As I prepare for the feast of feasts I just wanted to take a sec to tell all my friends, family and neighbors that I am blessed to be living in such a great little town! I wish you and yours a great holiday season!   I love the Rockford community!                                                       I love the events to bring together family and friends!!!                             Lots to do and fun!   Should you be wondering what the Christmas season will bring... stay tuned or check out the Rockford Chamber for more info!     All rights reserved Charlene Hammontree of Property Works, Inc 2008 11/26/2008

Rockford Michigan is a quaint little village on the Rogue River. It is 10 miles from downtown Grand Rapids, with several major  roads that will take you there.  There is a state of the art school public system, many suburban housing developments, and a busy,  vital village with wonderful boutique shopping and every variety of restaurants. It is also home to Wolverine World Wide, which is the manufacturer of Hush Puppies, Merrell, Caterpillar, and Harley Davidson shoes and apparel. You can get a hot dog at The Corner Bar or have an evening of fine dining at Reds. It is a great place to live in the Greater Grand Rapids area.          The housing inventory here is high, like all of the Grand Rapids area. There are 120 Rockford homes for sale under $ 200,000, which gives us a 92 month suppl... 11/13/2008

Hope to see you at the polls! I am filling a patriotic duty by serving my fellow citizens and USA in helping in the process of voting today.As a Plainfield Township Election Inspector. My job will be to meet and greet you and make sure you have your drivers licesne for identification!  You can spread the word and encourage people to vote too!   I will be in precinct 1 of Plainfield Township! Hope to see you there! Should you need to know where you do need to vote, please feel free to click this link to help you find where you need to be today. Your vote matters! All rights reserved by Charlene Hammontree of Property Works, Inc 2008 11/03/2008

Rockford Michigan is a quaint little village on the Rogue River. It is 10 miles from downtown Grand Rapids, with several major  roads that will take you there.  There is a state of the art school public system, many suburban housing developments, and a busy,  vital village with wonderful boutique shopping and every variety of restaurants. You can get a hot dog at The Corner Bar or have an evening of fine dining at Reds.It is a great place to live in the Greater Grand Rapids area. The housing inventory here is high, like all of the Grand Rapids area. But Rockford MI homes that are priced correctly and look clean, neat, and updated will sell.  This is a desirable community that continues to draw residents to live in this area. For this market report, I used Rockford Public School District... 09/29/2008

Relocating to Rockford Michigan  ~ welcome!   Moving for any child can be very hard. I remember moving next door and that was very upsetting to me when I was eight. My Father and Mother owned 40 acres and we were building a new house next door. Even had my own room! Didn't matter to me, we were leaving something I was very familiar with and had some attachments too. When child move, some of them can handle it with flying colors and others, not so much (like me!) That is why I have asked my son to help me find out what is cool and fun about Rockford and what he likes about living here.   Here is what both of us learned:   He loves the White Pines Bike Trail which starts in our home town of Belmont which is south of Rockford. He enjoys the stops along the way as well. On this nice summer ... 09/16/2008

This information is from The Grand Rapids Association of Realtors.    When buying or selling a home it is mandatory to have accurate information pertaining to the market. This information is available to licensed agents that are members of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors. It is recommend to have a professional agent review any information to check its accuracy.   All rights reserved by Charlene Hammontree@ U.S. Home & Realty Sales and Inventory Report Category - ALLStatistics for Entire MLS from 9/1/2007 - 8/31/2008 Category:0 Counties:41 Month Year MonthlySales Avg List $ Avg Sale $ Avg $/Sqft Median Sold $ Avg DOM % Sold/List CurrentInventory MonthsInventory September 2007 52 $222,523 $215,702 $122 $175,950 104.00 96.93% 965 18.55 October 2007 49 $226,442 $215,138 $125 $188,9... 09/16/2008

This information is provided by the Grand Rapids Assoication of Realtors. This is showing that the amount of homes sold during the last year, depending on price are decreasing. Looking at 07 to 08 shows some decrease in home sales. Notice the increase of solds in the $250,000 - $299,999! MLS Year to Date Closed/Sold Profile Report Category - ALLStatistics for Entire MLS Category:0 Counties:41 Sale Price Range Last Year01/01/2007 - 09/17/2007 This Year01/01/2008 - 09/17/2008 Percent Change $0 - $99,999 31 45 45.16% $100,000 - $149,999 85 76 -10.58% $150,000 - $199,999 111 89 -19.81% $200,000 - $249,999 75 41 -45.33% $250,000 - $299,999 26 31 19.23% $300,000 - $349,999 21 22 4.76% $350,000 - $399,999 10 10 0.00% $400,000 - $449,999 4 1 -75.00% $450,000 - $499,999 6 3 -50.00% $500,000 - $... 09/16/2008

Rockford Michigan is a quaint village on the Rogue River with many  suburban neighborhoods surrounding it.  Rockford Michigan has an excellent public school system and a large scale employer in Wolverine Worldwide (they make the famous Hush Puppy shoes, among other items). They have a vibrant downtown area with boutique shops and  good restaurants.  The picture below shows the many turn-of-century buildings that have been rehabbed to house current retail shops and eateries.                     Rockford Real Estate Market Report                                      September 2008 Rockford market up to $ 200,000                                                       $/sq ft          DOM          Avg Price Active listings  165                  $110.08           71           $152,445 Pending... 09/12/2008

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONTACT:        Charlene Hammontree                         U.S. Home & Realty                         616-301-7000 or 481-1401     LOCAL REALTOR® ACHIEVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION   Rockford, MI , -- Charlene Hammontree with U.S. Home & Realty has been awarded the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) designation by the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR).   Charlene Hammontree, a Rockford resident, joins more than 16,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the SRES® designation.  All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in understanding the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers aged 55 and older.   “I feel it is a privilege to be able to... 08/14/2008

Last week I had a chance to be in Rockford on Tuesday in the early evening hours. I myself have been taking Yoga classes and Tuesday is my night and I have been missing the Blues on the River. I need to figure out how to clone myself to be in two places at the same time. There are many events that are worth a trip to Rockford that can save you some gas as well. Strolling on the white pine trail into Rockford is my favorite. You need to check this out the Blues on the River before the white stuff comes for a stay. It is still Rockford, Michigan you know. Come early bring your lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the free music with such a community flair. Or grab some famous dogs at my favorite spot The Corner Bar and pick a picnic table and relax. Not to mention other great places to eat s... 08/02/2008

This information was taken directly from the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors for the Homes Sales & Inventory Report for Rockford Public Schools. This is a one year period from July 1 of 2007 to June 30 2008.     Sales and Inventory Report Category - ALLStatistics for Entire MLS from 7/1/2007 - 6/30/2008 Category:0 Counties:41 Month Year Monthly Sales Avg List $ Avg Sale $ Avg DOM Discount Current Inventory Months Inventory July 2007 39 $188,023 $179,099 91.89 4.98% 999 25.61 August 2007 53 $219,013 $208,348 116.01 5.11% 983 18.54 September 2007 52 $222,523 $215,702 104.00 3.16% 999 19.21 October 2007 49 $226,442 $215,138 115.75 5.25% 982 20.04 November 2007 31 $189,531 $181,338 132.00 4.51% 909 29.32 December 2007 21 $185,275 $177,922 160.76 4.13% 787 37.47 January 2008 27 $218,665... 08/01/2008

  According to my research using the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors, I am please to see these findings!   428 homes are for sale in the Rockford School District (Down from 500 in the first part of the month) 33 homes are currntly pending for close Price range is from $32,900 with water frontage to $1,300,000 for a unique farm Sold price range $150,000 - $514,500 3 homes closed last week There are also 3 homes for rent. (Rent to own options are available, however , proper couseling by a proffessional should be advised)   With the fall school just around the corner, there is still time to sell and buy before the bell rings. Knowing the market will help you make the best choice for your family. 07/28/2008

Divorce is not on any body's wish list! Owning Real Estate and then having to deal with the emotions of selling a home is more than anyone should have to deal with. Here are some ideas I have come up with to make this process a little less stressful. (It will always be emotional!) 1) Remember you bought a 'house' and you made it a 'home'. Ok, the last part is debatable because of the emotions right now, however it does put things in perspective. When you buy a bath towel - it is a bath towel. What you use it for other than a towel to dry yourself off with is your choice. The house was a roof and shelter for your 'family'. Were there memories made there? Good or Bad? You  bet! You are not selling them! You are selling the structure you lived in while you were in that relationship. Period... 07/23/2008

Another entry in the Lola's Favorite Restaurants series... If you're in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, I'd suggest you work in a trip to visit one of the areas' most interesting and unique new dining options...Reds on the River.   Located approximately 10 ~ 15 minutes north of Grand Rapids in Rockford, Michigan, Reds...which sits astride the banks of the picturesque Rogue River is quickly becoming a much loved dining hot spot. My interest in Reds on the River was peaked by a blog post by a colleague & fellow Grand Rapids broker,  Eric Webster.  Although it took me some time to head over to check things out for myself, I recollected his enthusiastic, yet balanced description of how much he and his wife enjoyed their dining experience. Yesterday evening, on a whim, we decided to head 'u... 07/11/2008

I just got this in my blog email!   I am sure it is not real! Reminder, even on the 4th the scammers are out! BEWARE! Do NOT give out information to anyone you don't know!       Name: MIKE BILLS Email Address: mikebills2@yahoo.de Subject: This Is Our Last Notice To You. IP: 196.220.5.171 Message: Dear Charlene Hammontree, This Is Our Last Notice To You. We wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of US$12,500, 000.00 Dollars in the intent of the deceased (name now withheld since this is our second letter to you). We contacted you because you bear the surname identity and therefore can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance since there is no written will. Our legal services aim to provide our private clients with a complete service. We a... 07/04/2008

It has been a few weeks since I started these shots for my allergies. My first post certainly attracted some great comments.   Well this has been the best of medicine for me. For 20-30 minutes, I read, erase old cell phone messages, clean my purse or catch up on TV gossip in the tabloids .... but this little girl and her mom came in. I will share with you the conversation give or take (but you will get the just) that prevented me from doing any of the above because I was listening with my whole heart and soul!   "Honey, now you have to wait your turn to get your shot and this will make you feel better. Not right way, but it is going to be good for you." Said the caring mother. "OK, Momma, but will you go in with me?" asked the cute little girl. "Yes I will, honey, and you are going to b... 07/02/2008

  According to the Grand Rapids Assoicaiton of Realtors multiple listing service (as of July 1st, 2008): 500 homes in the Rockford School district for sale 48 homes are currently pending 9 Homes sold/closed last week Price range of current listings: $32,900 -$575,00 Sold price range : $98,000 - $324,000 Are there some good buys in Rockford these days? You bet!     It is a great time to buy!   !   Copyrighted by Charlene Hammontree & U.S. Home & Realty 2008   07/01/2008

According to the Grand Rapids Assoicaiton of Realtors multiple listing service, there is 510 homes in the Rockford School district for sale and 47 homes are currently pending. Are there some good buys in Rockford these days? You bet!   From new construction to your 'fixer upper' we have them too!   It is a great time to buy!   Six homes Closed last week!   Copyrighted by Charlene Hammontree & U.S. Home & Realty 2008 06/23/2008

Bill Brouwers | Five Star Real Estate | 616 291-5036 7690 N Arroyo Vista Dr, Rockford, MI WOW! Exceptional Rockford Two Story Home on 2 Beautiful Acres 4BR/3BA Single Family House offered at $334,900 Year Built 1995 Sq Footage 3,500 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 3 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 2 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION WOW!4 plus bedroom two story home in a great Rockford settings. Private 2 plus acre wooded setting in the prestigious Chanterelle Forest. This is the home you have been looking for. This special home features: over 3500 sq feet of enjoyable living space.Large kitchen with white Merrilat cabintry- dining area with hardwood flooring-spectacular master suite with trayed ceilings and a relaxing bath with Jacussi tub- walk out family room with... 06/13/2008

Bill Brouwers | Five Star Real Estate | 616 291-5036 7677 N Arroyo Vista Dr, Rockford, MI WOW! Custom Home On Four Acres in Chanterelle Forest 4BR/4BA Single Family House offered at $369,900 Year Built 1994 Sq Footage 3,638 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 full, 0 partial Floors 3 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 4 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Wow! Custom Two story 4 bedroom 4 full bath on 4 wooded acres. You will enjoy the peace and quiet that this special home offers to you. Wooded path thru the forest.This quality home features: Kitchen Corian countertops with snack bar-large kitchen pantry tiled flooring thru out home-fieldstone fireplace in family room-Master suite with cherry wood cabinets and massive walk in closet-Jacussi tub-three stall attached garage-over 3000 sq feet- relaxi... 06/13/2008