Why Buyers Won’t Come to Look at Your Home

Statistics have proven for years that when buyers get in front

of the computer to start searching for a Grand Rapids MI home, the

questions they want answered are:

• How big is the house?
• How many bedrooms?
• How many baths?
• What is the price?

When we list a property and place it on the Multiple Listing Service

we are competing with all the other 3 bedroom 2 bath homes listed

for sale in Grand Rapids.  Buyers typically bring up about 40 homes

on a search and look on-line at 20 of them in our Grand Rapids market.

 

The graph below indicates what are the top requirements to a

typical Grand  Rapids home buyer:

  What are buyers looking for when they search for a home?

As you can see from the graph above, this is the order of importance buyers

put in their home searches:

1. Square Footage
2. Bedrooms
3. Baths
4. Price

Price is number 4 behind Square Footage, Bedrooms, and Baths.

BUT Price is the ultimate point of competition.

They don’t see the fabulous photos of your designer kitchen, the visual tour,

your wonderful photos of your “green thumb” garden or the newly

remodeled bathroom if your stats don’t compare.  If you are not in the

top 20 by Square Footage, Bedrooms, Baths, & Price, maybe even the

top 10 they don’t even bother with clicking on the photos or details

of  your home.

Price is the only thing left when you have 40 similar homes on the market

competing for the same buyers.  Supply and Demand will continue to rule

the real estate housing market in the foreseeable future, and Price Plays a

Major Role.

 

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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

Old or New – Michigan Attractions are Unique

We all like to take a stroll down memory lane.  This video shows Michigan

back before our childhood days. It was filmed in 1949 as part of James A.

Fitzpatrick’s Travel Talks.  Take a look at our bathing beauties, the “Bear

Man” and our stunning Michigan scenery. 

 

The areas shown have grown and changed but the appeal of 

Michigan is still being promoted to tourists today.  And they come by

the thousands to see our unique treasures, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes

on Lake Michigan.  This area is now a National Park and dune buggies

are prohibited on the fragile dune landscape.

 

 Mackinaw Island has attracted people since early times, the original

residents here in Michigan; the Ojibwa, the French, the English, and

tourists have been coming here since Victorian times.

 

 

 

Thanks for visiting  with us in Michigan along this vintage highway

to the past.  We hope you decide to visit us in person real soon.

 

 

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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

Lowell Michigan – Privacy, Wooded Views, Ranch Home Coming on Market This Spring

This country estate is located on 10 acres of wooded land in a small

development with all homes having at least 10 acres and no splits

allowed.  There is a private paved road that is maintained by the

homeowners. 

The home has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a finished lower level with

walk out,  a separate storage barn, and lots of privacy.

The kitchen was redone in 2008 with new appliances, tile flooring,

Solid surface countertops, updated cabinetry and lighting.

 

A quality built home that has been well maintained.

Call or email for further details.

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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

Possible Wind Farm in Lake Michigan

Lots of controversy on a proposed wind farm in Lake Michigan about

1-2 miles off the West Michigan shore.  Wind Farms  are up and

contributing to the grid in Texas, Iowa, California, Washington, and

Minnesota, which are the top 5 wind power states.   Wind power

grew by 39% in capacity over 2008, for a total of 35 gigawatts,

according to the American Wind Energy Association.

 

A proposed offshore Wind Farm that would cost $3 Billion dollars is

trying to get public support for its plan.  The Scandia Wind Energy

LLC say it would create thousands of jobs, primarily  constructing the

massive wind turbines in the waters of Lake Michigan just south of

Ludington.  The company says that location is positioned to transmit

electricity to Chicago or Detroit areas perfectly.

 

A new jet engine wind turbine with 4 times the efficiency has interested

the DOE enough to give $ 8 Million in grants for further testing.  The theory

is that it would take less electricity to power the turbines, so output would

be doubled.  This could be the look of the future, with massive wind

turbines scattered over the countryside and in our lakes.

 

Grand Rapids is proposing putting two 300 foot wind turbines on land they

own in Grand Haven, on Lake Michigan to power their water plant.  If this

project goes forward it would be the first of its type in Michigan.

 

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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

Kentwood Michigan Home for Sale in Bailey’s Grove

This large  home in Kentwood Michigan located in Bailey’s Grove has lots of

added extras and tastefully decorated.  Our video takes you on a narrated

tour of this large 6 bedroom, 4 bath home with a 3 car garage, finished lower

level with daylight windows, and set on a premier wooded lot.

 

 

Listed at $264,900

Bailey’s Grove Neighborhood has a Community Clubhouse, Community Park,

Community Pool with annual membership available, and a Community Web

Site with lots of local information and neighborhood news.

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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

Cost vs Value Report for Grand Rapids Michigan 2010

The New Remodeling Magazine is out with the annual Cost vs Value Report.

One of the most common questions sellers and buyers ask me is:

"Should I remodel  or add on to my house? 

Is adding another bathroom going to be money I can recoup when I sell?"

 

Even today’s buyers that are buying at 2000 or before price levels, need

to be smart about home  improvements if they think they will be moving

in the next 10 years.  It is always intriguing that some areas of the

country value some home additions more or less than others.

 

This report gives an estimation of the return and an approximate cost of

several common remodels, additions and rehab projects in the home.  It

is specific to different regions of the country. 

 

2009-2010 COST vs VALUE REPORT

 

 Since we are from Grand Rapids Michigan we have directed you to that page

but you can navigate to other areas of the country from there. We hope this

article is helpful in the decision making process,  if you are considering a

home remodel or addition.

 

As always, feel free to call me about specific questions for your specific area.

 

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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

Grand Canyon West & Skywalk – Our Photo Montage

 

GRAND CANYON WEST, ARIZ. – Perched over the Grand Canyon close to a mile above the Colorado River, a massive, multimillion-dollar glass walkway will be the  centerpiece of a struggling Indian tribe’s plan to lure tourists to its remote reservation.Tribal officials say the development, which may eventually include hotels, restaurants and a golf course, is the best way to address the social ills of a small reservation, where the 2,000 residents struggle with a 50% unemployment rate and widespread alcoholism and poverty.The Hualapai have worked for years to attract more tourists to their 1-million-acre reservation. About 200,000 people visit the reservation each year, about 1/25th of the visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park, about 5 hours away.

 

We took the tour, walked the skywalk, and took many pictures of the stunning scenery.  Hope you enjoy our online photo album.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

The Fix on I-96 to Begin in April 2010 – End Summer 2011

Major remodeling on the I-96 expressway starting at the bridge over the

Grand River in Grand Rapids and running to Fuller Street exit is being

announced by Michigan Department of Transportation through a novel

method – a YouTube video. 

The video takes you on a completed trip through the new proposed

highway, from both directions, east & west. It shows the 4 bridges

that will be replaced: Diamond, Lafayette, Eastern, and Coit Avenues.

This $40 Million project is part of American Recovery & Reinvestment

Act benefits.  A new south wall, landscape beautification and new

signage and lighting will be added along this two mile driveway to

downtown Grand Rapids.

 

 

Article here but the best information is covered in the video.

 

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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

Rockford Michigan Top Best Buy Homes – January 2010

We have gathered a list of the TOP Rockford  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.

 

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 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 a new roof & mechanicals.

 

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

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

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, even if

the basement is finished.

January 2010  30 Top BEST BUY Homes Rockford, Michigan.

The lowest list price is $ 44,900

The highest list price is $200,000

Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $32.10 to $73.58

The Top Rockford Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

205 Hunters Lane        $44,900     923 Sq Ft     $48.65/SqFt

6485 West River Dr     $53,900     1330 Sq Ft     $40.53/SqFt

8555 Courtland Dr       $59,900     1080 Sq Ft    $55.46/SqFt

6711 Boca Vista Dr      $63,999     960 Sq Ft     $66.67/SqFt

5075 New Orleans Dr   $65,000     2025 SqFt    $32.10/SqFt

 

6757 Cannon Center   $69,500     1250 Sq Ft   $55.60/SqFt

6721 Boca Vista Dr      $69,900     960 Sq Ft    $72.81/SqFt

6681 Boca Vista Dr      $69,900     960 Sq Ft    $72.81/SqFt

229 Hunters Lane       $74,900     1064 Sq Ft   $70.39/SqFt

159 Cahill Dr               $74,900      1008 Sq Ft   $74.31/SqFt

 

3955 Butternut Dr     $78,600     1184 Sq Ft    $66.39/SqFt

6757 Cannon Cntr    $79,500    1250 Sq Ft    $63.60/SqFt

162 E Division St      $79,900    1782 Sq Ft   $44.84/SqFt

4837 13 Mile Rd NE   $84,900    1300 Sq Ft   $65.31/SqFt

5124 Surf Dr              $89,900    1823 Sq Ft   $49.31/SqFt

 

9700 7 Mile Rd NE     $89,900    3020 Sq Ft   $57.63/SqFt

8500 10 Mile Dr        $90,000    1400 Sq Ft   $64.29/SqFt

254 E Main St.         $98,951     1732 Sq Ft   $57.13/SqFt

2720 Rogue River    $99,900       1600 Sq Ft   $68.61/SqFt

8825 Castle Hill Dr   $99,900     1641 Sq Ft    $73.24/SqFt

 

7002 S Cannon Pl     $103,900   1500 Sq Ft    $69.27/SqFt

9875 Courtland Dr   $104,000   2053 Sq Ft    $71.58/SqFt

6452 Bella Vista Dr  $114,900   1848 Sq Ft    $62.18/SqFt

221 W Division St    $119,900    3141 Sq Ft    $37.89/SqFt

143 Courtland St     $127,900    1920 SqFt     $66.61/SqFt

 

7991 Cannonsburg   $130,000      1864 Sq Ft  $69.74/SqFt

4351 Porter Hollow  $132,000     2000 Sq Ft  $66.00/SqFt

6089 Meadows Ct    $169,900    2610 Sq ft    $65.10/SqFt

647 Highlander Dr   $189,900    3050 Sq Ft   $64.03/SqFt

7031 Bonaire Ct NE $200,000    3160 Sq Ft   $73.58/SqFt

 

 

There are still bargains to be had in the Rockford area, there

are 20 listings under $100K.   If you are thinking of

buying in Rockford, now is the time to be looking. Prices are

climbing in other areas of the Grand Rapids market. Homes

that are in great condition and priced right are selling quickly.

  "Below tax appraisal" priced homes are disappearing from the

market in some areas of Grand Rapids.

Don’t overlook the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers

or buyers who haven’t owned a home for the last 3 years; also,

up to a $6500 tax credit for existing homeowners until April 2010.

Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market Blogs

Rockford Michigan Video Tour

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

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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

Lowell Michigan Top Best Buy Homes – January 2010

We have gathered a list of the TOP Lowell  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.

 

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.

The total square footage is noted here, although only the

main floors are used to figure price per square foot. 

Great opportunities to buy a Lowell Home at bargain prices;

the average price for this list is $124,353.

The lowest price/Sq Ft range from $24.94 to $79.35

in Lowell Top Best Buy Homes this month.

        January   2010  33 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes

        Lowest list price is $29,900

        Highest list price is $200,000

The Top Lowell Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:

14129 Fulton St E        $ 29,900     660 Sq Ft   $45.30/SqFt

7595 Wingeir Ave SE   $39,900     1600 Sq Ft   $24.94/SqFt

225 S Jefferson St       $47,500     1325 Sq Ft   $35.85/SqFt

1012 E Main St            $ 54,900    1510 Sq Ft  $36.36/SqFt

512 Foreman St          $ 59,900     760 Sq Ft   $78.82/SqFt

 

261 Jane Ellen           $ 59,900      912 Sq Ft    $65.68/SqFt

13131 Vergennes St   $ 59,900      960 Sq Ft    $62.40/SqFt

222 S Division St         $ 69,000    1300 Sq Ft  $53.08/SqFt

242 S Hudson St         $72,900      988 Sq Ft   $73.79/SqFt

11675 E Bear Mdws    $ 80,000     1026 Sq Ft  $77.97/SqFt

 

906 N Washington St  $ 82,900      1154 Sq Ft   $71.84/SqFt

1043 Lincoln Lake       $ 85,900     1600 Sq Ft    $78.09/SqFt

1000 Lincoln Lake       $ 98,900     2868 Sq Ft    $59.61/SqFt

821 Lincoln Lake       $ 99,900     1692 Sq Ft    $59.04/SqFt

11250 Grand River     $ 99,900     3327 Sq Ft    $30.03/SqFt

 

2918 Snow Ave SE     $108,900   2508 Sq Ft    $72.21/SqFt

9070 Bailey Dr            $109,900   1584 Sq Ft   $69.38/SqFt

545 North St              $109,900    1906 Sq Ft  $57.66/SqFt

743 Grindle Dr           $114,900     1606 SqFt   $64.12/SqFt

7849 Pratt Lake         $116,900      1568 Sq Ft  $74.55/SqFt

 

506 Lincoln Lake        $119,900     1511 Sq Ft  $79.35/SqFt

1316 Sargent             $124,900     2999 Sq Ft  $67.30/SqFt

2022 Conservation Trl $124,900   1788 Sq Ft  $69.85/SqFt

13445 Crestwood       $125,000    1888 Sq Ft  $75.85/SqFt

9595 5 Mile Rd NE      $129,900    1754 Sq Ft   $74.06/SqFt

 

11653 Barnsley           $139,513   2040 Sq Ft  $68.39/SqFt

10380 36th St             $144,900     2288 Sq Ft   $63.33/SqFt

11661 Barnsley           $145,299     2174 Sq Ft  $66.83/SqFt

11372 Trent Dr SE      $154,878     2047 Sq Ft  $75.66/SqFt

1638 Wales                 $159,900    2047 Sq Ft  $78.11/SqFt

 

13950 84th St #3A      $164,500    2640 Sq Ft  $74.77/SqFt

219 N Washington     $193,000     3106 Sq Ft    $62.14/SqFt

13217 52nd St SE       $200,000    2911 Sq Ft   $68.70/SqFt

 

There are still bargains to be had in Lowell, there are 16

homes priced under $100K and 3 new construction homes

for under $130K.

Lowell Michigan Real Estate Blogs

*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and

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

If you have questions about any of these homes, please

contact Terry: 1-616-292-7263

Or email : terry@terrywestbrook.com

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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