Check out this article in The Grand Rapids Press and Mlive.com, by Cami Reister. Home sales are up 3.2% over this time last year and average home sale prices in West Michigan are up over 8% from a year ago. Proof again that the Greater Grand Rapids real estate area is on the rise. It is also proof that the State of Michigan is the #2 state in the country for the fastest recovery from the recession. Here is the link to the article.

The Sprich Group just listed this fantastic Lake Michigan property at 17334 Sheldon Dunes and this Grand Haven Schools listing was sold in 7 days!!! Better yet….Cash Offer!!!  Another happy Grand Rapids real estate seller!!!

The Sprich Group has just listed a fantastic home in West Olive with access to Lake Michigan and fantastic views of the Lake in West Michigan real estate. This wonderful home is at 17334 Sheldon Dunes and is listed at $649,900.   As you enter the wonderful open spaces on the main level, enjoy the wall of windows with great views of the Lake, cathedral ceilings, wood floors, sound system throughout the home, fireplace and great lighting. There are 2 large bedrooms and 2 full baths on the main level as well as the utilities. The kitchen boasts granite counters, s/s appliances, new fixtures and hardware and under cabinete lighting. There is a nice dining area off the kitchen with views of the lake. There is a large great room and sliders to a deck. The walkout level consists of a expansive family room with fireplace, kitchenette with eating area, 3 bedrooms, and a full bath. There is an additional outdoor shower.

East Grand Rapids real estate always has been and continues to be a good investment. As real estate values across the country have dropped double digit figures, we here in Michigan have felt some of those same figures. The east side of Michigan has been hit hard with the auto industry issues and their real estate values are down 18 to 30% from the Detroit area north to the Tri-cities,(Flint, Saginaw and Bay City).

Here in western Michigan, we have also had a few down years in real estate values, but not as hard hit as the East side of the state. The greater Grand Rapids area is down about 13 to 19% across the board….but then there is East Grand Rapids.

The East Grand Rapids real estate market has seemed to continue to hold most of it’s value. Yes, there have been some declines in value, but not nearly as significant. Here are some numbers to look at for homes sold in East Grand Rapids in 2008-2010:

2008 average sale price – $254,000

2009 average sale price – $257,000

2010 average sale price – $275,000

So, when you are looking to buy a home in the Grand Rapids real estate market, remember to think long term, as your home is not just what you live in, but it is also a very large investment in your future. What makes East Grand Rapids real estate values so strong over the years? The East Grand Rapids schools, some of the best in the state, Reeds Lake and Fisk Lake,  the parks, Gaslight Village, sidewalks and above all, the community and it’s people.

An East Grand Rapids home has proven over the years to be a great investment and as you can see, continues to be a very good investment in your future.

Just listed!!! A vacant lot in West Olive, with Lake Michigan access. This lot is priced to sell! This would be a great spot to build your dream home or just a short 30 minute drive back to Grand Rapids. This lot is in the “Haven Beach” Association. Click here to see more information about this great lot in the Holland area.

Check out this article in the Grand Rapids Press as well as Mlive.com. It speaks about the outlook for Grand Rapids and all of Western Michigan in regard to the real estate outlook for 2011. This article addresses interest rates and the fact that they are still very attractive, open houses, why you should buy a home now, why sell your home now, and how the Grand Rapids real estate market is reacting to the economy.  The article was written by Cami Reister.  Click here to view the article:

Why buy a home in East Grand Rapids?

Well, being a resident of East Grand Rapids for over 40 years and growing up here, I would call myself an expert in the East Grand Rapids real estate market.

East Grand Rapids boasts one of the top public school systems not only in the State of Michigan, but Nationally. Our students go on to further their education at an astounding percentage rate.

East Grand Rapids can also brag about it’s outstanding athletic programs as well being able to say that they have the most state championships of any public high school in the nation, at 112. That includes all sports, from football to basketball to golf and swimming , tennis and so on.

East Grand Rapids also has a wonderful arts program with a fully equipped “opera house” and one of the best music and singing departments in the state.

But the school system is not the only reason to buy a home in East Grand Rapids. There are other facets to this wonderful city that are worth writing about. The city has a small knit closeness that is hard to find these days. Your children will be able to walk to school, (no busing), walk home for lunch and most of all, never more than a few blocks from their friends. Families in East Grand Rapids tend to stick around as they grow up and create families of their own. So, many generations of families continue to live in and around the area and enjoy the many things this city offers as the years pass along.

East Grand Rapids is home to Reeds and Fisk Lakes and wonderful Collins Park at Reeds lake. There is Gaslight Village, full of great shops and restaurants, and a bike and running trail around Reeds Lake. There is Friday night football games; a true tradition in East Grand Rapids, the 4th of July fireworks shot over Reeds lake, the Reeds Lake Run, the many parades and art festivals and just the ever present families always walking and riding bikes around the streets and sidewalks of East Grand Rapids.

East Grand Rapids is home to some of the most beautiful architecture seen in Western Michigan. These homes were built from 1880 to 2009 and range in price from $135,000 to $3,000,000. Character is everywhere. If you want classic, modern, waterfront, brick, art-deco…whatever, you will find it here, and I am the real estate agent in East Grand Rapids to help you. I grew up here, I was educated here and have put both of my children through the East Grand Rapids School system.

East Grand Rapids has great history, great families and great houses. If you want to learn more about East Grand Rapids, just give me a call, and I will be more than happy to let you in on this Western Michigan’s best kept secret.

Take a look at this article in the Grand Rapids Press :

Take a look at this great new listing in Cedar Springs on almost 5 acres which is set up for a horse farm. This home has been updated from floors to walls to kitchen and basement and roof. They are very meticulous in their work and I suggest you make an appointment to see this home. Just click anywhere and take a look.

Don’t miss this great new listing in a highly desirable area just west of Breton Village. This home has been updated with paint, new kitchen, new bathrooms and gleaming hardwood floors everywhere. Just click anywhere, and take a peek!