Market Shifting as School Gets Underway
 
 

West Michigan's real estate market is cooling off a bit as school gets underway. Multiple offers are becoming less common, and buyers have more choices as inventory starts to increase. Overall, it's still a solid seller's market under $450,000 and a buyer's market above that price-point. Consider these year-to-date numbers:

* Sold prices are up 7.7% to an average of $183,679.
* Closed sales are up 4.3% over last year, while current listings are down 4.8% compared to 2015.
* Homes sold over $500,000 (207 of them) account for just 2.6% of the 8,100 homes sold YTD on our MLS.

Planning to sell? Call us at 575-0140 or 437-0209 to book a pre-listing consultation. We'll help you get your home ready for market and project your closing costs and net proceeds.



Bob & Lisa Novosad
616-575-0140

Nearly 20 farms in the Greater Grand Rapids area are participating in the 2016  KENT HARVEST TRAILS , providing families the opportunity to enjoy loads of country fun. Activities and tours begin mid-September and run through the end of October (although farms may actually open sooner and extend their season into early November, weather permitting).


Nationwide, housing is sizzling in the last few weeks before the end of summer. According to Realtor.com®, it's the "hottest August in a decade" for real estate.

Homes are selling 2 percent more quickly than a year ago and prices are reaching new highs. The median home was listed for $250,000 on realtor.com®, which is 8 percent higher than a year ago.



Sitting under a dark sky full of stars can be magical, a glimpse of the sublime and a sight to behold. Yet, many never really experience it. Their communities shine too much light into the night sky.

But three Lake Huron shoreline parks now will offer that experience year-round. Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation in February designating Thompson's Harbor, Negwegon and Rockport state parks as dark sky preserves.




Our Featured Property
1910 Forest Shores Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Spacious ranch on a quiet cul-de-sac in close proximity to everything in Forest Hills. You will love the tranquil setting here on a .90-acre lot with wooded backyard. White trim throughout the home and white cabinets in kitchen with tile backsplash. A cozy eating area is framed by a bay window, plus there is a formal dining room for holidays and entertaining. The large family room has a stone fireplace and adjoins a 3-season room with deck access. Large master bedroom with its own bathroom. A potential 3rd bedroom is now used as a den-study, with built-in desk and bookshelves, but can easily be fitted for a closet. The partially finished lower level offers space for a large rec room, hobby room and workshop. Side-loading garage offers walk-in access to mud room and laundry.

What to Do This Weekend
We now are a proud member of HelloWestMichigan, offering residential relocation services. This organization
serves as an advocate for talent and provides downstream support to transferees, as well as their families, as they settle into their new lives in West Michigan.  Be sure to check out our HWM  profile and let anyone who is looking to move to the area know about all the resources available on this website.

Thanks for letting us share these market updates with you. We look forward to maintaining your trust and confidence in our team and earning your future referrals.