Relocation Grand Rapids

Discount Relocation Deals Could Be Nightmares-Choose a Passionate Relocation Realtor Instead

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:31:31 GMT

Recently I have learned that the service of Relocation which we have always excelled at offering here at the Gordon Group in Grand Rapids, Michigan is not offered by other Realtors and Brokerages. This service is relocation help from other cities into the Grand Rapids, Cascade, Ada, Forest Hills, or lake shore areas. While our brokerage does not offer special discounts to coax relocation buyers in, we do offer passionate, dedicated, and thorough relocation assistance for people transitioning to Grand Rapids.

A discount or deal for relocation could be a nightmare- whereas a passionate realtor can be a dream come true.

Even firms that might offer discounts or relocation programs are often not passionate about relocation and so the Agent is dis-enchanted or not engaged with your situation. Having a Realtor that cares about your relocation needs and who has been through the relocation process can make a huge difference in ensuring that your move to a new home in a new city goes smoothly.

We know relocation because we have been relocated TO GRAND RAPIDS ourselves.

Our first priority is finding the right home for you even if that means finding a lease for the first year. It will be our pleasure to pick you up from the airport and arrange for personalized tours of our city and homes that meet your interests, needs, and desires.

During my weekly surfing of real estate blogs to stay up to date on my industry, I started focusing on activity in the relocation space and found that some relocating professionals have had to use several agents from different brokerages for the ability to see and find homes that matched their needs. How horrible that must have been for them, one blogger was asking for tips on 6 different brokerages!

I have to plug here that with The Gordon Group, relocation can be as enjoyable as possible. We will take the time to understand your situation, needs, and desires before we take you on a tour of our city. We will also empathize with your move if it is a tough one, or get excited with you if it is a good thing! As we mentioned, our Realtors have also had the experience of relocating so we understand the myriad of emotions and tactical challenges mixed with the excitement of moving to a new, growing city.

In fact, I personally have relocated many times as a corporate wife so I can attest to both the stress and excitement involved with the process. In many ways I think this it what makes us so reputable for relocation to Grand Rapids - our experience actually relocating.

If you are starting the relocation process to Grand Rapids, Michigan or the surrounding areas like Holland, Saugautuck, Ada, Cascade, Forest Hills or Byron Center please contact Michelle Gordon and allow us to tour the Grand Rapids area with you while we learn about your situation and needs for a home in your new city.

Cross posted from http://www.distinctivehomesgr.com

You know you're a true MICHIGANIAN / MICHIGANDER when . . .

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:43:54 GMT

Jeff Foxworthy has even more hilarious jokes about Michigan (Many very true)...

1. "Vacation" means going up north on I-75.

2. You measure distance in hours.

3. You know several people who have hit a deer more than once.

4. You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.

5. You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching.

6. You see people wearing camouflage at social events (including weddings).

7. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

8. You carry jumper cables in your car and your girlfriend knows how to use them.

9. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

10. Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

11. You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction.

12. You can identify a southern or eastern accent.

13. Your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next to your blue spruce.

14. You were unaware that there is a legal drinking age.

15. Down South to you means Ohio.

16. A brat is something you eat.

17. Your neighbor throws a party to celebrate his new pole barn.

18. You go out to fish fry every Friday.

19. Your 4th of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost.

20. You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.

21. You find 0 degrees "a little chilly."

22. You drink pop and bake with soda.

23. Your doctor tells you to drink Vernors and you know it's not medicine.

24. You can actually drink Vernors without coughing

25. You know what a Yooper is.

26. You think owning a Honda is Un-American.

27. You know that UP is a place, not a direction.

28. You know it's possible to live in a thumb.

29. You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all your Michigan friends

9 hilarous truths about Michiganders (and why you will love living here)

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:41:41 GMT

Jeff Foxworthy is now picking on Michigan? Read on... (pretty funny and accurate)

1. If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 18 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in Michigan...

2. If you're proud that your region makes the national news 96 nights each year because Pellston is the coldest spot in the nation, you mig...ht live in Michigan.

3. If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March, You might live in Michigan.

4. If you instinctively walk like a penguin for five months out of the year, you might live in Michigan.

5. If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, you might live in Michigan.

6. If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, you might live in Michigan.

7. If you have worn shorts and a coat at the same time, you might live in Michigan.

8. If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, you might live in Michigan.

9. If you have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in Michigan.

Doors and Their Importance When Staging A Home

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:41:00 GMT

A snip it from WEBMD - Our sense of touch profoundly affects how we view the world and other people, influencing thoughts and behavior, new research indicates. Knowing this, I would say touch is a very important thing to remember when selling a home.

About a year ago, my husband and I were searching for a new home. As a realtor, and my husband being an engineer, we are hard to please. We looked at several different homes, and finally settled on a bank-owned home that we are now renovating. While we were searching though, we were very surprised to find that interior doors had a huge effect on how we felt about each home. For example, when we toured one home we fell in love with the interior doors but the location wasn't what we wanted. The doors were solid and beautiful, and after that house we began looking at interior doors on other homes we toured.

Some of the doors were awesome, but others were weak and hollow. But, I noticed that everyone touches the doors on the interior of the house and this can either have a positive or negative affect. Buyers might not even notice this negative affect, but they could get a feeling about the home just because the doors aren't very nice. Knowing now how important the interior doors are to a potential buyer, I suggest that we go beyond the “red door effect” and focus on both the front door and interior doors. Even doors like the closet doors are important!

So, how do the interior doors feel? When you move them are they solid, secure, smooth? Or are they weak, hollow, and rough? What about the door knobs? Are they smooth and clean feeling? Or are they dirty? It may not seem like a big deal, but if the buyer touches the doors or door knobs and it isn't appealing to them then it could have a negative effect. Also; if by changing the door knob you can make your house more appealing to buyers, why wouldn't you? It is a minor change that could have a huge effect when buyers tour your home.

So before you get ready to sell your home, go through your house and check each interior door. How does it look? How does it feel when you move it? These are things you should check so that if the doors/door handles need to be changed you know BEFORE the open house as opposed to AFTER the open house. It would be unfortunate, if a buyer who was in love with a home fell out of love because they touched the door or tried to turn the handle.

Michelle Gordon is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty - Grand Rapids Michigan - voted the best Real Estate company by readers poll 2009 - 2010 in the Grand Rapids Magizine. Focus on 1st time home buyers, Relocation and listings in the Kent County area. You may find Michelle on facebook, twitter or linked in and she invites you to join her.

Want to sell your home? There are some things you should know!

Michelle Gordon — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:19:00 GMT

These days buyers are smart and know how and what questions to ask. They might ask about the furnace, plumbing, electricity, ect or they might just have an inspection done to find out the answers without asking. Either way, sellers need to work hard to make their homes appeal to buyers and they need to play up the best features of their home. Do you have updated cabinets? Be sure to mention this to buyers. Does your home have six panel wooden doors? Great, mention that! Use those features of your home which will appeal to buyers and be sure to show them off. Buyers have learned from the last five years and aren't going to be as carefree when buying a home now, instead they will focus on finding out the information they need to know and making a smart decision.

Your home should tickle and please all of the senses of a buyer when they tour it. Make the home inviting by staging the furniture so that buyers like to look at it. Be sure that things are clean and there aren't things like fingerprints on windows or burnt out light bulbs... These kind of small details matter when buyers are seeing your home. Don't burn candles or use air freshener because some buyers could be allergic or it could just look like you are trying to hide some “funky” smell. Instead, be sure to clean the house top-to-bottom and get rid of any smells like a musty basement. This way the buyer will smell a clean home, not a candle scent or air freshener fragrance. It is always a good idea to bake cookies and fill your home will that pleasant scent also!

The sounds of your home can be important too, if you play some soft jazzy music it could put homeowners at ease and make them feel “at home”. This feeling can be ruined, however, if the buyer touches something and it isn't smooth or soft. If something is dirty and feels “grose” it can turn buyers off immediately and make them lose interest in the home even if they were very excited about it. So, be sure things are clean and if something needs to be replaced because it's not smooth or soft then be sure to replace it. Another important aspect to consider is neutralizing your home, which means picking neutral paint colors and getting rid of bright colors that may not be very generic. You may like the bright color, but you are selling your home to another person and you can have bright colors in your new home. Also, paint can be used to accent certain architectural features of a home. By picking more than one color in a room, it can be used to draw attention to these features. Consult a realtor or home stager to get some guidance about the best paint colors to use.

What Kind of Changes Can YOU Make To Sell Your Home?

These changes may or may not make your home sell; but it can make your home unique and cause it to stand out to a buyer. So, are there things you could do to your home to make it sell better? Are there things you could change, replace, or update to make your home more desirable to a buyer? Don't forget that buyers are very smart and notice things, so what you might consider a small detail it could make or break a sale for a buyer. For example, are the doors of a home damaged or do they need some work? Then, a seller should repair or replace them because it is one of the things all buyer touch.

Michelle Gordon is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty - Grand Rapids Michigan - voted the best Real Estate company by readers poll 2009 - 2010 in the Grand Rapids Magazine. Focus on 1st time home buyers, Relocation and listings in the Kent County area. You may find Michelle on Facebook, Twitter or Linked in and she invites you to join her.

Are you being a good neighbor?

Michelle Gordon — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:31:00 GMT

In the article “What's In It For You Neighbor” by Debe Maxwell she discusses how big of an impact neighborhood homes can have on each other. Many times people fret that the homes next to theirs will affect their home's value, but many people don't realize that their home affects their neighbor's home value as well. This fact is very important for sellers because what your neighbor's garage, yard, or sidewalk looks like could cause a buyer to have concerns about your home. Many sellers don't want to address this issue with their neighbors and as Debe says, "... they just ‘hope’ that their prospective buyers won’t notice". If you are one of these buyers there are many things you can do to increase the value of your home and of your neighborhood. Debe recommends that...

“* If you have any siding on your home, keep up the maintenance on the exterior by pressure washing when you notice discoloration.

* While you have your pressure washer out (or have someone doing it for you or while you’re using a rental), use it on your sidewalk and driveway. You won’t believe the difference it makes in the appearance of your home from the street.

* Any rotten wood on your home? Have rotten wood repaired or replaced, and repainted.

* Do you find yourself becoming complacent about the kids’ toys in the driveway or front yard? You may not be hosting guests or preparing for prospective buyers to come through your home but, your neighbors are! Being a good neighbor is also beneficial to you by keeping everything in its place–less hassle for you and yours!

* Keep your lawn mowed; tall grass makes prospective buyers think that the neighbors don’t care about the neighborhood and will generally move to another community where the neighbors DO care.

* Keep your landscaping manicured. Fresh flowers and trimmed shrubs not only make your yard look better but, look inviting for prospective new residents.

* We all carry our doggie bags while walking our 4-legged friends; if you see paper trash on the street or sidewalk or even in a neighbors yard, pick it up and dispose of it.

* Keep your garage clean or keep the door closed! A messy garage leads prospective new residents to think that the homes in the community are too small or don’t have enough storage.”

With these helpful tips in mind, sellers should begin to think what they can do to improve the value of their home; whether it be confronting your neighbor about their lawn being overgrown or working on YOUR overgrown lawn, remember buyers aren't just looking at your house they are looking at ALL of the neighborhood homes. Another important tip to remember is try to think about neighbors that might be trying to sell their home because the look of your home will surely affect their sale. Besides, if you keep your home in nice shape and help the neighborhood homes to be more valuable; then once you try to sell your home someday you will already have a head start on making the sale happen.

Debe also mentions that if you allow your neighborhood to have low-valued homes then what will that do to your home's value? So by being a good neighbor and keeping your home in nice shape, it could increase the value of your neighbor's home thereby increasing the value of your home. But, this can also work backwords meaning that if you don't keep your home in nice shape and it decreases the value of your neighbor's home then it will decrease the value of your home. So be sure to keep your lawn trimmed, sidewalk cleared, garage cleaned(or at least have the door shut), flowers and landscaping looking nice, siding looking nice, and yard cleaned. This way it will keep your home valuable and your neighbors as well.

Article Source: Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (iCharlotteRealEstate.com Savvy + Company Real Estate):

Michelle Gordon is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty - Grand Rapids Michigan - voted the best Real Estate company by readers poll 2009 - 2010 in the Grand Rapids Magazine. You may find Michelle on facebook, twitter or linked in and she invites you to join her.

Great things happening in Grand Rapids!

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 03 May 2011 14:47:00 GMT

Here are just a few, but for those of you that live here I would love to hear what is exciting for you in Grand Rapids this year!

Art Prize returns for the 3rd year, Grand Rapids Art Museum had over 80,000 visitors at the Princess Dianna Exhibit, In January 2011 Spectrum health had conducted 3 more heart transplants, Nationally well known Ruth Chris Steak House will be opening at the Amway hotel – Downtown Grand Rapids – community events are on the rise – such as dine out for life grand rapids, 5 x 5 night (way to win money for an idea) and support to our local musicians and Juvenile diabetes a day of live music at Wealthy Theater and 1st annual Laugh fest; we were visited by Bill Cosby and Betty White along with some other great comedians to raise money for Gilda’s Club . Big name movies are continuing to be filmed in GR with the great tax incentives and we are still getting wonderful concerts weather it be local music in the park or big names like Bob Seger, Kenny Chesney and Lady Gaga at the Van Andel Arena. No wonder the Men’s Journal named us at one of the top 18 coolest cities to live – their quote “Perfecting the art of living well”.

So come to Grand Rapids see what all the talk is about – Let the Gordon Group show you around!

Highlights from Grand Rapids Michigan Halloween

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:07:00 GMT

As we grow as an art community, many had a chance to show their talent by creating there alter ego this halloween. There so many activities to be had.

Alger Heights had their 2nd annual 5K Costume run 5K Costume run.

Rob Bliss organized the zombi walk zombi walk - this is always so cool to see, it amazes how many people Rob gets together to do these kids of things.

We live in East Grand Rapids - and halloween here in this community is just like when I was a kid. Kids walking in groups with their costumes on, parents walking behind them in groups socializing. Every child remembers to say "thank you" after getting a piece of candy.

My favorite place for corn mazes, pumpkin and apple picking and hay rides is Kackle Orchards.

I think the most interesting event offered was the Investigations of the Paranormal of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

However this list could go on forever, as there was so much to do, for kids, adults and families!

Another reason Grand Rapids Michigan is a great place to work and live!

A small Town outside of Grand Rapids, MI

Michelle Gordon — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 13:50:00 GMT

Well, if you have been reading my blog, you know that my family and I moved here in 2001. As a Realtor since 2002 I feel I have been everywhere in Kent County and surrounding area's as my job takes me there.

Well much to my surprise I have been driving around an area called Alaska Michigan, and did not even know it.

When my buyers agent and I were driving to a closing together, she was telling me about a home she had seen listed in Alaska Michigan. My first thought was, well this home must be somewhere up north Michigan, hence the name and the fact I have never heard of the town.

Boy was I ever wrong.........

Insert from Wikkabedia:Alaska is a former unincorporated community within the township on the Thornapple River. The community had its origin with a sawmill established by William H. Brown in 1848. A post office with the name "Brownsville" was first established on December 13, 1855, but the name was changed to "North Brownsville" just a few days later on December 18 to avoid confusion with an already existing post office with that name in Cass County. It was renamed "Alaska" on December 4, 1868, undoubtedly influenced by the 1867 purchase of Alaska from Russia by the U.S. government. The post office closed on February 9, 1906.

So as I do a little research on this town I find there is a place called The River House of Alaska Michigan The River House of Alaska Michigan, which is for rent as a vacation stay. So if you are coming to town and want somewhere different to stay and like the cabin/cottage feel this place may be for you. If you are looking for home in the Caledonia, Alto, Forest Hills area, this place would be near by. Right now is the time to stay there - October/November as the leaves are turning and the views would be awesome! One of Michigan finest times of the year n my opinion.

Rural Development is Nearly Back On Track

Brendan O'Driscoll — Thu, 27 May 2010 13:07:00 GMT

Rural Development Loans are almost back on the lending path.

Funding and subtle changes appear to be in the final stages of approval by the Feds.

Contact me for more detail.

Brendan O'Driscoll
Treadstone Funding, a division of Amerifirst Financial Corporation
25 Commerce Ave SW, Suite A
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
O: (616)-774-9160 ext 224
F: (616)-588-5934
C616)-460-8624

brendano@treadstonemortgage.com

www.brendanodriscoll.com

AMERIFIRST FINANCIAL EMPLOYS OVER 200 PEOPLE IN MICHIGAN ALONE

Grand Rapids Rocks

Michelle Gordon — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:28:00 GMT

Grand Rapids has great culture! I was trying to find a way to share the culture with you - in a way that you can feel it like I do.

We have so much talent in this area along with people with a passion for where they live - Grand Rapids Michigan.

I think the struggling economy has only pulled us together more, and I have never been more proud to live here then I am today.

Young adults are a true asset to our community as they are very much part of our culture. Older adults like myself are supportive and encourage the young adults and children to express themselves.

We are a small town with big idea's, who act on their idea's and make things happen!

So in my effort of sharing the culture of Grand Rapids with you, I have a collection of video's for your viewing pleasure.........I hope you enjoy watching them as much I have.

If ever in the area and would like to learn more - contact me for your personal tour - showing homes and "show and tell" about Grand Rapids is one of the jobs I love to do!

CHEERS!

2010 Jammies - Local artist play thier music in PJ's

Pics of Grand Rapids - Turn up the music

Zombi walk - Holloween - This young man has a way to get people moving just with socail media - now working for Wood TV!

Photo History - nice smooth music with this one!

Art prize 2009 - Awesome event - coming back this year -2010 can not wait - good time to visit us!

Bush's Visit - you may not agree with thier views, but at least they have one!

If you goto YOUTUBE and search Grand Rapids Michigan - there is more there. These are just some of my favorites.

Are you feeling the cuture yet?

Bulletin 10 of 2009 the Inflation Rate Multiplier for 2010

Michelle Gordon — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:26:00 GMT

Bulletin 10 of 2009 the Inflation Rate Multiplier for 2010

Grand Rapids Michigan we are on the move!

Michelle Gordon — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:11:00 GMT

About Grand Rapids

57 Things about Grand Rapids

Michelle Gordon — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:45:00 GMT

57 Things to know abut Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Michigan - In the top 10!

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:36:00 GMT

Well, this is not the 1st time we have been noticed by a national net work and probably will not be the last. Last year we were on the today show as a great place to live and raise a family...............this time it was a little different.

Grand Rapids home sales are on the rise! We were number 5 on the Today's show list as a place you better buy now if you are looking for that "deal"!

I was telling some one the other day how I am not able to find the steal of a deal as easy as I could this time last year. I am now in bidding wars and homes are selling for over asking price. I have not had to compete for a home purchase in a while...............I have to admit it was fun!!!! I forgot how much fun that can be!

So when the Today show broadcasted this, it only confirmed what I was feeling as a Realtor. I really do feel like we are cleaning out the inventory of the bank owned homes..................well at least the "good ones" !

3 cities in Michigan were named................and in the top 10..............

Because prices are on the rise, if you are sitting on the fence waiting for us to hit bottom, I think you may of just missed it! So time to buy is now!

Watch the video

Waterfront living in Kent County – Thornapple River

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:52:00 GMT

I have to admit when ever I hold an open house that is located on the Thornapple river, I am always wishing I was the one on the pontoon boat that is passing by; instead of the one watching it! It just looks like so much fun and a great way to spend the day.

I love when the weather is turning, as a storm is rolling in and the waves get big, the trees sway from side to side…..it gets a little spooky, but I like it!

I also enjoy the warm sunny days, when you can ride on your pontoon boat or have a ton of fun on Jet Ski’s! The river seems to go on for ever so you never want to come back in side.

Now I am not really your out doors type of gal…………but I do enjoy water sports. However the fishing I hear is great! Many people who own properties on the Thornapple can fish right out their back door.

All shape and sizes (and price points) can be found on the River. My husband and I toured many areas of the Thornapple and found that where ever you are, what ever the price point, a sense of community is to be found. I liked that even thou you may have a home on 5 acres – the neighbors all still know each other and visit.

What is the most amazing to me is the country side that surrounds most of these properties. The wild life that can be view from your front window is priceless. I have to think people who home school have no problem finding subjects for science and biology as it is right out side.

I am a city girl, so yes these things amaze me as if I am seeing them as a child would for the 1^st time. Wild turkey……….YEP you may find wild turkey. I thought they just came frozen from the D&W! I had one cross my path and it scared me………….I laugh about it now. The deer is so much fun to watch………..better then a fish tank………..and every great while you may find an eagle flying over head.

What a great place to live………….Michigan offers so much and such a variety of choices. If you are moving to this area, you may want to check out homes near the Thornapple – as it is like no other.

Some facts about the Thornapple River

Moving to Saugatuck?

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:30:00 GMT

My husband I have just decided if we are going to buy our final home, that we will live in through our retirement this is the time to go for it. We have come to conclusion that the money saved on a home is worth the some what of a loss on our own home.

So we have been driving around and looking at different area's and trying to decide, where do we want to live. Hoping one day we will have Grand children we want to have a "destination home"! A place the grand kids will want to come to and visit, hoping that will bring them more often. Plus we would like our home to be some place we can relax and enjoy our selves, as we both work very hard and many times long hours. So we do not want a 2nd home to take care of (no time for this) just want to come home and say ahhhhhhhhh.

We started in the Kent county Grand Rapids area................we really liked the Thornapple river. Driving a pontoon boat on a Sunday afternoon, for a slow cruse, seemed like the way to go. Part of the river has an area that is considered the "lake" and has a very wide opening and is all sports. Many homes can be bought with a large lot or acreage. So very private - retreat like area's. For a while we thought this is the place! However after much discussion, we realized we really are city people and not sure we want to take care of all that "yard". However I have many clients who do find yard maintenance relaxing and somewhat therapeutic. I am finding that it feels like work.

So we have broaden our horizons - search area, and have reached out to the Holland/Saugatuck area. We are now in love. For us Holland is the ideal location. As it sits in the middle of Saugatuck and Grand Rapids, close to highways, not a far drive to Chicago.

Lake Macatawa on S Shore drive seems like the place to be for us. The lake runs into Lake Michigan, so you have the option of staying near the home and playing with your toys (all sports lake) or go for an afternoon drive up/down the coast. Great shopping and places to eat in Holland..............but again not too far to go if you want to change it up a bit and visit Grand Rapids or Saugatuck.

However what started me on this blog, was this amazing home I toured last Saturday in Saugatuck. This home has given me faith again in builders and the people who have a home built. I have to believe you can not build this home for what it is selling for. The attention to detail is outstanding, The landscaping alone is worth a million bucks.................(not really) but there is not a corner left undone, and done sooooooooo right you would not want to change a thing. The pictures on line do not do this home justice, although nice pics, but you just got to go see this home. From the gold leaf barrel entry way to the coffee station in the very large master suite, they have thought of everything. I have no vested interest in this home, but can not get it out of my head. However my desire to be right on the lake is greater then the desire to purchase this home. This home does have river access, that is a 20 minute drive on the Kalamazoo river that will take you to Lake Michigan. The home does sit up on a hill like property so the views of the river from the home are there.......... but really want to be able to park a boat in my back yard. There is a path down at the end of the street that takes you to your boat dock, so not far away at all....

This wonderful home is located on 6570 Heron Ridge RD............if Saugatuck is your location, and this home is in your price range, it is a must see for sure. Pics and listing

A new tax credit for home buyers in Michigan

Michelle Gordon — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:29:00 GMT

Just another opprotunity for home buyers - however only available in Michigan, here are the details:

MCC - Mortgage Credit Certificate Program



MCC - Mortgage Credit Certificate Program

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

This program is made available only through approved Lenders and is available for a limited time.
It is available to eligible borrowers on a first-come,
first-served basis throughout the State of Michigan.
Eligible borrowers must meet MSHDA income and sales price limits and in some cases, prior homeownership restrictions.

Homebuyers taking advantage of the MCC Program may qualify for 20% of their annual mortgage
interest paid to be credited against their year-end tax liability.
This is not a one time tax credit, but can be taken advantage of each year until the original mortgage is paid in full as long as the property remains the homebuyer’s primary residence. The homebuyer must apply for the MCC through a participating lender.

HOW DOES THE MCC PROGRAM WORK?

1. HOW WILL A MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE HELP ME PURCHASE A HOME?

MCC reduce the amount of federal income tax a homebuyer pays.
The estimated annual cost savings is calculated on a monthly basis to help homebuyers
qualify for a higher mortgage payment, and therefore a higher priced home-expanding home choices. MCCs are available to homebuyers who meet household income and home purchase price limits.

2. CALCULATING THE CREDIT

Total Mortgage Amount x Loan Interest Rate = Annual Inters

Annual Interest x MCC Rate (20%) = Tax Credit for the Year

Assuming a mortgage of $100,000 at 5.5% interest, the annual tax credit would be:

$100,000 x 5.5% = $5,000

$5,000 x 20% = $1,100 annual tax credit

The specific amount of the mortgage interest credit depends on how much interest you pay on the mortgage loan,
however, the amount of the credit cannot be more than your annual federal income tax liability
after all other credits and deductions have been taken into account.
The unused portion of the mortgage interest credit can be carried forward to the next three years,
or until used, whichever comes first. Please refer to IRS Form 8396 to calculate and claim your credit.

3. WHAT TYPES OF MORTGAGES CAN A MCC BE COMBINED WITH?

MCCs can be combined with conventional, FHA, Rural Development and VA mortgage loans. MCCs are not available with MSHDA mortgages or with refinanced loans.

4. WHAT REQUIREMENTS ARE THERE?

Federal, IRS and state regulations apply to everyone who obtains a MCC.

These include:

·        The homebuyer cannot have an ownership interest in a principal residence in the last three years, unless the home is being purchased in a targeted area.

·        The home must be a single family residence and used as a principal residence. A principle residence can include single family homes, condominiums and certain manufactured homes.

·        Because a tax credit is considered to be subsidy, homebuyers may be subject to a federal ‘recapture tax’. This tax may apply, if the home is sold within nine years with a gain on the sale. MSHDA recognizes that this may be a concern for individuals, so the Recapture Tax Reimbursement Program was created to reimburse borrowers for any recapture tax paid to the IRS.

Visiting Grand Rapids this 4th of July? Here are some activities I think will be fun!

Michelle Gordon — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:36:37 GMT

Grand Rapids has some of the most exciting and creative idea's that brings fun and enjoyment to everyone!

Here are some of my picks for the week end................

The Independence Day Water Balloon Fight:

This just sounds like a hoot!!! 2 teams - one blue team and one red team to battle it out with water balloons. People will be throwing water balloons for about 20 minutes and at one point thousands of water balloons will be in the air...............after all done the National Anthem will play! balloon fight

If you are thinking of moving to East Grand Rapids come join in the fun at their July 4th celebration. This is a good way to get to know the community as many will be out. A parade in the afternoon the fun and games on the lake followed by a great display of fire works. If you have never seen fire works over the water this will be a must see.............so pretty!

The public Museum

Now I did this with my daughter when she was younger.............they will have events going on from 7pm till the fire works go off..... you get front row seats to view the fire works. Many thing for the kids to do and see while they are there. This also their 11th annual fund raising event. Front Row for the Fire Works.

These are just a few quick picks however many more activities are happening and most surrounding area's will be having a their own celebration as well...................

Have fun with what ever you decide to do....................

Visiting Grand Rapids this 4th of July? Here are some activities I think will be fun!

Michelle Gordon — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:09:00 GMT