You are currently browsing the monthly archive for March 2009.
Yes, you read it correctly. The West Michigan Whitecaps are playing
the Grand Valley State Lakers and it is a free exhibition game!
The action starts at 6:00pm, gates open at 5:00pm. Admission and
parking are free for Whitecaps fans. Our own home grown baseball
stimulus package.
The big season opener is April 9th at Fifth Third Ballpark, when the
Whitecaps will play the South Bend Silver Hawks. Tickets can be
purchased here.
If the weather cooperates, we are planning on the exhibition game.
They have some new treats at the refreshment stands, and a trip to
the White Caps is always a fun time.
So if you have Wednesday evening April 8th open……….…..
see ya at the ball game!!
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Hidden Hills is an established neighborhood of homes off Cascade Road
and 30th Street in Cascade Township, Michigan, a suburb of Grand Rapids.
Home construction started here in the 1960’s housing boom in the Forest
Hills School District and has continued through to today. There are new
homes still being built in this neighborhood.
Mid-size homes with quality construction are the rule, this suburban sub-
division area has been a desirable place to live in the Grand Rapids home
market for many years.
Hidden Hills, Cascade Township
Residential Real Estate Market Report
March 2009
6 For Sale, 2 Sold, 1 Pending, 1 Expired
Hidden Hills Active Listings 6
Hidden Hills Average Active Price: $ 301,767
Hidden Hills Average Active Price Per Sq Ft: $ 121.84
Hidden Hills Active Average Days on Market: 71
Hidden Hills Sold Homes 2
Hidden Hills Average SOLD Price: $ 172,500
Hidden Hills Average SOLD Price Per Sq Ft: $ 83.08
Hidden Hills Average SOLD Days on the Market: 112
Hidden Hills Pending Homes: 1
Hidden Hills Expired Homes: 1
Hidden Hills Average Expired Price: $ 400,000
Hidden Hills Average Expired Price Per Sq Ft: $129.87
Hidden Hills Average Expired Days on the Market: 160
The current absorption rate is 21 months, which means we have
a 21 month supply of homes in the Hidden Hills market, IF no new
homes enter the market and homes sell at the current rate.
MARKET SYNOPSIS: Hidden Hills average SOLD home price has
dropped about $100K and about $20 /SqFt in the last 9 months.
Time on the market has decreased slightly and we have had 2 homes
sell since the first of the year. Prices selling way below 2004 prices
is sobering news for Hidden Hills sellers but solid homes available at bargain
prices for buyers who want Forest Hills School District.
Sellers: You can’t get top price if your condition is vintage 1980’s.
Today’s buyers have too many choices to settle for outdated homes.
Forest Hills School District Average Sold Home Prices last 5 years:
2008 – $ 279,709
2007 – $ 269,445
2006 – $ 300,691
2005 – $ 282,173
2004 – $ 268,072
Hidden Hills Market Report Oct 2008
Forest Hills MI Market Report Nov 2008
If you would like further information about Cascade Homes or
Forest Hills homes, please contact me directly.
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
photo of Leslie E Tassell Park by Bonnie Westbrook
The East Village subdivision off Ada Drive in Ada Township is a fairly
new development. The new housing construction started in 2005 and
is still continuing to date. You can buy a resale home or a new home
in this centrally located housing development. Near both public and
private schools, East Village is also close to Forest Hills and 28th
Street shopping areas. The Ada Bike or Walking Trail also connects
this area on Ada Drive with the village of Ada, Grand Rapids, and the
village of Cascade.
East Village is also close by the expressway for easy access to many
different parts of our greater Grand Rapids area. Large,
executive style homes with many amenities and extras are the rule in
this neighborhood. If you would like to start with a brand new house,
this may be the place for you to call home.
Real Estate Market Report East Village March 2009
For Sale: 5
East Village Homes average list price: $ 490,720
East Village average price/sqft (main floor): $ 183.23
East Village average days on the market: 49 days
Pending:1
Sold: 3
East Village SOLD homes average price: $ 398,333
East Village SOLD homes average price/sqft: $140.94
East Village SOLD homes average days on market: 86 days
Expired: 3
East Village expired homes average price: $434,933
East Village expired homes average price/sqft: $177.02
East Village Homes are selling, if priced correctly. Buyers are
paying about $140/SqFt on the main floors, which is down from
last summer’s prices.
The absorption rate for East Village is 2.85 months, which means
if no new homes enter the marketplace, it will take 2.85 months
for the current home inventory to sell.
East Village Market Report December 2008
Forest Hills Market Report November 2008
If you would like further information about East Village, Ada, or
Grand Rapids Homes, please contact me directly.
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
photo of Ada Drive Walking Path by Bonnie Westbrook
Cascade Neighborhood Absorption Report
Caravelle Village is an established subdivision built in the late 1960’s
and 1970’s just south of Burton Street, east of Kraft Avenue and west
of Cascade Road in Cascade Township. These Grand Rapids Homes
have the traditional mix of two stories, tri-levels and ranches. A desirable
place to live with median priced homes, Forest Hills Schools, and close to
28th shopping and restaurants. Originally built by a variety of builders, the
homes here are quality construction in a safe neighborhood and close to
the historic village of Cascade and 28th Street shopping.
Caravelle Village Residential Real Estate
March 2009 Market Report
4 For Sale, 7 SOLD, 1 Pending, 3 Expired
Caravelle Village Active Listings: 4
Caravelle Village Average Active Price – $ 187,175
Caravelle Village Average Active Price/Sq Ft – $ 129.91
Caravelle Village Average Days on the Market – 210
Caravelle Village SOLD Listings: 7
Caravelle Village Average Sold Price – $ 183,071
Caravelle Village Average Sold price/SqFt – $ 128.21
Caravelle Village Average Sold Days on the Market – 62
Caravelle Village Pending Listings: 1
Caravelle Village Expired Listings: 3
Caravelle Village Average Expired Price – $193,200
Caravelle Village Average Expired Price/SqFt – $126.96
Caravelle Village Average Expired Days on the market – 97
At the current rate of sales, we have a 3.5 month supply of homes in
Caravelle Village, if no new homes come on the market.
MARKET SYNOPSIS: Not much new activity for Caravelle Village since
November of last year. The average listed price has dropped slightly,
but buyers are still reluctant.
This is a popular area for home buyers, but your home must be in top
notch condition and priced to sell in today’s market.
Caravelle Village Market Report August 2008
Forest Hills Schools Market Report Sept 2008
Caravelle Village Market Report Oct 2008
Ada Cascade Market Report Nov 2008
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
photo of Cascade Township Park & Thornapple River by Bonnie Westbrook
Current Wyoming Michigan Real Estate Market
The Absorption Rate for Wyoming MI Homes is
7 months supply, which means that if no new
homes enter the market, it will take 7 months
to deplete the existing inventory of homes.
There are currently 138 Active Listings in
Wyoming, Michigan.
Since Oct 1, 2008, there have been 117 SOLD
and Pending Wyoming MI Homes.
The high SOLD Price is $ 175,000 the low sold price is $ 50,000.
The average Sold Price is $ 87,828
Average Sold Price /Sq Ft is $75.95
The average List Price is $ 100,996
Average List Price/Sq Ft $ 92.99
Market Analysis: Wyoming homes continue to sell and the
absorption rate is fairly low for the Grand Rapids Area.
The bad news is that home prices continue to decline, going
down another 10% on average since December 2008.
Inventory is going down and this might drive prices up again.
If you are considering buying a Wyoming home, now is the
time. I believe we have hit bottom on the market this winter
and spring and summer will see decreased inventory and
less selection. This usually brings prices up.
If you have questions about your Wyoming MI or Grand Rapids
home, please contact me directly.
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Forest Hills is actually a school district in Ada Cascade MI. This market
is always active. These Grand Rapids suburban communities have
wonderful neighborhoods, some new and some older with Top Ranked
Forest Hills Public Schools, and private schools, such as Ada Christian
& St Roberts that attract many home owners.
This report will cover the Sept 1, 2008 to March 29, 2009 real estate
market activity.
Forest Hills MI Listings over $300,000
The absorption rate for Forest Hills MI is 18.9 months, which means if no
new listings come on the market, it will take 18.9 months to sell the existing
homes at the current rate of sale. This rate is up from last month, sold
prices are about the same. Inventory is ticking up, but sales are holding
fairly steady. Your Forest Hills home has a good chance to sell if it is in
good condition and priced correctly.
There are 224 Active Forest Hills Listings in the over $300,000 category with
an average price of $628,678. The Average price per square foot of Active
Listings is $201.55 with a low price of $300,000 & a high price of $2,700,000.
There have been 69 Sold Forest Hills Listings in the over $300,000 category
with an Average price of $491,382. The Average Sold price per square foot is
$ 163.75. The lowest sold price is $309,900 & the highest sold price is
$1,325,000. There are 14 Pending Forest Hills Listings in this category.
Forest Hills Listings $100,000 to $300,000
The Absorption rate for Forest Hills homes in this price range is 8.56
months, which means that if no new homes enter the market, at the
current rate of sales, it will take 8.56 months to sell all current inventory.
There are 197 Forest Hills Active Listings with an Average Price
of $214,962. The Average Active Price/SqFt is $120.32 and the
Average Active Days on the Market are 123. The High Active Price is
$300,000 and the Low Active Price is $104,900.
There have been 124 Sold Forest Hills Listings in the last 7 months. The
Average Sold Price is $193,873 with the Average Sold Price per square foot
at $102.24. Average Sold Days on the Market is 109 Days. The high Sold
price is $299,900 & the low sold price is $104,500. There are 37 Pending
Sales in this category.
Market Synopsis: Although the absorption rate is one of the lowest in
the area, for the under 300K homes, this market area is still seeing
some reduction in sold price and price per sq ft. With more active listings
coming on the market in the spring, this will not help current inventory
sell faster or for more money.
Ada Cascade Market Report December 2008
Ada Cascade Market Report October 2008
Ada Cascade Market Report Sept 2008
If you would like specific information about an Ada Cascade or
Forest Hills MI Homes, please contact me directly.
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Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Photo of Forest Hills Eastern High School by Bonnie Westbrook
Current Real Estate Market Report For East Grand Rapids Michigan
march 2009 Absorption rate for East Grand Rapids MI housing
market is currently at 11.66 months, which means if no new listings
come on the East Grand Rapids market, it will take 11.66 months
for the existing home inventory to sell.
There are 154 active listings on the East Grand Rapids market now,
ranging from $109,899 to $2,039,000.
18 Pending Home Sales w/ prices ranging from $ 99,900 to $ 2,495,000.
75 Sold Homes with sold prices ranging from $ 25,000 to $ 912,500
since Sept 1, 2008 in the East Grand Rapids housing inventory.
The lower end of this market (under $300K) has seen 2/3 of the sales
in the last seven months. Since this market has such a wide range of
home prices, it is difficult to analyze. The higher priced listings are
selling, as well as the bargains below $100,000. The lowest priced
listing is now over $ 100,000 which we haven’t seen for over 6 months
here in the East Grand Rapids housing market.
East Grand Rapids December 2008 Absorption Report
If you have any questions about the value of your East GR home,
please contact me directly.
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Photo of East Grand Rapids Public Library by Bonnie Westbrook
Lowell Michigan Real Estate Market Report ~ March 2009
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 best kept secrets in Kent County.
These are the statistics for home sales in the Lowell School District.
Lowell Michigan Absorption Report March 2009
Active Listings: 152 Active Listings
Average Price: $259,353
Price per Sq Ft: $128.58 (Main Floor only)
Average days on the Market: 93
PENDING: 20 homes
SOLD: 55 Sold Homes
Average Price: $ 131,478
Average Price Per Sq Ft: $ 78.63 (Main floor only)
Average Days on the Market: 47
Expired: 43 Expired listings
Average Expired Price: $216,756
Average Price Per Sq Ft: $132.56 (Main floor only)
Average Days on the Market: 109
Absorption Rate for Lowell Listings is 14.2 months for the
current housing inventory. If no other homes enter the market, it
will take 14.2 months for the current homes to sell at the current
rate of sales.
Lowell Homes that are priced competitively are selling and selling
fairly quickly compared to the greater Grand Rapids area.
As you can see by the statistics, the homes that have their price
per square foot under $80 are seeing the most activity. There are
quite a few foreclosure or short sale homes which are bringing
down the average sales price and square footage rates lower than
they might normally be.
Some sellers have retired from the market and will try again soon,
filling an already saturated market.
They might find a better buying market, but prices are
still on the downward trend. Today’s buyer is looking for a
well priced bargain in great condition.
If you would like additional information about Lowell
Area Homes, please contact me through email or my web site.
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Adatowne is a popular entry level home market in the Ada area of
the Greater Grand Rapids metropolitan 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
March 2009 Real Estate Market Report
4 Sold, 3 Pending, 3 For Sale
Adatowne Active Listings: 3
Adatowne Average Active price – $158,433
Adatowne Active average price/SqFt – $105.14
Adatowne Active average days on market – 51
Adatowne Pending: 3
Adatowne Sold Listings: 2
Adatowne Average Sold Price – $ 119,000
Adatowne Average sold price/SqFt – $ 91.00
Adatowne Average Sold days on market – 40
MARKET SYNOPSIS: Absorption Rate for Adatowne is 4.2 months,
which means it would take 4.2 months for the 3 active listings to sell,
if no other homes entered the market, according to current sales
statistics. The price per square foot here really tells the story: Active
listings are averaging $ 105/sqft and sold are averaging $ 91/sqft.
With the new trend of consumers downsizing and the popularity of
Forest Hills Schools, the real estate market should remain strong
and viable for Adatowne homes, as long as they are in "great
condition" and priced at less than $100 sq ft.
If you would like more information about Ada or Grand Rapids
Homes, please feel free to contact me directly.
Adatowne Market Report Sept 2008
Adatowne Market Report Jan 2009
Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Photo of Ada MI walking path by Bonnie Westbrook
Cascade Woods is an established neighborhood of large, executive
style homes in Cascade Township, MI. Most of these homes were
built in the 1960’s and 1970’s, although there are a few newer
homes that were built recently in the area. Close to the village of
Cascade and the Thornapple River, this heavily wooded area has
been a Grand Rapids desired suburban place to live for decades.
Part of the Forest Hills School District, which draws many families,
there is also the river and it’s picturesque appeal. The drive down
Thornapple River Drive between Ada and Cascade in the fall is one
of the prettiest drives in the greater Grand Rapids area.
Cascade Woods Absorption Market Report
March 2009
8 Homes For Sale, 0 Pending, 4 SOLD, 12 Expired
Cascade Woods Active Listings: 8
Cascade Woods Active average price – $285,025
Cascade Woods Active average $/SqFt – $112.48
Cascade Woods Active average days on market – 119
Cascade Woods Sold Listings: 4
Cascade Woods average sold price – $142,500
Cascade Woods average sold $/SqFt – $ 61.80
Cascade Woods average sold days on market – 80 days
Cascade Woods Expired Listings: 12
Cascade Woods Expired average price – $386,650
Cascade Woods Expired average $/Sq/Ft – $ 135.77
Cascade Woods Expired average days on market – 187
The Absorption Rate for Cascade Woods Homes is 4 months,
Which means if no new listings come on the market, it will take
4 months to sell the existing inventory. The average sold price
per SqFt is half of the Active listings Price /SqFt. It could reflect
foreclosures and homes in poor condition that have sold over
the last 7 months.
Or it could be home condition which is slowing the sales of
older homes in this area. You can see that the expired listings
had their homes priced $100K over the average list price.
Will the spring market see an uptick in prices paid for Cascade
Woods homes?
Today’s buyers do not want to do ANY updates, which includes
painting, new kitchens & baths, new flooring. If your Cascade
Woods home hasn’t sold, it is probably condition, which gets
us back to price. If you don’t want to improve your home, you
won’t get the same price as people who have updated and kept
their home current according to recent trends.
Cascade Woods December 2008 Market Report
If you would like further information about Grand Rapids or
Cascade Homes, please contact me directly.
Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate – Five Star Real Estate
Copyright 2008 All rights reserved
photo of Leslie E Tassell Park on the Thornapple River by Bonnie Westbrook