You wouldn’t know it, looking out the window as I am at the pouring rain, but the ice sculptures and winter displays will be wrapping up soon and it was yet another delightful success on the part of “Downtown Grand Rapids” to get everyone out of their homes and enjoy winter. We did a lot of walking as the venues were spread across Monroe Center, past Ah-Nab-Awen Park near the Gerald Ford Museum, all the way to the 6th Street dam. It was good to get our steps in and not only view the displays but to see all the new restaurants downtown. Looking around, I felt like I haven’t been there in a very long time. Word to the wise, if you’re heading downtown, make a reservation as getting in restaurants these days isn’t always a piece of cake. My food thoughts went from Wahlburgers, to The Social Misfits, to Stans Tacos but we ended up at Max’s South Seas Hideaway Max’s South Seas Hideaway this time. What fun! It was like being in a tropical paradise and took our minds of the cold weather for a while. Just stopping for appetizers THIS time, we had Coconut Fried Shrimp, topped off with a couple of their exotic drinks of which there are many. I had an Astrochimp and Alicia a traditional Mai Tai. We definitely will be going back here for dinner. The World of Winter is on display until March 6, so if you hurry, you can still visit as it’s well worth the drive downtown. See more of what there is to see at World of Winter GR
Our Detroit Lions quarterback has moved on and many of us feel he is so deserving of a Super Bowl win. So, have you ever wondered where the Stafford’s live? After 16 months on the market, their 7,720-square-foot home in Bloomfield Hills sold in early September 2021 for $6 million. Right around the time he was traded to the West Coast, Stafford also closed a deal on a yet-to-be-built mansion in Hidden Hills, CA. For the proposed 15,000-square-foot home in the exclusive gated community, the quarterback shelled out a whopping $19.6 million.
$6 million Michigan home SOLD
While he awaits the completion of his massive residence, he made a much smaller purchase in the L.A. area last June. He paid $1.4 million for a more modest three-bedroom home in Woodland Hills, CA. Built in 1962, the single-story residence is just a couple of blocks from the gates of Hidden Hills. Perhaps it’ll be used as a guesthouse once the mansion is built.
He wasn’t done, either. Last August, Stafford also closed on a sale of his huge 10-bedroom mansion in Atlanta. Located in the city’s Buckhead neighborhood, the 8,657-square-foot home sold for $4.5 million. It represented yet another win for the QB—he had purchased the place for $3.85 million in June 2017.
One of my daughter’s favorites, I was in baking mode and she said I hadn’t made it in years!?! Sometimes I think that Covid has left us all in a time warp because I didn’t think it was THAT long ago. So after slaving away in the kitchen and producing what I thought was a great looking cake, my husband said he didn’t like cherries. Say WHAT?!? Then I found out that Alicia’s husband also doesn’t like cherries. Should I have known this, did I have a Senior Moment, or did I purposely tuck those facts away in the back of my mind. Doesn’t matter, more for Alicia and me.
INGREDIENTS TO HAVE ON HAND
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter 4 large eggs 1 cup whole milk 1 container snack Pack chocolate pudding, not the powder but premade. 1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix 1.5 cups cherry pie filling 2 cups whipped cream chocolate shavings (if desired) Full recipe is on my Pinterest page under Desserts www.Pinterest.com/KarenJasonGill
February is typically the FAST month, but lately they all seem to be fast. Learning to better set my priorities for the day always saving time for something enjoyable.
In updating and converting my blog it appears that I lost almost 2 years worth of posts. I like the new format however, and will attempt to recreate anything of importance. My New Year’s post will now become my Chinese New Year post, with blessings especially to my Asian friends.
Just prior to the Governor’s “Stay in Place” order because of the Corona virus, I had listed this gorgeous property on 13.5 acres. Just a short bike ride across the river from the village, once the order is lifted you can enjoy the restaurants, shops, grocery store or connect with all of the paved trails and take in the beauty of the area parks. Dogwood is designated a natural beauty road and this home sits high on a hill overlooking the adjacent 20 acres which is also for sale. If you have further questions, or would like additional information emailed to you, please feel free to contact me at 616.292.3712
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
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.
