Lola Audu~Real Estate Broker/Owner Grand Rapids, Michigan Real Estate

The story begins with him.  With him it was all about a place to catch some sleep, grab a bite to eat and maybe relax a little.  The house fit the bill.  The home was located in a neighborhood with close proximity to the expressway and the clean, crisp white walls were simple and required little maintenance.

Then she appeared on the scene.  Elegant, sophisticated and very beautiful, it was clearly a match which ignited his heart.  Her presence evoked a comfortable warmth which the space had not felt before. 

The clinical blue and white decor now seemed chilly  She embarked on a project  to channel soulful brilliance through the warm hues of autumn gold, tawny chocolate and complementary earth tones.

The transformation of the space through their story has resulted in  a home in which the cathedral ceilings are anchored by the strong, warmth of the earth. 

Spotlights throughout several rooms of the home highlight key decor accents.  Drama is envoked through the movement of color along architectural lines.

Why it's now about you...

With 4 Bedrooms, 2 complete baths, ample closet space, a well designed kitchen, central air conditioning, a 2 stall garage and a good sized backyard...this home is now about YOU. This is a space in which you can splash the colors of the palette that make up your life in living color.  This is a space you can call home!

The story of this home can be experienced by arranging a private pre-view 1497 Meadowview St. SW Wyoming, MI  49509 through the assistance of your real estate agent.  It is ready to move into and neat as a pin!  Additional features include a recreation room downstairs large enough for a pool table AND exercise equipment.  Take advantage of this value priced home.  At $145,000 in this neighborhood..it won't last long! 

MLS # 742166

Looking back in the rear view mirror...

2008 was some year! One individual told me that he sprinted into 2009 as fast as he could! Bidding good riddance to 2008 without regret. :)

Recently I listened to our Board CEO highlight our current market here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our most recent statistics indicated that almost 70% of all listings Sold in December of 2008 were listed as Short Sales and foreclosures.

In addition, the number of home sales for the entire month were dismal. Average price for homes in Grand Rapids, MI dipped to below $100,000. Well, what is one to do with all this disquieting information?

I say...Get Over IT! The market is what it is! Think of it with the endearment that you would give to an old, but somewhat irritating friend. You wouldn't ignore them, but you'd plan on living your life to the fullest extent possible even though you had to deal with their idiosyncrasies from time to time.

At Audu Real Estate, we've determined to acknowledge the odds about the current state of the market in so far as we use the data to help us define the new level of excellence we need to achieve. That's it!

Which brings me to this repost, reprinted below from my "Oldies but Goodies" series, about Easy Money which I wrote last year. Looking back, I can see that what I observed then is even truer today. Last I heard...Hard Work is still paying dividends...

THE EASY MONEY POST...

One of the most unfortunate consequences of "easy money" is that it makes otherwise healthy, and intelligent people lazy...just plain lazy. I'll be upfront with my position on easy money. It's a myth, a trick...an exercise in smoke and mirrors that produces financial hallucinations. It doesn't exist...and never has.

The myth of hitting the easy money jackpot or reaching the easy money Nirvana persists for a number of reasons. Most notably, our intense desire to wish it to be so. Deep within the human spirit there exists this relentless drive to make things easier.

I think it started when Adam was driven out of garden of paradise and had to toil and sweat to make a living. Ever since then, it seems that mankind has been trying to figure out a way to reduce sweat and toil by any means possible. We're constantly inventing gadgets to make our lives easier and faster...and usually succeed in simply giving ourselves more to learn how to do!

Easy money could more aptly described as "Lucky money", Lazy Money and even sometimes Stolen, Dirty Money. Money that just seems to materialize without much effort on the part of the receiver. Money that arrives by virtue of the eternal lotto system of good fortune. Money that has us continuing to stand in line; putting life on hold while we hope that fate will smile our way and dump easy money into our laps.

Many practitioners jumped into real estate because of the lure of Easy Money. Stories of real estate fortunes captured the ears, eyes and minds of millions of Americans. The final result was 1.4 Million real estate agents nationally. Local Boards exploded in membership and dues receipts.

Companies that promised to help you create the magic spell by buying the latest gadget or product to help agents capture the Easy Money Market experienced exponential growth. Home owners also jumped on the Easy Money bandwagon and raked in oodles of money. Most turned around and bought homes they could scarcely afford because money could be made effortlessly.

I remember talking with someone who was literally salivating at how cheap this Easy Money was. Rubbing his fingers and literally smacking his lips in anticipation of future profits. But that's the thing about Easy Money. It's a Mirage...a desert mirage. Glistening in the distance, the promise of fulfillment waits...beckons. Upon arriving at the mirage, one finds that all that is left is sand...just plain, old ugly sand.

The truth is that what looks like Easy Money was never an easy catch. Yes, we all love to talk about the overnight success...exclaiming "When did he get that?'" or Where did she come from?" The question which is rarely asked and even more rarely answered is HOW. How does Lady Luck smile on an individual. The hard truth is she rarely does! Every "over night success' story can tell you that from their perspective, it was one LONG, LONG Night. Hard work, tears, failures, start overs, discouragement and sometimes penny pinching extraordinaire. If you listen and delve deep enough, you'll learn the truth. There was nothing easy about the process. Often, it wasn't quick either.

As a child, I scrubbed floors, learned to cook, do laundry, sew, and run a little kiosk business. My parents showed us, by example, what it took to earn money. And then, they allowed us to give it a try. These are lessons I treasure to this day. They always reminded us that "Hard Work never killed anyone." There were days, I was sure they were lying. Today, I am grateful. Perseverance and Hard Work will deliver what Easy Money never can. A sense of accomplishment.

Today, the Easy Money real estate days are long over. No longer is it possible to simply stick a sign in the yard and load up a listing on the MLS and expect 2-3 offers to magically appear. Home owners who persist with the delusion that they can over price their homes and skimp on cleaning and sprucing up are discovering that buyer's hard earned cash will not be parted with easily. And...the most annoying thing about easy money is that it seems to develop wings. Like a lottery winner loosing all his earnings...most of the easy money aficionados are not in good financial shape today. Easy come...Easy Go.

The good news is that Hard Work is still paying Big Dividends! Real Estate agents who are willing to work hard, to update their skills and to continue to learn and grow will prosper. Gone are the days when it will be possible to rest on past laurels. Hard Work is no respecter of persons. It pays dividends to who ever is willing to earn them. In our increasingly transparent world, the illusion of Easy Money is doing a Fast Fade...into lights out. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved

The mirage photo courtesy of Maggie jumps photostreamon flickr.com

For over a decade, I've worked with individuals and families who were moving to the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. The stress of relocating is a one of the most daunting aspects of the relocation process because it involves not only financial strain but also the emotional pain of leaving established relationships and seeking to form new friendships.

I'll never forget one encounter at a local grocery store with a lady who was pushing a cart with three toddlers. She stopped me and asked if I could recommend a local church. They had just moved and she didn't know anyone. We invited them to our church and they became good friends.

While it's not easy to move, I've discovered as I've worked with individuals who are relocating to the West Michigan area that there are some things which can you can do to help reduce the stress...often from the comfort of your current home.

Explore your community via the Blogosphere...

Researching a new locality can be daunting especially when your search results continue to land on commercial sites which are designed more to get your pay per click advertising dollars than to deliver helpful lifestyle information.

One way to get a taste of the local fare is to specifically search blogs. Reading blogs will give you insight into what is important to the locals and will often provide pictures of different aspects of the community as well as reviews.

Simply input the geographic location followed by the word "blogs" in the google search bar and browse. If you want to be more specific, you might try searching for a specific type of blog such as a local real estate blog.

Research Hotels & Restaurants...

Finding places to eat and a good hotel can make all the difference in the world in setting a good tenor for your stay. A couple of years ago I was introduced to an excellent site called Yelp. It has proved an invaluable user guide when travelling to strange locations. I also like Trip Advisor. Often times, you'll find that the 'wisdom of the crowd' has true value in steering you aright.

Plan a Trip to See the Area...

This can be really beneficial. It's important to get a feel for what a city feels like apart from the limited perspective you might get during an interview session. This can be accomplished by staying an extra few days after your interview to simply sight-see, check out local restaurants, schools and points of interest.

Connect with a Good Real Estate Agent...

Not every agent is experienced in dealing with the unique challenges of a relocation. It is not uncommon to find a wide range of service options and customer service levels. One of the best ways to ease the stress of relocation is to interview the agent yourself and ask the questions which are important to you. This can be especially important if you are assigned an agent through a relocation company.

Here are some questions which you might want to pose:

How many relocation clients have you assisted?

What fee do you charge for your services?

What type of community research will you provide?

Can you provide video tours or pictorial guides?

Will the home listings you provide be supported by pictures?

How often will I be updated?

Are you able to provide short term rental assistance if needed?

Can you provide a list of references?

What is your plan to make sure my time is used efficiently?

Be Kind to Yourself...

And to your partner and family. The stress of a relocation move can bring out the worst tendencies in all of us. Sometimes in surprising ways. Living in the cramped space of a hotel room and dealing with the uncertainties of an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar faces can be emotionally draining.

Make an effort to be polite to those who matter most...your family. Don't rush into making a hurried decision if this is not necessary. Talking about the pros and cons together will usually result in an outcome which is better than a position reach through division and strife.

If you'd like to discuss your move or relocation to the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, please contact us at 616-791-0511. We're here to listen and to help.

Here's a link to a great site for relocation information.

Here's a link for other articles about Relocation by Audu Real Estate

Click here to view an extensive list of homes for sale or rent

Copyright 2009 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved

The city of East Grand Rapids is one of Grand Rapids, Mi most interesting suburbs. It was originally settled by the Reed family in the 1830's and was subsequently incorporated as a city in the 1920's.

Quintessentially West Michigan...

Approximately a third of the land area of the city is embodied in two large lakes; Reeds Lake and Fisk Lake. These waterways and the parks have made the thriving metropolis a wonderful place to live and recreate.

Well known for its award winning school system, the East Grand Rapids high school has won over 100 State Championships in a variety of sporting events. In 2006, a beautiful new community center and library were finished to the tune of 9.4 Million dollars.

Gaslight Village is the downtown section of East Grand Rapids. It's quaint specialty shops and restaurants provide a delightful walking tour. Significant commercial development also continues to occur in Gaslight Village, most notably through the efforts of a local developer, Jade Pig.

East Grand Rapids most famous native son was our nations 38th President, President Gerald R. Ford. The city has had a number of famous residents and today is a favorite residential neighborhood for a wide variety of professionals across numerous industries.

One of my favorite restaurants in East Grand Rapids is Roses. This restaurant which overlooks Reeds Lake has an interesting history. It was originally founded by a German immigrant whose unique swimming lessons brought travelers to the area to learn his technique.

The restaurant remained in the family for many years and was subsequently sold to the Gilmore Group, a conglomerate which operates several well established restaurants in the area. The beloved East Grand Rapids restaurant was remodeled to include an expanded viewing patio and deck from which guests can watch the sailboats while dining or enjoy the antics of the ducks who make their way along the banks of the river.

Here's more about Rose's Restuarant on Reeds Lake...

There's just something irresistible about Roses, the beloved East Grand Rapids, Michigan restaurant on the banks of Reeds Lake. The charm and colorful history of this unique historic restaurant date back to the turn of the century.

The serenity of the scenery provides little evidence of the main attractions which drew crowds to this portion of the West Michigan lake shore from Chicago and neighboring communities in the early 1900's. But, believe it or not...the banks along Reeds Lake were once gathering spots for up to 9 houses of 'ill repute' and several gambling casinos.

Today, a more subdued and sedate lifestyle defines most of the living along the lake, but Roses Restaurant continues to hold a special place in the hearts of area residents. Click to continue reading...

All pictures are courtesy of Lola Audu's photostream on flickr

Click To search for homes in East Grand Rapids & the Greater Grand Rapids community

Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved

Purchasing a new home is one of the most exciting experiences an individual or family can have. If you've been out of the real estate market for some time, you may be unaware of some dramatic changes in the real estate market landscape.

In today's market, there are some unique situations which home buyers should be aware of as they prepare to consider the purchase of a new home.

GOOD NEW FIRST...

The good news is that home buyers in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area will find that they have a bountiful number of choices for a new home purchase. Inventory levels of homes for sale are at historic levels.

First time home buyers can also take advantage of some TAX FREE incentives to the tune of up to $7,500 dollars if a new home is purchased on or before July 1, 2009.

HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED...

However, home buyers looking for a home to purchase will also quickly become aware of a notation which currently accompanies almost 65% of the homes listed for sale in November 2008 through the Grand Rapids Multiple Listing Service. This notation which is accessible to the real estate agent on the listing card, will contain an advisory warning indicating that interested parties should be aware of the fact that the sale of the listed home will necessiate a 'Short Sale'.

If you're a brand new home buyer or recently re-entering the market, this notation may prove perplexing and you may wonder...What is a Short Sale?

SHORT SALES IN BRIEF...

Well, in short (pun intended)...A Short Sale notation on a listing card is an indication that the home is priced below the mortgage balance owed on the home. (after costs associated with the home sale are paid)

WHAT DOES THIS MEANS FOR YOU...

Well, it depends.

On the most basic level, this means that in order to become the new owner of this home, you will have to complete a successful negotiation with the owner (s) of the mortgage note to purchase the home to allow the ownership to be transferred to you for less than the current owner owes. This adds several additional steps and required signatures to the offer acceptance process which will now include: the home owner who signed the listing agreement, the lender (s) and in some cases third party investors.

FOR STARTERS...

But for starters, it means that you should be prepared to be very patient and persistent if you truly want this home. Short Sales are arguably among the most difficult negotiations to complete. It is not unusual for real estate agents to negotiate for months to bring these transactions to closure.

Being prepared for the long haul will save you the angst of increased blood pressure, stress and unnecessary temper tantrums. It will also be deeply appreciated by your hard working real estate agent who will probably accrue more stress than a commission will adequately compensate for.

BASIC STEPS...

Buying a home which requires the negotiation of a Short Sale will also add some additional steps to the home purchasing process. Be prepared to wait while the bank (s) review the home owners paperwork to determine if they qualify for a Short Sale. You can also anticipate that a Broker Price Opinion aka Appraisal may be ordered to determine if the bank wants to entertain your offer as one reflective of the current market conditions.

Offer submissions for Short Sales may languish on an Asset Managers desk while they sift through hundreds of files which have landed there before yours or wait to see if a better competing offer comes through. Be persistent. If you've done your homework and received some professional consultation from your real estate expert, you should be aware of the Value of your purchase. A Short Sale negotiation done correctly can earn you your dream home with a significant amount of equity attached...no small feat in today's market.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL...

Although it's not possible to cover the complexities of the Short Sale process in this short post, you might find the links below helpful as a home buyer or home seller in the Greater Grand Rapids, MI area. You can also contact us at info@auduhomes to discuss the particular details of your situation. We specialize in advising clients on strategies to buy and sell property in a challenging market.

Click this link for 15 Additional Articles penned by Lola Audu of Audu Real Estate about the Grand Rapids, MI Short Sales Process.

Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved