Grand Rapids Makes New York Times List of Cities to Visit!

From the New York Times: Grand Rapids Michigan A furniture-making city champions urban renewal and art. The early 20th-century furniture companies Herman Miller and Steelcase established a creative community in central Michigan’s Grand Rapids, one now flourishing thanks to a confluence of urban revival and arts funding. The 138,000-square-foot food hall Grand Rapids Downtown Market,…

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What Buyers Want in Homes Today

Buyers have a long list of what they want when home shopping, but one of their biggest desires: A good deal. “And no matter where a seller prices their property, they’re looking to negotiate,” says Patricia Szot, president of the MetroTex Association of REALTORS®. But that’s not all they want. Bankrate.com recently asked real estate…

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8 Quick Fixes to Increase Value

With buyers scarcer, sellers must up the ante to convince them that their property offers what many want most — top value for dollar expended. Here are eight fast fixes: Buff up curb appeal. You’ve heard it before, but it’s critical to get buyers to want to look on the inside. Be objective. View listings…

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How to Increase Your Home’s Value

  • Buff up curb appeal. You’ve heard it before, but it’s critical to get buyers to want to look on the inside. Be objective. View listings from the street. Check the condition of the landscaping, paint, roof, shutters, front door, knocker, windows, house number, and even how window treatments look from the outside. Add something special—such as big flower pots or an antique bench — to help viewers remember house A from B.
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    51st Annual Spring Parade of Homes in Grand Rapids

    From May 28 through June 12 you will have the opportunity to view 49 homes in the 2010 Spring Parade of Homes.   You don’t have to be shopping for a home to attend the Parade of Homes. Here are some of my favorite reasons to attend the Spring Parade: See friends also out touring…

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    Help Me Understand and Appeal My Property Taxes

    It’s that time of year when local assessors are completing their valuation of your home and sending out the annual Notice of Assessment. This article can help you understand the terms on your statement and give you the tools to appeal your property tax assessment if you feel it is too high.   What is…

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    Help Me Understand and Appeal My Property Taxes

    It’s that time of year when local assessors are completing their valuation of your home and sending out the annual Notice of Assessment. This article can help you understand the terms on your statement and give you the tools to appeal your property tax assessment if you feel it is too high.   What is…

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    Tax Credits Provide Outstanding Opportunities for Home Buyers

    The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has extended the tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence. It also authorized a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified repeat home buyers. $8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance The $8,000 tax credit…

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