It's the end of February here in Grand Rapids. We're tired of looking at snow. We'd like to treat our eyes to some flowers in bloom while we're waiting for the bulbs in the yard.
Check out Ludema's at 3408 Eastern SE. 
What a wonderful place to escape winter!
You'll find potted primroses, cyclamen and spring bulbs
And the fragrances are heavenly.
You might even find a cute, feathery chick to take home.
Ludema's also does fresh and silk flower arrangements,
and there's a cooler of fresh cut flowers so you can grab
some color for your home.
Call them at 616-452-2961
Or visit their web site
Photos by Eric Webster
We're justifiably proud of our new Art Museum, the first LEED certified museum in the country. It's large and beautifully designed and it looks out on Rosa Parks Circle, designed by Mya Lin. The Rosa Parks Circle becomes an ice skating rink in the winter and a venue for concerts in the summer.
Starting March 14, an exhibit of Andy Warhol's work opens. Who can forget his silk screen prints of Marilyn Monroe, endangered animals or Campbell's soup cans?
Many events are planned around this exhibit, including a lecture by Roberta Bernstein, who was a studio assistant to Warhol for two years.
There will also be screenings of Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film, which was part of the PBS American Masters series and includes interviews and scenes from his studio.
Lessons on screen printing are scheduled, as well as related children's programs, other lectures and activities.
It's a must-see. along with the permanent exhibits with artwork ranging from the 1400s to the present.
art museum image from:
http://images.google.com/imgres
marilyn image from:
http://www.alt-web-design.com/photo-tutorials/images/andy-warhol-effect-all.jpg
"Don't you dare buy now?" Nope. "You should be able to find a home 30%-50% off." Wrong again.
I just saw a clip of him on the local news and he said of course people should buy real estate now. It's good to buy "in the dip" and ride the value up. Prices won't always be like this. "In five years people who bought real estate will look like geniuses."
Finally, someone who gives out financial advice and who GETS IT!!!
image from http://www.daveramsey.com/shop/images/products/tmmo_book_2006_lg.jpg
Eric and I spent much of the day with condo buyers and we got quite an education about what's available and the pros and cons of each development.
We saw units in:
Union Square
Landmark Lofts
Icon on Bond
65 Monroe Center NW
Contact us if you're considering a move to our vibrant downtown. Most of the condo developments have their own realtor HOWEVER, that realtor's goal is to sell you on their condos and our goal is to help you find the perfect condo!
image from: http://www.rightplace.org/cmsFiles/images/1162907259_flashfpo.jpg
Any kid who was raised in a cold climate knows the thrill. You wake up to lots of fresh, new snow. It looks bad out. Is it? Is it bad enough? OMG yes, it is, we got a SNOW DAY!!! WOOHOO! Crawl back in bed or do anything else you feel like doing. The hours you would have spent at school are now all yours! It's an act of God.
I woke today to cold temps and about 6 inches of new snow. There were a couple of meetings I was supposed to go to. "Nah," I thought. "It's my snow day. Hmmm...what do I want to do?" The beautiful part of it is that it's guilt-free. It's the prudent thing to do to stay home and avoid getting in all the accidents I'm seeing on TV. Nobody blames me.
In case it's your first winter in a cold climate, here's what you need to know. Never let yourself get close to running out of the three northern winter necessities...food, booze and firewood. Bonus points if you have popcorn, cocoa, recorded shows to watch, supplies for a hobby and/or a good book you're looking forward to reading.
Eat your heart out, all you people who live where it stays warm.
image from http://www.stuffintheair.com/images/SnowDigging.jpg, no that's not my house!
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Give yourself the benefit of responsive, competent representation whether you're a buyer or seller in the Grand Rapids MI area. Rockford, Ada, Cascade, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Caledonia.
Eric and I are a husband/wife team of realtors who are enthusiastic about and proud of the Grand Rapids area. I maintain a comprehensive community calendar on Eric's web site. Also, we have compiled an enormous list of links to community organizations and events. We dare you to find one that's more complete! Whether you're local or an out-of-towner, you can find useful info in either place. Check it out.
My company, 5 Star Real Estate, is an innovative locally-owned brokerage that has stormed the marketplace since its start 11 years ago. It's great to work with brokers who are ethical, trustworthy, and always striving to help agents reach their potential.
Eric has been a Grand Rapids realtor since 1989. I taught for 30+ years, retired and joined Eric as a licensed assistant in summer 2005.
I got my Bachelors and Masters degrees from Saginaw Valley State University on the east side of the state.
I majored in English as well as education, and I minored in Psychology. Many of the skills I learned are transferrable to real estate.
I LOVE BUYERS! It's great to see people achieve their dream of home ownership. Maybe it's just a throwback to my teaching days, but I love it.
From the first meeting when we clarify goals to the closing, I'm there to advise and help. Sometimes, with my professional access to the MLS service, I can see things about a home that will rule it out as a possibility, saving my buyers a trip there. I often know about pocket listings in my company that have not been broadcast. This puts my buyers first in line to view and to make an offer.
I have a network of exceptional professionals who provide the best of service to my clients. Mortgage brokers, appraisers, inspectors and closing specialists can make a transaction smooth or frustrating. I can help it to be smooth.
"I have recently completed the sale of my house in Lenwood Hills. I listed with Eric Webster. I was very pleased with his work and with the assistance of his wife, Karen.
The real estate market was seriously glutted at the time. They worked diligently with newspaper publicity, on-line presentation, open houses, and direct mailing, consummating a sale in spite of the problem.
All activity was conducted with skill, courtesy and sincerity.
I gladly recommend them to anyone who has property to sell, and wants an efficient and thorough agent to represent them." Lois Roepcke
"From the first e-mail Eric returned in a timely, professional manner, we knew he was the sharp, knowledgeable Realtor who would lead us from Pensacola, Florida to our perfect lake home here in Grand Rapids. His helpful, yet patient manner made us feel like we were his "Top Priority" each time we called.
We wholeheartedly recommend Eric Webster for any future real estate transaction. His wife, Karen is a perfect assistant to "Team Webster". Carole & Mike Ustick
Dear Eric,
Wanted to drop you a note, thanking you and Karen for the outstanding job that you two did in not only marketing, but selling my house in Bailey's Grove. As you know, it was a beautiful home, but located in a very competitive and saturated market.
Your marketing program was powerful and effective. Plus, your patience and assistance through a somewhat challenging closing process was greatly appreciated.
Please feel free to use this letter as a reference tool. You can count on me as a repeat customer, Eric!
-Regards,
Phillip T. Catalano II
Experience matters--and Eric's got it! We interviewed several realtors before putting our house on the market, and we were impressed with Eric's knowledge of the area. He also understands that many buyers use the internet to search for homes and makes sure that his listings take full advantage of the power of the web. He and Karen were in touch with us almost every day so we always knew what was going on. In a tough market, we sold our house in 6 weeks!
And last but not least, thank you for the lovely picture of our house. I assure you, we won't forget what we learned from owning it!
Best Regards,
Jocelyn and Tony
We had the pleasure of working with Eric Webster and
his wife, Karen, as both a buyer and a seller. We
first met Eric when we were looking for a home and he
was representing the seller of the house we purchased.
We were so impressed with his professionalism and the
outstanding materials he had developed for the seller
that we then listed with Eric to sell our current
home. Eric had our home on the market within a few
days and we had an offer within 13 days! Throughout
the process of buying and selling homes, Eric answered
all of our questions promptly. At our closing, after
selling our home, Eric and his wife presented us with
a beautiful framed drawing of our former home. This gesture
was unexpected and meant a great deal to us. We would
recommend Eric to our friends and family--our
experience with him was great!
Wayne and Kate Oom
Dear Karen and Eric,
Your parcel arrived last week with the final papers and a a wonderful picture of our "old" house. Thank you so much!
Looking at it does bring back fond memories of our years in Grand Rapids and the enjoyment I received working in the front flower bed.
What a relief for all of us that the sale of 5685 Juanita is complete. Paul and I really appreciate all the time and effort you two expended in the long process. We are very pleased with your services and communication. We stuck with you because we felt you were honest and did have our best interests in your minds/hearts...
We wish you continued success and happiness in all that you do.
Sincerely,
Pattie and Paul
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