Stand Alone Condominiums

Cherry Valley Meadows

One of my favorite places for both condos and single family homes is Cherry Valley Meadows. Located off Cherry Valley Road and 76th St.’s in Caledonia they have a nice rural feel with walking paths but with easy access to the East Beltline to get you to shopping areas. This stand alone condominium, presented by Julie Hayes from Berkshire Hathaway, has just over 1,700 sq. ft on the main level where you can easily do all of your living and yet have room for family and guests on the lower level. Priced at $564,900. it’s a beautiful home and it just may have everything you’re after. Call me if you’d like to see it or would like to be kept updated on Cherry Valley Meadows. 616.292.3712

my home makeovers

BEFORE
AFTER

You don’t always need a huge bank account to make a big change. This is my guest bathroom with globe lighting, dark woodwork and cabinets and an old drab vinyl floor I painted the walls and all of the old dark cabinets, doors and trim with KILZ followed with several coats of paint, changed out the light fixture, the door knobs, and cabinet hardware, and had someone install some new waterproof engineered hardwood flooring and it turned out great. It’s much brighter and ready to welcome guests.

A Different Idea on Retirement

How about summertime running a Bed and Breakfast in Mackinaw City and winters, well, wherever you want!? Summers are amazing and there is so much to do in beautiful Northern Michigan. Here is a historical home built in 1913 known as Deer Head Inn. It has 6 bedrooms, 6 1/2 baths, solid wood flooring, a welcoming front porch. It’s perfectly maintained and updated while keeping with the time period. Walk to downtown Mackinaw, hop a ferry to Mackinac Island, sit at the park and view the bridge. It’s a gorgeous house priced at $699,900. and definitely worth your consideration, especially if hospitality is right up your alley and something you’ve always wanted to do, or hire an onsite manager. Call or text me today for more information or an appointment 616.292.3712

109 Henry St. Mackinaw City MI

try this condo on for size …

Located in a really convenient location in Grand Rapids NW side, just off the expressway with restaurants, LMCU baseball, shopping just minutes away there is a beautiful condo development. The main floor has about 1,500 sq. ft. depending on model, 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths and laundry area. If you want room for guests there you have additional space on the daylight or walk out level. Prices are in the high $300’s to mid $400’s depending on choices. Monthly association fees as of this date are $250.

Trillium Glen Condominiums

My Friend & Client Lynn moved here, into her new condo at the end of last year in time for the holidays. She moved from a ranch style home but her laundry was in the lower level and she had a pool. She wanted a condo where outdoor maintenance was done for her and she had everything she needed on one floor. Her biggest bonus? She has walk in closets and doesn’t have to move seasonal clothes around anymore. Love this, and congratulations again Lynn!!

Try This Condo On For Size

I’ve had some seniors express interest in moving downtown and being where the action is. Restaurants, Broadway Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Symphony, all the downtown events, not to mention being close to the Medical Mile and great areas to walk downtown. You can have all this, a perfect sunset view and new construction! This condominium has almost 2,200 sq. ft. with elevated views over GR and the Grand River! It’s a roomy 3 bed 2.5 bath, kitchen, living, and laundry all on one floor with two stall garage. Flex space for an office or gym below. It has Quartz counters and backsplash, oak floors, heated tile, fireplace Jenn-Air appliance package, 9 ft ceiling with vault in the family and kitchen. Many more high end features! $657,000

Listing courtesy of Matthew Hall CopperRock Real Estate

Should I sell my home in the midst of the Corona Virus?

It’s a great question and one I’m being asked a lot these days. Homes are selling and as of today we don’t expect damage to the real estate market as it has been very strong. We know this health crisis will pass and look forward to a life which is normal again. In the meantime, we are hearing from some people that have underlying health issues, are elderly or just concerned as to what to do. We are concerned to protect you too. Interest rates are historically low so buyers want to take advantage of them so it is a decision each individual or family needs to make.

To that end, I am immediately suspending open houses and encouraging buyers to preview homes and narrow their choices online. If a home is in the narrowed down list I am taking precautions to protect my sellers by having buyers remove their shoes at the front entry, asking buyers to not bring children to showings when ever possible, and if they must bring them carry them or have them by the hand so they are not exploring on their own. Also, for my listings I have a limited supply of gloves and asking one party from the group to use one glove to open doors and cupboards so we don’t deplete our supply, and use hand sanitizer. After the party leaves I encourage the sellers to use a Norwex cloth or a bleach spray to wipe down the front door knob and any other areas of concern. Lights are already on when the parties arrive and lights remain on for the seller to turn off keeping touching at a minimum. If the home is vacant I will be making trips over to keep the home as clean as possible. Inspectors, appraisers and moving companies I have spoken to are all onboard to protect your family as well.

Our Real Estate Board is tracking some simple stats on a go-forward basis to follow the pattern of activity this year compared to last year. 

In order to compare apples to apples, they are using the same week of the month when making comparisons. 

Also keep in mind that all pending and closed transactions may not yet have been reported for 2020 since they are not always reported on the same day the transaction went pending or closed, whereas, the closed transactions for 2019 will include all sales for that date.

They will be recalculating the numbers below and republish them.  Thus far, we appear to be outpacing 2019 activity for the reported week, both in terms of listings and sales

GRAR MLS Activity – 3rd week of March, Current Year, 2020

 DateNew ListingsPending TransactionsClosed TransactionsPrice Changes
Friday, 3-20-20TBDTBDTBDTBD
Thursday, 3-19-2088534910
Wednesday, 3-18-2077554029
Tuesday, 3-17-2059514921
Monday, 3-16-2052604224
Sunday, 3-15-20172947
Saturday, 3-14-20122373
Total for Wk 3-14-20 to 3-20-20TBDTBDTBDTBD

GRAR MLS Activity – 3rd week of March, One Year Ago, 2019

 DateNew ListingsPending TransactionsClosed TransactionsPrice Changes
Friday, 3-22-1949364416
Thursday, 3-21-19109363923
Wednesday, 3-20-1931442924
Tuesday, 3-19-1949563623
Monday, 3-18-1954685323
Sunday, 3-17-1992214
Saturday, 3-16-191527116
Total for Wk 3-16-19 to 3-22-19316289213119

Showing Houses …

Well here comes the headline straight from Houzz. [Transitional becomes the No. 1 style as farmhouse loses steam] This according to the U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study.

Once again West Michigan, we are on the end of a trend that has taken off in our area. I love the farmhouse look, I see elements of it everyday as I show houses, be it the big sink in the kitchen or the signs over the walls telling us to GATHER in the dining room or the ones that let us know where our LAUNDRY and PANTRY’s are.

Farmhouse decor

So now, homeowners remodeling their master bathrooms are selecting natural and neutral colors to compliment their TRANSITIONAL, contemporary and modern style spaces, according to this new Houzz data. And farmhouse style, which had risen in popularity in master bathroom upgrades in recent years, has now declined. While you’re planning that master bathroom remodel, know that 21% are choosing a transitional style. What is Transitional? Transitional blends the classic elements of a traditional look with the clean lines and subtle color palette of contemporary style.

Photo by Moore House Interiors, LLCMore bathroom ideas

White is the most popular color for upgraded master bathroom vanities, and shades of gray for walls, wood elements on the walls themselves and heavier framing on the mirrors. White countertops is the No. 1 pick at 46% A white bathroom looks clean, crisp and bright. Add some natural wood elements into the design, and suddenly the space feels warmer and more inviting.

Meanwhile, vinyl/resilient flooring and engineered wood are on the rise, with their stats capturing a combined 10% of upgraded floors in 2019, compared with 6% in 2017. I think our area may be higher than that, with ceramic starting to take a backseat. These floors are beautiful, water resistant if not waterproof, and they are warmer on the feet on cold winter days.

1989 Bathroom 2019 Makeover
Cabinet Color Sherwin Williams Gray Shingle
Walls Sherwin Williams Cream Puff
Flooring Mannington Adura Max
Cape Shell

New Look For Your 5th Wall

One of the many joys of homeownership is incorporating your signature style throughout your home. From furniture and rugs to artwork and paint colors, there are so many ways you can make a space all your own. 

But there’s one space in the home that’s often left untouched — the ceiling. Though rarely considered, it’s a vital part of your home’s story. 

Whatever your design style, there are plenty of ways to dress up your fifth wall. Check out these ceiling styles and get your creative juices flowing.

Go Modern Minimalist  
If you like sleek and elegant design schemes, minimalism is for you. A minimalist home has clean lines in a defined color palette. Forego bright color schemes and add elaborate elements sparingly. 

Add Some Rustic Charm
If you’d prefer a more accessible look, then rustic style is the answer. It’s comfortable, warm and inviting with neutral tones and natural textures like wood and stone. Wood ceilings are gorgeous, immediately making a room warm and inviting. Rough-hewn panels, bold beams or reclaimed wood will add stunning character to your barnhouse decor. 

Keep It Traditional
If you’re looking for a style that’s casual and understated, consider a classic look. It’s a great option whether you enjoy muted tones or simple pops of color. For traditional ceilings, bright white paint with recessed lighting is a tried-and-true choice. Your cool and classic fifth wall can be flat or vaulted with lavish details like crown molding or coffers. 

Bring the Focal Point Down
If a crisp, white ceiling is your preferred style, you can dress up your fifth wall with a pendant lighting. Other ways to be creative, try a color on your ceiling.

Photo by Michael Nash Design, Build & HomesBrowse kitchen ideas

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