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Best Purchase Markets for Millennial Homebuyers

Best Purchase Markets for Millennial Homebuyers

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Best Purchase Markets for Millennial Home Buyers

NAR, the National Association of Realtors has identified the best purchase markets for aspiring millennial home  buyers. According to NAR, Grand Rapids is one of the TOP markets in the country for Millennials or First Time Home Buyers. The Grand Rapids housing market is strong and home ownership is very attainable. Interest Rates are still low as well and even  though prices have been increasing, housing is very affordable.

Read the rest of the article at Realtor.org.

WASHINGTON (July 24, 2014) – First-time home buyers have been largely absent from the housing market in the current economic recovery, but some metropolitan areas – particularly in the Midwest and West – are well positioned to see increases in home-buying from the Millennial generation in upcoming years, according to new research by the National Association of Realtors®.

NAR analyzed current housing conditions, job creation and population trends in metropolitan statistical areas1 across the U.S. to determine the best markets for aspiring, leading edge Millennial2 home buyers. Austin, Texas and Salt Lake City were identified as top standouts for Millennials for having a young adult population with solid job growth rates and still relatively affordable home prices. Seven of the 10 metro areas recognized are in the Midwest and West.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, says the homeownership rate for young adults under the age of 35 peaked in 2005 (43 percent) and fell to 36 percent in the first quarter of 20143.

“Limited job prospects, student debt and flat wage growth have combined with tight credit conditions and low inventory to price Millennials out of some of the top cities such as New York and San Francisco,” he said. “However, NAR research finds that there are other metro areas Millennials are moving to where job growth is strong and home ownership is more attainable. These markets are well-positioned to soon experience a rise in first-time buyers as the economy improves.”

If you are in the market to purchase a home or condo, you can find all Grand Rapids Listings right here on this website.

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Boardwalk Condo Sales in 2014

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Boardwalk Condo Sales in 2014

Boardwalk Condo Sales Boardwalk Condos are cool lofts located a little over a mile north of the downtown core, at 940 Monroe NW. Boardwalk Condos are affordable downtown Grand Rapids condos that offer many amenities including covered parking. Some of the “perks” are exposed brick, exposed duct work, laminate and tile floors, theater room, game room, on site laundry for those condos without their own, kayaks and tandem bikes. There are two great courtyards. One with a pool and hot tub, the other is a quiet wooded area with grills and benches for a relaxing cook out with family of friends.

This Boardwalk Sales Report shows that condo sales have been brisk so far this year with 23 units sold so far. There are 13 active listings as of this writing with zero pendings.

If you are thinking of making a move downtown, whether buying or selling, you can research all of the current downtown condo listings here. If you currently own and are considering selling, we can help you with an accurate market value, closing costs estimate and show you how we sell condos with our effective marketing campaigns.

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River House Condos Sales in 2014

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River House Condos Sales in 2014

River House Condos River House Condos are one of of the newer Grand Rapids Downtown Condos and have been selling very well so far this year. River House has the distinction as the tallest building in Grand Rapids and is the State’s tallest residential building.

The condos come standard with open floor plans, granite counter tops, laminate and ceramic tile flooring, separate laundry room, 2 covered parking stalls (some units have a private garage), balconies and of course, stunning views from every corner.

This 2014 River House Condo Sales Report is current and shows the condo sales so far in 2014. There are no current pending sales (as of this writing) and 8 active listings.

If you are thinking of making a move downtown, whether buying or selling, you can research all of the current downtown condo listings here. If you currently own and are considering selling, we can help you with an accurate market value, closing costs estimate and show you how we sell condos with our effective marketing campaigns.

 

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Grand Rapids Downtown Condo Sales

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Grand Rapids Downtown Condo Sales

Grand Rapids Downtown Condo Sales Grand Rapids downtown condos are in demand and are selling fast. Sometimes they sell even before officially being listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). The downtown condo market has experienced quite a resurgence over the last eighteen months. With approximately 1100 or so condos that can be considered “downtown”, a quick condo search shows us that as of this writing, we have 50 downtown Grand Rapids condos for sale with prices varying from $68,000 for a 1 Bedroom unit at 505 Cherry St SE (Hillmount Condos), to a spectacular Grand Rapids Penthouse Condo selling for $4,200,000 at 335 Bridge St NW #3100, (River House Condos).

Not only are downtown condos selling quickly but many developments have seen prices increase dramatically. River House Condos are definitely one of those, whose owners have enjoyed benefiting from the strong seller’s market.

Since the beginning of 2014, there have been 89 downtown condos sold from $73,000 to $520,000. This report shows the condo sales from January 1st with prices ranging from ~$200,00 and up. Average time on the market is 65 days with the sales price 96.75% of the listing price.

If you are in the market to purchase a downtown condo, feel free to give me a call or text at 616-570-1871. I will create a personal profile for you and you will be notified immediately whenever there is a new listing or one comes back on the market and of any price changes. This will help you to be first in line to take a look at them.

If you are thinking of selling your downtown condo, the market is very strong and inventory is low. Bottom-line… It is a great time to put your condo on the market. Our team can help you with setting the price, learning what closing costs are involved, marketing and every aspect of the transaction up to the date of close.

Search for Downtown Condos

Use this quick and easy tool to find your condo. If you have something specific in mind, let me know and I will get you the information or set up a showing for you right away.


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 Grand Rapids Downtown Condos

44 Lafayette Condos | 47 Lafayette Condos | 65 Monroe Condos | Avenue 23 Condos

Belknap Brownstones Condos | Boardwalk Condos | Brickway Residences

Cherry St Lofts | Cityview Condos | Clark Place Condos | El Dorado Condos

Fitzgerald Residences | Forslund Condos | Front Row Condos | Fountain View Condos

Fulton St Flats | Goodspeed Lofts | Gotham Lofts | Heritage Commons Townhomes

Hillmount Condos | Landmark Lofts | McKay Tower Condos

Monroe Center Condos | Monroe Terrace Condos | Park Row Condos | Peck Condos

Plaza Towers Condos | Renaissance Condos | River House Condos | Stoner Condos

Tannery Row Condos | Thirty Eight Condos | Union Square Condos | Waters Tower Condos

Festival of the Arts 2014

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Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts 2014

Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts 2014June 6th, 2014, marks the 45th annual celebration of Grand Rapids’ culture. Starting this Friday, get ready for three days of fun and entertainment with indoor locations as well as six outdoor stages. Beginning at noon, there will be activities for kids of all ages, art sales, food tasting booths and more, right in downtown Grand Rapids, from Rosa Parks Circle to to Calder Plaza.

The Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts is the nation’s largest, volunteer-run event of it’s kind.

MLive has everything you need to know about this year’s Festival.

Download this year’s Map.

Share Our Enthusiasm

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Great video from Experience Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids, MI

What makes a great travel destination? Enthusiasm! Why does travel matter? Visitors to Grand Rapids generate more than $1 Billion in economic impact each year. That fuels more jobs, dining opportunities, cultural improvements, and ways to enjoy life. We all share the benefits, when we share our enthusiasm!

Remodeling Trends for 2014

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Top 5 Home Remodeling Trends for 2014

2014 Remodeling Trends

Photo Courtesy of JSEvents.com

It’s Spring at last… (don’t hold your breath) and it is finally time to get serious about some of those jobs you have been thinking about all winter. Is finally getting rid of that old brass hardware in your home, on that list? Not so fast! Brass is making a comeback of sorts, although it is not the bright shiny brass we so often have seen.

With the economy improving, more and more home owners are spending money on those projects they have been putting off. This report shows the dollar amounts spent around the country.

If you are planning on selling your Grand Rapids home or if you are thinking of making a few changes to your home, take some of these Trends into consideration as these latest home improvements could help you sell your home quicker.

For a Free Market Analysis, fill out this form and tell us about your home or condo. I will get back to you within 24 hours with an accurate price, the latest market trends and what your closing costs will be so that you can plan accordingly.

2014 Remodeling Trends

Modern Kitchens

According to data compiled by Hanley Wood and Remodeling Magazine, 61 percent of re-modelers surveyed expect to complete kitchen remodels in 2014, more than any other room in the house. And, those remodels are expected to follow a new trend.2014 Remodeling Trends

Not so long ago, remodeled kitchens had a rustic feel with warm paint colors and cabinetry, and wrought iron hardware and lighting. Now, modern is in, with white or gray cabinetry, simple countertops, glossy finishes and minimalist designs. Appliances are more likely to be blended into the design or hidden away from view entirely to give the kitchen a sleeker appearance.

Bass Accents

Brass made a comeback at home-design and remodeling conventions this year and the trend is expected to pick up in 2014. While brass is nothing new, it has gotten a facelift. Highly polished, bright brass hardware and lighting is gone; rustic, dull and hammered brass is in. The new looks will be incorporated into kitchen and bathroom hardware as well as lighting and door hardware throughout the house.

Updated Bathrooms

In the Hanley Wood survey, bathrooms came in second to the kitchen with 58 percent of remodelers planning to do bathroom remodels in 2014. As far as style, vintage bathrooms with wainscoting and claw-foot tubs won’t be as popular as resort-style bathrooms that feature amenities such as large walk-in showers with multiple shower heads, heated floors or towel racks, and jetted bathtubs. For coloring and style, glass tiles will be a popular feature as well as neutral and cool colors like ash gray, light blue and off-white.

Read the whole article at Realtor.com

Grand Rapids Ranks No. 2 in US for Spring Jobs Outlook

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Jobs Forecast Looks Promising

Grand Rapids Employment ReportGrand Rapids was given a pat on the back with respect to Spring Employment. To the tune of #2 in the Nation! You have to be happy with that. The real estate market is definitely moving right along with homes and condos that are priced right, basically getting sold very quickly. 2014 is looking good!

 

“The employment outlook for the Grand Rapids market this spring is among the brightest in the nation.

The Grand Rapids and Wyoming market ranks second in the nation, in a five-way tie, for employer hiring expectations for the second quarter, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released yesterday.

Area reputation

“We are certainly in a growth trend, due to many pieces that got us to this point,” said Becca Dernberger, Manpower, VP and general manager for the northeast division.

She went on say the overall environment and culture in West Michigan are contributing factors.

“I think it has a strong reputation for having a strong workforce and strong employers,” Dernberger said. “I think from there you look at what economic development organizations are doing, what our chamber of commerce are doing, our Pure Michigan campaign.

“Many different people are engaged in showcasing West Michigan as a premier place to work and live, and I think all of those things are really having an impact.”

The report by Manpower, an employee recruiting company based in Milwaukee, is based on a survey of more than 18,000 employers across the U.S. and their hiring expectations for this April to June.”

Read the rest of the article

Fishing in Grand Rapids

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Fishing the Grand River

Grand River Fishing One of my favorite pastimes is fishing. I just love being on or near the water. Since moving to Grand Rapids nearly 17 years ago, the Grand River has opened up a new form of fishing to me. Drift fishing from the shore for Steelhead and trout! It is a great way to spend a few hours with the kids!

Spring in Grand Rapids brings a swollen, fast-moving river. One of the spots I frequent is right downtown Grand Rapids between the 6th St. Historical Bridge and the I-196 overpass. It’s great because it is just a short drive from home.

I have had to learn a few new skills to keep up though but it has been a lot of fun. As with all types of fishing, some things work better than others but as they say, 10% of the anglers catch 90% of the fish. To me this just means that these 10% know what they are doing and how to make their presentation. They typically have the appropriate gear as well.

Fishing fast moving water like this part of the Grand River, requires a certain touch and familiarity and feel for what the gear is doing while working it down the run. There are more than enough rocks and structure for fish to use and also to take your gear and not give it back. It is a learned touch to bounce your bait along the rocks, dodging snags and differentiating between a rock and a bite. for me though, just being outside makes for a satisfying day. Tying into one of those silver torpedoes doesn’t hurt though!

I use a 9 foot rod with 20lb main line to which I attach a 10lb leader. For this leader, I use a fluorocarbon line. This line has veryGrand Rapids Fishing low visibility and it is very hard for the fish to detect. Most major manufacturers offer this now. For a sinker, I like to use some kind of drop sinker set up with a slinky or pencil style, as they tend to avoid getting caught up as much. The less time you spend messing around with your gear equals more time with your gear in the water where the fish are. Baits and lures vary depending on who is catching what, but yarn balls appear to be the bait of choice at the moment. These fish have an excellent sense of smell, so keep that in mind while handling your bait.

As always, be careful in the fast moving water and have fun!