Michigan is still the top state for unemployment according to CNN check the link for your states ranking.

http://money.cnn.com/news/storysupplement/economy/gapmap/index.htm

Next the Foreclosure ranking by state has little movement…and Michigan is still ranked # 3 according to MSN statistics.

The top ten ranked states for foreclosures are: 1. Nevada 2. Florida 3. Michigan 4. California 5. Colorado 6. Ohio 7. Georgia 8. Arizona 9. Illinois 10. Indiana

What most foreclosure or bankruptcy clients are not aware of is…they can still buy with some cash down on a land contract or lease option. Most sellers that are willing to take a chance and take the place of a bank will look at how the buyer has done since the foreclosure or bankruptcy. They may want to run a current credit check. This just gives a new snapshot of the buyer’s current credit performance.

So, if you are a buyer; want a home like one of my current clients. You have to have money down. You have to be making your payments. An option one of my buyers in using is his 401K. Yes he pays a penalty for early withdrawal of funds…10% in his case plus the taxes he had not paid on the contributions to his account.

He is using his $10,000 down to get a home. He is paying $950.00 a month now for rent. His purchase with taxes and insurance will be in the $700.00 range including utilities. Real estate agents can help you find sellers like the one I found for Tom and his wife.

It takes patience and time, but the result is a home and family stability. Tom will be able to convert to a mortgage in two more years, if he keeps on track and pays his bills on time.

Having a foreclosure or bankruptcy is not the end of the world…although it feels like it at the time…and is certainly is a huge financial bump in the road. Like any pothole it can be patched with some real effort on your part and a professional real estate agent that knows how to help you get back on your feet. Career professional agents have lenders and seller client’s ready to help you…the next recovery step is yours.

Happy buying.

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

Tale of Two Towers in Grand Rapids Michigan

Grand Rapids has seen substantial growth in our city in the past 100 years.

This photo of the old train watch tower on the West Side with the JW Marriott tower in the

background shows old and new construction in our city. One hundred years ago, the train

watch tower was an essential part of the transportation grid in Grand Rapids, then a major

hub for train traffic and one of the major employers in the area.

Now, the JW Marriott luxury hotel tower tells a different transportation story.

Grand Rapids is host to many national and international travelers who are used to traveling

in style. Our city employs many people in the hospitality business to cater to their needs.

Grand Rapids Michigan Jazz at the Zoo – Monday Nights 2010

Begins Monday June 14, 2010 – John Ball Park Band Shell

From 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the The John Ball Park Band Shell,

The West Michigan Jazz Society will be featuring local bands

and talent Monday nights. Free admission, although the hat

is passed for donations because the park is requiring liability

insurance for the group to perform and parking attendants.

So, grab a blanket, food, or purchase food at the event, and

enjoy local jazz at its best.

The 10th Jazz at the Zoo Summer 2010:

June 14, 2010 –Mary Rademacher w/ the Mark Kahny Quartet

June 21, 2010 – River City Jazz Band w/ Kathy Wagner

June 28, 2010 – Fred Knapp Quartet w/ Ben Jannson

July 5, 2010 – Western Michigan University Tribute Band w/

Evan & Edye Hyde

July 12, 2010 – Grupo Aye – Latin Jazz Band

July 19, 2010 – Arno & Randy Marsh Quartet

July 26, 2010 – Tom Hagen Quintet

August 2, 2010 – Michelle Covington w/ Scott Bell Quartet

August 9, 2010 – Claudia Schmidt w/ Quartet

August 16, 2010 – Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra

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Cascade Township MI Free RiverBeat Events – August 2010

The Cascade Community Foundation is again sponsoring FREE Events

in Cascade Michigan at Leslie Tassell Park every Thursday night in August.

Location: Thornapple River Dr & Cascade Road on the Thornapple River

When: Thursday evening August 2010 7 PM

The 2010 Events Scheduled:

August 5th – Craig Tornquist – Family Comedian

Celebrity impressions, music, loads of fun!

August 12th – Art in the Park – Over 100 stations: Painting, Sculpting,

Music, Ice Cream, Fun for the whole family

August 19th – Michael Bennett & Friends – Swing Music & Dance

instruction

August 26th – Metro Cruise Warm-Up –Library Parking Lot

Bring your fancy car and your family to hear that old

time rock and roll from Aardvark Stew

Alternate Rain Location - Cascade Public Library - Wisner Center

Cascade Township Information

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Forest Hills Michigan Waterfront Homes June 2010

Current market conditions have brought home prices down

to levels we haven't seen in many years. All price levels

and market sectors have been affected.

Now is a great time to purchase a Waterfront Home.

We have a list of 38 homes with private water frontage,

and over 25% of them are under $300,000.

Grand River Ada Michigan

Address Price

2201 Shady Dr NE $ 85,000

2733 Thornapple River Dr $ 159,900

8210 Cascade Rd SE $ 159,900

2286 Dean Lake Ave NE $ 164,900

2693 Thornapple River Dr $ 184,900

2780 Thornapple River Dr $ 189,900

920 Paradise Lake Dr SE $ 215,000

3557 Tricklewood Dr $ 280,000

7249 Dennison Dr SE $ 290,000

274 Pettis Ave SE $ 295,000

7180 Cascade Rd SE $ 324,900

7474 Alaska Rdg SE $ 335,000

8585 Lilly Ridge Dr SE $ 349,500

6727 Burger Dr SE $ 399,000

3468 Goodwood Dr SE $ 412,800

4061 Maracaibo Shores Dr $ 425,000

3010 Thornapple River Dr $ 425,900

1875 Forest Shores Dr SE $ 475,000

2561 Cascade Springs Dr SE $ 488,000

2850 Foxfire Ln SE $ 499,900

2278 Thornapple River Dr $ 535,000

7436 Ventura Dr SE $ 575,000

2515 Cascade Springs Dr SE $ 585,000

1041 Thornapple River Dr SE $ 594,500

3402 Goodwood Dr SE $ 698,000

7369 Thornapple River Dr SE $ 739,900

7400 Ventura Dr SE $ 749,900

7486 Alaska Rdg SE $ 799,000

4970 Whitneyville Ave SE $ 799,000

8158 Wilderness Trail NE $ 849,000

4095 Reeds Lake Blvd SE $ 999,900

2465 Cascade Springs Dr SE $1,175,000

7303 Grachen Dr SE $1,385,000

7421 Kenrob Dr SE $1,440,000

1960 Steketee Woods Ln SE $1,599,000

7101 Gladys Dr SE $1,695,000

5470 Egypt Valley Blvd $1,750,000

4069 Reeds Lake Blvd $1,790,000

If a leisure lifestyle appeals to you, this may be the perfect time

to make your move. I am always available for questions or details

concerning Michigan waterfront real estate.

1-888-240-1968 X 6 Ask for Terry

Grand Rapids Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty

Copyright 2010 All rights reserved

Grand River photo by Bonnie Westbrook