Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Dec 2011

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Dec 2011

A list of the TOP Rockford Michigan Houses to buy,

based on $ 85+/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.

Please note: This list can change daily as some homes sell,

prices are adjusted and other homes come on the market.

The Top Rockford Dec 2011 Homes to Buy:

340 Northland Dr $ 89,900 1018 Sq Ft $ 88.31/SqFt

5851 Verta NE $96,000 1100 Sq Ft $87.27/SqFt

8610 Belding Rd $104,897 1166 Sq Ft $ 89..96/Sq Ft

8267 Peachtree Dr $124,900 1500 Sq Ft $ 86.60/SqFt

7720 11 Mile Rd $125,000 1311 Sq Ft $95.35/SqFt

6777 Northland Dr $128,500 1494 Sq Ft $86.01/SqFt

8540 Jewel Ave NE $129,900 1351 Sq Ft $96.15/SqFt

9620 Wolven Ave $129,900 1420 Sq Ft $91.48/SqFt

1597 House St $139,000 1416 Sq Ft $98.16/SqFt

4040 Scenic Pines Dr $149,750 1752 Sq Ft $85.47/SqFt

7645 9 Mile Rd $164,900 1695 Sq Ft $97.29/SqFt

220 S Monroe NE $169,900 1018 Sq Ft $91.84/SqFt

9685 Hessler Crsg $194,900 2047 Sq Ft $95.21/SqFt

6464 Foxtail Mdws $197,900 2047 Sq Ft $96.68/SqFt

664 Highlander Dr $210,000 2340 Sq Ft $ 89.74/SqFt

6812 Bonita Vista Ct $229,750 2336 Sq Ft $98.35/SqFt

9195 Lady Lauren $236,000 2626 Sq Ft $89.87/SqFt

76489 12 Mile Rd $237,500 2478 Sq Ft $ 95.84/SqFt

Home inventory is holding steady in Rockford this month.

Homes that are in great condition and priced right are what buyers

are looking for today. If you need to know what your

home could sell for today, contact Terry about a home analysis.

Not all homes are equal in our current market.

SEARCH FOR ROCKFORD HOMES

Additional Rockford Michigan Articles:

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Blogs

Rockford Michigan Photo Tour

You Want To Buy A House, Now What?

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

please contact us 1-888-240-1968 x 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. 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

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Dec 2011

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Dec 2011

Our list of the Top Best Buy East Grand Rapids Houses

to buy is based on price/square foot, specifically $75-$110 p.s.f.

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

square foot should be similar, if the interior finish of the home

is comparable. East GR has homes listed at almost $500/Sq Ft

and under $100/Sq Ft, so the range in this community is wide.

December 2011 – TOP BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes

1600 Wealthy St SE $109,900 1248 Sq Ft $88.06/SqFt

2115 Lake Dr SE $109,900 1380 Sq Ft $79.64/SqFt

548 Lovett $125,000 1432 Sq Ft $1198 Sq Ft

2145 Hall St $128,500 1198 Sq Ft $107.26/SqFt

1438 Eastlawn Rd $129,900 1290 Sq Ft $100.70/SqFt

2727 Albert Dr SE $140,000 1358 Sq Ft $103.09/SqFt

947 Breton Rd SE $140,000 1583 Sq Ft $88.44/SqFt

619 Gladstone $149,900 1348 Sq Ft $111.30/SqFt

2738 Richards $159,900 1441 Sq Ft $110.96/SqFt

2243 Heather St $159,900 1600 Sq FT $99.94/SqFt

1140 San Jose $169,900 1497 Sq Ft $113.49/SqFt

938 Maxwell Ave $195,000 1844 Sq Ft $105.75/SqFt

1610 Robinson Rd $229,900 2156 Sq Ft $106.63/SqFt

2254 Brighton Dr $254,900 12250 Sq Ft $113.29/SqFt

1447 Woodcliff Ave $274,900 2861 Sq Ft $96.09/SqFt

2861 Woodcliff Crl $340,000 3024 Sq Ft $112.43/SqFt

Home sales prices have increased in EGR in 2011 with lower

inventory and fewer buyers this last month. Distressed properties are

still coming on the market but much scarcer than other areas around GR.

The 150K – 300K is still a strong market in East Grand Rapids housing.

SEARCH EAST GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

Bank Owned & Short Sale EGR Homes Search

Related Posts:

Which Mortgage Do I Choose?

East GR Real Estate Market Articles

Home Buyer Questions & Answers

East Grand Rapids – America’s Hometown

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present

condition. Sold-As-Is*

If you would like to view an East Grand Rapids 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.

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

Why You Need a Professional Realtor on Your Side

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Why You Need a Professional Realtor on Your Side

Real estate is not the same as it used to be. Our economy and our home

ownership have undergone major changes over the past few years. Gone are the

days of a real estate transaction conducted by a handshake and an understanding.

This presents new problems in the real estate transaction.

Fully one-third of written real estate contracts written today

do not go to closing.

The reasons are numerous:

more stringent lending requirements
discounted appraisals
inspections that reveal costly repairs
failure to come to the negotiating table with compromise in mind
Bank & Government bureaucracy with no checks/balances

If you are entering the real estate world without a seasoned professional

on your side, you are setting yourself up for a 1-in-3 chance of failure.

Those are pretty good odds for horse racing but not so good for home

ownership. Real estate professionals know real estate, they will protect

your rights and interests, and are expert at negotiating a sale.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Home Sales Program

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Home Sales Program

This HUD program is available to a select group:

Law enforcement officers
Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers
Firefighters
Emergency medical technicians

These buyers are offered a discount of 50% from the list price of a HUD home.

The buyer must remain in the home for 36 months and be your sole residence.

The program is being offered in certain areas, revitalization areas, are listed

only for sales through the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales program for purchase

through the program for five days.

HUD requires that you sign a second mortgage and note for the discount amount.

No interest or payments are required on this "silent second" provided that you

fulfill the three-year occupancy requirement.

The number of properties available is limited and the list of available properties

changes weekly. To learn more, go to Good Neighbor Next Door.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Flipping or Renting? Which Option is Best?

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Flipping or Renting? Which Option is Best?

Many investors, big and small, are reconsidering flipping houses

in this slow-as-molasses housing market we are in. Renting an invest-

ment home is becoming a much more viable option in many markets,

including Grand Rapids Michigan.

This article discusses the new trend to rent an investment house

to get a fast dollar return. Single Family Rental homes are in high

demand in most market areas but check with your local realtor

before splashing into this pool.

Renting single family homes is very often the only choice for sellers

that find themselves unable to sell their home for the amount they

have invested. This option can be a great alternative to selling;

as long as you have all your bases covered:

Renters may pay or not – Do you have contingency funds?
Do you have an eviction plan? This can happen to anyone – be prepared.
Renters may damage your property –Plan on additional funds.
Video home before moving in with tenants – condition is verified.
Houses need Maintenance – plan on time/money for repairs.
Consider a property manager if you don’t want to deal with tenants.
Home insurance canceled and/or increased – vacant homes are at risk.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Landscape Shrubs that Deer Dislike

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Landscape Shrubs that Deer Dislike

If wild deer are a part of your neighborhood, you know that your

favorite shrubs can be eaten down to mere nubs over a Michigan winter.

Deer are just trying to survive and you might as well plant shrubs

that are not on their “favorite” dining list. Please note these lists

comprise plants that can be eaten by deer – if hungry enough and

nothing else is available.

Deer Rarely Eat :

Barberry

Paper Birch

Common Boxwood

Russian Olive

American Holly

Drooping Leucothoe

Colorado Blue Spruce

Japanese Pieris

Deer Seldom Eat:

American Butternut

European White Birch

Red Osier Dogwood

Flowering Dogwood

Kousa Dogwood

English Hawthorn

Redvein Enkianthus

European Birch

Forsythia

Honey Locust

Chinese Holly

Inkberry

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

A list of the TOP Best Buy Kentwood Michigan Houses to buy,

based on $80-$90/ 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 and amenities should be similar.

The price should reflect the interior finish of the home. For example,

if the home has marble tile, new windows, new mechanicals & a new kitchen,

this would be more per square foot than a home that still has pre-1990’s

fixtures, decor and/or is in poor or tired condition.

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes May 2011

July 2011 TOP BEST BUYS in Kentwood Michigan Homes

Top Kentwood MI Homes to Buy $80-$90 per Square Foot:

6676 Eastern Ave $79,900 936 Sq Ft $85.36/SqFt

5261 Blaine Ave $99,900 1150 Sq Ft $86.87/SqFt

5181 Breezefield Ct $100,000 1119 Sq FT $89.77/SqFt

3276 Tallman Ave $109,900 1232 Sq Ft $89.20/SqFt

4622 Blaine SE $117,900 1372 Sq Ft $85.93/SqFt

4857 Marshall Ave $117,900 1360 Sq Ft $86.60/SqFt

934 Sluyter St $119,900 1400 Sq Ft $85.64/SqFt

3435 Meadow Lake Ct $124,900 1392 Sq Ft $89.73/SqFt

5762 Sugarberry Dr $129,900 1460 Sq Ft $88.70/SqFt

5069 Alyssum Dr $131,900 1487 Sq Ft $88.70/SqFt

2582 Blooming Bud Ln $137,655 1554 Sq Ft $88.59/SqFt

3558 Raintree Ct $144,900 1692 Sq Ft $85.64/SqFt

5616 E Grove Dr $154,900 1812 Sq Ft $85.49/SqFt

1939 Hollow Creek Dr $159,000 1795 Sq Ft $88.58/SqFt

2441 Whispering Mdw $169,900 1978 Sq Ft $85.89/SqFt

2161 Stowevalley Dr $174,900 2056 Sq Ft $85.07/SqFt

5727 W Grove Dr $179,900 2080 Sq Ft $86.49/SqFt

1931 Hollow Creek Dr $179,900 2000 Sq Ft $89.95/SqFt

3505 Birch Knoll Ct $244,900 2796 Sq Ft $87.59/SqFt

1265 Meadow Green $285,000 3214/SqFt $88.67/SqFt

52 Pending homes, 53 Sold Homes in Kentwood last month.

Average sold price = $ 101,979 down 4% from last month

Kentwood has been hit hard by the real estate downturn,

propelled by foreclosures and short sales. Short Sales are

extremely difficult for most home buyers to consider as a

purchase due to timing. Please keep in mind the time alone

[2-9 months] of negotiating with the banks makes it difficult

for some buyers to consider. Foreclosures are “somewhat” easier

to purchase but many are sold as-is, so funds for home repairs and

improvements are crucial.

The FHA 203K loan will allow you to roll some home

improvement costs into your home loan. If you have been

considering a Kentwood home purchase, ask us about how

this loan can work for you. Interest rates are still at record

lows and inventory is very affordable in Kentwood.

SEARCH FOR KENTWOOD HOMES

SEARCH KENTWOOD MI Short Sale & Foreclosure Homes

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – June 2011

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-June 2011

Rockford is a northern suburb of 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 and diverse businesses and

resources. It is a popular Grand Rapids suburban area that many like

to call home.

351 Active Rockford MI Listings

Pending Home Sales: 91

Sold Rockford Homes: 208

Average sold price $ 188.014

Sale Price to List Price – 96.%

Absorption Rate : 7 months

Housing sales in Courtland Township, Algoma Township and City

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

ranges $60,000 at the low end to over a $1 million at the high end.

The average sold home has increased in value from 2010 figures and

sold activity in Rockford seems to be up. So far, so good.

The real story of this year’s real estate story is held by the banks.

The bank owned inventory is very high and hasn’t been coming on the

market at the rate it has in the last few years. This has allowed the

housing market a brief reprieve this year and seen home prices increase

slightly because of a lack of distressed home inventory.

If you have any questions about Rockford or Grand Rapids

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

email: terry@terrywestbrook.com

More Rockford Articles:

SEARCH FOR ROCKFORD MICHIGAN HOMES

SEARCH for Rockford MI Bank Owned –Short Sale Homes

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Reports

Rockford Michigan Video Tour

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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan -June 2011

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-June 2011

Kentwood Michigan is a large suburb of Grand Rapids with a 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.

Kentwood home sales have recouped some of their value this year

though sales volume is down. We are still seeing some home price

reduction on homes in poor/dated condition. Good news for sellers,

Kentwood has decreased absorption rates as fewer homes are entering

the market, 60% less homes sold in 2010 than in 2009.

2011 Mid Year Kentwood STATS:

368 Active Listings for sale

124 Pending Home Sales

223 Sold Homes

$96,571 Average Sold Price

96.83% of List Price

Absorption Rate: 6.3 months

Home prices are still depressed in many areas of Kentwood

compared to a few years ago. The Absorption rate is a bit lower than

last year, which is a good sign.

Foreclosures and short sales are still affecting the average market price

in Kentwood. Home prices will be affected by the way banks handle their

home inventory that is still being held. If they take a measured approach

to putting these homes on the market, prices will not be affected as much

as if they dump the large home inventory they still hold on the market as

soon as possible.

More Kentwood Michigan Articles:

SEARCH for Kentwood Michigan Homes

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

a specific Kentwood home, please contact me.

Photo of Kentwood Public Library 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!

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry 616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes June 2011

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Terry & Bonnie

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes June 2011

This is our list of the Top Best Buy East Grand Rapids Houses

to buy based on price/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 and it should reflect

the interior finish of the home. East GR has homes listed at almost

$500/ Sq Ft and under $100/Sq Ft, so the range here is wide.

For example, if it has crystal chandeliers, wood flooring, a new

kitchen, this would be more value per square foot than a home

that still has the 1980’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. If you would like

to sign up for daily new listing email, just contact Terry. You can also

sign up for saved searches on our website. This saves your profile

search and lets you monitor and control your search details.

June 2011 – TOP BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $66.62 to $119.96

Highest List Price - $ 359,000

Lowest List Price - $ 119,900

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

1600 Wealthy St SE $119,900 1248 Sq Ft $96.07/SqFt

2450 Gilmour St $133,500 1500 Sq Ft $89.00/SqFt

1112 Eastwood $139,000 1275 Sq Ft $109.02/SqFt

2151 Tenway $145,000 1396 Sq Ft $103.87/SqFt

1058 Orchard Ave $149,900 1335 Sq Ft $112.28/SqFt

2543 Richards Dr $149,900 1400 Sq Ft $107.07/SqFt

2073 Hall St SE $154,900 1680 Sq Ft $92.20/SqFt

2144 Hall St SE $164,900 1742 Sq Ft $94.66/SqFt

2405 Oakwood Dr $165,000 1786 Sq Ft $92.39/SqFt

1045 Lakeside Dr $174,900 1520 Sq Ft $116.07/SqFt

1032 San Juan Dr $179,900 1696 Sq Ft $106.07/SqFt

441 Rosewood $179,900 1680 Sq Ft $107.08/SqFt

1138 Lakeside Dr $179,900 1736 Sq Ft $103.63/SqFt

629 Gladstone Dr $199,500 2146 Sq Ft $92.96/SqFt

1640 Sherman St $209,900 2037 Sq Ft $103.04/SqFt

1555 Edgewood Ave $227,000 2123 Sq Ft $106.47/SqFt

715 Cambridge Blvd $228,000 2177 Sq Ft $104.73/SqFt

541-3 Greenwood $244,900 3676 Sq Ft $66.62/SqFt

2254 Brighton Dr $269,900 2250 Sq Ft $119.96/SqFt

1447 Woodcliff Ave $274,900 2861 Sq Ft $96.09/SqFt

2332 Boston St SE $281,900 2358 Sq Ft $119.55/SqFt

2733 Maplewood Dr $295,000 2746 Sq Ft $107.43/SqFt

1750 Robinson Rd $299,900 2772 Sq Ft $108.19/SqFt

3131 Lake Dr $319,900 3300 Sq Ft $96.94/SqFt

612 Laurel Ave SE $359,900 3250 Sq Ft $110.74/SqFt

22 Sold, 19 Pending in the last month in EGR

Average Sale Price $ 287,523

Average Price/SqFt $129.72

Home sales have increased this month, home inventory

is moving in East GR. Distressed properties are still popping up

but much scarcer than other areas around GR. Price per square

foot is moving up slowly but can be affected by higher priced homes.

SEARCH EAST GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

Bank Owned & Short Sale EGR Homes Search

Related Posts:

Which Mortgage Do I Choose?

East GR Real Estate Market Articles

Home Buyer Questions & Answers

East Grand Rapids – America’s Hometown

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present

condition. Sold-As-Is*

If you would like to view an East Grand Rapids 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.

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

Category Archives: Michigan Real Estate

Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Dec 2011

Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Dec 2011

SEARCH FOR ROCKFORD HOMES

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes Dec 2011

SEARCH EAST GRAND RAPIDS HOMES

Bank Owned & Short Sale EGR Homes Search

Why You Need a Professional Realtor on Your Side

HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Home Sales Program

Flipping or Renting? Which Option is Best?

Landscape Shrubs that Deer Dislike

Deer Rarely Eat :

Deer Seldom Eat:

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

Kentwood Michigan Top Best Buy Homes July 2011

SEARCH FOR KENTWOOD HOMES

More Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Articles

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan – June 2011

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan -June 2011

Kentwood Michigan Real Estate Market Report Jan-June 2011

East Grand Rapids Michigan Top Best Buy Homes June 2011

SEARCH EAST GRAND RAPIDS HOMES