object is to stall,

wait, and negotiate until they get the best outcome they can for their company’s

bottom line. Okay, companies stay in business by minimizing losses.

But, and this is a big but, stalling, and prolonging these transactions

until the potential buyers walk away is hurting everyone. Delaying a month,

two months, three months on answering a decent real estate offer hurts the

bank, the seller, the buyer, and the real estate agent. This kind of time lag is

typical of short sales. I have heard getting these transactions to close as

compared to ” trying to land a 747 on a blade of grass. ”

Real Estate agents don’t like to get involved in these transactions

because they are prolonged, messy, tons of paperwork, many, many frustrating

phone calls, and at the end of the transaction, the bank or mortgage company

will typically “short” the commission the agent has worked for. This is another

sticky wicket because the contract is with the seller, not the mortgage lender.

So, this has to be negotiated again, if you are fortunate. If not, you take what

they will give you.

Short Sales are becoming a much more common transaction as

banks are deluged with foreclosures and calls from homeowners requesting

help. The recent * Recovery Act may be a relief valve, allowing some people

to reduce their mortgage, save their credit and their home. The first week of

March the US government will tell us what the parameters of their plan are

going to be.

*Nov 2010 Note: We have seen little effect from the Recovery Act yet.

Make sure your agent has the experience and knowledge to get you

through the minefield of short sale negotiation, if you are buying

or selling a Grand Rapids Home.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

We are Watching: The Squirrel Olympics Winter 2010

Posted on February 20, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

We are Watching: The Squirrel Olympics Winter 2010

We have a feeder for the birds. We enjoy watching them up close.

We have several other neighbors who like our feeder, too. They

are always looking for a free lunch, free breakfast, free snack.

It becomes a part time job to keep them away from the black

gold known as sunflower seeds.

Usually if startled, they will fly into the air and land with a thud!

It is about 14 feet to the ground.

We show “The Moocher” in the act……

This fellow is a regular – not glad to see us!

But I can have a few more seeds before you get serious.

Mug Shot # 147

The following shots were done with the burst setting on our camera.

Hang time.

Short rest period until the next run.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes – Feb 2010

Posted on February 19, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Michigan Top Best Buy Homes – Feb 2010

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,

new plumbing, electrical & other major mechanicals.

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, not the

basement, even if finished.

meadowbrook elementary school forest hills mi

The list of Top Best Buy Homes for February 2010 is 22 properties.

The lowest price/Sq Ft for homes range from $36.82 to $79.07 in

Forest Hills.

Lowest list price is $54,900

Highest list price is $273,000

February 2010 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.

WARNING: Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures, short

sales 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:

2650 Knightsbridge Rd $ 54,900 845 Sq Ft $64.97/SqFt

2657 Chatham Woods $ 63,900 1056 Sq Ft $78.12/SqFt

2695 Chatham Woods $ 64,500 820 Sq Ft $78.66/SqFt

6217 Acropolis Dr $74.900 1316/SqFt $67.11/SqFt

6381 Wainscot Dr SE $75,000 1116 Sq Ft $67.20/SqFt

2997 Chapshire Dr $79,900 1116 Sq Ft $71.59/SqFt

3181 Charlevoix Dr $80,000 1083 Sq Ft $73.87/SqFt

5505 Whitneyville SE $83,900 1536 Sq Ft $54.62/SqFt

6351 Wainscot Dr SE $84,900 1116 SqFt $76.08 /SqFt

2201 Shady Dr NE $90,000 2444 Sq Ft $36.82/SqFt

3914 Cascade Rd SE $94,900 1240 Sq Ft $76.53/SqFt

2049 Rowland Ave $ 99,900 1280 Sq Ft $78.05/SqFt

1791 Grand Ct NE $118,900 1600 Sq Ft $74.31/SqFt

1787 Park Trail NE $119,900 1600 Sq Ft $74.94/SqFt

1773 Park Trail NE $121,900 1600 Sq Ft $76.19/SqFt

2328 Dean Lake Ave $129,900 2757 Sq Ft $47.12/SqFt

2309 3 Mile Rd $149,900 3340 Sq Ft $70.54/SqFt

7485 Candlewood Dr $172,900 2933 Sq Ft $58.95/SqFt

4662 E Forest Dr $174,900 3212 Sq Ft $79.07/SqFt

205 Shore Haven Dr $209,900 2672 SqFt $78.56/Sq Ft

5739 E Fulton St $254,900 4557 Sq Ft $71.16/SqFt

8801 Fulton St E $273,000 4132 Sq Ft $66.07/SqFt

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

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes – Feb 2010

Posted on February 19, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes – Feb 2010

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

based on price per square foot. Price per square foot is a great leveler.

If two similar homes are listed at similar prices, their price per square

foot should be similar. It should reflect the interior finish of the home.

For example, if it has crystal chandeliers, marble tile, a new kitchen,

this would be more per square foot than a home that still has the

1970’s decor and/or is in derelict condition.

Please note that this list can change daily as some homes sell, prices are

adjusted and other homes come on the market.

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

are used to figure price per square foot.

February 2010 – 25 TOP BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $75.29 to $116.65

Highest List Price – $ 349,700

Lowest List Price – $ 79,900

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

729 Gladstone Dr SE $ 79,900 800 Sq Ft $99.88/SqFt

1148 Lakeside Dr SE $ 89,900 900 Sq Ft $99.89/SqFt

2361 Burchard St $125,900 1455 Sq Ft $109.00/SqFt

2360 Lake Dr SE $137,000 1582 Sq Ft $86.60/SqFt

612 Gladstone Dr SE $139,900 1268 Sq Ft $110.33/SqFt

159 El Centro Blvd $149,900 1848 Sq Ft $81.11/SqFt

1530 Groton Rd $149,900 1694 Sq Ft $97.34/SqFt

2714 Cascade Rd SE $149,900 1900 SqFt $115.31/SqFt

2665 Richards Dr SE $149,900 1573 SqFt $116.65/SqFt

1647 Franklin St $149,900 1392 Sq Ft $107.69/SqFt

2115 Tenway Dr SE $154,900 1395 Sq Ft $111.04/SqFt

847 Orchard Ave $159,900 1350 Sq Ft $118.44/SqFt

252 Hodenpyl Rd $159.900 1489 Sq Ft $107.39/SqFt

1433 Edgewood Ave $165,900 1738 Sq Ft $94.94/SqFt

2752 Robinson Rd $169,900 1532 Sq Ft $110.90/SqFt

2530 Cascade Rd SE $179,900 2200 SqFt $111.88/SqFt

2937 Lake Dr $179,900 1602 Sq Ft $112.30/SqFt

1707 Hall St SE $189,900 2229 Sq Ft $108.33/SqFt

2840 Cascade Rd $199,000 2272 Sq Ft $111.55/SqFt

2150 Anderson Dr $209,000 3322 Sq Ft $75.29/SqFt

1401 Pinecrest Ave $220,000 2350 Sq Ft $103.97/SqFt

330 Fulton St E $263,000 3460 Sq Ft $106.05/SqFt

1245 Woodshire Ave $269,500 2248 Sq Ft $119.88/SqFt

1418 Woodcliff Dr $339,500 3114 Sq Ft $109.02/SqFt

1401 Breton Rd $349,700 3873 Sq Ft $102.85/SqFt

East Grand Rapids homes are selling. If you have been waiting for the

right time to buy, don’t wait much longer. We are seeing definite signs

of competition for homes in some areas, like East Grand Rapids and

Forest Hills. Homes in good condition and priced appropriately are

selling quickly.

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

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

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

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Grand Rapids Michigan – New Christian Elementary School is Under Construction

Posted on February 17, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Grand Rapids Michigan – New Christian Elementary School is Under Construction

The Ottawa Hills neighborhood in Grand Rapids has had major

construction going on all winter. The new Christian Elementary School is

going up on the old Ottawa Hills High School campus. You can read about the

beginning phases on an earlier blog. This campus will serve a large area

and is eagerly anticipated. It is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2010.

We took a few new photos so you can see how it is shaping up.

We could hear the air hammers working away inside.

Lots of machinery and building equipment in evidence.

The former playground was kept intact and their is plenty of open space.

The view from the northwest corner of the lot, near Alexander Dr. SE.

This new facility will be located at: 1501 Fisk St SE

Old Ottawa/Iroquois Middle School

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

NW Grand Rapids Michigan Home

Posted on February 15, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

NW Grand Rapids Michigan Home

Update: This home has been withdrawn from the market.

This unique A Frame home on the northwest side of Grand Rapids has an

open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths in 1923 finished square feet.

The main floor has an open cathedral ceiling in the Great Room which is open

to the kitchen and upper loft. Large windows let in lots of natural light and a

brick wood burning fireplace adds lots of architectural appeal.

A large master suite with private bath upstairs just off a loft that

overlooks the living area below.

Two bedrooms and full bath on the main floor. A family room with

fireplace on the walk out lower level that has sliding glass door to the

front of the home.

An attached 2 car garage and a large utility laundry room are also on this

level. A wrap around deck offers plenty of room for outdoor living and

entertaining in the warmer months.

Close to public and parochial elementary schools on the NW side,

John Ball Park & Zoo, Millenium Park, 3 golf courses, and downtown

Grand Rapids.

More information at Westbrook Realty

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Monthly Archives: February 2010

Grand Rapids NE Applewood Condo Sold