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Forest Hills, MI Real Estate News

By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Forest Hills, MichiganReal Estate in Forest HillsForest Hills is a beautiful community in Kent County, Michigan which is located directly east of Grand Rapids and northeast of Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The district is considered as an unincorporated community and census-designated place occupying a vast land area that surrounds the city of Ada. As the name implies, there are vast swathes of forested areas in the region. You can also find farmlands the farther away you are from the metropolitan area. Closer to the city center, you'll find various residential neighborhoods that serve as bedroom communities for the city. Busy professionals looking for a family-friendly environment to raise their kids in will find great homes in the Forest Hills community. Check out our original...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
 Forest Hills Michigan Neighborhood Real Estate Market Reports Jan-Dec 2011  The 2011 Market Reports for Forest Hills suburbs of Grand Rapids are linked below.  Some areas went down in activity, some went up, some stayed relatively the same. Which proves the maxim, all real estate is local.  These are local Forest Hills neighborhood reports, so they will give an overall  picture of what has happened in these spe cific Forest Hills areas.  If you want to know what is happening in your neighborhood, just give us a call.   Adacroft Commons Market Report Adatowne Market Report Adawoods Market Report Caravelle Village Market Report Cascade Springs Market Report Catamount Market Report Centennial Park Condos Market Report Clements Mill Market Report East Village Market Report Forest Hills Gar...
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By Bonnie & Terry Westbrook, Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
(Westbrook Realty)
Ada Township MI Parks Winter 2011-2012 Activities   Ice Rink at Leonard Field:  An outdoor winter ice rink is set up at Leonard Field and is available as weather allows. It is open to the public for general use. Children need to be supervised by a guardian.   Cross Country Trails:  Cross Country Ski trails are set up at Roselle Park and available as weather allows.  The trails start near the silos and extend through the north section of the park. Trail maps are set  up along the route. Please do not walk on or allow dogs on the x-c ski tracks. Walking & Bike Paths:  Our bets attempts will be made to clear the snow off the trails after each major snowfall.  Note that conditions may remain wet, icy and/or slippery throughout the winter.   At Roselle Park, only a section of the paved path ...
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By Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375, Real Estate Services You can Trust!
(Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions")
Spring is known for Spring Market home selling in real estate.   You may not have considered the time of the year as an issue of when you sell, but you should have.  More buyers are out in the spring than any other time of the year.  The next question is why?  The answer is simple.  In northern climates the highest percentage of buyers have children, so school is a major consideration.  Buyers want to be settled before school starts in the fall. This is a major reason for the spring market in every area of the county. The Next consideration is who, what and when is the right time to sell.   Who, is agent selection.  The National Association of Realtors has found that most sellers choose the first agent they meet over 70% of the time.  This isn't a selection process, this is a meet and g...
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By Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375, Real Estate Services You can Trust!
(Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions")
Buyers and Sellers are faced with financing when making a real estate transaction finalized. Many times the requirements of the lender have nothing to do with the building codes or contract law that governs the purchasing of real estate. I recently had a sauna that was a large unit permanently wired (hard wired, meaning permanently installed as part of the home with a dedicated electrical circuit)  so it would be considered part of the home just like a light, furnace or hot water heater.  The lender asked that the purchase agreement be changed, using an addendum, to reflect the sauna as a separate purchase like a lawn mower, snow blower or piece of furniture using a bill of sale instead of the purchase agreement. This request had to do with financing requirements not with legal issues o...
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By Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375, Real Estate Services You can Trust!
(Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions")
Christmas is a time of celebration no matter how difficult the economy, or personal issues we face. I have two favorite holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Most know that I don't care about the commercialization of the holidays.  I was really unhappy about stores opening at 3 am just to beat another store to the buyers wallet! I reflect during the holidays.  I reflect on those that have passed before me.  I reflect on those that had made my year special.  I look forward to seeing family members. I look forward to private times with my wife. I think about those that can not make ends meet.  My wife and I talked about an adopt-a-family program today. So many families are going to be short this year.  Many are going to lose their unemployment benefits at the wrong time. We as one family...
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By Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375, Real Estate Services You can Trust!
(Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions")
I have noticed over the last year that sellers have been looking for something magical to happen. Sellers have been playing Musical Realtors!  Meaning sellers are skipping from one real estate agent to another hoping to sell. The reason for the movement or playing Musical Realtors is in the  interviewing process.  The agent that represents your best interest needs to have more than a nice smile and pleasant personality.  Find out when and what you can expect from the real estate agent, before signing a listing contract. The National Association of Realtors study on sellers selecting a Realtor is very revealing.  Over 80% of sellers use the first Realtor they meet!  This is like having a doctor tell you we have to amputate your leg!  Will you get a second opinion?  Or, just say, OK docto...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
Forest Hills Michigan Waterfront Homes Real Estate Market Report Oct 2010 Current market conditions have brought home prices down to levels  we haven’t seen since 1997. All price levels and amenities have been affected.  Now may be a great time to purchase a Waterfront Home in Forest Hills. Real Estate Market Report for waterfront homes in Forest Hills Michigan Mar 1, 2010 to Sept 30, 2010 with private water frontage: Forest Hills Waterfront Homes Real Estate Market Report Oct 2010 57 Active Listings 0 Pending Sales 23 Sold High List Price  $ 1,895,000 Low List Price    $      75,000 Average List Price – $  559,067 Average Sale Price – $ 387,893 When purchasing waterfront homes, always be sure to check beach & access rights, laws and associations regarding the body of water your potent...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
  Ada/Cascade Michigan July 4th 2010 Celebrations Ada MI July 4th Celebration Friday July 2, 2010 Ada Park – Bike Decorating Day 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM $4  kids 4-12 yrs who show up with parent or guardian [fee includes supplies and helpers]   Saturday July 3rd, 2010: Parade Line up 9:30 AM   Parking Lot near McDonalds 4th of July Parade 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Entertainment/Activities 11:00 AM- 6:00  PM  Ada Village Green “On the Green Activities” New Classic Car Show  Thornapple River Drive Fireworks Dusk    7590 E Fulton @ Ada Drive  In the Village Cascade Township July 4th Celebration Saturday July 3rd 2010: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM          Friends of the Library Book Sale Cascade Public Library 9:45 - 10 AM                            Bicycle Parade Staging Cascade Fellowship Christian Reformed ...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
  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, new plumbing, electrical & other major 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 of To...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful entertainment venue in our Forest Hills Area.  The fabulous Fine Arts Centers Shows this winter-spring season have something for everyone.  Not only the headlining events like Amy Grant, and Whose Live Anyway, the local high school events are not exactly the amateur events I remember from my school days.  The musicals we have seen have had seriously talented young performers from our local high schools.   There are still quite a few shows to catch this season. If you haven't been to our fabulous gold star LEED performance center, you should stop by and take a look. It is open every day from 8am to 5 pm with a featured artist-in-residence work displayed in the lobby.  This month, fiber artist Jo-Ann Van Reeuwyk displays vessels that explore ...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
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, new plumbing, electrical & other major 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 of To...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
Forest Hills (Ada Cascade) MI Real Estate Absorption Report 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 2009 real estate market activity, which we have broken down into 3 separate price categories, which have very different markets emerging for 2009 totals. Forest Hills MI Listings $ 500,000+ Not much demand and lots of time on the market in the higher price  brackets of Forest Hills with a 24 month Absorption Rate, which means it would take 24 months for the current inventory to sell.   ...
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By Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375, Real Estate Services You can Trust!
(Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions")
I have several out of state and out of town sellers.  This makes showings easy or does it? This week I had two showing appointments with clients.  I knew both properties were vacant.  One staged to sell and the other vacant without furniture. I had one of my agents do the showings for me.  I received a call from my agent and he...is whispering...hey the sellers are here!  I questioned his statement..."what do you mean the sellers are there?"  He says again, " the seller's are here." I call the seller's immediately on the phone...the seller answers...I say with a greeting, "where are you?"  The seller responds, "I am in town for few days".   My response, "I scheduled some showing for your property...based on you not being here."  The seller blurts with excitement...I know I just met some...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
Centennial Park Meadows Condominiums are located just off 28th Street and Thornapple River Dr. in Cascade, Michigan. The Condos wrap around the  Centennial Golf Course and community. This private par 70 golf course has plenty of challenges for golfers at  every level.  This community also has a clubhouse and restaurant for members.  We have relocated several clients into this community and they find it a  wonderful place to live. Just minutes from 28th Street & Cascade shopping,  dining and amusements, you are centrally located but tucked away from the bustle of the area for quiet, serene living and easy access to golf.                           Centennial Park Meadows Condos                               Real Estate Market Report                                     Jan-Dec 2009        ...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
The Quail Crest Condo development is located west of Spaulding  and north of Burton Street in Cascade Township.  There is an entrance off Spaulding Avenue and off Burton Street. This condo development was started in the late 1980's and continued building into the current phase.  The condos are spacious with cathedral ceilings and many have finished lower levels with extra bedrooms and baths. This area has been very attractive for retirees, as they are close to all the local amenities and shopping but no house maintenance.  Forest Hills Public Schools are the school district, Watermark Country Club, Forest Hills  & 28th Street shopping are  a short distance away.   The miles of Cascade-Ada Bike/Walking Trail  connects to downtown Cascade, downtown Ada, and 28th St.    Quail Crest Condomi...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
Cascade Neighborhood Absorption Report Tamarron Estates is an upscale suburban development with large wooded lots, walking access to Thornapple Elementary School and  the Thornapple River Backwaters.  It is located just off of Thornapple River Drive and Cascade Road in Cascade Township.  The house styles vary from large, comfortable ranches, traditional  two stories, to contemporary homes.  Many of the homes were built  in the late 1970's to the mid 1980's, though there is a new street that has much newer homes on acreage settings.  Some houses close to and surrounding this development are in the upper price brackets  in the Grand Rapids real estate market.                      Tamarron Residential Real Estate                          Jan-Dec 2009 Market Report                       2 S...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
The East/West  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 to the I96 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 in Forest Hills, th...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
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 housing economy where all area homes have suffered a decline in value. This subdivision continues to be a desired location for local residents.     Clements Mill  Market Report   Jan -  December 200...
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By Terry & Bonnie Westbrook, Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re
(Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner)
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 for November 2009 is 19 properties, same as...
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