Grand Rapids Good Eats – The Cottage Bar

Grand Rapids Good Eats – The Cottage Bar

Voted Best Burger many times by Grand Rapids residents,

this little bar off Fulton and Jefferson in downtown

Grand Rapids is one of our favorite places to eat.

Besides the burgers and potatoes, they have chili, which

can range on the fiery scale from one alarm to five alarm

hot!

Cottage_Bar_Sign

 

Cottage_Bar_Outdoor_Dining

In the summer months, outdoor dining is available.  Open for lunch

or dinner, you can’t go wrong at the casual Cottage Bar.  It can be crowded

on a weekend evening, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.

 

Copyright 2012 Westbrook Realty

We have received no remuneration or monies for this endorsement.

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Month of May Nature Walks at Ada Park ar125812218972939 Month of May Nature Walks at Ada Park ar125812225271331 Month of May Nature Walks at Ada Park

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Month of May Nature Walks at Ada Park

Month of May Nature Walks at Ada Park

Ada Township Park is hosting Nature presentations and walks

on Wednesdays in May.  The times will be: 10:00 – 11:30 am.

Presentations will be held at the Learning Center and nature

walks will follow to view discussed subjects.

 

Ada Township park entrance sign

 

Nature Walk Dates:

May 2nd  – Invasive Plants

May 9th  -  Wildflowers

May 23   – Local Birds

May 30   – Appalachian Trail

 

Cost of each program is $ 3.00, payable at the door.  Please

pre-register by contacting the park office at 616-676-0520

or email mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com.

Ada Township Park is located at 1180 Buttrick Ave Ada MI.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Jan   Mar 2012 ar125812218972939 Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan   Mar 2012 ar125812225271331 Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan   Mar 2012

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – Mar 2012

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report  Jan – Mar 2012

Lowell Michigan is located on the Flat River just east of Grand Rapids, MI.

It has really grown in the last 20 years, in many ways. Lowell has a great

school system, a  thriving business community, a lively arts society, and

is one of the growing Grand Rapids suburban communities in Kent County.

Englehart Library

LOWELL MI Jan to March, 2012 Real Estate STATS:

Active Listings: 122

Average Sold Price: $137,737

PENDING Sales: 22 homes

SOLD Homes: 55 Sold Homes

Average Sold Price to List Price:  94.5%

Absorption Rate for Lowell Listings is 4.7 months for the

current housing inventory. If no other homes enter the market, it

will take 4.7 months for the current homes to sell at the current

rate of sales. This figure is in the normal range and has dropped

2 months from last year.

Lowell Homes are selling for about 10% less than 2011.

Although, the average sale price to list price has risen slightly,

we still aren’t seeing a dramatic price increase.  The lower

active listing count will affect this eventually.

 

SEARCH LOWELL MICHIGAN HOMES

Search Lowell MI Bank Owned –Short Sale Homes

Additional Lowell Articles:

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Reports

Video Tour of Lowell Michigan

Lowell Michigan Events

If you would like additional information about Lowell Area Homes,

please contact me through phone, email or my web site.

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 Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2011 ar125812218972939 Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2011 ar125812225271331 Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Foto Friday – Order Your Chicks!

Foto Friday – Order Your Chicks!

Chicks are ready sign

You know spring has arrived in Lowell, Michigan when it is time to  order

your chicks for summer.  Have you ordered your chicks yet?

 

SEARCH for LOWELL MI HOMES

Lowell Michigan Info

____________________________________________________________________________

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 Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – March 2012 ar125812218972939 Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – March 2012 ar125812225271331 Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – March 2012

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – March 2012

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – Mar 2012

Rockford is a northern suburban community near Grand Rapids,

about 15-20 minutes by freeway from the center of the city.  It is a

small town on the Rogue River with: an excellent public school system,

diverse businesses, and resources.   It is a popular and populous Grand

Rapids suburban area.

 Lake Bella Vista Rockford Michigan

January 1 to March 31, 2012 Rockford Real Estate Stats

249 Active Rockford MI Listings

Pending Home Sales: 88

Sold Rockford Homes: 105

Average sold price  $ 178,874

Sale Price to List Price – 96.14%

Absorption Rate : 3.8 months

Housing sales in Courtland Township, Algoma Township and

City of Rockford are included in this report. Rockford’s housing market

ranges $30K at the low end to over $1 million at the high end.

The average sold home price has held fairly steady, with a slight dip,

so far this year compared to 2011.  The Absorption Rate is down to

3.8 months, all  good news for the Rockford real estate market.

 

If you have any questions about  Rockford or Grand Rapids

homes, please contact me directly: 1-616-292-7263   or

email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

 

SEARCH FOR ROCKFORD MICHIGAN HOMES

SEARCH for Rockford MI Bank Owned –Short Sale Homes

More Rockford Articles:

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Reports

Rockford Michigan Video Tour

Copyright 2012  All rights reserved

Photo of Lake Bella Vista sunset 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. We believe Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

ar125812212017642 Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2011 ar125812218972939 Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2011 ar125812225271331 Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – March 2012

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Jan-Mar 2012

Kentwood Michigan is a large suburb south east of Grand Rapids,

population under 50,000. It has manufacturing, shopping centers, and

lots and lots of residential housing. Kentwood Public Schools are one

of the largest school systems in the area with over 9000 students and

16 buildings within a 24.25 square mile area.

hellebore

2012 First Quarter Real Estate Market Activity

Kentwood Current Listings = 240

Average Sale price – $103,891

Average Time on Market = 74-92 days

Average Sold Price/Sq Ft = $ 72.89

Absorption Rate = 3 months

The average home is selling in Kentwood for just over $100,000,

though there were 9 sales over $140,000, the majority are in

the $90-120K range.  The time on the market and the Absorption

rate are both close to 3 months.  With an average of 80 homes

a month selling for the first quarter, real estate is moving in Kentwood.

SEARCH for Kentwood Michigan Homes

More Kentwood Michigan Articles:

SEARCH for Bank Owned – Short Sale Kentwood Homes

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Reports

Real Estate is always hyper-local. If you have questions about

any Kentwood home, please contact Terry.

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 Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2011 ar125812218972939 Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2011 ar125812225271331 Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Dec 2011

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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Ada Township Park Discovery Days presents Cool Critters April 17, 18 2012

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ada Township Park Discovery Days presents Cool Critters April 17, 18 2012

 Age: 3-5 years      Cost $5.00 each       10-12 AM

Specifically for pre-schoolers with a parent or guardian to have a fun

educational adventure in Ada Park, Ada Michigan.  Each session will

have a hands-on activity, nature craft, and a guided discovery

experience outdoors.

Ada path Butterick Ave

Discovery Days continues at Ada Township Park through Summer 2012

Call 616-676-0520 Mark Fitzpatrick for more info

or email  mfitzpatrick@adatownshipmi.com

More information at Ada Township Website

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Mar 2012 ar125812218972939 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Mar 2012 ar125812225271331 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan Mar 2012

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Mar 2012

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-Mar 2012

grape hyacinths in bloom


2012 First Quarter Real Estate Market Activity

Caledonia Current Listings = 107

Average Sale price – $158,704

Average Time on Market = 3.3 months

Average Sold Price/Sq Ft = $ 88.49

Absorption Rate = 4.6 months

Caledonia real estate has seen an almost 10% decrease in

average list price to sold price since the first of the year.  Even

though housing inventory is shrinking, prices haven’t made a

recovery yet.  Average time on the market is back in the normal

range, even though it may take several months for sellers to

reach their sale price.

 

Average sale price is somewhat misleading in the Caledonia

market, where sold homes range from $850,000 to $25,000.

We are still waiting to see how the foreclosures and bank owned

houses still not listed will re-enter the marketplace.  If they are

released slowly back onto the market, prices may hold steady. 

If these homes are dumped back on the market, en mass, this will

lead to further price erosion for all homes.

 

SEARCH CALEDONIA MI HOMES

 

SEARCH BANK OWNED SHORT SALE CALEDONIA HOMES

More Caledonia Michigan Articles:

Caledonia Michigan Real Estate

 

Caledonia Michigan Video Tour

 

If you have any questions about Caledonia or Grand Rapids MI

homes, please contact me directly through my web site.

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 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan–Dec 2011 ar125812218972939 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan–Dec 2011 ar125812225271331 Caledonia Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan–Dec 2011

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

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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