Showing a couple of gorgeous Grand Rapids homes located in some of our wonderful Ada Township Subdivisions. Looking at the market over the last year or so, the homes at this price point have had to really come down in price in order to attract those good, qualified buyers. It has been the same to some extent throughout most of the Grand Rapids market but particularly in these homes. Another thing I have noticed is that the home owners are now preparing their home for showings much better. Going the extra mile to really impress and that is a great idea and so important.

As a listing agent in Grand Rapids, while pricing a home correctly is the most important step when selling your home, another step that I recommend is preparing your home for the inevitable showings. First impressions are very important and a buyer looking for that high end home is expecting to see a home in show room condition. If you can have the lights on, soft music playing, even better. But it has to be clean and it has to smell nice and it has to be free from clutter.

Thinking of selling a home? Visit my Home Seller page for pricing and staging tips or feel free to contact me any time.

Today’s Showings

A bill has been introduced that would extend the “closing date” for the Home Buyer Tax Credit. The original deadline to have a fully executed purchase agreement was April 30th, 2010 and that has not changed. However, one of the criteria in order to be eligible for the Tax Credit was closing before June 30th, 2010 and many buyers will not make it. So there was a measure introduced to extend that deadline to September 30th of this year instead. The measure was offered as an amendment to H.R. 4213, a tax extension bill now in the Senate.

I don’t mind this at all as I have a few clients that have purchased homes that are short sales. These homes typically take much longer to close and buyers are at the mercy of the banks which are totally swamped with distressed properties.

Parade of Downtown Grand Rapids Condos

June 11 – 13, 2010

• Friday 4pm – 8pm
• Saturday 10am  – 5pm
• Sunday 12pm – 4pm

Well it’s that time of year again when downtown Grand Rapids’ condos open up their doors and show off a little. If you have been curious about the downtown condo market and would like to check some of them out, the Parade of Downtown Living is a great opportunity to not only learn about the various condos like Riverhouse, Fitzgerald, Park Row, 38 Commerce, Boardwalk etc, but also to enjoy a fun afternoon in the city.

ADMISSION

Admission is $10.00 for all 3 days.You can purchase a wristband at any of the properties on tour and catch a bus to visit all of the properties.

FREE PARKING & BUS PICKUP

City Lot Area 7 is south of Michigan and north of Pearl
Northwest lot is behind Boardwalk Condominiums, enter off Mason street between Monroe and Ottawa.

Tour guides will be on the buses to help you with your questions. You can volunteer and get a free pass for the weekend. Call 616-459-3133 for information.

Special Events

SPECIAL EVENTS

These events are included in the costs. Wristbands are required.

Friday, June 11

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Gallery
Cocktail Party

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Dwelling Place Art Exhibit and Open House
For many artists, downtown Grand Rapids is home. Visit an available Dwelling Place artist live/work space and enjoy the work of local artists and refreshments.
62 S. Division Avenue at Avenue for the Arts.

Saturday, June 12

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
38 Commerce
Rooftop Champagne Brunch

12 PM – 2 PM
Boardwalk Condos
Free grill-out and drink specials on
JD Reardons’ restaurant deck in the pool courtyard
[Free Parking]

11 AM – 1:00 PM
The Fitzgerald
A free lunch will be served on the Green Roof Terrace.

Sunday June 13

12 PM – 2 PM
Boardwalk Condos
Free grill-out and drink specials on
JD Reardons’ restaurant deck in the pool courtyard
[Free Parking]

Well worth the $10 if you are interested in learning about the downtown Grand Rapids condo market. If you would like a private tour, more specific information about a certain condo or have a home to sell, contact me anytime.

Celadon New Town Condos are a special community located in Grand Rapids Twp, north of I-96 and East of the E. Beltline at 2853 Knapp St. NE. Mosaic Properties, the developers, had a vision of a vibrant community where the owners and neighbors could enjoy not only owning a lovely condo, but also be a part of a thriving, high energy community. What they ended up with exceeded their plans and certainly delivered. Here is a bird’s eye view of the Celadon development.

Celadon Condos offer a wide variety of homes from the 1000 sq/ft Modern Row condos and Loft designs up to their gorgeous, stand alone luxury condos which are 2500+ sq/ft. Sales have been brisk as more units are completed. The standard package is generous and any number of unique upgrades can be had to truly personalize your very own space. Just a few of the features are cathedral ceilings, large decks, walk-in closets, steel trusses and wide plank pine flooring. But the sky is the limit as far as upgrades. Association fees are very reasonable too. For an 1100 sq/ft condo that costs $140,000, you will be paying $165 per month. This covers Trash, Lawn/Yard Care, Water, Sewer, Snow Removal and Insurance. The insurance is for the building, you are still required to keep your own personal insurance.

The Celadon condos really deliver as an exciting community. One of the most popular features is the Amphitheater. Celadon maintains a stream of local artists that perform here throughout the summer. The Amphitheater seats 100 people and also offers movie nights. This makes for a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and see some great shows. Some of the other features include a pool, a network of walking paths throughout the grounds, pleasing architectural accents, garden spots, patio, decks and more.

Location-wise, Celadon couldn’t be in a better place. Commuting is a breeze via the E. Beltline, you have Meijers very close by and with Celebration Village a few minutes down the road. There is an IMAX and plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from including the newly opened Crushed Grape. The school district is Forest Hills schools, another plus.

*Prices from $130’ss – , 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms available
*From ~1000 Sq/ft
*Association fee: from $160’s
*Coverage: Trash Pickup, Yard Care, Water, Sewer, Snow Removal, Insurance
*Features Incl: Secure entrance. cathedral ceilings, Lof , Modern Row and Stand Alone styles. In Unit Washer/Dryer Hookups, Pool, Patio/Deck, Amphitheater

For more information or to take a tour of these condos, feel free to call me direct or contact me anytime.

Celadon New Town Condos Market Trends and Walkability Scores

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• High {10}
• Elementary {9}
• Middle {8}

Elementary Schools near 2263 New Town Dr Grand Rapids, MI 49525

9 Elementary Schools found within 3 miles radius.

School	Type	Grade Level	Enrollment	Students per Teacher	Distance (mi)
Kent Independent School District Phone: (616) 364-1333 2930 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Public	PK, K-12	0	-2	0.08
North Hills Classical Academy Phone: (616) 365-0525 2777 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Private, Special Program Emphasis	K-12	68	5	0.21
Knapp Charter Academy Phone: (616) 364-1100 1759 Leffingwell Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Charter	K-8	713	19	0.39
Orchard View Elementary School Phone: (616) 493-8930 2770 Leffingwell Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Public	K-6	568	17	0.91
Northpointe School Phone: (616) 942-0363 3101 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Private	PK, K-12	665	16	1.1
Northern Trails 5/6 School Phone: (616) 493-8990 3777 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Public	5-6	513	15	1.79
Eastside Christian School Phone: (616) 942-2939 2792 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506	Private	PK, K-9	45	8	2.06
Grand Rapids Hebrew Academy Phone: (616) 949-6788 2615 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506	Private	4-6	5	3	2.11
Knapp Forest Elementary School Phone: (616) 493-8980 4243 Knapp Valley Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Public	K-6	676	17	2.34

Middle Schools near 2263 New Town Dr Grand Rapids, MI 49525

8 Middle Schools found within 3 miles radius.

School	Type	Grade Level	Enrollment	Students per Teacher	Distance (mi)
Kent Independent School District Phone: (616) 364-1333 2930 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Public	PK, K-12	0	-2	0.08
North Hills Classical Academy Phone: (616) 365-0525 2777 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Private, Special Program Emphasis	K-12	68	5	0.21
Knapp Charter Academy Phone: (616) 364-1100 1759 Leffingwell Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Charter	K-8	713	19	0.39
Northpointe School Phone: (616) 942-0363 3101 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Private	PK, K-12	665	16	1.1
Northern Hills Middle School Phone: (616) 493-8650 3775 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Public	7-8	518	19	1.79
Eastside Christian School Phone: (616) 942-2939 2792 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506	Private	PK, K-9	45	8	2.06
Plymouth Christian High School Phone: (616) 454-9481 965 Plymouth Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505	Private	7-12	182	16	2.32
Home Education Site School Phone: (616) 819-3150 2405 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505	Alt.	7-10	20	20	2.39

High Schools near 2263 New Town Dr Grand Rapids, MI 49525

10 High Schools found within 3 miles radius.

School	Type	Grade Level	Enrollment	Students per Teacher	Distance (mi)
Kent Independent School District Phone: (616) 364-1333 2930 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Public	PK, K-12	0	-2	0.08
North Hills Classical Academy Phone: (616) 365-0525 2777 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Private, Special Program Emphasis	K-12	68	5	0.21
Kent Career/Technical Center Phone: (616) 364-8421 1655 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Alt.	11-12	0	0	0.36
Kent Education Center--Beltline Phone: (616) 365-2357 1606 Leffingwell Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Sp-Ed	9-12	106	6	0.55
Northpointe School Phone: (616) 942-0363 3101 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Private	PK, K-12	665	16	1.1
Forest Hills Northern High School Phone: (616) 493-8600 3801 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Public	9-12	965	16	1.82
Eastside Christian School Phone: (616) 942-2939 2792 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506	Private	PK, K-9	45	8	2.06
Plymouth Christian High School Phone: (616) 454-9481 965 Plymouth Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505	Private	7-12	182	16	2.32
Northview Alternative High School Phone: (616) 361-7396 3801 East Beltline SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525	Alt.	9-12	160	29	2.36
Home Education Site School Phone: (616) 819-3150 2405 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505	Alt.	7-10	20	20	2.39

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Celadon Condo Listings

As reported by CNNMoney.com, the west side of Michigan and Grand Rapids in particular should and could be a model for the rest of the state. Grand Rapids is a small, modest city with a population of 200,000. Two decades ago we were heading the way of Flint, Pontiac and Detroit but somewhere along the way, our fortunes changed and not by accident. Grand Rapids is blessed with a winning combination of business leadership, public-private cooperation and local philanthropists that care about the city.

Signs of growth are everywhere  in downtown Grand Rapids, not the least of which is the Van Andel Arena, home to our Grand Rapids Griffins IHL Hockey Team, the Grand Rapids Rampage and host to a variety of international stars and events. Evidence of this urban renewal is visible all across our now Vibrant city but the real gem is in a section of the city named the Medical Mile. A $1 Billion (and growing) medical complex which includes specialized treatment facilities, a cancer research center and a medical school. Started in 1966 with the opening of the Van Andel Institute, it has expanded to include the Grand Rapids Community College’s Calkins Science Center across Bostwick Avenue, Spectrum Health’s Butterworth Hospital complex, Grand Valley State University’s Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, and Michigan State University Secchia Center Medical School, among other facilities in the area.

While Grand Rapids has it’s share of foreclosures and short sales, there are positive signs in the Grand Rapids Real Estate market as well. For example, the downtown Grand Rapids condo scene has done fairly well. There are new developments springing up like Riverhouse Condos. Riverhouse Condos has been the fastest selling condo project in Grand Rapids with over 130 units sold in 14 months. Other new construction condos are the Fitzgerald Condos which are as ritzy as the name sounds and are simply spectacular condos in the center of Grand Rapids. Thirty Eight Condominiums are the newest project and occupancy is projected for July or August. Park Row Condos are new and have just reduced their prices. These condos are located in the Grand Rapids Medical Mile and are definitely worth a look.

So, in my opinion, this was a great article and only serves to highlight the positive changes that can be realized through hard work, leadership and vision. For more information on the Grand Rapids real estate market, feel free to call me direct at 616-570-1871 or contact me anytime.

The Grand Rapids real estate market continues to show some life for the moment. The average single-family home sales prices rose slightly from 4.6% to $110,574, over January 2010 ($105,714), the first increase since November 2009. The total number of single-family homes sold in February was 930, up 16.1 percent from last month and up 25.5 percent compared to February 2009 (741). Dollar volume of single family homes sold was up 45.6 percent compared to last month. These numbers while promising,  will be impacted by the $8000 Tax credit  coming to an end.

The number of total active residential listings rose to 7,935 in January. This coupled with the increase in February sales, lead to
a decline in the months-of-inventory level to 8.5 months in February, down from 9.5 months in January 2010.

John Postma, President of the Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS, commented on the market, “We’re continuing to see small improvements in the market,” said John. “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 stability or improvement. In certain segments of the housing market, we’re seeing a shortage of homes.”

If you are thinking of putting your Grand Rapids home or condo on the market and would like to know what it would sell for, please visit the Home Evaluation section of this website and fill out the form. There is no cost and no obligation for this service. We will get back to you within 24 hours with a detailed report on your home’s market value and your costs to close.

Our websites enjoy top search engine placement and our listings receive a great deal of market exposure to local and out of town buyers. Visit our Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Homeseller page for more information on our proactive marketing and let us know how we can help.

Grand Rapids real estate is still a good investment and here is why.

1. Grand Rapids is a great place to live. Lots of exciting things are happening in town with the Medical Mile being developed.
2. Interest Rates: Interest rates are still relatively low and are expected to hold for a little while longer.
3. Less Competition: In the weeks and months leading up to the deadline, we were quite busy. It has slowed down some so the odds are less that you will find yourself trying to outbid someone else for a home or condo.
4. House Values are still low: That’s right, values are low and are going to stay like this for awhile yet.

So it is still a good time to buy a home in Grand Rapids. If you have any questions about the market, the home buying process, or if you have a  home  to sell, give me a call or contact me anytime. Use this website to search the entire Grand Rapids Listing Service and if you have any questions about anything at all, let me know.

Northwood Hills condos range from $40’s to $70’s. A few years ago when all was well with the Grand Rapids real estate market, these condos were selling for $80,000. They took a big hit in price and now the same unit with moderate upgrades can be had for $50,000 and now with the recent FHA approval, only a 3.5% downpayment is required. These condos are ranch style, 1 and 2 bedrooms with a deck. Laundry is included in each building of 6 condos. There is a nice community center and a pool area for summer fun.

For more information or to set up a showing, feel free to contact me anytime.

Having said that, there are some condos that are FHA approved. This is important to many buyers, especially first time condo buyers looking to capitalize on the $8000 Tax credit. With an FHA loan, you need only pay a 3.5% downpayment on the loan. Much better than 10% or 20%!

Boardwalk condos are FHA approved! Just before last Christmas they were approved. Boardwalk is a great building with many amenities including a pool hot tub area, game room, theatre room, fitness center, roof top deck, salon and JD Reardon’s bar. These condos are loft style with exposed brick, exposed duct work, river views and tall ceilings. Many floor plans are available from studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms and there are two courtyards, one with the pool and the other with a peaceful, wooded area where the outdoor grills are located.

The Hillmount condos are FHA approved! The Hillmount condos offer a little different feel to the Boardwalk. The building itself is an older, solid brick buillding and it does offer a few amenities such as wireless (wifi) internet, fitness center and an awesome rooftop deck with grill. Many of these condos offer lovely hardwood floors and updated kitchens with stainless steel appliances. This is a great building located at the corner of College and cherry, minutes from the downtown core. Pets are allowed.

Union Square condos are FHA approved! Union Square is one of the coolest buildings in town. You have probably seen it while driving on the expressway at the junction of I-96 and US-131 highways. The building is the Union Square High School and there is a big mix of condos here from affordable 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms which also includes some incredible penthouse units. Amenites include a very nice fitness center and the  roof top deck, pool and hot tub. These condos are loft style similar to Boardwalk but with more floor plans and larger windows. Some of the old school features like chalk boards and lockers have been blended in with the modern condo features.

Fulton Street Flats are FHA approved! This is a new addition to the downtown condo scene and has just been approved. These are affordable 1 and 2 bedroom condos with some nice standard features accross the street from Davenport University and minutes to the downtown core. Some features include large balconies, hardwood floors and granite counters. I like the location here and for the money, you get a good sized condo with reasonable association fees, parking and laundry rooms in each unit.

Park Row Condos are FHA approved. This is a recent addition to this list as of 1/7/11. Park Row condos offer 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms and are new construction. They also offer a very reasonable association fee and underground parking. One of the features I like is their location close to the Medical Mile. Solidly built and quiet. o noise from your neighbors.

For more information on any of these Grand Rapids downtown condos, visit my website or contact me any time.

I am excited to announce that the Platnum Realty Group is now affiliated with Realty Executives. This is a great opportunity for everyone involved including our Realtors, their families, clients and business partners. The Platinum Realty Group has always been a family oriented broker that has always put customer service above all else. Affiliating with one of the fastest growing national real estate companies, with offices in 18 countries, opens up many doors and will only benefit our clients.

Realty Executives Platinum Group will now be able  to provide cutting edge marketing tools with which their agents can use to market their client’s homes. This increased national and international exposure can only help us sell these properties and open up doors to buyers relocating to the Grand Rapids area. For more information on the local Grand Rapids market or to request a Relocation Package, visit my website at GRRealEstateInfo.com or contact me any time.