Photos from Lola Audu~Real Estate Broker/Owner Grand Rapids, Michigan Real Estate
Gerald Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Mi. Lobby display honoring former president w/mementos & remembrancesLocated in: Grand Rapids, MI
I've passed this place oodles of times on my way to the Schuler bookstore on 28th Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan. But this time, I decided to call the number on the window 616-464-3222 to see what the Main Dish was all about.
Well, I'm glad I did. By the time, the lady on the phone finished describing some of the meal options which were available, I was intrigued enough to turn around my car and pop into the store to see things for myself.
The Main Dish Kitchen is a commercial enterprise which allows customers to prepare their own food or to take out pre-packaged food prepared on-site. I love the idea of a local business making hand-made foods at a reasonable price.
If you're looking for a creative, minimal hassle dish to plate up for dinner...pick-up for a delicious lunch, dinner or snack at this local business is highly recommended!
The Main Dish features a wide variety of entrees, desserts, sandwiches, appetizers and soups. All entrees are prepped on-site and most can be purchased in a thawed state or frozen solid for storage.
Most of the menu was designed by Chef Pete Webster. I picked up a burrito casserole, Chef Pete's heavenly cornbread and a Chocolate Pecan Pie. The meal, which was enough for my family of 4 was about $30. The food was absolutely delicious. And better yet, all I had to do was put it in the oven!
As I mentioned earlier, you can pick up food or go to special sessions where you can prep your own food to take home. Visit their website or call to see what items are on the menu for the prep class you're interested in attending. The Best part of the prep classes is that you can season the food to your own specifications and there's no mess to clean up later!
If you're not in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, you may still be able to take advantage of the Main Dish Dining options. Store locations include: Ann Arbor, Michigan, Dayton, Ohio, and Madison, Wisconsin.
Here's info you can use to contact the Main Dish Kitchen in Grand Rapids, Mi: Phone: 616-464-3222
Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved
In the contemplation of spring, a faint stir begins to whisper underneath the blanket of snow. Unobserved, and unobtrusively, the acorn having shed it's hard shell like a pair of worn out pants prepares to begin it's slow upward ascent. Absolutely dead and lifeless - as long as it remained a seed, it remained powerless.
Even a squirrel could have its way with the acorn then.
It was rolled on, and rolled over, kicked and ignored and finally buried and left alone.
But underneath the cool shroud of darkness, deep within the earth...life renewed again, imperceptible to the observing eye, the seed became a sapling rooting further downward, excavating the deep rich terrain of the soil to dig deep for the nutrients it will need to burst forth into the sun.
And we exclaim as awareness dawns..."Wow, where did this come from?" "We didn't know she had that in her." Still the sapling knows as it emerges that the road ahead will remain tough. It can anticipate that there will be storms, rain, and wind, lightning and thunder; trying circumstances which will test its patience to live and remain connected to the life force of the earth.
But it has made a choice and live it will. The suns' caress providing the sustaining energy and inner wisdom to thrive and grow; it will survive. The spindly sapling will conquer the odds for this is what it was born to do...it was born to be an oak tree and the struggle only reveals what was inherent even in dormancy.
There is no overnight success. Success is hard fought & hard won. Perhaps right now, you find yourself buried, counted down for the count, ignored and marginalized...take courage and find strength undercover, it is your protection. When you emerge, expect opposition...it is designed to strengthen the fiber of your being.
Look for your teachers, for like the sun, they will be called forth to sustain and encourage you with their wisdom. Be prepared to be flexible; bend but never break. To bend is to be humble, to break is to accept defeat. And you will not be defeated...for the shell of the acorn, like the cocoon of the butterfly merely preserved the dream until it was ready to burst forth into flight!.jpg)
.jpg)
The Emergence of the "Wisdom Practitioner"...
5. In 2007, it won't simply be about whom you know but how you integrate that with what you know 
and why that is relevant. As real estate consumers become incredibly savvy at finding out information, there will be an urgent need to making sense of this torrent of information. Knowledge without wisdom is limited in its usefulness. We will see the rise of the "wisdom practitioner", consultants who know their market, understand their clients and have reliable and effective methods of connecting with the their audience. The "wisdom practioner" will be a human portal of connectivity for clients, services, referrals, recommendations, inspiration and guidance. These enlightened visionaries will transform the meaning of agent fiduciary.
(Author's note: Jeff Turner's article "Wisdom & The Refrigertor door" is an interesting read)
The Broker as my Therapist??
6. In 2007 as technology and high touch synergistically create new models of client to agent interaction, we will also see this impact broker to agent interactions. Traditional brokerage models which depend on mass numbers without investing in the growth and maturity of the individual agent will find it increasingly cost prohibitive to be profitable. Motivating agents will have to incorporate more than waiving the dollar bill banner. Increasingly the spotlight will focus on the "intangibles; inner motivation & success training, specialization & niche marketing and business administration. Forward thinking Brokers will 
begin to explore more holistic, organic approaches to enhance and increase agent productivity. Training that incorporates life style balance and business acumen into teaching modules will soar in popularity as agents seek to understand how to tap into a deeper source of energy and well-being.
Author's Note: Amusing Article on Therapy is a good read by Margaret Rome.
Author's Note: Interesting article about Relationships by Rich Jacobson
It's Not If but How you'll Learn your ABC's this year...
7. In 2007, it will become increasingly expensive to be uneducated. The question will no longer be about whether you receive your education; rather it will be about how you get it. Will you obtain education 
willingly or unwillingly, paid for or exacted from you in fines, lost commissions or lawsuits?Progressive real estate practioners will recognize the need for an enhanced knowledge base as a foundational requirement because new technology, systems and challenges in the real estate industry like fraud and foreclosures now mandate it. Brokers will critically evaluate the cost of agents who resist education in terms of dollars and cents by evaluating the profits marginalization of error and legal wrong doing. The light will dawn for many part time practitioners who will realize that there is nothing incidental about the implications of a transaction as important as a real estate sale or purchase.
Author's note: Check out Kristal's blog about Educational Standards
Author's note: Kathy's blog about Internet Ethics is infomative.
Yes, It's all about you...
8. 2007 is a pivotal year in the world and in the real estate industry. Our environment will move, morph and transform in subtle and dramatic ways. Stability on the inside of us will grow in importance as instability and change continue to dominate the external reality. It will be a year of promise and peril, engagement and disconnect, but quite unlike any other time before it in history, increasingly we will be aware that the choice has always been ours to make.
© 2007 Audu Real Estate All rights reserved
 |
|
|
Grand Rapids, Michigan Real Estate including information on local real estate market conditions and insights from Lola Audu ~l Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate Broker.
Lola Audu, CRS GRI
Associate Real Estate Broker & Owner Audu Real Estate
, Grand Rapids, Michigan
I have been a Realtor since 1995 and have had the opportunity to meet and assist hundreds of families and individuals. Over 95 percent of my clients hear about me from a friend or family member. I don't believe in a cookie cutter approach, rather I think that each transaction should be handled the way a skilled tailor would fashion a suit made to fit.
I have travelled extensively within the United States and several countries. My background in an international community exposed me to individuals from all over the world. As our nation becomes increasingly diverse, this wonderful opportunity I have to live, work, play and gain knowledge about all God's children is a gift I celebrate every day!
*Lola has written and taught a variety of courses. View her Training courses on-line....
An important professional development this year is the opening of our new real estate agency, Audu Real Estate. We've outgrown our previous location and will be moving to a brand new refurbished office on the corner of Alpine and 4 Milejust behind our current office. The address is 3659 Alpine Our office suite is adjacent to Audu Engineering Consultants, a full service civil enginering firm. Audu Engineering Consultants also provides structural services and design consultation for subdivision developers which enhances the options available to our investor clients.
Our team currently has full-time real estate specialists who work with several auxiliary consultants in the lending and inspection industry and strive to provide memorable, grace-filled real estate transactions to our clients, their family and friends. Each Client Specialist at Audu Real Estate commits to a rigorous on-going program of training and personal development. "On Track for Success" our agent training program is a 1-2 year long apprenticeship to ensure that the skill and art required to become a professional real estate practitioner are mastered.
As Internet savvy real estate professionals, we utilize the power of blogs and online professional networking to enhance the flow of information about the housing market in Grand Rapids, Mi and to market the homes we represent. Because we embraced this emerging technology early, our clients receive are kept abreast of the latest developments which are impacting the purchase or sale of a home.
This commitment to excellence and dedication to our clients is expressed daily in follow-up, follow-through and results! Meeting and exceeding your expectations means that home sellers and home purchasers receive extensive research for their homes and several have received multiple offers on homes listed for sale this year; one of the most challenging markets our local area has ever experienced!
Audu Real Estate: How We do Things Differently.
In addition to assisting sellers with selling their homes and assisting buyers with their home purchase, we offer a number of specialized unique services and products which include:
1. Staging your Home for Success
We provide staging expertise to help you make your home a memorable showing experience for potential home buyers and their real estate agents. We have access to a number of individuals who have extensive experience in interior design and home accessorizing. The service of staging can cost several hundreds of dollars, but there are indications that a properly staged home nets 7-13% More than a home which is not staged. This service is FREE to our clients. To learn more....
2. E-Neighborhood Reports- FREE to our Seller & Buyer Clients
An E-Neighborhood Report is a detailed 15-30 page report about the neighborhood including recent sales, types of financing, community demographics, types of homes and much more! We also make this informative report available to buyers to compare up to 4 DIFFERENT communities before making an important investment decision. The E-Neighborhood neighborhood analysis is combined with a Professionally prepared Comparative Market Analysis to focus on homes which are most like yours in your community. The benefits of understanding these facts prior to listing or purchasing a home are important in protecting your home equity. To learn more...
3. Broker is also a trained Loan Originator and has processed closed loans
We are Realtors and this is by choice. But as the mortgage industry has expanded in recent years, it became clear that we needed to have more understanding in this area for the benefit of serving our clients. We are able to provide assistance to clients in selecting the right loan and reviewing options for financing. The Broker's knowledge of financing has helped clients make wise choices in a number of different situations including re-financing a home, negotiating short sales with banks and comparing different mortgage programs. We will work to create a cooperative working arrangement with any Mortgage lender the buyer selects and monitor the transaction to ensure a smooth closing.
4. Experience with Relocation and Sales nationwide and internationally
We have closed transactions with clients in a number of states and have worked with clients who have been relocated or been on assignment overseas during the process of transaction. Lola Audu's cross-cultural experience in living and visiting several countries on three continents gives her a window to the world and this appreciation and dexterity enables us to provide an understanding environment which is sensitive to the unique challenges of differences in backgrounds and culture. We serve and honor the dignity of the human soul and that transcends culture.
5. Foreclosure & Short Sale Negotiation
For Homeowners...
We have successfully negotiated and assisted many clients through the bewildering and disheartening process that often accompanies the unfortunate circumstances which may necessitate a short sale. Our focus and energy is directed in giving sound counsel and providing clarity. We understand that by the time a short sale or foreclosure is necessary, people are drained on a number of different levels. Our goal is to provide the information & support to get the home sold and whenever possible avoid more trauma.
For Home Buyers...
Grand Rapids, Michigan has recently gained national recognition as being one of the most affordable places to live in the United States. This is a solid community and Investors are beginning to appreciate the opportunities that exist here. If you are interested in investing in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, this is an excellent time to be a buyer. We provide a number of services and referrals for Investor clients.
Get Free List of Forclosures in West Michigan and surrounding communities....
6. Thoroughly Well Trained Agents
Every new agent with Audu Real Estate is enrolled in a 1-2 year apprenticeship. In addition to weekly educational classes, agents are required to complete assignments and work with a skilled Mentor to develop their skill set. All contracts are reviewed by the Mentor. Because we know that we can't improve or correct what we do not know, ALL clients are given an opportunity to grade our agent experience. Compliments our agents have received can be viewed here. You can also see Examples of Class Selections and Training offered through Audu Real Estate including our NEW 2007 Learning Series.
7. Negotiation of Transaction & follow-up Through to Closing
We present all offers and include a Net Sheet. There is NEVER a surprise about the proceeds at a closing. Negotation is a skill set and an art form. It requires an understanding of legal implications and an ability to protect and enhance a clients options and position. The real estate transaction is inherently adversarial. Both parties aim to get the best deal possible. We don't think this necessitates enmity. Our aim is to ensure a fair and good result for our clients. We know that our reputation for fairness and competence benfits our clients and their real estate concerns.
When you're ready, Use this Site to Search for Homes in Various Local Grand Rapids Area School Districts....
Search the Local MLS for Homes in Byron Center School District,Allendale School District,
Cedar Springs School District, Caledonia School District
Comstock Park School District, East Grand Rapids School District
Forest Hills School District,Grand Rapids School District
Grandville School District,Wyoming School District
8. Other Stuff...
Yes, there are all sorts of things that we do to serve our clients. First of all, it is our sincere desire to build friendships, not just sell homes. We take the time to really listen and seek to understand. We keep in touch, not just because it is our job, but because we want our clients to be informed participants in the process and we also enjoy touching base. We've assisted with arrangements for cleaning, moving unwanted debris, shoveled snow, made a bed, done some dishes. But, what's this amongst friends! Lastly, we know that no one is introduced to our practice by accident. We strive to discern the true reason for the encounters we experience. Our weekly prayer focus for each client is for God's blessing in their lives in the way they need it most. Sometimes, this may be the greatest service we give.
BLOG DISCLAIMER
The information contained in the articles on this blog is the property of Audu Real Estate. Comments posted in response to individual blog posts are the opinions of the respondents. Audu Real Estate is not responsible for the opinions, thoughts or ideas expressed by visitors to this blog nor for any liability for any damages or losses direct or indirect that may result from the
use or reliance on information contained herein. The information provided is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This blog is provided for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to contact a real estate professional for specific counsel related to their individual real estate needs.
Recent testimonial-- 2008
January 21, 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
After my husband got a new job, we needed to move. Having been married just over a year, we were not planning to become homeowners so soon, but seeing that the market seemed to favor buyers, we decided to look into purchasing our first home. We received a personal referral from a close friend to consider Audu Real Estate. After our initial meeting with Lola Audu, we knew we had found the right real estate agency.
Lola was very personable and genuinely interested in our needs. She asked us what kind of things we were looking for in a home, but she also asked us what our personal interests were and where we saw ourselves in the future. We enjoyed the conversation and were impressed by the holistic approach that Lola took. In addition she explained many of the home buying process basics. Click here to continue reading...
Dear Renee & Lola
I wanted to write a quick note and thank you BOTH for all the love and concern and just plain WORK you put into our journey of finding the "right" owner for my folks home these last 6 months.
I was pleased from beginning to end with everything. It was all handled with such excellence and I am sure quick to refer anyont to your company, Lola :) And thank you for the lovely roses that were delivered to the office on Friday...What a treat!!! You two were the best. Thanks again for everything,
Thank you so-o-o much for your diligence; but most of all for your prayers. Praise God
Flo G.
Dear Lola,
Thank you for taking time for the staging appointment at my folks home. What a neat experience! I learned so much and realized how much you know. Thanks again for being everything God has called you to be.
Love Sue
Dear Lola & Ed,
Thank you for giving us such a smooth closing on the condo. It is always enjoyable to work with professional Realtors like yoursevles.
Best wishes,
Dave
P.S. Let's not wait another 5 years to do another deal!
Things went great! Thank you again.
Rich & Linda
Please visit us on-line at http://www.auduhomes.com/ to view many comments from our clients!
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
