When we sit down with potential clients to list their home, there are so many issues
and hot buttons to discuss. Inevitably we come to the one where we really have to
agree to get the home sold quickly and for the most money.
Most homeowners want to start high and then come down - if they have to - to sell.
Of course, they are hoping their home is an exception, it will sell for more than the
market value of all the other homes in the area. We see this over and over again.
If you don't price your home within the price bracket it will eventually sell for, you
are hurting your chances of selling it for top dollar. If you price your home correctly,
You are not giving away money!!
This phantom money that you think you might get if the one person comes along
who will do anything, pay anything to own your "special" home does not exist.
Let me repeat that -
The uneducated buyer with money falling out of their pockets, sprinkled in fairy dust,
so you can make the money you would like to out of your home sale -----
You are not letting go of money, you are letting go of the dream scenario where you
get the price that is 25-30% over market value. It isn't going to happen.
What will happen, is your home will be posted on the MLS, online, many places where
buyers can look at it. Buyers then compare your price to others, and say, why would
I buy this house?? There are 10-15 others I can look at that are competitively priced
and look great.
They don't come back and revisit your home as an option. Other homes are new on
the market to consider. Yours has been rejected as: too expensive, too much work,
not what they are looking for.
The charts above illustrate the buyer trends we tell our sellers about. These
charts of buyer activity are on actual listings that are currently listed by us.
You can see that the first month is usually the only month that gets
high traffic.
Some of our sellers will listen, most don't.
Sadly, two, six, eight months later, we are still trying to get them to agree to the price they
should be listed at, if they want their home to sell. Chasing this downward price spiral is not
the best way to get top dollar from your home. When it first hits the market it has the
most exposure and best chance of getting the best price!
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate
Copyright 2008 All rights reserved
Photos from Flickr Creative Commons photostream
The Quail Crest Condo development is located west of Spaulding
and north of Burton Street in Cascade Township. There is an
entrance off Spaulding Avenue and off Burton Street. This condo
development was started in the late 1980's and continued building
into the late 1990's.
The condos are spacious with cathedral ceilings and many have
finished lower levels with extra bedrooms and baths. This area
has been very attractive for retirees, as they are close to all the
local amenities and shopping but no house maintenance. Forest
Hills Public Schools are the school district,Watermark Country Club,
Forest Hills & 28th Street shopping are ashort distance away.
The miles of Cascade-Ada Bike/Walking Trail
connects to downtown Cascade, downtown Ada, and 28th St.
Residential Market Report
Quail Crest Condos Sept 2008
1 Sold, 0 Pending, 8 For Sale, 4 Expired
Address Price Sq Ft $/Sq Ft DOM
For Sale:
4972 N Quail Crest Dr 380,000 2090 181.81 9
5198 N Quail Crest Dr 169,450 1243 136.32 31
2246 Hummingbird Ct 168,450 1380 129.31 225
2350 Bob White Ct 159,900 1410 113.40 166
2168 Teal Ct 339,900 1615 210.46 268
2252 Hummingbird Ct 178,500 1294 137.94 215
5104 S Quail Crest Dr 179,900 1200 149.91 43
4854 N Quail Crest Dr 320,000 1643 194.76 112
Sold:
4867 N Quail Crest Dr 295,000 1555 189.71 150
If you have further questions about Cascade MI Condos,
please call me directly.
Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate - Five Star Real Estate
Copyright 2008 All rights reserved
photo of Quail Crest Entrance by Bonnie Westbrook
Centennial Park Meadows Condominiums are located just off 28th Street
and Thornapple River Dr. in Cascade, Michigan. The Condos wrap around
Centennial Golf Course and community.
This private par 70 golf course has plenty of challenges for golfers at
every level. This community also has a clubhouse and restaurant for
golf members.
We have relocated several clients into this community and they find it a
wonderful place to live. Just minutes from 28th Street & Cascade shopping,
dining and amusements, you are centrally located but tucked away from
the bustle of the area for quiet, serene living and easy access to golf.
Centennial Park Meadows Condos
Real Estate Market Report
Sept 2008
14 For Sale, 1 Pending, 2 SOLD, 3 Expired
Address Price Sq Ft $/SqFt DOM
For Sale:
6260 Heathmoor Ct 310,00 2040 151.96 32
2986 Chapshire Dr 125,000 1224 102.12 57
6385 Wainscot Dr 90,000 1224 73.52 14
6305 Greenway Dr 158,000 1287 122.76 265
6064 Parview Dr 229,000 1620 141.35 150
3610 Charlevoix 239,900 1977 121.34 130
6245 Heathmoor Ct 285,000 1954 145.85 208
6125 N Gatehouse 369,900 2283 162.02 62
6193 S Gatehouse 749,900 5768 130.01 127
3746 Charlevoix 189,000 1303 152.72 168
3152 E Gatehouse 210,000 1694 123.96 71
6144 Parview Dr 226,900 1293 175.48 97
5966 Parview Dr 260,000 1350 192.59 84
3148 E Gatehouse 225,000 1795 125.34 108
Pending:
6332 Tahoe Lane 189,900 1942 97.78 14
Sold:
6373 Wainscot Dr 89,600 1116 80.28 23
3181 Charlevoix Dr 160,000 1338 119.58 46
If you would like further information about Cascade MI Condos
or Cascade MI Homes, please contact me directly.
Grand Rapids - Ada Real Estate - Five Star Real Estate
Copyright 2008 All rights reserved
photo of Golf Equipment by Bonnie Westbrook
Forest Hills Plat in Grand Rapids Michigan is a well established
home neighborhood located just west of Forest Hills Drive and
just south of Fulton Street. Built in the late 1950's and 1960's
by R.D. Brooks, this development has a community outdoor pool,
community association, and common park area for residents who
belong to the association. This report also includes The Vineyards,
which is a newer subdivision just north of Forest Hills Plat.
It is in Grand Rapids Township, prestigious Forest Hills Schools, and
close to the I96 Expressway for fast access to many parts of the city.
Just minutes away from the Forest Hills shopping area, 28th Street
retail corridor, and about 10 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids or
Gerald R. Ford Airport. A very desirable suburban area to live in,
valued for its safety, quality construction, and convenience.
Forest Hills Plat Residential Homes
September 2008 Market Report
12 Sold, 0 Pending, 1 For Sale, 4 Expired
Address Price SqFt $/SqFt DOM
For Sale
4455 Toulouse 275,000 2154 127.66 116
Sold
811 Greenbrier Dr 182,016 1959 92.91 202
3908 Baywood Dr 300,000 1500 200.00 85
4510 Toulouse 237,000 1506 157.37 16
270 Calais Ct 189,000 2000 94.50 79
220 Calais Ct 244,750 2185 112.01 56
250 Calais Ct 245,900 2200 111.77 16
338 Pebble Beach 253,200 2360 107.28 119
4528 Braeburn 179,000 1700 105.29 97
4403 St Andrews 196,500 2284 86.03 59
231 Shorehaven 265,000 2726 97.21 49
The average Forest Hills Plat sold home price is $235,931.
The average Forest Hills Plat sold home per square foot
price is $ 121.69.
The average Forest Hills Plat sold home days on the market
are 74.
The Forest Hills/Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada
Township planner, Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has
grown by 20%since 2000. There iare new proposed 80 condo
units in Villas of Ada and Stone Falls of Ada - a 210 unit
apartment complex, currently under construction here.
The Forest Hills Plat is a popular home market in the Ada/Grand
Rapids area. Part of the appeal is the proximity of Collins Elementary
School, Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools, Ada Christian
Schools, and close to Fulton Street and the I96 Expressway.
If you have questions about Forest Hills homes, please contact me
directly.
Grand Rapids Ada MI Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate
Copyright 2008 All rights reserved
photo of Forest Hills Dr walking trail by Bonnie Westbrook
Forest Hills Gardens is located between Ada Drive and Hall Street just
west of Forest Hills Central High School. This well established
development of about 200 homes was built in the 1960's and 1970's
with a few of the homes bordering on Paradise Lake, pictured below.
Many of the homes are still occupied by their original owners, though
the neighborhood is starting to turn over with younger families being
attracted to the quiet neighborhood in an excellent location, close to
local public and private schools. It is literally walking distance to
Forest Hills Central Middle and High Schools. Ada Christian is a short
distance away on Ada Drive. Forest Hills & 28th Street shopping
are just minutes away by car.
Forest Hills Gardens Residential Real Estate
Sept 2008 Market Report
3 Sold, 1 Pending, 1 For Sale
Address Status Sq Ft Price $/SqFt DOM
957 Paradise Lake For Sale 1282 164,900 128.62 117
901 Paradise Lake Pending 1619 169,900 104.94 7
5630 Far Hill Dr Sold 2324 213,500 91.86 7
1061 Paradise Lake Sold 1866 117,900 63.18 8
849 Paradise Lake Sold 1200 158,000 131.66 33
The average price for Forest Hills Gardens sold homes is $163,133.
The average price per square foot for Forest Hills Gardens sold
homes is $ 95.57.
The average days on the market for Forest Hills Gardens sold
homes is 24 days.
The Ada area growth trends remain strong. Ada Township planner,
Jim Ferro states that the Ada population has grown by 20% since 2000.
There is a new proposed 80 condo units - Villas of Ada going in next
door and Stone Falls of Ada - a 210 unit apartment complex, currently
under construction a short distance away on Spaulding Ave.
Both of these new developments are quite close to Adacroft Commons
and Forest Hills Gardens.
If you have questions about Forest Hills homes, please
contact me directly.
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate ~ Five Star Real Estate LLC
Copyright 2008 All rights reserved
Paradise Lake photo by Bonnie Westbrook
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We strive to provide Buyers & Sellers in the Greater Grand Rapids Mi Area the best resources and user friendly tools we can find to make a stress free decision about their real estate investments.
Terry Westbrook Real Estate Team ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate is Our Real Job
As leading real estate professionals in Grand Rapids MI, including Ada, Cascade, Caledonia, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Lowell and Rockford, we can assist you in determining which area of our community is best suited to your needs as a Grand Rapids Buyer.
Our GRAND RAPIDS WEBSITE contains tons of information just for you. You can SEARCH FOR HOMES in Grand Rapids, Ada, Cascade, Caledonia, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Lowell, Rockford, and all surrounding WEST MICHIGAN areas.
Grand Rapids Buyers: Search ALL The Listings in the West Michigan market. We have lots of information for Buyers, whether it is your first time or you are a seasoned real estate veteran. When your are ready to purchase a home, give Terry a call at 1-888-240-1988 ext 0 for an appointment.
When you SEARCH LISTINGS on the TerryWestbrook.com web site, you do not have to register. The search page is designed to help you, our home buyers, see the current real estate in the Greater Grand Rapids, Kent County and West Michigan Market. You can see ALL existing homes offered for sale. Search by location, price, features. When you're ready, contact Terry at 1-888-240-1968 ext 0 and we'll arrange a tour of homes just for you.
You can also sign up for a FREE EMAIL REPORT of any new listings that hit the MLS that meet your requirements DAILY! This customized free service for our buyers we gladly provide to make searching for homes easier.
We have lots of RELOCATION FACTS and PHOTOS on our Grand Rapids Real Estate Blog. Get to know the many different areas of Grand Rapids and West Michigan before you look at homes. We also offer a RELOCATION Packet that can be customized for you which includes: Maps, School Information, Shopping, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, etc.
Find out if you QUALIFY for a home mortgage and HOW MUCH Home you can qualify to buy. This is extremely important in today's market. Pre-qualifying is not difficult and makes the purchase of a home when you are ready so much easier. We can make referralls to legitimate lenders and professional mortagage lenders whom we can refer with confidence.
We offer full service Real Estate Transactions for Buyers & Sellers, including:
New Home Sales & Construction: There are many new homes and new home developments ready for immediate occupancy in the Greater Grand Rapids Area.The Westbrook Team is well versed in new home construction and all the details it requires. From making your color selections, final walk through, to closing the transaction, we have the expertise to make your new home purchase as easy as possible.
CONTACT Terry Westbrook for timely real estate information in the Kent County or Grand Rapids market area. SoldonGrandRapids.com is on top of market values and the latest in SOLD stats to help us help YOU get the best home for the best price.
We have visual tours of some of our local areas so you can get an idea of what they look like and we have lots of local information, so you can get an idea of what it feels like to live here in Kent County. Click on the communities below to view:
Ada Caledonia Cascade East Grand Rapids Kentwood Rockford
Local Information:
Ada Township Hall Rockford Park #2 EGR Park Local School Links Watermark Country Club
Caledonia Park #1 Real Food Cafe Rockford Park #3 The Grille Restaurant Forest Hills Foods
"Green" Grand Rapids Famous GR Natives Ada Township Park Cascade Park Leslie E Tassell Park
GR-Top 50 Cool Cities West Mich Golf GR Micro Brew Pubs GR Dream Home GR Baseball
We strive to provide information, tools, and resources so Buyers & Sellers can make informed decisions about real estate investments in Grand Rapids, Ada, Cascade, Caledonia, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Rockford. Relocating to Grand Rapids? We would like you to have the benefit of our 30+ years of experience in marketing, negotiating, and finalizing real estate investments with as little stress and discomfort as possible to the Greater Grand Rapids Mi area. If you have a home to sell or are looking for a home to buy, contact Terry 1-888-240-1968 ext.0 or terry@terrywestbrook.com
Terry is a very dedicated realtor! Our family can not say enough good about him. He was patient, persistent, creative and very knowledgeable in the selling of our home.
Our home was on the market during the time when homes in Michigan were not selling. We had an old farm house with acreage on a very busy road__ not an easy home to sell even in good economic times. With Terry's persistence and dedication we fortunately were able to sell our house. Terry even persisted on working coming right out of surgery. He completed the buy/sell agreement for our home a day after he was discharged out of the hospital. What dedication!!!
Our family would highly recommend Terry for selling or buying a home. He developed a personal relationship not only with my husband and I but also with our two teenage sons. What a wonderful realtor to have during a "stressfull" time for our family. Thank you so much Terry for all you did for us!!
Mary Beth, Mike, Kenzie & Dalton 
After six disappointing months with another company, we signed with Terry. The activity increased immediately and he sold our home quickly and easily. Tom & Joan
Terry helped us sell our house, then buy property to build a new one. Our family is now enjoying our wonderful new home. Jeff & Heather
When I started looking at buying a home in Grand Rapids, I met with a couple of realtors, and in a matter of 2 years, I had only been shown 3 houses. So, I decided to try looking on my own. I spent a lot of time looking in the paper, and just driving around. I went with a good friend one day to look at a house I had seen in the paper, and ended up driving around for quite a while trying to find it. She said, "Chris you can't do this on your own, it's too time consuming. You need someone to do all this looking for you. We'll call my realtor when we get to my house." Being a full-time working, single mom, I knew she was right. I was very apprehensive about making this call, as her house was substantially more expensive than the price range I was in the market for. So, my thoughts were that I would just be "small potatoes" in her realtor's eyes, and he would probably not spend much time assisting me. Especially since his commission would depend on the price of the house. But, we made the call and I set an appt to meet with him. We sat down, and he asked me lots of questions, and gave me some information about different areas in Grand Rapids. He took notes on what I was looking for (no other realtor had done that) and we scheduled an appt. to look.
The first day we went to look at homes, he handed me a color portfolio with helpful guidelines for what to look for in a home, and information with photos of 9 houses we were going to look at that day! I was amazed. From then on, he would send me information on new listings, and I would give him my feedback.
Since I am divorced, there were several hurdles that I had to jump to be able to buy a home. My realtor was helpful in getting me with the right people in order to take care of those issues, and he was patient as I did so.
Today, my young son and I have a beautiful home, where we've painted his bedroom room to his liking, he has a nice yard to play in, and friendly neighborhood children to play with. What I once thought was far out of my reach is now a reality, and I am so thankful to my realtor for all the help to get us here. I am also thankful for my good friend for pushing me to make the call in the first place. Realtor: Terry Westbrook ~ Christine
I have to thank you for the super job you did getting me so well settled. It could have been a very traumatic time but everything moved as " smooth as glass. " Your preparation was awesome, too. I sold real estate for only 2 years and I wasn't near you in the work you did for me. You sold my house and have me so well tucked in the new one in about one month! Has to be a record. Thank you and Bonnie, too for everythng. I can recommend you very happily -
Loretta M.
Just a note to let you know how much I appreciated everything you did for me in purchasing my condo - the circumstances were not great & the problems were many but you made it all happen pretty smoothly and always with a smile on your face. You have a great way of making sure we all "get with the program!"
-Lin C.
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