Grand Rapids, MI

Who Dat Nation. The Saints come marching in!!!!!

After 43 years the New Orleans Saints have finally done it. Not one to have followed football this season I was not partial to any of these contenders whatsoever. But there are times when you just have to root for the underdog. I was more into the fellowship of people from my church and the great food that was served (big shout out to Brian and Daneen for their great hospitality).

Prior to game time there was a Wii tournament (basketball, bowling and such) in the basement and boy it was very competitive. You don’t want to go out there thinking you know what you’re doing and look like a complete idiot. After a series of competition it was time to start heading upstairs to the huge family room with comfy leather chairs and high back seats to seat 25-30 comfortably. Of course there has to be friendly trash-talking between our group. All in good fun. We sectioned off one side for the Saints and the other for the Colts. In the middle was the Mississippi River. If you were a Colt fan you had better not cross the Mighty Missisippi for fear of being in the Who Dat Nation. Yes it sounds extremely corny but if you look at it from the fellowship point of view you would get the picture. And to think I was going to spend it at home by myself. As you may not know my significant other lives out of state and she was a volunteer and was at Sun Life stadium.

I think next year I would like to do that. She told me it was a great experience. Go Sheri. One of the most impressive parts to me was when Carrie Underwood sang the National Anthem. Everyone at our gathering stood up and placed their hand on their chest and listened intently as she sung that oh so familiar song. Yes there was a little water in the eyes to hear it. But every time you do it makes you so proud to be an AMERICAN. There again it may sound corny but to look at that humongous flag draped on the field and watch those grown men on the field wipe their tears as well it’s a good thing. Also for me to watch those jets fly overhead gets me all the time.

Time to get into your seat, screw your wig on tight because they’re ready to play some FOOTBALL. New Orleans was very tight in the first half and my reasoning is that this being they’re first time for them. You know the jitters and all. The Colts played like seasoned veterans in the same time period. That’s what happens when you’ve been there did that. I can honestly say that this was a very good game played on BOTH sides of the ball. Some spectacular catches for both teams as well and the hits, well they speak for themselves.

Now we’re into half time and they bring out the ancient ones. Not to hate on Who fans but I would have liked to see someone else. But the light show was fantastic. I felt like I was in a medley from CSI with the song selection they used.

Second half and you could see a distinctly different Saints team. They seemed to play more loosely and their confidence level obviously went up a notch or two. You could see determination in the faces of the players. They just need time to settle ALL the butterflies in their stomachs and play the game. You could see the momentum building. You could see the sense of purpose and urgency telling them this is OUR time. I’m not taking one thing away from the Colts because they ARE a great team. They’ve represented their city and state on many occasion winning a few Super Bowls themselves. But for me (IMHO) I root for the underdog. Can everyone remember back to the Boston Celtics-Los Angeles Lakers dominance over the years in basketball? After awhile it got really old. Remember the statement” change will do you good”. We ALL need change in order to roll with the punches. You can see the correlation here and compare it to real estate (yes you knew I was going to get there). You have to roll with the punches in order to survive. This market will do it for you and to you. Be careful which one YOU pick.

All in all the Saints kept the Colts on the ropes in the second half. They played like a team with a purpose. And it didn’t help that Peyton Manning was intercepted putting them up by 14 pts with 3:12 to go. Everyone deserves to feel what it’s like to be on top. Now it’s the Saints turn. Will they repeat? Who knows. All they know today is that they made it to the mountain top and it feels great. Remember what the Bible says. Think about today because tomorrow will take care of itself. It was a great game and will go down as one of the best Super Bowls in history. Will it make me watch the game more? Probably not. Once or twice a year is good enough for me. I enjoyed more the company of good friends, great food and a friendly atmosphere. How was your Super Sunday? I would love to hear from you.

PS. At the end of the game we sang (Saints fans) “And the Saints come marching in”

Robert L Brown

Bellabay Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Statistics have proven for years that when buyers get in front of the computer

to start searching for a home, the questions they want answered are:

• How big is the house?
• How many bedrooms?
• How many baths?
• What is the price?

When we list a property and place it on the Multiple Listing Service we are competing

with all the other 3 bedroom 2 bath homes listed for sale in Grand Rapids. Buyers

typically bring up about 40 homes on a search and look on-line at 20 of them in our

Grand Rapids market. The graph below indicates what are the top requirements

to a Grand Rapids home buyer Home Search:

What are buyers looking for when they search for a home?

As you can see from the graph above, this is the order of importance buyers

put in their home searches:

1. Square Footage
2. Bedrooms
3. Baths
4. Price
   

Price is number 4 behind Square Footage, Bedrooms, and Baths.

BUT Price is the ultimate point of competition.

They don't see the fabulous photos of your designer kitchen, the visual tour,

your wonderful photos of your "green thumb" garden or the newly

remodeled bathroom if your stats don't compare. If you are not in the top 20

by Square Footage, Bedrooms, Baths, & Price, maybe even the top 10 they

don't even bother with clicking on the photos or details of your home.

Price is the only thing left when you have 40 similar homes on the market

competing for the same buyers. Supply and Demand will continue to rule

the real estate housing market in the forseeable future, and Price Plays a

Major Role.

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Keller Williams Realty has been voted as "best of" in the readers poll of the Grand Rapids Magazine.

How proud I am to be working at Keller Williams Realty, not just today, but every day. Keller Williams Realty really does build people - they educate their Realtors so we can stay on top of the continuous changes of our market place, and it shows in our every day activity.

Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty International now ranks as the third largest real estate franchise organization in the United States. Total North American associate count stands at close to 73,000.

Our rapid growth trajectory is a result of our unique culture, team spirit and a passionate conviction to serving our clients with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

I can tell you, where ever you go nationally and talk to Keller Williams agent - the pride and commitment is the same. We have great leadership that follows through out the Nation.

Thank you Grand Rapids, we will continue to work hard to earn your support and vote next year as the "Best Of" Grand Rapids!

I have several of my clients that are out of state. They relocated because of employment. I just sent off a purchase agreement to one of them.

I sent the document overnight...and they arrived yesterday...late 4:38 pm to be exact according to the signature log. They live in a small town...small, small town!

We discussed the contract, all was as expected and they signed. The closing is scheduled for monday. They went down to the local drug store where FedEx picks up. Just not on Saturday! In fact normal pickup and delivery is on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Don't you love being in a small town.

Knowing the closing is on Monday...the seller didn't call me saying it won't go out until Monday change the closing or deal with it. They instead drove an hour and a half to the next closest pickup point in another state to make sure I would have these documents on Monday!

When I called to verify they had sent the document back in my prepaid FedEx envelope the seller told me his wife should just about be dropping off the envelope about now. I kidded him and state where did she go Chicago? He said, "No LaCrosse Wisconsin! I about fell over...he then told me because of their location that was the closest drop point that would still ship and make Monday delivery.

I would say that is some dedicated sellers!

Now you know why I asked if you have dedicated sellers!

Live in Grand Rapids or West Michigan area, not under contract? Like to sell or buy a home....give me a call. It could save you thousands in your next real estate transaction. Always confidential, Never Pressured.

"Help is only a Call or Click away!"©2006-2009

Call Toll Free: 877-667-4699
Local: 616-784-2360
Email: garywhite@FlexItRealty.com

HUD (Housing and Urban Development) owner occupant incentives are about to disappear.

As of February 12, 2010 some changes that will impact HUD buyers are the $100.00 down program will cease along with the $2500.00 owner occupant incentive for properties over $25,000.00 in purchase price.

Don't think the buyers are the only ones losing incentives...the broker incentive of $500.00 will also be gone when you sell a property greater than $25,000.00 in purchase price.

This means any bid accepted before February 12, 2010 will still qualify even if it closes after the date. This means your acceptance date is going to be very important.

Many states do not have the number of foreclosures that Michigan has with nearly 40% of total sales still being a depressed sale in some form or another.

HUD or the federal subsidized program incentives have little impact on bargain priced homes. The owner occupant incentive helped buyers replace appliances that are nearly always removed from homes once HUD takes over the selling process of the home.

Will the loss of this incentive impact your purchase? Will the reduction of the $500.00 broker incentive reduce the number of brokers willing to show these homes?

A quick update on the every changing HUD market. Just in the city limits according to bankrate.com there are 369 foreclosed homes.

Looking for a HUD home in West Michigan...I am an authorized HUD broker. Give me a call and I will get you into to very available properties that interest you. If you live in other areas of the state or out of state. Email me and I will give you the name of a local professional agent that will be happy to assist you.

Flexit Realty is only " a Call or Click away!" C, Call: 616-784-2360 or Email: GaryWhite@FlexitRealty.com