My happy retirement goal would be to someday simplify my life and live in a tiny house and this would be a perfect size.It’s 876 sq. ft. according to the city of Grand Rapids, but wow, it’s the perfect cottage style environment for some with tongue & groove walls and ceilings, and comfy, simple and bright rooms. Gather around the gas log fireplace in the living room, set up snacks for a few friends in the kitchen, the bedrooms each have built in wardrobes which you can use with or without shelves. To save space, the owner built a hinged door that opens to the basement. Keep it closed when you need the space. Genius! Laundry is currently downstairs but there is water hookups ready to finish in the bathroom if you want a main floor laundry. In warmer weather enjoy your front porch, it overlooks your yard which is on a cul de sac for privacy. House sits on the very corner of the large lot, has a detached 2 stall garage, and underground sprinkling. Unique and charming, you’ll fall in love.
There are condominiums available in the Grand Rapids Metro area ranging from $100,000 to over $1,000,000. Depending on your needs and your budget this could be a great option if you want to leave exterior maintenance behind you and live in a community with like minded neighbors. Some offer amenities such as swimming pools, community centers, walking paths and exercise facilities with their association fees.
There are all types of architectural styles. Top left is a 2 bedroom 1 bath condo in a manageable 1,050 sq. ft. setting. Priced in the $150’s it’s a good alternative to apartment living in that you still own your own home.
Top right is a totally different choice of lifestyles. It’s for social people who would love to live where things are happening downtown. Walk to restaurants, Broadway Grand Rapids, events in DeVos Center, concerts in VanAndle Arena and museums. This particular condo has 1 bedroom and 1 bath and under 1,000 sq. ft. and priced in the $250’s.
The one in the middle on the right is new construction, townhome style in the suburbs with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and over 1,500 sq ft. It has an attached 2 stall garage. It may not be your choice if aging in place is your top concern, since bedrooms are upstairs, but a great choice for newly empty nesters that travel and don’t want to worry about a home while they are away. Prices starting in the mid $320’s
Finally, the lower home is a stand alone condo, which is much like single family living without exterior maintenance. This is a popular option for many of my senior clients. They like the idea of their own home, with neighbors in the vicinity to form friendships with, and still have beautiful landscaping that they don’t have to be concerned about. This particular home is $414,900 with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths in an open floor plan with a 4 season room for gatherings. The lower level is unfinished so if you frequestly entertain family that stay overnight, you can finish that so that they have their privacy, but all of your living is on the main floor.
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 MIA gracious front porch to greet guests wood lined libraryone of six bedroomsone of six and a half bathsoh so close to Mackinac Bridgethanks to Sam Coburn Lakeside realty
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!!
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
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
Date
New Listings
Pending Transactions
Closed Transactions
Price Changes
Friday, 3-20-20
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Thursday, 3-19-20
88
53
49
10
Wednesday, 3-18-20
77
55
40
29
Tuesday, 3-17-20
59
51
49
21
Monday, 3-16-20
52
60
42
24
Sunday, 3-15-20
17
29
4
7
Saturday, 3-14-20
12
23
7
3
Total for Wk 3-14-20 to 3-20-20
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
GRAR MLS Activity – 3rd week of March, One Year Ago, 2019
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.
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
Ada Moorings is comprised of 230 single family homes and condominiums and offers a lifestyle unlike most with a walkable community built around 200 acres of scenic trails and private nature preserves. Imagine peaceful morning walks via the community trails to the Grand River boat launch for kayaking, canoeing or watching your favorite Forest Hills high school team rowing in unison while they practice for regatta’s. Walk to Ada Park to watch your kids play soccer, enjoy the playground with your toddlers, picnic with your entire family , play tennis or join an adult softball league. Take a bit longer stroll or a bike ride past the covered bridge or into the charming village of Ada where there are delightful shops, salons, a spa, coffee shop, several restaurants including Schnitz Deli, Vitalie’s Italian, Zeytin’s Turkish, and more. A favorite for dessert is Spoonlicker’s frozen yogurt shop. With the newly designed village underway it is a scene out of a Norman Rockwell Christmas print. Located in Forest Hill’s Central schools, or attend the full Spanish or Chinese language immersion schools.
It’s easy to fall in love with this home and the area surrounding it will blow you away!!! Located at the end of a cul-de-sac with a gracious front porch just waiting for a couple of Adirondack chairs and conversations with your friends and neighbors. Step inside to over 3,000 finished sq. ft. starting with a roomy entry foyer with newer engineered hardwood flooring and built in accessory niche, a formal dining room, a great room with 2 story windows and palatial ceilings surrounding a fireplace.
Entertain around the adjoining dining area and open kitchen with warm cabinetry. a center island for extra storage and seating, and a corner sink overlooking the beautifully maintained gardens, shrubs and trees and your professionally manicured yard with upper and lower decks and underground sprinkling. Also on the main floor is a king-sized master suite with spacious walk in closet, and a bath to pamper with duel sinks, and garden tub with glass block window.
Upstairs are 3 bedrooms, a full bath with double vanity and a loft area with ample space to serve as a home office for this owner. The lower walk out level offers a fantastic family/game room finished with Quality Edge high tech insulated wood panels providing sound and noise control, perfect for your home theatre experience. If you need another bath, there is a framed in and rough plumbed bath ready for an easy finish and plenty of storage leftover. Stop by and see us at 7645 THORNAPPLE CLUB – Buttrick to Grand River to Ada Moorings and read more about Ada Moorings in our neighborhood post.
While getting our marketing off the ground at our newest listing at Boulder Creek Golf Club, we decided to spend some time at a few golf front housing communities and check them out. We have been blessed to have sold 5 other homes with golf frontage within the last 6 months so we’re feeling rather “golfy” these days. So for this trip we visited the East end of the city starting by our new listing at 6207 Boulder Ridge Dr., located just minutes to Knapps Corner at the NE corner of the city. Homes currently range from $300,000-$563,500. with frontage on Boulder Creek Golf Club. We took some time to have lunch at the clubhouse, and were offered excellent service, great food, and pleasant surroundings. It is rated 5 stars on “The Knot” for receptions of all kinds and has many golf outings throughout the year.
6207 Boulder Ridge
Views at Boulder Creek Golf Course
Stop #2 was Thousand Oaks Golf . Homes in this community are currently $425,000-$699,000, in gorgeous wooded settings and a choice of single family homes or stand along condominiums to choose from. Thousand Oaks Golf is part of the Watermark group of 4 courses where membership allows you to golf and access on any of the courses.
Onward to Watermark Country Club, a gated community of single family homes and condominiums with recent activity ranging from $350,000 to over $1,000,000.00. This community has a pool, a fantastic restaurant named Cork which has one of the largest wine lists in the areas. And FYI, all of the Watermark group of courses have different levels of membership, but the restaurants are open to the public with a members area.
A Watermark Home
Of course, we ended our afternoon at Stonewater Country Club , the corporate headquarters of 2RealEstateAgentsAndACity.com. Robbie lives at the 12th Tee and I’m at the 12th green. Lately home price’s have ranged from $705,000 to more affordable condominiums starting at $185,000. What we love most about living in Crystal Springs on the golf course is we feel a very strong sense of community. The social aspects of club membership, golf leagues, fun couples and food events that Stonewater offers all really add to community. My favorite thing was unexpected……it’s watching all the kids riding their bikes to the pool, the golf carts buzzing down the streets like dinghy’s riding around the boats at the marina’s. It’s also so nice to look out your windows at the vast expanse of green grass….. and if you’re lucky enough to have a pond it’s a bonus. Or as Sherry, one of our neighbors put it, ” What I love most about living on the golf course is the beauty – sitting out in the evening with a cocktail in my hand, watching the wildlife, enjoying the calmness and tranquility of the ponds I can see from my beautiful deck, a course that is always well maintained – just a beautiful place to be”.
So far we have 3 more golf front homes slated to be listed this year, so if you’re looking to buy or looking to sell your golf course home, please contact Karen (292.3712) or Robbie (299.0149) We’d love you to entrust your golf course home to us !
