Forest Hills, MI

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 Gardens Market Report

Greentree Estates Market Report

Thornapple River Dr/Burger Dr Market Report

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 will be plowed in the

winter to allow for x-c skiing in the north section. Sections of the

trails will be closed when flooded.

Ada Township Parks and Recreation Winter 2011-12 Programs

SEARCH FOR ADA HOMES

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 or contract law.

In many cases contracts must be altered to meet financing requirement while still being able to meet the intent of the buyer and sellers wishes.

Real Estate Agents and Brokers do not practice law but using a professional real estate agent to guide you through your real estate transaction can save you the pit falls of negotiating the fine points that make the purchase or sale happen.

It may be difficult to see the validity of the lenders request. The alternatives are to have the buyer find another lender that will not make this request. You can write contracts different, have the buyers work out any items that are not allowed, according to lender rules. Many times these issues can be worked out outside the contract.

The point is...real estate contracts and lending requirements do not always coincide with each other.

Buyers and Sellers should be made aware of these contract versus lending issues before it becomes a disputed buying or selling issue.

Happy Holidays!

For Personal Service, Call: 616-784-2360 Email: GaryWhite@FlexitRealty.com

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 can not make a difference for all those affected but we may be able to make a difference to a single family that thinks there is no way they can have a Christmas dinner or presents.

We have a wish-list column in our local newspaper. I was taken back by what people have the brass to ask for as part of their wish.

A new car, a bedroom outfit, a new dining room set, a house full of carpet. One person even asked for a new home. I know if you don't ask you don't get but with all the people in need it seems over the top to me.

We just paid for a hockey team membership for someone else's child. The boy is a good hockey player but would not have played the sport he loves without help this year. Parents are laid off and could not afford the cost. We donated anonymously and the family has asked everyone to find out who could have done this. They don't know us but we know the coach socially. The boy is not a starter but is a great kid according to the coach.

The pleasure is the smiles. The gifts are gifts. Helping make a surprise that changes what seemed impossible...we do that every day in real estate. The thing we don't do enough of, change lives by example.

Have a Happy Holiday season. Change a life this season...lead by example.

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 doctor "cut it off"! You are, in most cases, dealing with your single largest asset. Secondly, most people have an emotional attachment to their home as well. Combine your largest asset with emotional attachment and you need a professional that help you present your options and meet your goals.

I recently was involved in an interview process with four other agents to list a doctor's condo. Two told the doctor the "sell price number she wanted to hear". Another showed up without facts, figures or a marketing proposal. The forth was from a large franchise company but neglected to share that the marketing and advertising was his responsibility, not the franchisor.

I used facts, figures and the current market conditions and presented a business approach to selling her upscale condo. The doctor listed and we sold.

The reason for this post is to alert sellers you have choices, options and opportunity to use the right real estate professional. Make sure the real estate agent you choose is the right one for you and your property.

For example:

• Many agents have not sold condos.
• Others have not sold farms
• Some have not sold inner city properties.
• Land or acreage selling is marketed differently from residential property.
• Commercial and small business properties also require a different expertise.

Find out the experience level of the professional(s) you are interviewing. Make sure the agent will communicate with you and together you can sell in any market.

Happy Selling.

For Personal Service, Call: 616-784-2360 Email: GaryWhite@FlexitRealty.com