Is Grand Rapids Approaching Another Housing Bubble?

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Today, I just wanted to let you know that according to the National Association of Realtors, there is no housing bubble in sight.

It may seem like prices are inflated, but according to Realtor magazine, home prices and home sales are not nearly what they were ten years ago. Mortgage amounts are going down as well, so borrowers are much more conservative.

Additionally, mortgage lending is very tight compared to what it was ten years ago when everyone could get a mortgage, so the financial market is in a much different place than it was during the previous housing crisis.

To read the full article, check out this link: http://realtormag.realtor.org/news-and-commentary/economy/article/2015/07/no-housing-bubble-in-sight.

If you have any questions, give me a call or send me an email. I'd be happy to help you!

Who Should You Trust When Seeking a Loan in Grand Rapids?

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Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation 
Call me at (616) 447-7025 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation

There are many myths surrounding the lending industry, so today we thought we would do something to combat a prevalent one: the myth that all lenders are the same! 

There is a huge difference between working with a large national bank and a local bank. Typically, when working with a local or regional bank, you will have more direct contact with the underwriters, who are more familiar with the local paperwork: purchase agreements, addendums, contracts, etc. They simply know the process a little bit better!

All banks do not have the same rates and fees. I've seen banks vary by as much as half a percent in interest rates on the same day! We suggest shopping around and contacting a few local banks. The process will generally go a lot smoother once you've explored all your options and found someone you're comfortable with!

If you have any questions about the benefits of working with a local lender, or if you need real estate assistance of any kind, give us a call or shoot us a quick email. We would love to help you make the most of your real estate venture! 

Is Now the Time to Get Top Dollar for Your Grand Rapids Home?

Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation 
Call me at (616) 447-7025 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation

Although summer hasn't officially hit Grand Rapids, the market is already pretty hot! Inventory is incredibly low, and the buyers are out in full. In fact, in some areas, we have less than a month's worth of available inventory! This is causing prices to rise, which has greatly benefited the few sellers in the market right now!

If you have considered selling your home, now is the time to list! Your home may be worth a whole lot more than you think, as there is a high demand for great homes in this market! If you are curious about the value of your home, or if you would like to discuss your options, give me a call or shoot me a quick email. We would love to help you make the most of this fantastic market! 

How to Increase Your Curb Appeal

Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation 
Call me at (616) 447-7025 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation

A lot of people here in Grand Rapids have been asking me how they can boost their curb appeal. We've moved from winter to spring, so now is the time to start thinking about this before you list your home for sale. 

• Replace your exterior lights to give your home an extra glow. Buyers love well-lit homes.
• If your front door is a bit old, now would probably be a good time to replace it with a new one. This tends to set a good first impression with a buyer.
• Also remember to declutter.

• What I mean by this is that you need to rid your home of unnecessary distractions like collections, awards, trophies, artwork, or anything else that will distract the buyer inside of your home. Your home should look like it came out of a magazine.
• A good rule I use is that roughly 50% of the things on your shelves should be taken down and stored elsewhere for a good decluttering. You want your home as clean and neat as possible. 
• Kitchens and bathrooms are key. Potential buyers like to see updated kitchens and bathrooms. Usually kitchens are major selling points, so be sure to highlight all of the positive aspects of your kitchen. Remodeling doesn't always add value to your home, but usually repairs to kitchens and bathrooms pay off in the long run. It doesn't mean you need to spend $10,000, but you'll want it to look good.

Hopefully these tips can aid you when you list your home for sale this spring. If you need any extra help, please contact us and we can refer you to a good home stager.

As always, if you have any questions about the real estate market in Grand Rapids, please be sure to contact my team. We're always happy to help you!