Ed Vogt, Grandville, MI Midwest Properties

The clock is ticking away on the first time homebuyer tax credit. If you are interested in buying (or selling) in West Michigan before the tax credit expires (need contract by April 30 and close by June 30) - please contact me. There's really never been a better time to buy! Prices are low, interest rates are low - for now and if you are a first time homebuyer (have not owned a home in three years), you could qualify for up to $8000. Or if you're a move over buyer you could qualify for up to $6,500. Don't let this opportunity pass - call or e-mail me. Thanks!

Walking out of the closing, everyone was high-fiving - myself included. Jammie, the son-in-law with whom she's been living, who is also a proud new papa, Dawn - one of her daughters, and the mortgage person she's been working with. Diane, the Buyer, has been a friend of mine for many years and has been talking about buying a home for probably 2 years. We started seriously looking in Dorr & Wayland (Allegan County) last year (looked at several) and put in 3 offers on different homes before we found this one - a HUD home. It was above the price range she wanted to pay - so she offered a little less than listing price. Bid not accepted, she was second. Over the holidays, I received a call that the first person who's bid was accepted was no longer able to purchase and Diane had the second highest bid - were we still interested? Oh, YES - a resounding yes!! Diane was a little nervous about the purchase price, but because of low interest rates, homebuyer tax credit and the HUD incentive (which she just got in under) - her monthly mortgage payments are actually less than she was anticipating in the lower end homes and she's getting a little money to fix her home. We ended up closing March 1. Ten days after her new grandson was born - what wonderful timing!Please feel free to contact me, Ed Vogt - Audu Real Estate for any assistance or questions regarding the homebuyer tax credits or HUD homes or any other real estate needs in the Kent County or Allegan County area. Thanks!!

Current stats from the Grand Rapids Associations of Realtors (R) Multiple Listing Service (MLS) show that as of Jan. 1 for this year 50 homes (including condos-which there were 6) have sold in Grandville, MI (Kent County). The lowest priced was $47,000 for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath bank-owned home and the highest was a 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home for $325,000. This only includes homes that are actually in the city limits.

In addition, there are currently 23 homes/condos that have pending offers on the properties and are waiting to close. These prices range from $89,900 - $159,900.

What's for sale in Grandville? There are currently only 92 homes on the market (23 are condos) from $49,000 (a 1 bedroom condo) to $389,900 for a 4 bedroom, 4 bath home.

What does this tell you? If you're a buyer, there are homes available and if you're selling, there isn't an excess of homes in the area to compete against.

Please feel free to call or e-mail me, Ed Vogt, for any further information about the Grandville area.

A very eye-opening article was published in The Grand Rapids Press on Sunday by local reporter Cami Reister. Why and how much home prices and values have decreased in Kent County and also neighboring Ottawa and Allegan Counties. As Real Estate Agents, we've been talking about this for the last two years. Home values have significantly decreased in the last two to three years and depending on how many foreclosures and short sales come on the market this year, might continue to drop your home value further.

Real Estate prices in my Grandville community have taken the third lowest hit - at 15% - for the fourteen local areas that are featured in the article. In 2005 the average price of sold homes was $154,123 compared to $131,229 for 2008. Kentwood, MI real estate prices have dropped 22%, Wyoming at 33% and Grand Rapids as much as 60%! That really is shocking when you see it in print.

It's a tough pill to swallow when you've put so much time and energy into making your house a home, putting money into beautiful landscaping or any needed maintenance and updates only to find out, when you're ready to sell your home, you might not recoup all of these expenses, if any. On the plus side, you have had the opportunity to live in and enjoy your home, the neighborhood, the schools and the community for however long you've been there. The value of new friendships is priceless.

Homes are definitely still selling, so that's the good news. Please feel free to contact me: Ed Vogt, Audu Real Estate, if you'd like any information in helping you determine your home price or any other Real Estate needs. Thanks!

I've been working on the Sale of this Home in Grandville, MI for over 2 months now and received the dreaded call last night from the Buyer's Agent - The buyer's will no longer be able to purchase the home due to personal reasons. They are very upset because they had found their "Dream Home". I showed them through twice at an Open House, once by themselves and once with his parents. They really loved this home.

It's a nice 3 bedroom ranch with a roomy living room, ceramic tile in the kitchen, dining area with wood-laminate floors and 2 baths. Office/entertainment room downstairs with gorgeous wood shelves & cabinetry. A peaceful setting in the large, fully fenced backyard with an above ground pool (I know it's winter now, but for the summer - it's great!) There's also an oversized 2 stall garage. And - on a quiet street, close to nature, but yet, close to the Rivertown Mall. All of this for just $115,000!! Let 3287 34th St. SW, Grandville, MI be your dream home. It's waiting for it's new owners so give us a call. Ed Vogt, Audu Real Estate, 616-791-0511 or 616-304-0549 or e-mail me at edvogt@grar.com. Thanks!