It's worth all the blood,sweat and tears that we go thru in this profession. It has it's "ups and downs" but all in all I would not want to do anything else. God has sustained me in the good times and the not so good times and I'm still standing. Watching the "smiles" on your client(s) faces is worth everything that we do. It's all about service. Serving your people with all you have.   We're NOT perfect. We make a few mistakes along the way and hope that we learn from them. Use the knowledge that you have and help a fellow realtor to not make some of the mistakes that you did. Again it all comes back to service. Be THAT type of agent. Now I get to do this all over again. On to the next satisfied client and successful closing. Here's to a prosperous 2023. 04/14/2023

#37 and counting.  Some have asked me when I’m going to retire from real estate. I feel that the real estate profession is a “life long” commitment to your clients,thru the good and not so good. You have to remember that this is a profession of ups and downs. You never know where the business will take you. Every morning I get up knowing that there are things I NEED to do but there’s always a mystery in my day to day.  Some days it’s slow and other’s I feel  very energized. With God’s grace he allows me to settle down and tackle the day’s worth of work in a timely fashion. It may consist of writing CMA’s, or talking to a new buyer or check in with your SOI.  I remember the first week(Feb 26,1986) after getting licensed and started work at Ford Real estate (in GR Mich). Larry Fahselt was... 03/01/2023

Come and see a fantastic walkout ranch in Kentwood, Mich. 4 bedrooms,2 full baths walkout tri-level situated on a large lot and ready for the new buyer.  New roof within the last 4 years, new 50 gallon hot water heater, gutter guards cedar siding and decking have recently been stained. Close to the airport,schools, shopping and major expressways. You need to put this house on your buyer's short list before it's too late.https://www.flexmls.com/share/88Bh2/4679-Morningside-Drive-SE-Kentwood-MI-49512 02/08/2023

Real Estate TaxesGrand Rapids, MI, is the second-largest city in the state and the 7th in terms of growth. Thanks to its rich history, beautiful surroundings, diverse population, and thriving economy, the city has experienced tremendous growth in the last decade. Notable factors for this growth include low cost of living, stable job growth, family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and well-established community amenities. The riverside town has continued to attract much attention thanks to its wide range of entertainment, shopping, recreation, and sightseeing options. The community's many positive features have made the region an attractive option for families looking to move into a new home in the city. To help these prospective buyers, we've compiled an informational guide on... 01/15/2021

Buying a Home in Grand Rapids, MIReview Your Credit ScoreThe first step you need to consider when buying a home is reviewing your credit score. It's best to consult with a financial advisor on your standing to help identify if a home purchase would be a good move for you. Reviewing your credit and finances also allows you to identify your budget for a home purchase correctly.Save on Your DownpaymentSaving on your downpayment is a great way to reduce your long-term costs for your home purchase. Having a large payment upfront reduces your monthly mortgage and lets you build higher potential equity for the longterm. Check out our original blog post at https://grootrealtyco.com/.Talk to More Than One LenderThe lending business can get quite competitive, and letting lenders know that you're ... 09/05/2020

Home Disinfection and CleaningThe Covid-19 VirusThe Corona Virus Pandemic has drastically changed the lives of everyone around the world, and it's essential to learn more about the virus to help prevent its spread. The virus is an envelope-type virus that encases the human cell-damaging RNA. To help stop the virus, you'll want to stop it from getting into your respiratory system or killing it through regular handwashing or disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated. In this article, we share some of the best ways you can help stop the spread of Covid-19 and protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus. Check out our original blog post at https://grootrealtyco.com/.Disinfecting Your HomeDisinfecting your home is a crucial step to help ensure your household is virus-free. The E... 08/12/2020

Groot Realty HomesGroot Realty Homes is a father and son real estate team serving clients in the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area. We pride ourselves in providing professional real estate services and ensuring our clients get the best deal possible. If you're in the market for a new home, loft, or other residential properties, our team can help provide you with a list of available homes for sale in the various neighborhoods in Grand Rapids. If you are looking to hire a realtor to market your home and get it sold fast, our team would be happy to list your home online and market it to the right people today.Check out our website at https://grootrealtyco.com/.Our TeamGroot Realty Homes is comprised of three hardworking, dedicated, and experienced realtors. Robert (Bob) Groot, Jack Groot... 06/01/2020

Cost of LivingCost of living is the total amount an individual or family has to spend in order to maintain a good quality of life in any given area. Several factors are affecting this amount, including housing, food, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities. If you're planning to move into a new neighborhood in the same city, the cost of living won't be one of the things you need to consider in earnest. However, if you plan to move to a different city or state, you'll want to make sure you check out the cost of living in that community before committing. You may realize that your new income will not provide the same quality of living in a new city as compared to your current home. Check out our original neighborhood post at https://grootrealtyco.com/.Cost of Living Inde... 04/07/2020

Grand Rapids, MI Closing CostsClosing CostsClosing costs are the various expenses a home buyer or home seller has to pay in the final stages of a real estate transaction. If you're close to finalizing your home purchase or sale you'll want to review these fees with your realtor to make sure you have them accounted for your overall budget. Although in most cases the buyer shoulders most of the closing costs of the deal there are instances where you can arrange for the seller to cover some of the costs depending on how you negotiate the sale.Closing costs in the state of Michigan account for about 1.44% to 2.89% of the final home sale price or an average of $2,888 after taxes. The median home value in Michigan is $154,500 and costs can vary depending on the actual price of the property. I... 01/06/2020

Ada, MichiganReal Estate in AdaThe village of Ada is an upscale suburb located northeast of the city of Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan. The town is situated west of Grand River and Thornapple River crossing. The area is popularly known for the Amway Corporate Headquarters which takes up a large portion of the district. The many neighborhoods in the region serve primarily as housing for the employees of the company. As previously mentioned, real estate in the village of Ada is home to some of the most affluential residents of the region. These properties are some of the most lavish and expensive real estates you can buy in the area that include a good number of million-dollar estates, custom-built luxury residences, and beautiful five to six-bedroom single-family homes. If you're ... 09/19/2019

Forest Hills, MichiganReal Estate in Forest HillsForest Hills is a beautiful community in Kent County, Michigan which is located directly east of Grand Rapids and northeast of Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The district is considered as an unincorporated community and census-designated place occupying a vast land area that surrounds the city of Ada. As the name implies, there are vast swathes of forested areas in the region. You can also find farmlands the farther away you are from the metropolitan area. Closer to the city center, you'll find various residential neighborhoods that serve as bedroom communities for the city. Busy professionals looking for a family-friendly environment to raise their kids in will find great homes in the Forest Hills community. Check out our original... 09/19/2019

Rockford, MichiganReal Estate in RockfordRockford is a small-sized city in Kent County, Michigan, located northeast of the Plainfield Charter Township. The town has a total land area of 3.31 square miles and a population of 6,000 residents. The city serves primarily as a bedroom community for the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. Downtown Grand Rapids is only a 19-minute drive from town, making it an ideal place for busy professionals looking for a home just outside the city center.Residential neighborhoods in the city is a mix between the new developments featuring similarly designed homes and the older communities in the town center. Home buyers have a good selection of properties to choose from if they are looking to purchase a house in Rockford. The many suburban residences in the reg... 09/19/2019

Caledonia, MichiganReal Estate in CaledoniaCaledonia is a small village southeast of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area in Kent County, Michigan. The village is within the similarly named Caledonia Township and serves as the primary center for the many home farms and subdivisions in the region. You'll find a welcoming and small-town feel if you decide to move into Caledonia. There are only about 1,600 people living in the area, making it a very tight knit community where everyone knows each other. If you're looking for a quiet home far from the hustle and bustle of city life, you may want to move into Caledonia. Check out our original neighborhood post at https://grootrealtyco.com/.Community AmenitiesCaledonia Lakeside Park is the primary outdoor attraction that families can visit in th... 09/19/2019

Kentwood, MichiganReal Estate in KentwoodKentwood is a well-developed city in the southern part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area in Kent County, Michigan. The city is west of Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and northeast of the Cutlerville community. The eastern side of the town, especially the areas along Highway-37 is a booming business center with many establishments. The western end, on the other hand, is mostly residential which includes the neighborhoods of Mapleview, Ridgebrook, Princeton Estates, East Kentwood, and more.Kentwood is the perfect place for young couples and families who are looking to get a starter home near the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. There are many neighborhoods in the city with beautiful suburban-style houses that are priced very well compared... 09/19/2019

Byron Center, MichiganReal Estate in Byron CenterByron Center is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Kent County, Michigan. The town is located southwest of the Cutlerville district bounded by the streets of 76th Street, Burlingame Avenue, 92nd Street, and Homerich Avenue. Byron Center is one of the many areas in the region that has been getting a lot of new residential developments to support the growing population of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. Although a good portion of the community is still farm estates, there are numerous residential real estates available for purchase in Byron Center.Byron Center is one of the more affluent districts in the region. There is a good number of private subdivisions, luxury residential neighborhoods, and a golf community... 09/19/2019

Grandville, MichiganReal Estate in GrandvilleGrandville is a conveniently located city in Kent County, Michigan. The well-developed city center is divided between the commercial centers in the northern and southern part as well as a residential area in the center. The city is conveniently located along the Gerald R. Ford Freeway which connects residents to the central districts of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area.The central part of Grandville is a primarily suburban area with beautiful single-family homes. These residences feature classic American-designed models with attached parking garage, multiple bedrooms and baths, and spacious living areas. The home lots are typically larger in this part of the city with mature trees and ample yard space for each household. Other residential p... 09/19/2019

Walker, MichiganReal Estate in WalkerWalker is a city in Kent County, Michigan encompassing the land area northwest of the town of Grand Rapids. This includes a number of suburban areas in the center, commercial sectors on the northern part, and other neighborhoods that are ready for development. Investors looking to take advantage of the growing metropolitan region should consider investing properties in the city of Walker.There are many suburban neighborhoods throughout the city of Walker. These communities feature beautiful single-family homes, tree-lined streets, and family-friendly amenities. There are also newer developments offering home lots that are ready for construction as well as newly built properties that are move-in ready. Check out our original neighborhood post at https... 09/17/2019

Wyoming, MichiganReal Estate in WyomingWyoming is a mid-sized city in Kent County, Michigan with a population of 75,938 as of 2017. The town has a total land area of 24.64 square miles which includes various residential, urban, and commercial districts. The city is bordered by Grand Rapids to the north, Grandville and Georgetown to the west, Byron Township to the south, and Kentwood to the east.Couples who aim to raise a family will find fantastic move-in ready properties throughout the city. Residential neighborhoods in Wyoming are primarily suburban communities centered around public parks. These neighborhoods offer lovely single-family homes that are an ideal option for home buyers eyeing on a starter home to buy. There are also a few luxury subdivisions that include gated subdivisio... 09/16/2019

 Interest rates and how they affect the consumer. I’m looking forward to a great 2019 in the real estate business but much of that will be affected by which way the rate(s) swing. Good,bad or indifferent this is the way it goes. Many of the first time homebuyers will reach out to me and quote the rate before they look for a house. Many of the lenders I do business with periodically send out information speculating which direction they will go. A 1% swing in either direction can be the difference between buying a home OR staying in an apartment. I wish it was not so cut and dried but this is what we have. Credit scores play into interest rates as well. Buyer’s need to be educated to know they have is to have a great credit score to get a great rate. I’ve known many potential buyer’s who ... 01/14/2019

Housing Inventory moves up slightly here in GR.  Here in Grand Rapids metro area there has been a slight improvement to the inventory crisis that we face here. Many stories of disgruntled buyer's who can't seem to find a place and other times they are facing multiple offer situations. Either one it tends to frustrate most people.  We are now sitting on 1.6 months of inventory versus 1.2 months. That may not sound like much to most people but it could be the difference between owning a home and sitting on the sidelines. I do feel the same pain as the buyer's I represent. I'm out here just like you looking for a home for myself. I look at the same homes and set appointments, and write offers just like you do.  Yes it does get frustrating and I see it when people are resolved to just walk ... 09/21/2018