Forbes had a wonderful article on Grand Rapids being the best place in the USA to raise a family.  It is true that I have been selling homes to many children of friends who are all moving “back” after taking their first jobs in Chicago or New York – now married and beginning to start their families are coming “home.”

We have some really cool festivals and community events coming up in the next few months that will draw a lot of “out of town” visitors – who might want to make Grand Rapids their home.  Here are a few you don’t want to miss:

1.  Heritage Hill Home Tour

May 19 and 20 – This is a “must see” if you appreciate quality and spectacular historical homes.  Check here for further information.

2. Festival 2012

June 1,2 and 3 –  Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids is FREE!!!   Stop downtown (where the streets are blocked off and walking is encouraged) over this weekend and grab some homemade food – listen to the bands – watch the dancers – participate or be an observer.  You’ll have fun either way.  Check here for the schedule of events.

3.  ArtPrize 2012

September 19 – October 7 – Unbelievable is the first word to come to you when you experience ArtPrize in Downtown Grand Rapids.  Art of every form, shape, size, type – thousands of pieces all within walking distance – indoors and outside – and YOU are the judge.  Check it out here and participate (as an artist, a volunteer or a spectator – it’s your choice).

These are just a few of the upcoming events in Good Ole GR – let me know which ones are your favorites!

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I know – who doesn’t love a good Ruth Chris Steak House?  Food Great – Service Outstanding – Location Wonderful; I agree, but have just a bit of a hair under my saddle with a Ruth Chris taking over the Elegant 1913 Room at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids.

A few nights ago we (my husband Guy and I) celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary at the Ruth Chris Steak House at the Amway.  The food was wonderful.   We started with ample glasses of Cabernet, shared Ruth Chris Chopped Salad (plenty for 2), I had the Dover Sole which was prepared very traditionally (delicious) and Guy had the Filet.  We had a chance to share the entrees and both agreed they were wonderful.  The side of fingerling potatoes with a cheese mustard sauce was perfect too – we shared this and certainly didn’t go away hungry.

7 years ago we dined at the 1913 Room in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and got engaged that evening.  It was a perfect evening sitting in a quiet, elegant room that stepped you back 100 years in time and made you feel unrushed and special.  Now, maybe it was because we got engaged that it was special – but I believe every time I dined at the 1913 Room I felt relaxed and pampered.

The ambiance between the 1913 Room and the Ruth Chris is vastly different.  They are in exactly the same location in the hotel.  The food in both is outstanding.  But it’s not the same – it seemed noisy (we were seated in the dining room with the hostess stand in the front so maybe that was a distraction) – it seemed stark instead of elegant.

I know – I know – get over it.  Ruth Chris is here to stay – yet, I think I would like to find an intimate elegant dining spot somewhere here in the Grand Rapids area yet – and I will.   Let me know if you have a favorite or a suggestion – I’d love to try it out.

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Everyone looking to buy a home in today’s marketplace is struggling with deciding what kind of loan to get. Should they go “really low” and get an adjustable rate mortgage for 5, 7 or 10 years?

… Or should they go with the tried and true 30 (or 20) year fixed rate mortgage??  With today’s record setting low rates I don’t believe there is any doubt a 20 or 30 year fixed rate mortgage makes the most sense for almost everyone in today’s market.

Here is the most important reason why – and almost the only reason why:

1.  Check out this Cost Comparison Chart and become a BELIEVER

Here are the Cost Comparison’s for the major indexes in the United States.  ONLY the monthly fixed rate mortgage ends up having a 0% of change on the Price Index.  We all know our food, gasoline, medical care and tuition have all gone crazy since 1981 – it is only the monthly mortgage payment on a median priced home (which at that time was at 14% – and was not refinanced with any cash out) that did not skyrocket…it didn’t even go up!

Words of advice:

1.  Find a good lender (we’ll send you a list if you like).  With rates as low as they are today you can shop closing costs and rates.

2.  Find a good REALTOR (that would be us) who can lead you through the process.

3.  Rest easy with the knowledge that today’s marketplace offers great value and if you go with a fixed rate loan – future stability

4.  Don’t refinance for cash out during the time of your loan (you probably won’t have to since the rates today are so low.

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Better than New. Elegant Practicality – Take a look at this lovely home at the end of a cul-de- sac in East Grand Rapids! Features include spacious kitchen with granite countertops and kitchen island, stainless appliances, mudroom with lockers, gas fireplace, wood floors, main floor laundry, Master Suite with cathedral ceilings, master bath with double sinks. All 4 bedrooms are upstairs with extra wide hallways – very spacious with plenty of closets. Den/swing room on the main floor.

Daylight basement with finished family room and 9′ ceilings. Plenty of space in the daylight area for another bedroom and bathroom. Outside offers a lovely backyard – totally fenced with a tasteful black fence – deck off the sliders from the kitchen/dining area. Great location in award winning East Grand Rapids schools – quiet street – yet within walking distance of Reeds Lake, ice cream shops and shopping.

Give us a call if you would like to take a peek inside. Cell 616 340-8411

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There are two trends that we are tracking here – which should be of interest to any buyers or sellers in the marketplace today.  Both trends can be predictors of the marketplace

Trend # 1   Fewer Listings

The first trend is the light green graph, which shows the number of listings on the Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS site.  We have fewer listings on the market today than in the past 12 months.  What does that mean right now?  For Buyers:  Fewer choices.  Since it is trending this way you can pretty much plan that the choices will even diminish more – so make your move when you find the right house or condo – don’t wait!!    For Sellers:  Better chances of selling since you have less competition on the marketplace.

What does it mean for the future if this trend continues throughout the summer?  Simply that prices will begin to go up – it’s a simple supply and demand equation

Trend #2   Pending Sales are up

This trend is shown with the solid line and triangles  - It’s the Pending Sale Numbers.  This trend mirrors the consumer confidence that is showing up in the marketplace.  A combination of historically low interest rates and unemployment numbers improving has given consumers a better feeling in the marketplace than we’ve seen in years.  Our foreclosure numbers are decreasing and job growth is picking up – so it’s not just a Spring Market driving the Upward Trend of Pending Sales.

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I know – I know – You really want to wait at the Kent County Gerald Ford Airport for your flight to Detroit – then spend 7 hours on a plane where you can’t move your knees – landing in Germany – spend an arm and leg on hotels, etc. just to have a great German meal!

Here’s a quick, easy and inexpensive alternative!  Drive South of Grand Rapids on the East Beltline to Middleville  -10 minutes from Caledonia – 20 minutes from I96 Exit – through the rolling wooded hills of SE Kent County.  Turn East on Main Street and you’ll arrive at as great of a German restaurant as I’ve tasted in Germany itself - Dill’s A German American Restaurant.

Many of us long time Grand Rapidians remember the Schnitzelbank Restaurant.  I was born and raised in Grand Rapids and one of my first memories of going “out for dinner” was going with my parents and grandparents to the Schnitzelbank.  The fresco paintings of German Life remained the same from when I was there as a little girl, through taking my family there when they were growing up through even taking my parents there for my Dad’s 85th Birthday (where he danced with the patrons to the German music).  The gorgeous coo coo clocks sang and played until the doors were closed and the “Schnitz” was closed for good.

I’ve tried various places that advertise “Good German Food” – but not until I went to Dills was I satisfied that I didn’t have to hop in a plane and fly to Germany to get my German Food Fix.  We (my husband Guy Combs and I) after taking a look at a really cool home on 23 Acres with over 3000 feet of Thornapple River Frontage in the general area – were clued in by the owners about this new place in Middleville.

We had the German Platter –  Weiner Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Bratwurst, German Potato Salad (Unbelieveable!!), Sauerkraut and Red Cabbage – Ahhhhh – It was fabulous.  We washed it down with some tall Hofbrau beers (they have a great German beer selection).    I asked about Pork Hocks (which were always my favorite even though no one in the family could stand to watch me eat them) – and was told that they have specials where many of the German specialties get rotated in and out.  I’ve friended them on Facebook so that I can stay up to date on those specials.

Meet the Artist is a series of events showcasing local artists .  Reservations are suggested for those events where you can meet the artists themselves, discuss their art forms and have a chance to have a great meal as well.

Although the atmosphere is not the same as the Schnitzelbank (who could ever reproduce those frescos, clocks, mahogany woodwork, ?) – Dills has a more updated European feel – very sophisticated – white trim – yet old world flavor of the tin ceilings and exposed brick walls.  Let’s encourage these folks and make sure Dill’s remains a staple in the restaurants of Grand Rapids.

Let me know if you have any other cool restaurants that we should review.

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This has been the craziest winter I can remember (and I’ve been in the Grand Rapids area for many a winter).  One day the snow will be blowing and howling and the driving will be terrible, then the next day, the sun comes out – the snow melts and it’s so mild I don’t need to wear a coat.  I’m not complaining – it has really been the mildest winter I can remember with snow very sparsely scattered.  I do feel bad for the businesses that depend on a snowy winter (ski resorts, snowmobile resorts, restaurants and tourism surrounding the snow industry) and hope they can make it up yet this winter.

One unintended consequence of this “spring-like” weather is it has really gotten the “home buying juices” flowing in the marketplace.  As early as the first week of January, when typically the real estate market is dormant, our phones were ringing off the wall (ok – we don’t hang phones on the wall anymore – but I don’t have a saying that will work yet).  My listing showings are up from December and we are receiving offers on them!

Most folks don’t realize our real estate market is dependent on the weather.  This year our “Spring Market” has started way early.  Spring itself doesn’t really get here until March 20 – by then we will be well into the middle of our “Spring Market.”   The major cause of a “spring market” is the change in the weather from very wintry to sun, melting snow and a 15 to 20 degree rise in temperature.

The original premise really was that most folks have cabin fever after being home bound during the snow storms of winter – then when it begins to thaw folks are so sick of staring at their four walls they want to move.  Hmmm – not sure that is really the motivator – but do know there seems to be a psychologically positive attitude when we go from predominately dark days and little daylight to warmer days, sunshine and longer daylight.  That positive attitude often translates into thinking about moving – which is good!

One other premise folks have about selling in the spring is the school theory.  Years ago – if someone was being transferred by their company and they had a family – they often wanted to transfer during the Spring or Summer – with the idea they wanted to move in the summer so their children could start school in the fall.  This idea is not as relevant today since the new theory is transferring and moving during the school year is really better for the children – especially since most schools have really good immersion programs for new students – making them feel special and often pairing them with peer mentors.

So – It’s a Real Estate Spring Market early this year.  Don’t be left behind.  Interest rates are still at record lows.  We could really use some good homes to sell – so if you are thinking of moving and have a bit of cabin fever give me a call!

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Great Location!  Fabulous wooded cul-du-sac lot! Custom Built by Distictive Homes! Award winning Forest Hills Schools!  - This home has it all.

This lovely well cared for home features: Oversized white kitchen – Delightful main floor master suite with every convenience – Great Room with cathedral ceilings and a wall of windows looking out into your own nature preserve – Main floor utility room – Finished daylight lower level with another two bedrooms and full bath.

You will not find a more beautiful lot!   Loads of wildlife, beautiful mature trees, stream running alongside the property plus a quiet neighborhood.

Give us a call if you would like to take a look inside – or take a look at the virtual tour!

Pat Vredevoogd

Coldwell Banker AJS Schmidt

616 559-7241

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thanks to Suet Emma for photo

1.  Watch, Re-Watch, Memorize - It’s a Wonderful Life -

Oh My, there are so many similarities between George and his trials and us in today’s world – It’s hard to believe it’s the 65th birthday of this movie – every time I hear a bell ring I think of an angel getting it’s wings – still!

2.  Visit Frederick Meijer Gardens

…and be taken back to childhood among all the beautifully decorated Christmas Trees from all over the world.  It’s a magical land for children of all ages…don’t miss it!

3.  Drive your family through the 5/3 Ballpark and see the Nite Lite Holiday Light Show.

You drive through an area set up just for you filled with thousands of lights – one of the largest displays of lights in the Midwest!!  Hours are 6 – 10pm through January 1.

4.  Spend some time with your family -

a.  Talking:  ask the older ones to tell you stories of their Christmas experiences as they were growing up – get some good conversation going – it will warm your hearts and warm the hearts of those with something to tell (besides you might find out some really interesting things about folks you thought you knew well).

b.  Singing:  those old Christmas Carols (even Jingle Bell Rock) that everyone knows can be a very cohesive bonding time for families when they come together.

c.  Playing:  Hopefully a few feet of snow will fall before Christmas (I know – I know – we probably will just get a flurry or two) and everyone can go sliding, skiing, or just having fun making snow angels.  If no snow – oh well – walks, playgrounds or games in the park get your feet going and your heart racing!

Wishing All of You a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!   Feliz Navidad

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The Electric Cheetah Restaurant - Grand Rapids Michigan

Every once in a while I like to try the new restaurants in town and offer my opinion along the way.  Guy and I have had lunch several times but finally made it to the Electric Cheetah last week for dinner to celebrate Erin’s Birthday.

We’re very happy they now have a liquor license – although the root beer on tap was always wonderful (and still is).

The Electric Cheetah is located at 1015 Wealthy Street in an eclectic area of Grand Rapids - lots of new shops in really cool old buildings!

Here are the Top Three Things I love about the Electric Cheetah:

1.  Cool Healthy Menu…even when you’re munching on comfort food

OK – some maybe not be so healthy – my favorite starter is the Southern Raw Fries w/ Balsamic Vinegar.  These thinly shaved potato slices are somewhat fried (in a delicious way) and taste GREAT!  The Statler & Waldorf Salad is really good…Soups are homemade and delicious…Handcut sweet potato fries with rosemary seasoning (Yumm) with interesting dipping sauces.  Guy had the Ratatouille Dinner and found it healthy, interesting and good.  The desserts look fabulous (didn’t try) and the ultimate comfort food of “Milk and Cookies” bring a new meaning to the words.  These cookies are made from scratch and take 12 minutes to bake – so order them early in your meal and add organic milk to top it off.

2.  The Decor

What an eclectic scene inside the Electric Cheetah! There is a large bar for seating overlooking the entire kitchen – so, watch the cooks and be amazed.  Everything is open – plus loads of bright paintings on the walls – makes you feel like you are in Chicago or New York (huh? not GR?)

3.  The Staff

Everyone – from the busboys – to the wait staff – to the manager – were all super.  We had a bit of a wait when we arrived (6:30 on a Thursday night – glad to see they were busy!) so we sat at the bar and had the pleasure of meeting the manger, who got us a beer while we waited.

In addition to the Electric Cheetah – they also have a Soup Shop just down the street called Uncle Cheetah’s located at 1133 Weathy Street.  Guy just had to try it and yesterday he drove to Uncle Cheetah’s and got us some soup for lunch while I was on a Webinar – It was WONDERFUL!   I see from their menu they have a variety of “House” Grilled Sandwiches –  Oh Boy – Can’t Wait.

Let me know what you think when you try the Electric Cheetah!

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