Avalon Pointe Estates – Featuring 6471 Avalon Dr. SE, Caledonia MI 49316

Featuring 6471 Avalon Dr. SE, Caledonia MI 49316

We just listed a beautiful new home in Avalon Pointe Estates.  The address is 6471 Avalon Dr. SE, Caledonia MI.  The home sits on .3 Acres bordering undeveloped acreage.  There’s a lot of space here…2,500 sq. ft finished plus potential for more square footage in the basement.  The interior is immaculate and shows pride of ownership. This property can be viewed on the Local MLS or

Click here or the picture to preview a Real Estate Show.

About the  Avalon Pointe Community…

Avalon Pointe Estates is a community of condominium homes, duplexes and tri-plexes  in Caledonia MI.  Turning into the community which is just north off of 68th Street, a beautifully landscaped entry provides a welcoming aesthetic.  Association home owners can enjoy some respite from the more mundane tasks of home ownership as the Association fees include lawncare, trash and snow removal as well as bi-weekly recycling.

The community Clubhouse is a popular meeting spot for gatherings.  Residents are encouraged to meet their neighbors through activities which take place in the Clubhouse which includes a pool area.  For property owners who are not condominium dwellers, a variety of home styles and structures are available.  They can also take advantage of the amenities at the Gatehouse for a yearly Fee.

Click here to Pre-View more Condominium Homes For Sale in Caledonia, MI

Nearby Schools – Avalon Pointe Community – Caledonia MI

1. Explorer Elementary School
2. Rainbow Child Care Center
3. East Kentwood High School
4. Dutton Christian Middle School
5. Pinewood Middle School
6. Cross Creek Charter Academy
7. Kentwood Public Schools: East Kentwood Freshman Campus
8. Horizons DRC

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Multi-Generational Living Option – Rockford, MI – Featuring 6211 Kies NE Rockford MI 49341

*THIS HOME HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM THE MARKET 8/12

For additional information on Multi-Generational Living, read this Blog Post.

Located on 3 acres of an idyllically scenic setting, this spacious home was designed with Multi-Generational living in mind. For many people, this style of home offers several advantages including:  Affordable Living,  Privacy, Plenty of Space to Roam and Play plus the Flexibility to grow and contract as your needs dictate.

With more college students returning home for a stint and an increase in home rentals, this home has a lot of potential benefit.  The walk-out downstairs area is plumbed, studded and framed out for 2-3 additional bedrooms, a Living Room, laundry area and kitchen. The main level features an open style gathering room with a large counter-top and range cooker. An additional bar-top provides even more seating in this ample space.

Two stairways on all levels ensure that there will never be a traffic jam as members of the household engage one another. There are 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths on the main level plus a large loft area which is currently used as office space but could easily be converted into an additional bedroom and bath upstairs.

Other features to note include: zoned heating (4 zones) central vacuum, 2 laundry areas, radiant heat around bath, heated flooring in downstairs, water softener, drinking water filtration system, a fire-pit and expanded deck.  The home abuts Luton Park, a popular nature preserve.

The area attracts a generous assortment of wildlife including deer and butterflies. Lots of options here…see them for yourself! Call us at 616-881-6889 for an appointment.  Click on the picture for an interior pre-view tour.

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Illegal Eviction? Why the Robo Signing Fiasco Is Causing Some Homeowners to Move Back In.

Within the past few weeks, the Wild Wild West saga of the on-going Mortgage/Foreclosure Mess has taken another dramatic dark twist into the nightmare scenario of a twilight saga.

It started with an announcement by several of the nations’ largest lenders to halt foreclosure proceedings temporarily in 23 States. Things, quickly escalated with the discovery of irregularities which included Robo signing foreclosure specialists who were foreclosing on homes at a rate of thousands per month.  This sort of revelation caused Bank of America to cease foreclosure filings in all 50 Stateswhile the lending institution reviewed it’s paperwork process.

Meanwhile, the legal machine started up as State Attorney Generals in all 50 States filed suit against the nation’s leading lenders and the White House launched it’s own investigation.  Investors who had been propping up the market have also begun to file suit to protect their investment as the issue of who actually owns the home has come into play due to the fact that there may have been illegal transfers of title because due process was not observed.

But even as Bank of America announced that is was re-starting the mortgage process yesterday after it had reviewed it’s process, reports are emerging of homeowners re-entering their foreclosed homes with claims that the home was seized illegally and they did not have the right to be evicted.

In one case, the homeowner took possession of their home in Simi Valley, California with the assistance of their lawyer who claimed that he needed to help the clients get back into their former home before the Real Estate Broker and Investor defrauded a new family by having them move in because there seemed to be some discrepancies in the transfer of title.  You can view a slideshow of another similar situation in which the real estate agent is pictured outside a home which he was hired by the bank to sell.

It seems to me that this new phase which is unraveling has even more significant implications than the initial crisis.  For buyers who are considering the purchase of a foreclosure, this may provide additional pause about making an investment. It’s also not difficult to imagine a scenario in which the legal system becomes inundated with claims by evicted homeowners and the market grinds to a standstill.  Do you also find it challenging to make any sense of the cavalier attitude on so many fronts which has created a situation in which the truth grows stranger than fiction on a daily basis and one in which the harsh reality is impacting so many millions of individuals?

photo credit courtesy of Subterranean Tourist Board on Flickr

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OPEN: 12/11/10 from 1:30 PM ~ 3:30 PM – Charming Reminder of a Bygone Era…615 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503

I’m inviting you to step into a period when craftsmen took their time to create masterpieces and fashioned art out of wood. This home really takes you back to a time of solid wood beamed pillars, six inch molding and beamed ceilings, parlor parties and gracious entertaining!

The expansive front porch is big enough to throw a front yard barbecue party or simply hang out and say hello to the neighbors! The home features higher than average ceilings on the main floor and spacious living, dining and entertaining areas.

The kitchen is a chef’s delight.  It’s been totally remodeled and updated. There is tons of cupboards and counter-space with modern granite-like counter-top coverings against warm Burgundy walls. This is a great place to call home! No Short Sale Hassles here…see and purchase today!

To preview, click on the picture and watch the real estate video.  Contact Audu Real Estate at 616-791-0511 for a home showing.

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Come Home to Easy…2181 Easy St. Wyoming, MI 49519 (OPEN: 12/11/10 – 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

Click on the picture to take a virtual tour of 2181 Easy St. SW   Wyoming, MI  49519

Contact Audu Real Estate at 616-791-0511 for a pre-view tour.

Have you ever had a home remind you of a song?  The melody that’s threading through my mind right now is the Billy Halliday classic, Summertime, where the Livin’ is Easy.  And perhaps appropriately so, as we just listed a delightful, tastefully appointed home on 2181 Easy St. in Wyoming, MI!

Why don’t you take a meandering stroll or drive down Easy St. to visit this classic two-story home.  No stress or Short Sale hassles here!  It’s easy to appreciate the well maintained lawn and the welcoming porch which frame the welcome into a home which is move in ready!

There are several places to spread out and enjoy the company of friends and family.  Relax in the gracious living room which features a bay window and wood burning fireplace, or wander past the kitchen into the family room with soaring cathedral ceilings and elegant pictures windows.  If you prefer a natural breeze, the 3 season porch beckons and opens up onto a large deck.

The back yard has a fence and is nicely landscaped.  It also includes a tree-house for the kid in all of us!  This 4 bedroom home has so much to offer…central air, main floor utility, new roof, large storage shed and Grandville schools.  Well, it’s something you just have to visit to experience.  Common’ over to Easy St.  You’ll be glad you did.

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How Do I find a Grand Rapids MI Home to Purchase with a Land Contract?

*This post was a response to a question posted on Trulia.  It has been one of the most frequently visited responses since we began assisting folks with answers to real estate questions on that site.  So we thought it would be helpful to share with visitors to Grand Rapids Real Estate Musings who may also have similar concerns.  We’ve also added more detailed information here to help our readers.   Here’s what we posted in response to the question:

HOW DO WE FIND HOMES FOR SALE WITH LAND CONTRACT OR RENT TO OWN  OPTIONS?

Dear….

We have assisted clients who are in situations similar to the one you described. The good news is that there are more options available today than there have been in recent history.  There are also some particular pitfalls which you should be aware of so you can avoid some regrettable results.

The Grand Rapids Association of Realtors  MLS system allows real estate agents to search for land contracts and other terms which may indicate a willingness on the part of the current home owner to rent or lease with an option to buy.

In addition, we search beyond the borders of the local MLS to assist clients with locating suitable homes on sites such as Craigslist.  However, it is  extremely important to negotiate these type of transactions correctly.

There should be close coordination with a reputable lender as well as a written lease and purchase contract which protects your interests and provides options for you in the future. When this is not done properly, you can easily loose a lot of potential hard earned equity.  You should also consider the possibility of doing some additional research to determine if the home is currently in default.  Some buyers have moved into homes only to find that the home was being foreclosed on due to the non-payment of the mortgage.

We’d be happy to sit down with you or talk over the phone about the specifics concerning your situation. There is no obligation. When we understand what you are looking for, we can research and forward listings which you can review in the comfort and convenience of your home.

You may also visit our website or blog to read about the experiences of clients we have helped recently.

Regards,

Lola Audu

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Why Wait on the Sidelines…Visit 5704 Gatewood SE, Kentwood MI 49508

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, but wondered about what’s available…well, click on the picture to take a guided tour of this beautiful tri-level located on a cul de sac in Kentwood, MI .   If this is your first time buying…you may qualify for up to $8,000 of Free Cash in the form of the New Tax Credit.  Why wait on the sidelines… NOW REDUCED TO $124,900! 6/09

5704 Gatewood SE, Kentwood MI 49508

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Affordable Sophistication Now Available for $115,000…5459 Greenboro in Kentwood, MI 49508

5459 Greenboro SE, Kentwood MI 49508

 

 

 

 

Click on the Picture to View the Real Estate Show!

Affordable Sophistication is what this home offers for a price tag of $125,000  $115,000 which includes over 2000 sq. ft of living space, 4 bedrooms, 1+ baths, a formal living room, family room w/fireplace, recreation room plus 2 offices.  If you like class & style but decry having to pay a hefty price tag to afford a home, you must get inside this house!  With warm earth tone neutrals and custom updating throughout the main level, you’re in for a sensational treat.

It’s a home that ‘hugs’ you when you enter.  The formal living room extends into the kitchen and dining room area.  And then a second family room with a fireplace beckons you outside to a fully privacy fenced backyard.

Whether it’s about relaxing, entertaining or just hanging out…this home has it all.  Downstairs, there is a large recreation room plus bedroom with a private sitting room and 2 offices plus laundry and storage.

You’ll never feel like you’re on top of family members here…there’s tons of room to roam.  This great home is ready for you!

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How To Sell Your Grand Rapids, MI Home in 31 Days…Lessons From a Rookie!

I’ve been around the block a time or two.  With over 13 years in the business, I’ve seen some of the best years for the real estate industry.  These were times in which homes sold simply because a sign was placed in the yard and financing options were plentiful even for the minimally qualified.

This post is the story of what a Rookie taught me and a message to all the ‘old timers’ out there who say it can’t be done.  It can.  And it’s not just about beginners luck. 

When Lorrae Danzig took on the assignment for the sale of this Wyoming house, she knew it would be a challenge.  The home had been listed several times and the owners were tough investors who had war room stories that made you cringe during the re-telling. 

They wanted results.  Period.  Well…let’s rephrase that…they wanted good results.  They’d already had one agent tell them that although the home showed beautifully, they ought to cut their losses and run.

So, with their backs against the wall and everyone telling them NOT to trust a Rookie, they were understandably a little nervous about this meeting. 

Well, let’s cut to the chase and look critically at just WHAT Lorrae did to earn their trust, market their home and sell it successfully at a price that was over $11,000 MORE than what Mr. Experienced Agent said they could get for it.

Training…

Lorrae addressed the experience issue head on by letting her clients know that she wasn’t winging their transaction. Lorrae is enrolled in the Mentor Training Program at Audu Real Estate which meant that the entire transaction would be intimately supervised by a Broker including the critical task of researching the neighborhood and price.

Researching…

Careful attention was put into finding out what pricing the area could support.  This included doing a comprehensive mapping profile, neighborhood analysis and traditional Comparative Market Analysis.  This data was sifted through to account for the impact of Foreclosures and the more insidious, but equally price deflating Short Sales and determining what impact they were having on the current market.

Marketing…

Top Quality marketing was initiated immediately.  This included several quality photos online, listing the property on multiple websites, designing an informational flyer, creating a visually appealing Real Estate Show, sending out information about the home to interested parties, Open Houses and blogging about the home.  The investor had been in the business for 20 years and his words were…”I’ve never seen anything like this.(referencing the Real Estate Show)  Keep doing what you’re doing!”

Follow-up…

This was critical.  Every single lead was tracked.  Agent feedback was transmitted regularly to the owner.  The hit volume online was carefully monitored.  When agents called about other properties in the area, this home was also brought to their attention.  With over 13,000 homes online, it’s easy not to see everything worth pre-viewing.  Lorrae made sure her listing was not overlooked

Follow-Through…

When it comes to closing a real estate transaction, sometimes the most dangerous distance is between the final signatures and the closing. This deal was not short on unexpected twists and turns.  Lorrae ensured that the ball didn’t unwind into an unruly tangle by keeping abreast of the situation. 

Communication…

She documented calls to the lender, the other agent, the title company, the appraiser and surveyor to make sure that everyone was on the same page.  More than once, this prevented delays or worse…derailing of the transaction.  When a curve ball was thrown 15 minutes before closing with an indication that there was a shortage of funds from the buyer, Lorrae kept things on track by remaining calm and communicating with all parties until the transaction closed 24 hours later.

Conclusion…

As I look back at this list, I see a strong focus on the Fundamentals of Real Estate.  It’s very easy to become disheartened at the negative news about the real estate industry.  It’s also easy to become distracted and spend time doing all sorts of things which will never sell a home.  The basic principles of selling a home remain the same even though the tools we use may change.  It’s about making sure you focus on the basics of Communication, Research, Marketing, Prospecting, Follow-Through and Follow-Up. Sometimes, you can learn a lot from a Rookie…

Click here to read more about Lorrae Danzig..

Copyright 2008  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

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Shawmut Hills…A Seasonal View of a Northwest Grand Rapids, MI Neighborhood

The Shawmut Hills neighborhood is a small residential community located in the northwest section of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  It is bordered by Lake Michigan Drive and Leonard St. NW and extends east towards Covell Ave. and west towards Collingdale Ave.  It’s one of my favorite northwest communities.  The homes in the community are a nice mix of older estates, newer custom built homes and small to mid-sized homes perfect for first time home buyers.

The tree lined streets and well maintained homes make it a great community to walk or jog in. In fall, the colors are exquisite. The area also has several schools which include, Shawmut Hills School, Covell Elementary, Oakleigh School and on it’s eastern boundary, Union Highschool. 

There is also a nice local park, ShawmutPark and several area parks such as Millennium Park, Johnson Park and John Ball Park are within 5-7 kilometers.  It’s close proximity to the expressway, make it ideal for commuters who need to get to downtown Grand Rapids, (5-7 minutes) or catch I-196 going east or west. 

The Shawmut Hills which is partially in the city of Walker, also  includes a small business district on Lake Michigan Drive which features a local grocery store, the Family Fare, a Honda/Kawasaki dealership and various smaller shops and restaurants.  One of the best pizza places in town is Marinades, a gourmet pizza shop that creates innovative pizza recipes in a brick oven.  Patrons can order their pizzas or dine in. Another very popular local haunt is Shawmut Inns which shares the same parking lot with Marinades. 

Shawmut Hills is a community which offers the best of city living.  It is close to stores, access to the expressway and about 30 minutes from Lake Michigan.  However, it maintains a nice, quiet, residential feeling where you can enjoy the sight of deer and other forms of wildlife in your backyard if you’re lucky. 

Looking for Homes for Sale in the Shawmut Hills Community of Grand Rapids, Michigan…

If you’re looking for a home in Shawmut Hills community in Grand Rapids, Michigan or a nearby area, there is quite a selection.  The range includes moderately priced residences to executive style homes.  This list is updated daily, so check back often.  Click here to access list of homes in Shawmut Hills, Grand Rapids, Michigan and surrounding communities in Walker, Michigan.

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