Foto Friday – Grand River Grandeur

Posted on September 17, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Foto Friday – Grand River Grandeur

The Grand River is the longest river in Michigan, running from Hillsdale

near the Indiana border, up to Lansing, and then turning west towards Grand

Rapids and eventually emptying into Lake Michigan. Its watershed drains an

area of 5,572 miles including 18 counties and 158 townships.

The native people who lived here called the river O-wash-ta-nong, meaning

“Far-away-water” because of its length, 260 miles.

With fall fast approaching, scenes such as the one above are common here

in West Michigan. This photo was taken on the Knapp Street bridge in Ada

township.

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

Earth-Arbor Day Celebrated at Ada Park Sat April 24th 2010

Posted on April 22, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Earth-Arbor Day Celebrated at Ada Park Sat April 24th 2010

Ada Park in Ada Michigan is going all out for Earth Day/ Arbor Day

this year with a Festival. The celebration will start at 10 AM and

continue until 2 PM at Ada Park & Arboretum on Saturday,

April 24th, 2010. Ada Park is located at 1180 Buttrick Ave.

Festival admission is free, although donations are accepted.

The Festival will celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with exhibits

on trees, landscaping, native plants, invasive plants and insects.

Activities for all ages include:

Games
Crafts
Fishing in the pond

Activities are also free, except for one craft and ‘tree themed ‘ snacks.

Each group will receive a free white pine sapling as long as supplies last.

The white pine is Michigan’s state tree.

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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 Public Schools Post Outstanding 2010 MEAP Scores

Posted on April 21, 2010 by Terry & Bonnie

Forest Hills Public Schools Post Outstanding 2010 MEAP Scores

Forest Hills students have posted outstanding MEAP scores

for the 2009-2010 year. The Forest Hills students placed at

the top of the Kent County District and the State of Michigan

charts.

In Mathematics, Reading Science, and Social Studies the

percent of Forest Hills students continues to be higher

for every test than what was achieved overall by students

in the District & State. Some of the results already meet

the federal requirements of No Child Left Behind mandate

of 100% proficiency by 2014.

You can view Forest Hills Public Schools test scores here.

As state and federal governments have raised expectations

for student performance, Forest Hills students have recorded

higher levels of achievement. The school staff, parents and

students should be be proud of the effort and accomplishment

for this year’s test scores.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Autumn Golf in West Michigan

Posted on October 19, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

Autumn Golf in West Michigan

West Michigan has 4 seasons and fall or autumn is one of our favorites.

The foliage on the trees is yellow, red, orange, shades of green, and

brown. It all combines to paint lovely colors all over our landscape.

We captured a few photos of the fall season here in Ada Michigan

on the Thornapple River this last weekend. All were take from

Thornapple Pointe Golf Club near the Gerald R Ford International

Airport, just southeast of Grand Rapids.

In fact, we joke that it is the TCPB course here…….trains, cars, planes, and boats

can all be seen and heard from the course. We had an airboat travel down the

river while we were playing but I didn’t get my camera out in time to catch it in a photo.

Technorati Tags: west michigan golf course,thornapple river,ada mi 49301,grand rapids mi autumn color

_____________________________________________

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

Free Forest Hills MI Activities ~ National Senior Health & Fitness Day ~ Wed May 27th 2009

Posted on May 13, 2009 by Terry & Bonnie

National Senior Health & Fitness Day May 27th, 2009

Is it true that the words free and seniors just go together? As I edge ever

closer to this category, it certainly seems so to me. At the very least,

a free event should be well attended in this economy. If you find yourself

available next Wednesday, here’s a couple of free options for education

and entertainment:

National Senior Health & Fitness Day Wednesday, May 27

Special Activities at Ada Park 9:00 – 3:00 Free

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center 9:00 – 3:00 Free

Healthy Living Lecture Series – by St Mary’s Health Center

Alternatives to Medication 10-10:45 am

Feeling Over-medicated? 11:00-11:45 am

Healthy Living 101 12:00-12:45 pm

Staying Sharp 1:00-1:45 pm

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep 2:00-2:45 pm

Also: Vital Health Screenings and Neck Massages, Door Prizes

Kick off Fitness Walk begins at 8:30 am

100,000 adults will participate in activities at more than 1,000 locations

throughout the U.S. as we celebrate the 16th annual

National Senior Health & Fitness Day.

The common goal for this day: to help keep older Americans healthy and fit.

Come on out to Ada Park or Forest Hills Fine Arts Center to take part in a

series of guided activities and presentations to promote your health.

Or just come out to any of our local parks for some fresh air and exercise.

Contact the Park office for details; 616-676-0520, adaparks@ada.mi.us

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate

Photos by Bonnie Westbrook

Stone Falls of Ada ~ New Apartment Complex Update ~ Ada, Michigan

Posted on November 22, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

UPDATE: The Stone Falls of Ada Apartment complex has went up fast.

Our last post was in June. The units are up and some are occupied. Not

all units are completed yet. In the short video here, you can see the

approach to Stone Falls of Ada on Spaulding Ave and just how big this

complex is. There was a little excitement a few weeks ago when an empty

unit caught fire, the damage can be seen on our video tour.

I am leaving my original post, so you can the how fast the project has

went up.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5Ec-AribkY&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00]

Stone Falls of Ada Apartments

Original Post about Stone Falls of Ada:

A new 210 unit luxury apartment complex is taking shape in Ada, Michigan.

The new complex, named Stone Falls of Ada, is scheduled to be completed

in spring 2009. The Dayton Ohio based group that is constructing the

development, the Miller-Valentine Group,and their partners, Boston based

Cross Harbor Capital Partners LLC reports that the complex will have one,

two, and three bedroom apartments ranging in size from 856 square

feet to 1460 square feet. The location of the project is on the east side

of Spaulding Avenue just south of Fulton Street.

stone falls of ada mi

As you can see, construction is well under way. The buildings in the far

background are the Townhouses and condominiums of Clements Mill. This

part of the Clements Mill project was sold to be completed as apartment

dwellings. This is a fairly new feature in Ada Township.

Prior to this development 98 per cent of the homes in Ada Township were

single family residences. There are a lot of apartments in the Grand Rapids

area but very few in Ada. It will be interesting to see if Ada is attractive to

renters.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

photo by Bonnie Westbrook

Real Estate Market Report – Ada, MI ~ Clements Mill ~ Nov 2008

Posted on November 22, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

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 over

abundance of houses for sale in a soft resale market.

Clements Mill Real Estate

Market Report November 2008

21 Sold, 1 Pending, 5 For Sale, 8 Expired

Clements Mill Active Listings November 2008: 5

Average Active Price: $250,700

Average Active Price/SqFt: $118.14

Average Active Days on Market: 120

Clements Mill Sold Listings November 2008: 21

Average Sold Price: $276,223

Average Sold Price/SqFt: $123.39

Average Days on Market: 108

Clements Mill Expired Listings: 8

Average Expired Price: $269,275

Average Expired Price/SqFt: $ 130.94

Average Expired Days on Market: 152

Absorption Rate for Clements Mill homes is averaging 2 sold homes

per month for 2008 to date. With 5 current listings, there is a 2.5

month supply of homes on the market in Clements Mill, Ada MI.

Clements Mill Market Report Sept 2008

Clements Mill Market Report July 2008

Clements Mill Market Report June 2008

The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner,

Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since

2000. There is a new proposed 80 condo units – Villas of Ada

and Stone Falls of Ada – a 210 unit apartment complex, currently

open & under construction here. The Stone Falls of Ada apartment project

is adjacent to Clements Mill. Both are scheduled for completion by

spring 2009.

If you have detailed questions about Ada Homes, Forest Hills Homes or

just need further information, please contact me directly at:

1-888-240-1968 ext 0

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate Five Star Real Estate LLC

Ada Drive Walking Trail Photo by Bonnie Westbrook

Forest Hills Michigan ~ Real Estate Market Report ~ Nov 2008

Posted on November 17, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

Ada Cascade MI Real Estate is always active. These Grand Rapids suburban

communities have wonderful neighborhoods, some new and some older with

prestigious Forest Hills Public Schools, and private schools that attract many

homeowners.

This report will cover the July to Nov. 2008 real estate market activity.

Forest Hills Eastern High school Ada Township MI

Ada Cascade Listings over $300,000

There are 203 Active Ada Cascade Listings in the over $300,000 category with

an average price of $663,276. The Active Listings have been on the market

for an Average of 150 Days. The Average price per square foot of Active

Listings is $207.16 with a low price of $300,000 & a high price of $2,700,000.

There have been 68 Sold Ada Cascade Listings in the over $300,000 category

with an Average price of $550,287. The Average Sold price per square foot is

$ 184.86 with Average Days on the Market at 124. The lowest sold price is

$306,200 & the highest sold price is $1,500,000. There are 9 Pending

Ada Cascade Listings in this category.

forest hills mi market report 11-08

Ada Cascade Listings $100,000 to $300,000

There are 188 Ada Cascade Active Listings with an Average Price of

$205,252. The Average Active Price per Sq Ft is $121.37 and the

Average Active Days on the Market are 104. The High Active Price is

$300,000 and the Low Active Price is $104,900.

There have been 57 Sold Ada Cascade Listings in the last 4 months. The

Average Sold Price is $196,586 with the Average Sold Price per square foot

at $111.22. Average Sold Days on the Market is 96 Days. The high Sold

price is $290,000 & the low sold price is $104,500. There are 21 Pending

Sales in this category.

forest hills mi market report 11-08

Ada Cascade Market Report October 2008

Ada Cascade Market Report Sept 2008

If you would like specific information about an Ada Cascade MI Home,

please contact me directly.

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate Five Star Real Estate LLC

Photo of Forest Hills Eastern High School by Bonnie Westbrook

Ada Michigan Real Estate Market Report Sept 2008 ~ Ada Woods

Posted on September 17, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

Ada Woods is an established development of homes in Ada, Michigan,

just west of Ada and south of Fulton Street (M46). Ada Woods started

out as an E.L. Ladd development, but towards the end of the project

many lots were sold to other builders and completed by individual owners.

The dates of building range from 1980’s to 2005. Most of the homes

have more square footage and more amenities than Adacroft Commons,

its adjacent neighborhood. As with Adacroft Commons, there is designated

common land in the development that remains heavily wooded and in a

natural state.

Ada Woods Residential Real Estate

September 2008 Market Report

4 Sold, 0 Pending, 9 For Sale

bike trail Railroad under pass in Ada MI

Address Price Status Sq Ft $/SqFt DOM

6387 Scarborough Dr 199,900 For Sale 1666 119.98 106

6449 Scarborough Dr 184,900 For Sale 2060 89.75 55

6380 Redington Dr 339,900 For Sale 2325 146.19 202

6270 Scarborough 359,900 For Sale 2640 136.32 97

6217 Scarborough Dr 469,900 For Sale 2942 159.72 61

6405 Drumlin Ct 279,900 For Sale 2321 120.59 83

6400 Redington 339,900 For Sale 2692 126.26 73

6333 Redington 344,900 For Sale 2716 126.98 43

400 Adaway Ave 329,000 For Sale 2522 130.80 29

410 Lehigh Dr 359,900 Sold 2646 136.01 15

225 Grayfield Ct 323,000 Sold 2460 131.20 169

6296 Scarborough 360,000 Sold 2888 124.65 34

6459 Redington 370,000 Sold 3106 119.12 164

The average home sale for 2008 in Ada Township is $ 309,612.

142 homes have sold this year.

The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner,

Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since 2000.

There is a new proposed 80 condo unit – Villas of Ada

and Stone Falls of Ada – a 210 unit apartment complex, currently under

construction here.

Ada Woods is a popular home market in the Ada area. Part of the appeal

is the proximity of Ada Elementary, Forest Hills 5/6 School, Ada Christian

Schools, St Roberts School and close to the village of Ada and Fulton Street.

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

Bike Trail Railroad Underpass in Ada Mi photo by Bonnie Westbrook

Ada Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ Adatowne Sept 2008

Posted on September 17, 2008 by Terry & Bonnie

Adatowne is a popular entry level home market in the Ada 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 new 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 (about 1000 sq ft) sold for $ 19,900 in 1975.

Adatowne Residential Neighborhood in Ada, Michigan

September 2008 Real Estate Market Report

8 Sold, 0 Pending, 3 For Sale

adatowne residential neighborhood ada mi

Address Status Price Sq Ft $/Sq Ft DOM

6686 Adaridge For Sale 179,900 1200 149.91 27

448 Adapointe For Sale 174,900 1984 88.15 20

6873 Adaside For Sale 149,900 1264 118.59 12

6705 Adaridge Sold 143,900 1056 136.26 74

7028 Adaridge Sold 149,900 2116 70.84 8

6869 Adaridge Sold 115,000 988 116.39 20

6885 Adaridge Sold 124,000 1270 97.63 81

6966 Rix St. Sold 119,625 1052 113.71 119 (F)

6674 Adaridge Sold 142,000 1056 134.46 151

6824 Adaside Sold 142,600 1028 138.71 260

6767 Adaridge Sold 154,500 1300 118.84 20

(F) = Foreclosure

144 homes have sold in Ada Township in 2008,

Average price is $309,407. 15% fewer homes have

sold in 2008 but the average price has increased by 3%.

The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner,

Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since

2000. There is a new proposed 80 unit condo development

Villas of Ada and Stone Falls of Ada – a 210 unit apartment

complex, currently under construction here. Both new sites plan

on being open in 2009.

If you would like detailed information about Ada Homes, please feel free

to contact me directly at 1-888-240-1968.

Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate

Photo of Rix Dr. by Bonnie Westbrook

Grand Rapids Real Estate

Grand Rapids Real Estate Information

Tag Archives: Ada MI

Foto Friday – Grand River Grandeur