Real Estate Information Archive

For many homebuyers in the Grand Rapids area, patience has paid off if you waited to list your home for sale until the market was just right. Now is the time to sell your homes in Grand Rapids for a number of reasons, many of which include the benefits of a seller's market. More homebuyers are flooding the real estate market looking for Grand Rapids Real Estate and as a result, confidence is soaring— for both buyers and sellers! Many home sellers have held out for this moment and you can rest assured, now is a great time to sell your Michigan home! Below you will find four reasons why this is the year to sell your home, from increasing housing prices and values to 2014 being marked as the "Year of the Big Move."

Homebuyer Demand is High
There is confidence present on both sides of the real estate fence (both buyers and sellers) and therefore, demand for homes for sale in Grand Rapids is high! According to the latest data from Realtor.com, "homes in November 2013 were selling 11% faster than they were a year prior," as reported by MarketWatch. Buyers are now serious about purchasing a home whether in the Grand Rapids area and listing your home now could be beneficial for everyone involved!

Supply is Increasing
According to MarketWatch, "some analysts say that the supply-demand imbalance that has helped create this seller’s market is largely due to [investors purchasing homes and turning them into rentals]." In fact, many real estate experts projecting levels to rise even more as these investors place the homes back up for sale and more home sellers begin to gain back positive equity in their homes. Selling while the demand for Michgian homes is high and before the supply increases even more could guarantee you a great selling price on your property!

Interest Rates are Rising
This seems to be the case in nearly every real estate market across the country— so strike while rates are still low! Mortgage rates are rising, along with housing prices, jumping at significant levels and real estate experts and economists predict they will only continue to climb over the next few years. “Whether you are moving up or moving down, your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home,” reported KCM.

It’s Time for a Change
Think about the reason you want to move to a new home in Grand Rapids, Michigan and why you are ready to sell your current home. Realtor.com reports that 2014 will be known as the "Year of the Big Move," with many changing homes for varying reasons— jobs, cost of living, and switching from renting to owning. Decide whether it is worth the wait and how much it might cost you and your family if you put off selling for another month or even year. With the real estate market reapidly changing, especially with increasing interest rates, a delay can really make an impact on your future.

Are you ready for a change, ready to move to a new home in the Grand Rapids area? Now may be a great time to sell your home and may prove to be the best move for your family! 

I happily serve the areas of Grand Rapids, Kent County, Forest Hills, East Grand Rapids, Cascade, Ada, Rockford, Northview, Grandville, Kentwood, Caledonia, Walker, Cedar Springs, Sparta, Belmont, Comstock Park, Byron Center, Wyoming, Alpine, Kenowa Hills, Plainfield, Cannon, Lowell, Sand Lake, Jenison, Hudsonville, Wayland, Belmont, Alto and Kent City. 

Mark Brace

Realtor, ABR, GRI, SRES, e-PRO, AHWD

Prudential Preferred REALTOR®

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It's a new year and a new month and the Grand Rapids area is headed into the thick of January winter weather. You've probably been wondering how you can protect your Grand Rapids area homes this winter, especially from these harsh cold temperatures. The answer is yes! Whether this is your first home, as a first-time homebuyer, or you're a long-time homeowner, the following steps can help you protect your home before the winter taks a toll on the property.

Keep the Pipes Warm

Winter weather can cause a Grand Rapids homeowner to endure expensive repairs this time of year, many of which come from burst pipes. Take heed— the rest of your home may be warm, but the water in the pipes in other areas, like the attic, basement, crawl space and back of cabinets, can freeze. To keep your pipes from bursting, MSN Real Estate suggests to "wrap the pipes in the cold parts of your house in insulation, and open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes." You can also "let water drip slowly from the faucets to help keep the water flowing."

Protect the Outside of Your Home

If you didn't already in the fall, cleaning your gutters can help to prevent water from backing up and freezing. Take a look at the downspouts and be sure the water is being routed away from your home, disconnect your garden hoses, and use weatherstripping or caulking to seal drafty windows and doors. You should also trim any low-hanging branches outside that might freeze and snap which can damage your home or nearby power lines.

Watch the Roof

The roofs of Grand Rapids homes can become problematic during the winter season if not taken care of properly. If alot of snow accumulates, the roof can actually collapse, especially those over porches or additions. Average accumulations and dry snow will not typically have negatives affects on homes, but when heavy snow begins you can use a roof rake with a long handle to remove the snow while on the ground.

Think About a Generator

Before a big winter storm hits, consider buying a generator. While you may not have time now, it's something to keep in mind to protect Grand Rapids Real Estate for the long-haul of the winter season. " A generator can help keep your heat and power — as well as your sump pump and your fire and burglar alarms — running," stated MSN Real Estate. "It can help prevent frozen pipes and keep you a lot more comfortable, too." Winter weather can often cause power outages due to ice and wet snow, therefore an automatic standby generator can be useful. This type immediately turns on after a power outage and can even qualify you for a discount on your homeowners insurance.

Want more advice about real estate in Grand Rapids? Thinking of moving this winter? I can help you with all things Grand Rapids real estate to find a home that works for you!

I happily serve the areas of Grand Rapids, Kent County, Forest Hills, East Grand Rapids, Cascade, Ada, Rockford, Northview, Grandville, Kentwood, Caledonia, Walker, Cedar Springs, Sparta, Belmont, Comstock Park, Byron Center, Wyoming, Alpine, Kenowa Hills, Plainfield, Cannon, Lowell, Sand Lake, Jenison, Hudsonville, Wayland, Belmont, Alto and Kent City. 

Mark Brace

Realtor, ABR, GRI, SRES, e-PRO, AHWD

Prudential Preferred REALTOR®

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The holidays are here and many Grand Rapids homeowners are expecting guests to flood their homes with holiday cheer. You may be ready, but is your home? It's time to prep Grand Rapids area homes for the holiday with the following tips to make it easy— especially helpful if you're getting ready to sell!

Work Ahead of Time
Just like your holiday meal, work ahead of time to prep your home for guests. Make your way into those guest bedrooms and clean out the closets to open up the room. The process is the same as staging homes for sale in Grand Rapids, clean off countertops and entryways, removing any unnecessary items. For the holidays, keep these items out of sight and out of mind.

Safety
Your guests don't know your home as well as you do. Install night lights and make sure your outside lights are working so they don't trip coming to the door. Bathrooms and bedrooms should also have motion activated lights to ensure safe travels through your homes in Grand Rapids.

Take Extra Precautions
Take extra precautions to ensure that all you need for holiday cooking and hosting is up and running. For instance, what would happen if the oven decided not to heat? Or the refridgerator gave out just when more guests arrived? To be proactive, don't self-clean your oven until after the holidays and avoid putting any oils, fats, or grease down your kitchen sink. You can also stick a thermometer inside your refridgerator to be sure it is at the proper temperature, and always make sure the coils at the back are free to breathe. If it is blocked in any way, it could prevent the appliance from cooling.

Make a Good Impression
Your home's entryway will be the first thing they see, make sure it's well-equipped and clean. Give doors a new coat of paint, oil hinges to prevent squeaking, and tighten door hardware. Houselogic even suggests removing "scratches from hardwood floors, stairs, and wood railings [and placing] a small rug or welcome mat at the entrance to protect floors from mud and snow."

Sleeping Arrangements
If you have a guest room, it's helpful to install a ceiling fan/light combo to help guests control the room temperature without fiddling with the thermostat.

Ready to move this holiday season? I can help you with all things Grand Rapids Real Estate to find a home that works for you!

I happily serve the areas of Grand Rapids, Kent County, Forest Hills, East Grand Rapids, Cascade, Ada, Rockford, Northview, Grandville, Kentwood, Caledonia, Walker, Cedar Springs, Sparta, Belmont, Comstock Park, Byron Center, Wyoming, Alpine, Kenowa Hills, Plainfield, Cannon, Lowell, Sand Lake, Jenison, Hudsonville, Wayland, Belmont, Alto and Kent City. 

Mark Brace

Realtor, ABR, GRI, SRES, e-PRO, AHWD

Prudential Preferred REALTOR®

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Want more information about Grand Rapids Real Estate? I happily serve the areas of Grand Rapids, Kent County, Forest Hills, East Grand Rapids, Cascade, Ada, Rockford, Northview, Grandville, Kentwood, Caledonia, Walker, Cedar Springs, Sparta, Belmont, Comstock Park, Byron Center, Wyoming, Alpine, Kenowa Hills, Plainfield, Cannon, Lowell, Sand Lake, Jenison, Hudsonville, Wayland, Belmont, Alto and Kent City. 

Mark Brace

Realtor, ABR, GRI, SRES, e-PRO, AHWD

Prudential Preferred REALTOR®

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This time of year is great for exploring and enjoying Grand Rapids! The events below offer everyone a chance to celebrate the holidays in our area— so take a look and get ready to kick off the season:

Art Van Santa Parade

November 23, 2013; 9 AM to 11 AM

Downtown Grand Rapids

Come help welcome Santa to Grand Rapids in a parade that has been a downtown tradition for nearly 100 years! Parade route to be determined.

It's a Wonderful Life

November 21, 2013 through December 14, 2013; 7:30 PM

Master Arts Theatre, Grand Rapids

Master Arts Theatre presents It’s a Wonderful Life, the American classic— the saga of George Bailey and the guardian angel Clarence who shows George what the world would have been like had he never been born. Tickets are $16.

Window Wonderland

November 22, 2013; 5:30 PM

Downtown Grand Rapids

This season there’s even more reason to venture downtown. Students from Kendall College of Art and Design and Grand Valley State University have partnered with Downtown merchants to compete in Window Wonderland 2013— a competition to create the best holiday windows in Downtown Grand Rapids.

Hudsonville Holiday Parade

November 23, 2013; 10 AM

32nd Ave, Hudsonville

It is that time of year again! Jessen Law PLC presents the 20th Annual Hudsonville Holiday Parade on November 23 at 10 AM. Along with the City of Hudsonville and the Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, come out and enjoy this festive hometown event! 

The Original Charles Dickens Carolers

November 26, 2013 through December 17, 2013; 6 PM to 8 PM

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids

Enjoy musical entertainment from carolers dressed in period costumes. The Original Dickens Carolers will roam the corridor singing holiday tunes to add to the festive atmosphere of our exhibition Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World. 

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Want more information about Grand Rapids Real Estate? I happily serve the areas of Grand Rapids, Kent County, Forest Hills, East Grand Rapids, Cascade, Ada, Rockford, Northview, Grandville, Kentwood, Caledonia, Walker, Cedar Springs, Sparta, Belmont, Comstock Park, Byron Center, Wyoming, Alpine, Kenowa Hills, Plainfield, Cannon, Lowell, Sand Lake, Jenison, Hudsonville, Wayland, Belmont, Alto and Kent City. 

Mark Brace

Realtor, ABR, GRI, SRES, e-PRO, AHWD

Prudential Preferred REALTOR®

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A Great Article Posted Via Trulia.Com! Check it out!

http://www.trulia.com/blog/taranelson/2013/04/5_emotional_mistakes_sellers_make?ecampaign=cnews201304B&eurl=www.trulia.com%2Fblog%2Ftaranelson%2F2013%2F04%2F5_emotional_mistakes_sellers_make

There are homeowners that would like to have a larger/nicer home but are patiently waiting for the market to improve.  A frequently heard objection is that they can't sell their home for what it is currently worth.   

Buying up in a down market is actually advantageous because while you might get less for the home you're selling, you're also getting the larger home for less.  For instance, if you had to sell a $200,000 home for a 10% discount, you might feel that you left $20,000 on the table.  However, buying a $300,000 for the same 10% discount would put you $10,000 ahead on the sale and purchase.

The other obvious matter is that when the mortgage rates increase while you're waiting for the market to improve, it dramatically increases your cost of housing with higher payments.  The cost of housing is affected by price and mortgage rates.

To accurately evaluate your current options, you need facts and assessment tools that will provide you the information to make an informed decision. Contact me, Mark Brace, today to discuss your options. Whether buying or selling I am here to help make the process enjoyable and exciting! 

First 3 Paragraphs Taken from Pat Zaby's Blog

Mortgage Update:

Serious credit problems are happening to a lot of people these days.  Here’s a handy reference chart on waiting periods if clients have a bankruptcy, Grand Rapids Foreclosures or Grand Rapids Short Sales.

Bankruptcy Chapter 7 or 11: 2 Year Waiting Period (Only 1 yr with extreme extenuating circumstances exist)

Bankruptcy Chapter 13: 1 Year Waiting Period with 12 months satisfactory payments to Trustee. Must have court permission to buy a new home.

Foreclosure: 3 Year Waiting Period

Short Sale if Borrower is Current at Time of Short Sale: No wait time if all mortgage debts are paid on time for 12 months preceding short sale.

Short Sale if Borrower is delinquent at Time of Short Sale: 3 Year waiting period from date of sale.

MSHDA's Mortgage Credit Certificate Program:

You ask what is a Mortgage Credit Certificate? Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) reduce the amount of federal income tax a homebuyer pays. The estimated annual cost savings is calculated on a monthly basis to help homebuyers qualify for a higher mortgage payment, and therefore a higher priced home-expanding home choices. MCCs are available to homebuyers who meet household income and home purchase price limits.

Calculating the Credit:

Total Mortgage Amount x Loan Interest Rate=Annual Interest

Annual Interest x MCC Rate (20%)= Tax Credit for the Year

Where Can you Get A MCC?

Many banks, credit unions and mortgage companies participate in the MCC program. A list is available on the MSHDA website : michigan.gov/mshda.

These MCCs can be combined with convential, FHA, Rural Development and VA Mortgage loans. Just because the first time homebuyer's tax credit has expired doesn't mean you shouldn't take advantage of this BUYER's market! Call Me Today!

According to the Associated Press,  mortgage rates dropped to the lowest level in decades for the sixth time in seven weeks, offering the most attractive opportunity for those who qualify to refinance or purchase a home.

Government-controlled mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate for 30-year fixed loans this week was 4.49 percent, down from 4.54 percent last week. That's the lowest since Freddie Mac began tracking rates in 1971.

If you're in a position to buy and have been hesitating, now is the time. Mortgage rates will eventually go up and with inflation they could sky rocket. I cannot stress enough that NOW is the time to buy.