What is going to change the level of foreclosures in Michigan? I have a strong opinion.  The State of Michigan should declare a moratorium on all foreclosures for 60 days and review each foreclosure on a case by case  basis.  Does the bank really want the home?  What good does it do to displace people from their home?  Reviewing every case will determine if the home should just go back to the bank or if the current owners actually want to keep the home.  What are your opinions on the foreclosure crisis in Michigan? Please don't get me wrong, this presents an opportunity for investors 08/21/2007

 The fact is that almost all of us are messy in some area of our lives.  For some, it's an extreme problem.  But for the vast majority of us, our version of messiness carries a unique message if we care to listen and observe.  Messiness may be about an area over which you feel you have no control and therefore fail to organize.  Or it may be a means of exerting control.  I have come to the conclusion that some teenagers bedrooms manifest this kind of chaos to protest against the freaky neatness of their parents!How we choose to reveal our messiness also says something.  A desire to maintain a certain appearance can be about neatness and cleanliness, but it can also be about controlling a perception and image.  Neither of these is necessarily bad, it just helpful to understand the nature... 08/20/2007

 Some of the most intriguing cases of messiness I've witnessed had nothing to do with piles of junk.  I once listed a home that stank.  What was peculiar about the home was that it was beautiful.  The living room featured white Italian leather sofas.  The burnished wood floor was in excellent shape and tasteful pictures and decorative accessories adorned the wall.  However, due to the fact that there were some large dogs that did their thing in the basement each day, the odor had permeated every room in the home.  The owner no longer noticed the smell, but everyone else did.  When I came back from the listing appointment, I had to hang my clothes outside.The junk in this case was not physical, it was literally a foul odor! Underlying the odor was an inappropriate emotional attachment.  ... 08/20/2007

Apparently, messiness is a topic of interest and concern to a lot of people.  It is interesting to view the number of entries on google devoted to "self help" for messy people.  An inability to keep things neat has long been regarded as problematic for many reasons.  These include difficulty in maintaining order and organization as well as concerns for health and hygiene.  However, I think the manner in which we maintain a mess can tell a lot about an individual and offer some insights about what may be going on inside. This is a conclusion I have come to; Messiness is a highly personal issue and serves different purposes for different people.I've observed several types of messy people.  In one of my first jobs, one of the managers I worked with literally had a pile of stuff, one foot h... 08/20/2007

Michigan's 'down' Real Estate market poses a true frustration for the thousands of seller's hoping for 'the perfect buyer'.  Negotiations are tough, and inspections are tougher.  However, it's important to look at the many opportunities that lie amongst the perceived dark Real Estate market.  Buy Up!  Have you been considering a purchase in a larger, newer, or more luxurious home in the next 5 years... Why wait?  Today is a great time to ACT!  Your current home may suffer slightly from the struggling seller's market, when in past years you could have made substantially more money... however, the home you're buying into will be significantly reduced thus increasing your overall equity just by moving-in!  If you're considering to increase the size of your family, or to retire in a luxury ... 08/20/2007

I started a new hobby, with that comes research, commitment and investment.  The type of hobby doesn't really matter but it takes research when you venture off the path to know where you are going.  I took the time to research the equipment required for my new hobby.  I reviewed the type of equipment that would be best suited for my new venture.This isn't much different when we look at adding equipment for real estate either.  We look at it's use, cost and expected life cycle.  I did the same.The other thing with my new hobby requires community knowledge.  That fits with my profession as well.  If we do not know the community and neighborhoods we will not be able to answer potential client questions.  We can always get back with them but when you have the answer immediately available it... 08/19/2007

 As I drove into the parking lot of the large grocery store chain, I actually hesitated about parking my car to walk inside.  It was about the parking lot.  Navigating my vehicle to find a slot, I observed stray papers and miscellaneous bits of trash dancing around the ground...skipping about with the wind as though they had not a care in the world.  Although, I had been told that the store had recently undergone a major remodel, I questioned how nice it could be on the inside if the outside looked like this.  Anyway, I finally decided that maybe the guy who did their parking lot sweeping had lapsed on his duty, so I parked my car and ventured inside.  I was glad I did.  Gone was the dingy lighting and older displays.  The atmosphere was neat, bright and the store had been reorganized e... 08/18/2007

There are many different condos in Downtown Grand Rapids to wade through. So take a look at some of these links to find the right Downtown Grand Rapids Condo for you and then give me a call to go and see them or ask any questions you might have. If I don't have the answer I will find out for you.  If you would like to hear more about the Grand Rapids Real Estate Market and How I (Steve Volkers at Keller Williams Realty) can help you buy or sell a Downtown Grand Rapids Condo send me an email at Svolkers@grar.com or call today at 616-575-1153.Also Check out my Grand Rapids Downtown Conds Blog @ http://grdowntowncondos.wordpress.com/ Union Squarehttp://www.unionsquaregr.com/Boardwalk http://boardwalkgr.com/Plaza Towershttp://plazatowerscondominiums.com/home.htmHillmount http://www.hillmoun... 08/17/2007

Union SquareCondos for Sale Number and Information  Number of Condos for sale22 Pending Condos Sales0 Price Range of Condos For Sale1 bed 1 bath First Floor Condo$149,000 Up to 2 bedroom 2 bath Penthouse$408,000Average Total Per Square Foot Price$ 216 per Square Foot Websites about the areaUnion SquareRapid Growth MediaSearch for CondosGr Now If you would like to hear more about the Grand Rapids Real Estate Market and How I (Steve Volkers at Keller Williams Realty) can help you buy or sell a Downtown Grand Rapids Condo please send me an email at Svolkers@grar.com or call today at 616-575-1153. 08/17/2007

Have you really heard the news?  We hear all the figures on how bad things and how the market is really in a slump, and look at all the forclosures.Here are some facts for you.  93% of the workforce is working so that means 7% isn't and the math is easy.  It also means that some of the 7% don't want to work and probably some of the 93% don't want to work too!Michigan has been ranked #5 in the nation for foreclosures but the number of loans failing is 1.77%.  Now that means that over 98% of people are paying their mortgages.  The interest rates have been edging down again just over a 1/4 point.  So what you might say....well look around, for sale signs, bargins, lower prices on homes.Lenders are eager to write good loans to good people that want to have a home.  They are being more caref... 08/15/2007

Sell the s i z z l e, not the steak© Don PhelanCopyright 2003Set the stage to sell quickly.The new buzz in the real estate world is "staging."  Taken from theater, staging is just that. It´s creating an exciting environment to tell your story. Staging, in its simplest form, is the "to-do" list your Realtor gives you for showings and open houses open the curtains, turn on the lights, and bake an apple pie.  These suggestions are intended to make visitors feel welcome, as well as to present your home in its best light.  Have you ever gone into a home for sale, only to find it´s cluttered and cramped by too much furniture and too many knick-knacks?  Or the kitchen cupboards and carpeting are serviceable but very dated?  Have you ever looked at a brand-new house from a builder?  No window t... 08/15/2007

There are currently 18 developments in downtown Grand Rapids. Some are built and move in ready and some are still being built. These are the building that I will be bloging about in future blogs. I hope you enjoy the list and get excited about all the new development in downtown Grand Rapids.Union SquareBoardwalkPlaza TowersFox LoftsHillmountPeck Building CondosTall HouseTannery RowCherry St. LoftsLanmark LoftsMonroe TerranceFitzgeraldIcon on BondMonroe CenterCity ViewFront RowGoodspeed BuildingAvenue 23If you're thinking about buying or selling a Downtown Grand Rapids Condo let me know I would love to show you around and help in any way. You can contact me (Steve Volkers at Keller Williams Realty) by email at svolkers@grar.com or call 616-575-1153.Thank you for reading,Steve VolkersIf ... 08/15/2007

Hi, my name is Amanda and I'm looking for to buy a home for my friends and I to live in while we are attending college.  As soon as I began looking at houses my dad suggested that I email Ethan and ask him if he could help me out.  Within thirty minutes or so he had sent me a list of about 20 houses in the price range and area that I had given him.  I believe it was later that afternoon he called me and asked if I wanted to go check out some of the houses that I was interested in.  He drove me all over downtown Grand Rapids and showed me a few of the houses and toured me through all of them.  He was extremely helpful with telling me what areas of Grand Rapids were safer than others.  He also protected me from a few creepy neighbors that tried to pick on me while we were trying to get in... 08/15/2007

I want to share a funny experience with you that I had this summer; maybe you can relate.  Being the average homeowner in Grand Rapids that I am, from time to time my wife and I come up with little "projects" for me to work on.  I have heard it referred to as the "Honey-Do" list.  Well, one of the projects this summer was to replace 6 of the 10 windows we have in our Grand Rapids home that are all the same size - 34"X54", not too big, but none too small either.Believe it or not, I completed the first step of the project. I had installed the new windows and was ready to start the touch-up work of painting the trim. Now, since my wife doesn't let me near a paintbrush after seeing the damage I can cause with my good intentions, I relied on two of my buddies (who are professional painters) ... 08/15/2007

  In a real estate transaction, the cauldron of stress boiling just beneath the surface can create circumstances that can turn a memorable moment into a messy nightmare.  Every real estate agent who has done a number of transactions can recollect at least one horrendous closing.  I recall one closing in which the seller was so stressed out about his daughter's wedding that he literally walked out of the closing office, declaring that he was not going to sign any paperwork!  He was later placated with a closing done just for him at his home in the company of a notary.  Stressful closings, in addition to being uncomfortable, are often a waste of time.  Arguments, delays, and all manner of sundry last minute issues are unnecessary distractions for an event which should be the culmination o... 08/14/2007

I'm getting questions more and more often from people interested in flipping and quick-money investments.  I do believe there are good properties/foreclosures for flip in Michigan!  You won't make a fortune at each sale like in other parts of the country (i.e. Vegas, Metropolitan cities, and oceanfront communities).  However, if you buy in the ‘right' neighborhood, and improve the ‘right' features, while staying in-budget; you could definitely make $10-20,000 per house - if it sells in a timely fashion.  Doing your research is a MUST to select the right neighborhood... your Realtor will have great advice and statistics on Days on the Market, School Systems, etc.Another big item to consider is the good ones sell quickly... Are you ready to write an offer immediately and close within 30-4... 08/13/2007

 It's funny how perception can shape reality.  Pounding it fiercely into a hard mold of convenience, even if the reality it shapes is a mere contrivance or even a blatant falsehood.  Today, I attended a business/networking meeting of the Women's Council of Realtors of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The speaker for the event was Dr. Bernard Taylor, the Grand Rapids School District  Superintendent.  Dr. Taylor, an engaging and interesting speaker gave a speech that totally rocked the core of what many people, including real estate agents, think about the Grand Rapids public schools.Dr. Bernard Taylor was recently appointed as Superintendent of  the Grand Rapids Public Schools in July off 2006.  Having previously served as the Superintendent in Kansas City Missouri, his perspective on the dynami... 08/09/2007

 This past year, our local Board launched it's First Major Marketing Campaign: "It's a Great Time to Buy!"  Little yellow signs now dot lawns of homes listed for sale all over Grand Rapids, Michigan with this positive message.  It's a great time to buy in Grand Rapids, Michigan because:Inventory Levels are Excellent and Provide for a Great Selection!Grand Rapids, Michigan has many wonderful communities in great variety of Locations!AND...Interest Rates though on the rise are still affordable for most buyers!Incredible Home Values and a Wide Range of Possibilities have made this market one of the most extraordinary times to be purchasing a New Home.Well, the message seems to be getting through.  I received this e-mail from our Real Estate Board CEO about some Extremely Positive Events th... 08/08/2007

Thought I would chime in on the state of the mortgage business in the area.  As many of you have heard, National City is the latest ( and I'm sure not last) to drop a bomb on the West Michigan economy.  They are no longer wholesaling home equity lines.  This follows the news from American Home Mortgage and Heartwell Mortgage closing up shop due to the downturn in loan activity.  It is quite surprising to me that respected names like National City, Heartwell, and AHM are the ones to announce problems.  I always thought it would be the known bottom feeders in the industry that would be the first to go.  Does anyone remember CommonPoint?What this boils down to is necessary market correction.  The dot.com industry went through this in the late 90's to early '00s and the wheat separated from... 08/07/2007

Just a few days ago the National Association of Realtors made a statement of the improving sales for the month of July.  That may be a national trend for one month but for those of us trained in marketing one month does not make a trend.Many economists are not so sure that the market surge reported in existing home sales is anything more than a blip that will go away as fast as it showed up.  Michigan has some underlying factors that are affecting our market that may not be present in other markets.Michigan rates #5 in the foreclosure rate nationally with over 42000 foreclosures.Grand Rapids has just seen one of the long time mortgage companies go out of business....they were caught up in the sub-prime loan issues and could not survive.Unemployment, with the job market tight people are ... 08/05/2007