You are currently browsing the monthly archive for July 2009.
East Grand Rapids Michigan is America’s hometown, at least for quite a few famous people and lots of not-so-famous people. Gerald R Ford, our 38th President and our 40th Vice President grew up in Grand Rapids and lived in East Grand Rapids when he served 25 years as a Michigan Congressman. The movie American Pie was written by Adam Herz, who grew up in East Grand Rapids and based the movie on his teen years.
But East Grand Rapids Michigan is more than a famous hometown, it is a quintessential American hometown. The population is about 11,000 people, and it has fewer than 4000 housing units. East Grand Rapids has 4 seasons, so you can enjoy all seasonal sports and outdoor events.
You can walk or bike to almost anywhere in East in a short time, it has about 3 square miles of total area. You can frolic in Collins Park on Reeds Lake almost year round. If you jet ski, sail, wind surf, fish, or just like to gaze at the water, Reeds Lake is a prominent part of the local community activities.
East GR has great neighborhoods, some include stately mansions, others are average homes, tree lined streets, above average city services, such as leaf & yard waste removal, award winning public schools, a vibrant downtown shopping district- Gaslight Village, and all within 10 minutes of downtown Grand Rapids cultural events.
Take our photo tour of East Grand Rapids MI and get acquainted with it’s charm.
There are currently 170 homes for sale in East Grand Rapids, ranging
in price from $ 99,980 to $ 2,039,000. If you would like to live in
East Grand Rapids, give me a call at 888-240-1968 ext 0 or email me
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Video & Photos by Bonnie Westbrook
We have gathered a list of the Top Kentwood Home
Buys. 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 updating with 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 new roofs & 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. The
lowest prices/Sq Ft range from $37.63 to $57.06 in
Kentwood this month.
Homes on the list this month are still bargain
prices at an average price of less than $50 a square foot.
Kentwood & Wyoming have been hit hard by the automotive
shutdowns and subsequent job losses in these areas.
July 2009 18 Top BEST BUYS in Kentwood Homes
The lowest list price is $44,900
the highest list price is $125,000
Top Kentwood Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:
1509 Kendall St $54,900 1500 Sq Ft $51.26/SqFt
3685 Giddings Ave $69,900 1470 Sq Ft $47.55/SqFt
320 Nora St SE $57,900 1048 Sq Ft $55.25/SqFt
2705 Ridgemoor Dr $ 60,000 1505 Sq Ft $39.87/SqFt
68 Nancy St SE $74,900 1368 Sq Ft $54.75/SqFt
3394 32nd St SE $85,000 1696 Sq Ft $50.12/SqFt
5034 Marwood Ct $84,000 1968 Sq Ft $42.68/SqFt
5393 Newcastle Dr $90,000 2696 Sq Ft $50.53/SqFt
439 Pine Place St $99,850 1750 Sq Ft $57.06/SqFt
5818 Pinetree Ave $89,900 2200 Sq Ft $40.86/SqFt
5733 Averill Ave SW $44,900 1096 Sq Ft $40.97/SqFt
5772 Crippen Ave $49,900 1200 SqFt $41.58/SqFt
2102 68th St. SE $82,000 2179 Sq Ft $37.63/SqFt
3750 Breton Rd SE $79,500 1651 Sq Ft $48.15/SqFt
2540 Mapleview St $89,900 1582 Sq Ft $56.83/SqFt
972 Bellewood Dr $118,500 2511 Sq Ft $47.19/SqFt
1329 Meadowlane $119,900 2192 SqFt $54.70/SqFt
2237 Bentbrook Ct $125,000 2772 Sq Ft $45.09/SqFt
If you would like to view a Kentwood Top Best Buys Home,
please call 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or email us at:
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
All information is subject to verification & no liability for
omission or error is assumed.
We have gathered a list of the top Rockford Houses to buy
based on price per square foot, one of the best ways to sort
through homes for values.
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 updating with 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 new roofs & 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.
July 2009 27 Top BEST BUY Homes Rockford, Michigan.
The lowest list price is $ 27,500
The highest list price is $240,000
Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $30.69 to $74.96
The Top Rockford Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:
1656 10 Mile Rd NE $ 27,500 896 Sq Ft $30.69/SqFt
5035 Bear Ave $114,900 1629 Sq Ft $70.53/SqFt
6452 Bella Vista Dr NE $114,900 1848 SqFt $62.18/SqFt
4853 Cannonsburg Rd $132,900 2550 Sq Ft $65.73/SqFt
4351 Porter Hollow Dr $134,900 2000 Sq Ft $67.45/SqFt
6674 Echo Dr NE $149,900 2387 Sq Ft $62.80/SqFt
5134 Corchel Hls NE $199,900 2696 Sq Ft $74.15/SqFt
6304 Belding Rd NE $129,900 2980 Sq Ft $43.59/SqFt
8596 Sunny Hours Trl $189,900 4454 Sq Ft $67.97/SqFt
5645 Ramsdell Dr NE $169,900 2300 Sq Ft $73.87/SqFt
8050 10 Mile Rd NE $ 73,500 1840 Sq Ft $70.67/SqFt
485 West River Dr $ 74,900 1330 Sq Ft $56.32/SqFt
6480 Belmont Ave NE $ 79,900 1773 Sq Ft $45.06/SqFt
5693 Tiffany Ave NE $240,000 3488 Sq Ft $68.81/SqFt
7692 11 Mile Rd NE $92,000 1983 Sq Ft $46.39/SqFt
271 N Monroe St $ 69,900 1510 Sq Ft $46.29/SqFt
150 Northland Dr $179,900 3100 SqFt $66.63/SqFt
647 Highlander Dr NE $199,320 3050 Sq Ft $65.35/SqFt
6849 Blue Ridge Dr NE $209,900 2800 Sq Ft $74.96/SqFt
107 S Main St $99,900 1530 Sq Ft $73.95/SqFt
125 S Main St $114,900 1688 Sq Ft $68.07/SqFt
52 W Division St NE $128,900 2500 Sq Ft $71.61/SqFt
125 Prospect St $129,900 2548 Sq Ft $50.98/SqFt
6691 Boca Vista Dr $ 69,900 960 Sq Ft $72.81/SqFt
6731 Boca Vista Dr $ 69,900 960 Sq Ft $70.61/SqFt
179 Hunter’s Lane $ 54,900 851 Sq Ft $64.51/SqFt
227 Hunter’s Lane $ 69,900 1064 Sq Ft $65.70/SqFt
8539 Courtland Dr $ 74,900 1080 Sq Ft $69.35/SqFt
There are still quite a few bargains to be had in the Rockford
area. If you are thinking of buying in Rockford, now is the time
to be looking. The below appraisal priced homes are disappearing
from the market in some other 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.
This will be available for homes closed until November 30, 2009,
unless Congress extends it. There is the possibility of using
the $8000 tax credit towards your down payment.
Contact me for details.
Rockford Michigan Real Estate Market June 2009
If you would like to view a Rockford Top Best Buys Home,
please contact us 1-888-240-1968 ext 0
or email terry@terrywestbrook.com
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
We have gathered a list of the Top Best Buys in Lowell Homes.
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 lowest price/Sq Ft range from $27.74 to $74.44
in Lowell Top Best Buys.
July 2009 28 TOP BEST BUY Lowell Homes
Lowest list price is $36,400
Highest list price is $225,000
The Top Lowell Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:
14129 Fulton St E $ 36,400 660 Sq Ft $55.15/SqFt
11216 Bluewater Hwy $ 39,900 920 Sq Ft $43.37/SqFt
229 N Jefferson St $ 45,000 1100 Sq Ft $40.91/SqFt
7595 Wingeier Ave SE $ 49,900 1600 Sq Ft $31.19/SqFt
3296 Whitesbridge Rd $ 43,500 1568 Sq Ft $27.74/SqFt
323 Sherman St $55,000 1560 SqFt $35.26/SqFt
1367 Northwind Dr $59,900 1456 SqFt $41.14/SqFt
14109 Fulton St E $ 68,900 1100 Sq Ft $62.64/SqFt
319 N Monroe St $ 69,900 1645 Sq Ft $42.49/SqFt
11555 Peck Lake Rd $ 84,900 1310 Sq Ft $64.81./SqFt
1494 Lincoln Lake NE $ 89,900 1440 Sq Ft $62.43/SqFt
983 Lincoln Lake Ave $ 89,900 1751 Sq Ft $51.34/SqFt
13612 Downes St NE $ 99,900 1450 Sq Ft $68.90/SqFt
11712 E Bear Mdws $117,990 1585 Sq Ft $74.44/SqFt
404 Riverside Dr $123,100 1681 Sq Ft $73.23/SqFt
216 W Main St#6 $129,000 2100 Sq Ft $61.43/SqFt
2022 Conservation Trl $129,900 1788 Sq Ft $72.65/SqFt
6016 Bancroft Ave $139,900 1912 Sq Ft $73.17/SqFt
224 N Hudson St $139,900 2240 Sq Ft $62.46/SqFt
545 North St $139,900 1906 Sq Ft $73.40/SqFt
511 N Jefferson St $135,000 2058 Sq Ft $65.60/SqFt
12327 4 Mile Rd NE $139,200 2200 Sq Ft $63.27/SqFt
1655 Salisbury $141,328 2040 SqFt $69.28/SqFt
1333 Cumberland $149,900 2277 Sq Ft $65.83/SqFt
701 Fallasburg Park $162,700 2280 Sq Ft $71.36/SqFt
10300 Sayles Rd $179,900 2418 SqFt $74.40/SqFt
13217 52nd St SE $200,000 2911 Sq Ft $68.70/SqFt
219 N Washington $225,000 3106 Sq Ft $72.44/SqFt
There are still bargains to be had in Lowell, there are 9
homes priced under $80K. 13 homes reported sold in
the last month in Lowell School District 6/28/09 to 7/28/09
low price $40,000 – high price $345,000.
Lowell Michigan Real Estate Report ~ June 2009
Lowell High School ~ Top Ranked West Michigan Schools
*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 us: 1-888-240-1968 ext 0
Or email : terry@terrywestbrook.com
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
We are out on the road often to photograph listings, show listings, and
present offers. It is a perfect opportunity to discover local businesses and
give them a try. We would rather go to a local diner than a chain restaurant.
If we see a lot of trucks from local contractors at a restaurant, we can be
sure the food is good and there is lots of it for the price.
We found just such a place when we were in Dutton recently. We drove by
Lynda’s Diner in Dutton and stopped to have lunch.
Dutton is a very small village on the south eastern border of the Grand
Rapids area on 68th Street. Downtown Dutton Michigan with
The Dutton General Store in background.
Lynda’s Diner is located at 3555 68th St SE Dutton Michigan
Inside the Diner
We got there early and it slowly filled up with local people out for lunch. They
serve breakfast all day and lots of sandwiches, burgers, Mexican, Dinners, and
they have a Buffet Bar with salads and specials that was very busy the day we
were there. We had friendly wait staff and a good meal without spending
mucho dollars.
If you would like to live in or near Dutton, please give me a call to assist you in
buying or selling a Dutton home. We would go back to Lynda’s again anytime
we are in Dutton and getting hungry.
Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
photos by Bonnie Westbrook
We received no remuneration for our recommendation of Lynda’s Diner in Dutton Michigan.
We have gathered a list of the top East Grand Rapids Houses to buy
based on price per square foot. 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.
July 2009 BEST BUY East Grand Rapids Homes
Lowest price/Sq Ft range from $75.61 to $99.11
Highest List Price - $265,000
Lowest List Price - $132,900
The Top East GR Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:
2735 Richards Dr $132,900 1400 Sq Ft $94.93/SqFt
1638 Wealthy St $ 159,900 2400 Sq Ft $76.14/SqFt
1635 Breton Rd SE $169,000 1893 Sq Ft $89.28/SqFt
1408 Edgewood $162,000 1874 Sq Ft $86.45/SqFt
1063 Kenesaw Dr $175,000 2162 SqFt $99.32/SqFt
630 Rosewood Ave $159,900 1862 Sq Ft $85.88/SqFt
2150 Anderson Dr $209,900 3322 Sq Ft $75.61/SqFt
3000 Lake Dr $265,000 3346 Sq Ft $79.19/SqFt
2470 Lake Dr SE $255,000 3143 Sq Ft $81.13/SqFt
4128 Edgemere $255,000 3006 Sq Ft $84.83/SqFt
64 Elmhurst Dr SE $169,900 2300 Sq Ft $90.81/SqFt
100 Glenview Dr $ 189,900 1916 SqFt $99.11/SqFt
Note: The bargains are fewer & prices appear to be getting more
expensive here in East Grand Rapids this month. No homes
under $100K are listed for the past 2 months.
If you have been waiting for the right time to buy, don’t wait much
longer. We are starting to see signs of below appraisal home
prices seriously slowing in certain desirable areas, like East Grand
Rapids and Forest Hills.
*Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and not habitable
as is or available for a mortgage in present condition.*
East GR June 2009 Real Estate Market Report
Free Summer Concerts John Collins Park
Free Movies in the Park EGR Summer 2009
If you would like to view an East Grand Rapids Best Buy Home,
please contact us @1-888-240-1968 x 0 or email us :
Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
We have gathered a list of the Top Best Forest Hills Houses
( Ada-Cascade) to buy, based on price per square foot.
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
updating with 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 new roofs
& mechanicals.
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, not the
basement, even if finished.
The list this month is 18 properties, up from last month.
The lowest price/Sq Ft for homes range from $43 to $74.89
here in Forest Hills.
The lowest list price is $39,900 and the highest list price is
$221,988 for July 2009 homes in Forest Hills School District.
This list could include properties in Ada Township, Cascade
Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and the
city of Kentwood.
Some of these homes may be bank owned foreclosures and
not habitable as is or available for a mortgage in present condition
The Top Forest Hills Homes to Buy by Price per Square Foot:
5610 Ada Dr SE $153,000 2437 SqFt $62.78/SqFt
2635 Chatham Woods $ 49,900 817 Sq Ft $61.08/SqFt
2653 Chatham Woods $ 39,900 907 Sq Ft $43.00/SqFt
2031 Rowland #8 $ 97,000 1550 SqFt $62.58/SqFt
6375 Wainscot Dr SE $ 84,900 1633 Sq Ft $69.36/SqFt
383 Pettis Ave SE $ 94,900 2040 Sq Ft $46.52/SqFt
1417 Grand River Dr $ 89,900 1248 Sq Ft $72.04/SqFt
5505 Whitneyville SE $ 97,500 1536 Sq Ft $63.48/SqFt
6250 Architrave St $ 90,000 1814 Sq Ft $66.36/SqFt
6600 Cascade Rd $ 94,900 1788 SqFt $53.08/SqFt
8195 45th St SE $124,500 2193 SqFt $56.77/SqFt
6461 Cascade Rd SE $139,900 2023 SqFt $69.15/SqFt
3703 Burton St SE $ 66,000 912 Sq Ft $72.37/SqFt
3012 Jeanlin Dr SE $134,900 2548 Sq Ft $52.94 /SqFt
6948 Maplecrest Dr $155,000 3200 Sq Ft $57.84/SqFt
7569 Woodvale St SE $143,900 2238 Sq Ft $60.28/SqFt
4271 Woodside Oaks Ct $221,988 3453 Sq Ft $64.29/SqFt
3206 Oak Hollow Dr SE $187,900 2509 Sq Ft $74.89/Sq/Ft
Forest Hills MI Top Best Buy Homes ~ June 2009
Forest Hills Market Report May 2009
Forest Hills Michigan Public Schools Update 2009
If you would like to see a particular Top Best Buys Forest Hills
Home, please contact us at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 or email us at:
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Grand Rapids Market Report July 2009
The single family home sales continue to show signs of stabilization.
For the month of June, home sales were up 26.2% compared to
June 2008. Sales price of a single family home has seen an increase
in the average price for the third consecutive month to $119,923,
up from $97,073 in April 2009, but still down 12.5% ($130,220)
from last June, according to the figures prepared by the
Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS®. This is a 19.9% increase
in the home sale price from the beginning of 2009, where home
prices were an average of $95,010 for the month of January.
Greg Carlson, President of the Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS®,
commented on the overall condition of the real estate market in West
Michigan, "We’re seeing small improvements, consistent improvements,
in numerous areas of the market" said Greg.
"The average ‘days on market’ is going down, while the average
selling price, median sales price and the percentage of the listing
price compared to the sales price all continue to show improvement.
In some areas it is a seller’s market."
Julie Rietberg, CEO of the Association, commented on the numbers,
""Distressed properties continue to drag down the overall market,"
said Julie, "about half of all transactions are still distressed properties
and many are in pockets which really skew the numbers. But the
reality is houses are selling; I’ve heard reports from numerous
REALTORS receiving full price offers, and offers above list."
The number of total active residential listings remains virtually
unchanged from 9,131 in June compared to 9,104 in May. Sales
year-to-date for single-family homes was up 10.9% compared to
one year ago.
Total Home Sales up 26.2% From a Year Ago
Quoted from an article on GRAR
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate
photo of Grand Rapids Skyline by Bonnie Westbrook
East Grand Rapids
Units Sold June 2009
Sales Price Graph (Includes Sold Homes Only) Quick Sheet for June 2009
Units Sold
Active Listings in East Grand Rapids as of July 1, 2009
(Not all homes may be shown due to map scale)
Median Sold Price $202,500
Average days on Market 66
Percent Sold/List 92.11%
Current Inventory 159
Months Inventory 8.3
Average $ per Sqft. $99.08
Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
If you would like to view a listed East Grand Rapids home, please contact me
at 616-292-7263 or email me at Terry@TerryWestbrook.com
Caledonia June 2009
Units Sold
Sales Price Graph (Includes Sold Homes Only) Quick Sheet for June 2009
Active Listings Mapped in Caledonia as of July 1, 2009
(Not all homes may be shown due to map scale)
Caledonia Michigan has plenty of homes for sale, current count is 166
active listings, ranging in price from $39,000 to $ 1,284,900.
Average List price is $ 327,393
Average Price/SqFt = $ 157.13
Average days on market is 128 days
If you would like to view a Caledonia Michigan home, please
contact us at 616-292-7263 or email: Terry@TerryWestbrook.com
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate
Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed