new construction in a historic neighborhood

It's exciting to see the residential development in and around downtown Grand Rapids. Whether you're looking to live in a renovated school, a sparkly high rise, or urban town house, Grand Rapids truly has something to offer everyone.

One of my favorite neighborhoods is East Hills - or as we know it - the center of the universe. Located about one mile east of downtown GR, East Hills is a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with boutique shops and great restaurants.

In the midst of this is a new condominium project called Fairmount Square. With just 35 town home condos, Fairmount Square offers four different floorplans, ample living space, and one or two stall garages! The homes at Fairmount start at $150,000, and monthly association dues are under $100.

Fairmount Square is located south of Cherry Street on Hollister, between Eastern and Diamond. Next time you're headed downtown, take a detour to Cherry Street. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the great shops and restaurants that await you.

Uptown Holiday Shop Hop

The streets and shops of the vibrant East Hills neighborhood will be bustling with holiday shoppers during the annual Uptown Holiday Shop Hop on Thursday, December 3 from 4 to 9 p.m.

Neighborhood shops and boutiques that line Wealthy Street, Cherry Street, and Fulton welcome the season with special offers, seasonal snacks, and drinks. There are also holiday carolers and free trolley rides to take you from store to store.

I have a few favorite shops that I'll be checking out after my open house at Fairmount Square - Muse Boutique, Art of the Table, and Wealthy at Charles. If you've never attended the Shop Hop, I encourage you to head downtown. This is a great event and will really get you in the holiday spirit!

hey buyers, what are you waiting for?

If you are a first-time home buyer, this truly is a great time to buy. The combination of historically low interest rates, prices, and government action has created a buying environment like none other. You may already know that the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers has been extended into 2010. And now, current homeowners can also qualify for up to a $6,500 tax credit when buying a new home. For an insider view of the housing market in Grand Rapids, and the implications of the expanded American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, download Greenridge Realty's free report, 2010: Year of the Move-up or Downsizing Buyer.

what buyers want

When purchasing a home, buyers have a number of decisions to make - financing options, location, and possibly the most essential, what features the home offers. While certain preferences are related to the buyers age and income, the National Association of Realtors has identified specific features that are desired by buyers of all ages. How do you think your home stacks up?

The most desired feature? Central air conditioning. Across the board, nearly 75% of all buyers ranked this number one. An oversized garage, (with two or more stalls), walk-in closet in the master bedroom, and a backyard or play area also rated as "very important".

Depending on the age of your home and size of your lot, some of these "must haves" may present a challenge for you. But you can turn a potential negative into a positive. For instance, if you have an older home with limited closet space, adding additional racks and shelves helps buyers see that there is indeed ample storage in a small space. If you don't have central air, promote the fact that the purchase price includes all window or wall units.

With the number of homes for sale in the Grand Rapids area, it's important that your home stands out. Anything you can do to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative will propel you to the front of the pack!

how's your curb appeal?

First impressions really do make a difference. And considering that curb appeal ranks high on a buyer's wish list, it is important to pay close attention to your exterior when you have a home to sell.

To start, walk across the street from your house and take a good, critical look at what you see. What jumps out at you - both good and bad. Is there anything that needs to be fixed, added, or removed? What kind of condition is your front door in? How about the walkway and driveway? Do your outside lights work? As the days get shorter, it is important that buyers can not only see your house, but see where they are going as they explore.

Also at this time of year, be diligent in raking leaves and showcasing your lawn and gardens in the best possible light. Try adding some mums, or other cold-hardy plants around your front door (or any door buyers will use) for instant autumn flair.

Here's an example I like. This entryway is so warm and welcoming with natural textures and a punch of fall color.

Finally, make sure windows and screens are sparkling clean. If possible, remove and store screens. You want to ensure your home shows in the best light - so make sure the light shines in!

texting

Have you ever driven by a house that's for sale, and just wanted to know the price without calling an agent? Well now you can send a text message and find out!

I am one of less than a dozen Realtors in the Grand Rapids real estate market using texting to provide information on my listings. Simply send a text message to the number you see on the for sale sign. Within minutes you will receive a text with not only the price, but the square footage, number of bedrooms, bathrooms and a link to more information on the neighborhood!

market momentum

Existing-home sales bounced back strongly in September with first-time buyers driving much of the activity, marking five gains in the past six months, according to the National Association of Realtors. Existing-home sales–including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops–jumped 9.4%. Sales activity is at the highest level in over two years.

Grand Rapids home sales are also up over last year - which is great news, espeically if you have a home to sell.

Competition is still stiff though. How will you set yourself apart?

The two most important elements you have control over, are the price and condition of your home. A competitive, and realistic price, will attract buyers. While a home in top condition, (spotless, organized, maintained inside and out) will help them remember your home and make a buying decision in your favor.  As you get ready to put your home on the market, walk through it as if you were a buyer - what can you change, fix, or enhance?