School Districts Values Show
Wide Range of Appreciation
 
 

Property values on our Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in 2016 were up an average 8.0%, but not each and every school district in Kent County enjoyed that same rate of appreciation.

See the chart below. Lowell Schools was the front-runner with the average sales price up 20.6% last year to $230,138. East Grand Rapids showed the smallest rate of appreciation with a tepid 0.2% increase but an average sales price of $391,212. Three other districts logged double-digit increases: Grandville at 12.1%, and Byron Center and Kentwood at 10.3% each.

Planning on selling this year and taking advantage of what still is mainly a seller's market? Call us at 575-0140 or 437-0209 to book a pre-listing consultation. We'll help you get your home ready for market, project your closing costs and net proceeds, and put a strategic marketing plan into place.

Bob & Lisa Novosad
616-575-0140
When your clients are opening their doors to the public for showings, they need to take extra precautions. Share these suggestions to help them keep their belongings safe. After Christmas, many people put the empty boxes their expensive gifts came in out on the curb. What do you think that says to potential burglars? It screams, "I just got a brand-new TV! Come and rob me!"

That's just one example of some unwise habits homeowners have. If those owners are sellers opening their doors to the public for showings, habits such as these put them in even greater danger. The above example is a good warning to give to your clients now, since we're in the holiday season. But use it as a jumping-off point to have a deeper conversation about safety - and to show that your safety knowledge is an asset to sellers.


The number of home buyers ages 55 and older is expected to grow over the next decade, and builders across the country are ramping up to serve them. At the International Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla., this week, the National Association of Home Builders is educating attendees about how to support the industry's efforts to cater to this segment of the market.

In one session, Deryl Patterson, president of Housing Design Matters in Jacksonville, Fla., offered ideas of how to design, remodel, and market spaces so that they'll be more appealing to older home buyers. She says one important element is to avoid treating baby boomer clients as if they've suddenly developed a whole new set of living preferences. Patterson told attendees it makes more sense to think of boomers as "mature" in the sense that they are experienced buyers who know what they want.




Sarah Dugas - Team Assistant 

Sarah is a graduate student at Grand Valley State University pursuing her Masters of Science in Accountancy. A native "Yooper", she moved back to Michigan from Idaho where she worked with another Keller Williams Realty office in Ketchum. Sarah likes to work out and stay active, and enjoys all four seasons that Michigan has to offer.  
Melissa Allen - Buyer's Agent

Melissa has called Keller Williams Realty - GR East her home since beginning her real estate career 12 years ago. A Michigan native, she graduated from San Diego State University and moved back with her young family to East Grand Rapids in 2003 where she still resides. She recently joined The Novosad Team as its Buyer's Agent, bringing her professional expertise and passion for helping others to the table. Melissa has a long-standing reputation for providing distinctive service to her clients and being involved in community activities.
Happening This Month
We 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.