BP Realty

A homeowners association, commonly referred to as an HOA, can be best defined as, “an organization in a subdivision, planned community or condominium that makes and enforces rules for the properties in its jurisdiction,” according to Investopedia.com.

Although HOA’s are usually associated with condos and townhouses, they’re also becoming more common for detached single-family houses in planned communities. HOA’s are set and enforced to maintain the value of the area and control things that would normally cause a decrease in resale value in the subdivision if left unattended.

One of the many important decisions when purchasing a home is whether or not you choose one that has an HOA. As with anything in life, there are pro’s and con’s. Before deciding to purchase a home associated with an HOA, it’s crucial that you understand both sides and know what to look for when deciding if a specific homeowners association is a good choice for you.

The Pros:

• Chances are, your HOA will also cover maintenance to your property. This could range from snow removal to fences and landscaping to painting the exterior of your house.
• Some HOA’s include utilities like trash removal, water and sewer. While this is not a constant line item across the board, it’s certainly not unheard of and could save you time when paying your monthly bills.
• Pest Control s also usually include with your HOA fee. Knowing that spiders love basements and moles inhabit play areas, this is a huge benefit.
• Most HOA’s  include what is called, “master insurance.”  Master insurance is an insurance policy that covers parts of the property that is shared by all the homeowners like clubhouses, community pools, gyms, parks and parking areas. If your home is a water-front property, it’s likely that the HOA will have it’s own private beach, docks and swimming areas, too.
• Some communities with an HOA include a higher measure of security with anything from a coded gate entry to 24/7 patrol.

The Cons

• HOA’s legally can and often do levy fines as prescribed in the bylaws agreed upon. These rules are every bit as enforceable as if you received a speeding ticket from a local police officer. Don’t want to keep paying your dues? A lien can be put on your property.
• Want to wave a Detroit Lions flag on your porch to show your team support? Check the rules first. Most HOA’s don’t allow temporary flags to be displayed. The same goes with certain types of plants, playsets, mailboxes, lawn decor and even the number of vehicles and pets you can keep on the property.
• Chances are, every few years you’ll get a notice in the mail that it’s time to paint your house. You’ll have a deadline for when this needs to be done and you’ll have six colors to choose from… and you’ll pay out of your own pocket to do so. If it’s not done or done up to the standards of the HOA then you can most certainly expect a fine. 
• Make sure your lawn mower works because if your grass grows more than the maximum limit set by the HOA, you’ll get a fine. 
• HOA fees are not set in stone and can increase at anytime. 

Long story short, if you want to live in a (seemingly guaranteed) neighborhood that looks well maintained and has a theme of sorts, an HOA may be a great fit for you. But if you want to park your boat or RV next to the open space by your garage, you probably won’t be able to.

Do your research, talk with the President or Chairman of the HOA and be sure to ask any questions that are on your mind. An HOA can be a wonderful thing if you agree and adhere to the bylaws. If you don’t, it can be a nightmare and end up costing you headaches and even potentially thousands of dollars in the long run.

Purchasing a home is an exciting time. Whether it’s your first, fourth or eighth, the research and due diligence put in during the walk-throughs will make your decision easier. But what do you look for? We’ve listed the Top 10 Things to Look For Before Buying a New Home.  

The Roof

Before you walk inside, stand at the end of the property line or in the yard and take a good look at the roof of the house. Does it look new or is it caving in? How many layers of shingles are on it? Is it just dirty or is it, in fact, damaged? Purchasing a home with a newer roof could potentially result in a lower homeowners insurance rate but one that will need repair could end up costing you.

The Land

Always take a moment to examine the property grounds, land, driveways, surrounding lots and easements. Buying a house can be exciting but moving in and realizing you actually share a driveway with a neighbor or purchased a home with a large industrial ground behind you could cause a headache down the road. Does the property sit in a floodplain? Are there low spots in the yard that will collect water?  Do your research, jump onto Google Earth, take a look at every single thing you can think of. Then decide. 

The Smell

Sniff, sniff and then sniff again. Do this as you get out of the car, as you walk the property, as you enter the home and again as you leave. If you smell anything unpleasant, chances are, that’s not a fluke. Taking a moment to smell the trees and flowers will show you a lot, too. When sewage systems get clogged or damaged, plants and tree roots absorb that waste. If the roses smell like poo, there’s a cause for concern.

Some other odors to be mindful of when walking through the house are smoke, mildew, pet odors and natural gas. 

And be cautious of too much scent, too. It’s possible that the more aggressive the scent is, the more likely the seller is trying to mask odors. Perform your sniff-test in each and every room you walk into. 

The Temperature

When entering the home, take note of the temperature. Keep in mind: if it looks rickety or old, it probably is. Heating and cooling systems are expensive to fix and replace, and inefficient ones can eat away at your utility bills. Make sure the furnace is up to date and in good repair.

The Plumbing

Don’t stop just because you like what you see. The most beautiful kitchens can still present problems. Get down on your hands and knees and take a look under the sinks and behind the toilets. Run the shower and bath, check for leaks, odd smells, stains and mold. 

Not only is mold unsightly and foul-smelling, but it can also cause serious health problems. If you live with a baby, an elderly person, or someone with asthma, you’ll want to be especially careful before moving into a property with any mold.

The Foundation

A fresh coat of paint is great but try to ignore that part. Focus on the structural integrity of the house and foundation. Ask what type of foundation it is, if it’s ever been repaired, etc. Keep in mind, most foundations have hairline cracks, this is completely normal and caused by settling. It’s the large gaps that present a bigger issue.

Other indicators would be sticking doors or windows, visible cracks above window frames, and uneven floors. How do you know if the floors are uneven? Roll a marble from one side to the other. 

The Tile and Floor

Take a close look at the tile in the house. You can tell if it was a personal DIY project or if they were installed properly. Uneven gaps between the tiles, chipped corners or uneven floor should prompt you to ask questions about any potential repairs that may need done, which can cost you a fair amount in the future. 

As you enter rooms with area rugs or large carpets, lift them up and make sure they’re not stained or damaged by pets.

The Ceilings and Walls

Look up. It’s easy to keep eye-level and accept what you see but doing so can cause you to miss a lot more than you want to. Check ceilings for any cracks, dark spots, bowing, water damage and more. This is especially miportant in lower levels under bathrooms, kitchens and laundry. Leaking pipes could take a while to do damage but once it does, you’re in trouble. Take a peek at exposed piping in basements or laundry rooms, and check for rust, water stains, or leaking, too. 

Don’t forget to check the paint, too. It’s hard to tell but that one freshly painted wall could just be an accent wall, or it could be hiding something like a patch of mold. As always, sniff, sniff, sniff.

The Ventilation

Look for condensation on windows and sliding doors and slightly bubbled or peeling paint around windows, doors, or vents. This can indicate moisture in the walls and ceiling drywall. Without adequate interior ventilation, moisture sticks around, which can create mold and cause allergy and breathing issues.

The Inspection

Always have a certified home inspection performed on any property you are interested in purchasing. Many times, if the results show something faulty, you are able to back out of the process and continue the search. A few hundred dollars on an inspection can save you tens of thousands later on down the road. 

Watching our children grow into their community is an incredible part of life as they experience new things, make new friends at playgrounds and relish in the nature of the scenery around them. Museum visits, mom-to-mom gatherings, and playdates, staycations and arcades… they are all little pieces of the life our children and their childhood memories.  We’ve gathered a complete list of all of the local fun resources, theme and adventure parks and more to help you find all of your fun.

Free Resources For Family Entertainment:

Macaroni Kid Allendale, Hudsonville, Zeeland

• Free local event calendar and website featuring local free and low-cost events across the areas for your kids, your family and occasionally, even you. Included are parenting articles, craft ideas, recipes, giveaways and more. 

Grand Rapids Kids

• Free family resource with guides featuring birthday party locations and attractions like your local go-kart track and kids arcades. Their blog also includes events across West Michigan. 

Ottawa County Cultural Events

• Great list of local cultural events across Ottawa County, Michigan including monthly festivals and fairs 

West Michigan Tourist Association

• Take your kids on a unique vacation or staycation in West Michigan! Resource for family places to enjoy with many activities, resorts, parks, and more. 

MI Lakeshore Kids

• Local, free and low-cost kid’s activities to entertain your children. Sign up for their email list to receive a weekly email full of baby, toddler, kid, and teen-friendly events and activities on the Lakeshore of Michigan to include Muskegon, Oceana, & Ottawa counties and surrounding areas.

Local Amusement and Theme Parks 

Michigan’s Adventure

• Enjoy 250 acres of fun at Michigan’s Adventure and WildWater Adventure. Two amazing parks in one with all kinds of fun for everyone.

WildWater Adventure

• WildWater Adventure is a water park in Muskegon, Michigan, located next door to Michigan’s Adventure and admission is included in the Michigan’s Adventure ticket.

TreeRunner Grand Rapids Adventure Park

• Outdoor adventure park featuring obstacle courses with zip-lines, swinging logs & rope bridges.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

• Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

AJ’s Family Fun Center

• Kid-oriented entertainment center featuring mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, arcade games & more.

Craig’s Cruisers

• Family fun center offering go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, laser tag & more, plus a pizza buffet.

Rebounderz Indoor Trampoline Park Grand Rapids

• Rebounderz, located in West Michigan, is a 54,000 square foot state-of-the-art indoor trampoline arena and extreme fun center in Jenison, Michigan

Nelis’ Dutch Village

• Theme park celebrating the Netherlands with a wooden shoe factory, cheese-making & petting zoo.

Action Wake Park

• Water sport activity and adventure park.

Zoo’s 

John Ball Zoo

• The John Ball Zoo is situated on the ravines and bluffs along the west edge of the park. The zoo houses a variety of animals from around the world and is a significant regional attraction.

Binder Park Zoo

• Binder Park Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Michigan, and features a large array of animals and plants, including the Wild Africa Exhibit.

Boulder Ridge Animal Park

• Set on 80 acres, this private zoo hosts a range of exotic animals, many that can be touched.

Museums and Gardens

Grand Rapids Public Museum

• Museum offers 3 floors of history in an ex-flour mill plus exhibits, a 1928 carousel & planetarium.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum

• The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is the presidential museum and burial site of Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, and his wife Betty Ford.

GRAM – Grand Rapids Art Museum

• The Grand Rapids Art Museum is an art museum located in Grand Rapids, Michigan with collections ranging from Renaissance to Modern Art and special collections on 19th and 20th-century European and American art. 

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

• Hands-on learning space for kids ages 2-10 features a real beehive & workshops like robot building.

Van Andel Museum Center

• The Public Museum celebrates the cultural and natural history of the region and seeks to educate and entertain with 3 floors of exhibits and special programs.

Frederik Meijer Gardens

• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre botanical garden and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids

Home values are on the rise and even three months can make a huge difference in the value of your home. How can you make sure you’re getting the best and highest price for your home? It’s simple and best of all, free.

With Boeve Properties, you can schedule a no-obligation Predictive Market Analysis on your home. 

What is a Predictive Market Analysis and what does it mean?

Predictive Market Analysis (PMA) is used by very few real estate agents. It’s a paid subscription service provided by a third party company that even appraisers don’t use. Using historical data to compare your home today to assist with establishing the true value of your home, it also uses a proprietary algorithmic trademark that is able to predict your home’s value while looking three months into the future. 

How do you get started?

With a small bit of information provided on our website, you’re on your way. Once the information is received by our team, we’ll call you to set up a time to come visit with you, tour your home and educate you so you can feel fully knowledgeable about your decision to potentially list your home for sale. 

During a quick visit, our agents will review your goals, your timeline for listing your home for sale and gather details on your next property purchase. We’ll explain the difference and why working with our team is the best option, dedicated 100% to you, your highest sale price and sharing more of our model and our team structure. 

Making your experience headache and hassle-free is our number one priority and is backed by our Satisfaction Guarantee. Our Easy Exit Addendum allows you to end the contract at no cost to you if you are not completely satisfied. 

Why sell your home with Boeve Properties?

1. Real-Time Updates: We believe in transparency and constant communication, guaranteed.
2. Financial Investment: We make an upfront investment for professional, high definition photos and virtual tours. Listing your property with YouTube videos, Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com so all potential buyers are routed back to our team. We cover the ‘For Sale’ sign, key boxes, fliers and mailers, Facebook and Google ads, Home Stager and 24/7 call center, so you’ll never miss a call from someone interested in seeing your home.
3. Network: Boeve Properties has over 10,000 people in our database that we connect your home with. We’ll also market your home to corporate relocation companies and all of the top Realtors in the area.
4. Pricing Your Home: Your home is valued at what you are willing to sell it for and what a buyer is willing to pay. We consistently sell homes for more money than other Realtors because of this philosophy and marketing efforts. 
5. Satisfaction Guarantee: If at any time, you are not fully satisfied with our communication, we offer an Easy Exit that allows you to end the contract at no cost to you.
6. Guaranteed Highest Sale Price: Or we sell your home for free. 

So, then what?

Then, we get to work. Once the home tour is over and all of your questions are answered, our team will determine the highest sale price of your property. We’ll set a date for a second appointment where we’ll come back and walk through the numbers, details and next steps. 

How happy have our other clients been?

Very. To put it simply, we have more than 200 5-star reviews. 

“Fantastic team. Howie and Drew made this buying and selling process so much more manageable and less stressful. We would recommend this team to anyone considering buying or selling. Total pros. There is a good reason why Howie sells over 50 homes a year. The guy knows real estate in West Michigan and has been helping people find and buy their dream homes for over 25 years.”

~ Kurt Barber Hudsonville, Hudsonville, MI

“We went into the process looking for a realtor. We left the process with someone that has become a friend. Boeve Properties knows the market, knows what it takes to sell and house and how to find a house that fits a family.”

~ Greg and Beth

“Boeve Properties was easy to deal with. They explained everything to us and kept checking with us to see that we understand what was going on. A kind-hearted and caring team.”

~John and Debbie

Welcome to the future. We’ve come a long way from the movie ‘Smart Home’ and iconic cartoon, ‘The Jetsons’, where remote-controlled lighting and refrigerators that gave us shopping needs were just a dream.

Buying a home is an exciting time and upgrading with the latest smart home technology is sure to not only make your life easier but increase the resale value, as well.

We rounded up our top six favorite additions that are sure to please any homeowner.

Smart doorbells.

The Ring Video Doorbell offers peace of mind, easy communication with visitors and 24/7 security. It’s fairly easy to install, features a slender design with interchangeable faceplates, and delivers sharp 1080p video both day and night. It also uses pre-buffering technology to show you what happened before any motion was triggered. Ring lets you view live video on an Amazon Echo Show device using Alexa voice commands, making it one of the most versatile video doorbells you can buy. Plus, with the Ring Neighborhood App, you can now get real-time crime and safety alerts from your neighbors and stay up to date on what’s happening around your home. Ring also features home security cameras, security lighting and indoor/outdoor cameras, as well, so you never miss a single moment.

Smart Locks.

If you’re looking for secure access to your home without distributing keys, installing a smart lock is a good place to start. A favorite is the  August Smart Lock system. With the app, you can allow access to friends and family with the touch of a button on your smartphone. Allowing for real-time updates, a doorbell camera and total control of locking and unlocking your door, home security has never been more convenient. Plus, you still have traditional key access in case you forget your code.

Smart refrigerators

Smart Refrigerators are sweeping the nation and depending on the model, can connect via WiFi to look up recipes, provide ingredient lists, play music and TV shows and even send a notification to your phone letting you know if the door was left open or if you’re running low on ice. Transparent doors allow for an easy view of what’s inside without opening the doors, have touch screens for shopping lists and some even allow you to send and leave notes for others in the home. LG is reportedly developing a smart refrigerator with a built-in display that will let you order groceries, if that’s not convenience, we don’t know what is! Current models can tell you if the door has been left open and let you adjust the temperature using your smartphone. You can also access Alexa to monitor and set the temperature, and you can use both Alexa and Google Assistant to turn on the ice maker and air filter.

Smart thermostats.

The days of hearing dad say, “Don’t touch that thermostat!” are over. The new Ecobee Smart Thermostat With Voice Control works with a number of services like Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple HomeKit and more, letting you control the temperature of your home just by talking. The latest version is also equipped with SmartSensor. Allowing the thermostat to detect both temperature and occupancy for smarter comfort and further savings. The company claims homeowners save an average of 23% annually on their heating and cooling costs.

Smart bulbs.

Available at an affordable price, Sengled offers a simple smart bulb can be installed in any standard socket. It connects directly to your home Wi-Fi and displays 16 million colors. Yep, that’s not a typo – 16 million. Supported by Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice command, it can interact with other smart home devices as well. And of course, comes with a user-friendly mobile app that lets you create lighting schedules and scenes, tells you how much power the bulb is using and can even play music, as some of their line includes bluetooth connected bulbs that are also speakers. Covered by a 22 year warranty, this is an easily justified expense.

Smart sprinklers.

West Michigan weather can be quite indecisive. One day it’s hot and the next it’s pouring rain. There’s really no better way to maintain your watering schedule than with a smart sprinkler system. For a small investment, you now have the ability to better control your watering times, saving you money and keeping your lawn in pristine condition. Rachio lets you create your own watering schedule, automatically adjusts to weather conditions and features convenient smartphone control. The app also keeps a water meter, alerts you of any leaks and allows you to set specific zones to water the sunny spots more often than the shaded ones.

Stay smart, secure and don’t worry about keeping up with the Jones’. With technologies like these, your neighbors will be trying to keep up with you!

Wyoming is Michigan’s 16th largest community with over 72,000 residents and a diverse cultural base, seven school districts, a balance of older and modern homes, a thriving real estate team, great variety of retail and an abundance of parkland. Below is a list of all of the parks in the area, with details on each.

Ideal Park: 5843 Crippen Ave SW

Located in the Southeast part of Wyoming, Ideal Park is almost 42 acres of open area. With walking trails, soccer and softball fields, tennis and basketball courts, grills and playgrounds, it’s a great space for a day of relaxing and fun.

Battjes Park: 1655 Blandford St SW

Take the family out for an afternoon of fishing on the lake, play some volleyball or basketball and follow up with a nice walk on one of the trails. Located just off of Chicago Drive, there are more than 55 acres of West Michigan beauty.

Jackson Park: 1331 33rd St SW

A nice local spot with ball fields, courts and a playground for the kids.

Lamar Park: 2561 Porter St SW

Just under 100 acres of parkland, Lamar Park offers everything from fishing and sand volleyball courts to a splash pad, playgrounds, walking trails, grilling areas and even a climbing wall. You and your family can easily spend a day here and still want to go back over and over again. 

Ferrand Park 4715 Byron Center SW

A smaller version of the ‘big kids playground’, Ferrand Park has a playground designed for preschool aged children. Pack a picnic and invite some friends over for a mid-morning meet up.

Kelloggsville Park: 5100 Haughey St SW

Want to play pickleball? This is the place to go. Bring your bike and enjoy the bike trails, too. Pack a picnic, play on the playground and enjoy a few games on the ball courts, too.

Frog Hollow Park: 2050 Metro Court

Frog Hollow Park is smaller than most at only two acres but definitely a local favorite. Referred to as “Every Child’s Playground”, it’s one of the only parks in the area that features a universally accessible playground so children with and without disabilities can join in on the fun. Perfect for active kids, the explorer path features tunnels, slides, hills and more. There are different playgrounds, too, for various ages and skill levels. Plus, it’s fenced in so you can focus on fun and not wandering children. 

Prairie Park: 2250 Prairie Parkway

Prairie Park features one of the only skate parks in the area. Complete with a playground, walking trail and picnic shelter.

Lemery Park: 4050 Byron Center SW

A nice getaway in the middle of the city. Lemery Park offers more than 85 acres of opan, natural space with walking trails, fishing spots, playgrounds, ball fields and even a concession stand.

Southlawn Park: 4125 Jefferson St

Cool off at the Southlaw Park splash pad and then enjoy some snacks at the sheltered picnic area. A community favorite, Southlawn Park has a preschool playground in addition to a larger one for older kids.

Gezon Park: Two Entrances: 5651 Gezon Ct and 1940 52nd St SW

This 94 acre park is perfect for birthday parties, cook-outs and a day of family fun. Featuring a playground, ballfields, walking trails and a concession stand, it’s easy to lose track of time here.

Hillcroft Park: 340 32nd St SW

Just under 13 acres, Hillcroft Park includes a nice bike rail, playground and ballfields.

40th Street Park: 1150 40th St SW

Smaller than most, 40th Street Park is 5 acres and has a swing set with picnic area

Pinery Park: 2301 DeHoop

With a one-mile fitness trail, pickleball courts, baseball fields and tennis courts, this is the stop for active families. Let the kids run in the open grass and play on the playground. Bring some burgers and enjoy the grills set for your convenience.

Oriole Park: 1380 42nd St SW

Another perfect spot for meeting friends for a brisk walk on the trails, play dates on the playground and cooling off on the splash pad. Enjoy the picnic area and basketball courts, too.

Marquette Park: 1251 Marquette St SW

Bring Fido our for some free time at the dog park while your kids enjoy the inline hockey rink. A community favorite, Marquette park includes a playground, soccer fields, basketball courts and a picnic area with grills.

Buck Creek Nature Preserve: 4269 Burlingame

A nature lovers dream, Buck Creek offers a nature building, walking trail, boardwalk and fishing spots. Pack a lunch or easy dinner, this is the perfect place to sit and enjoy an outdoor meal.

“Check out our complete list of parks in Grandville and Hudsonville here”

As a local real estate agent in Grandville, being a community resource is one of our more rewarding attributes. Moving to a new community comes with a lot of questions and wondering where the local parks and playgrounds are at the top of the list. Will they be good for kids and teens, alike? Will they be large enough to spend more than just 30 minutes? What can you expect to see when you get there? The City of Grandville is often referred to as the City of “churches and parks” and rightfully so. With a variety of open space, ball fields, play areas and more, you can see all of the parks and playgrounds in Grandville below:

Wedgewood Park: 3391 Wilson Ave

With 14 acres of fun, fields and fitness, Wedgewood park features lighted baseball, soccer and football fields, 15 horseshoe pits, a playground, standing workout equipment and much more. Complete with two picnic shelters and a campfire area, it’s the perfect place for a family outing, an evening stroll or a birthday gathering. 

Calvin Crest Park: 3796 Ivanrest Ave

Adjacent to Calvin Christian High School, paved parking is readily available for your enjoyment on nine acres of pathways, a full basketball court, 10 tennis courts and a large playground.

Buck Creek Trail: A connecting point to the Kent Trail system located off of 34th Street and Wayburn in Grandville

This beautiful trail does not have a playground but instead offers over two miles of natural and paved paths with benches throughout for taking a moment to sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Heritage Park: 4264 Canal Ave

So much more than just a park, the area features Schoolhouse #10, which includes a working classroom complete with desks and a replica school marm’s quarters. The exhibit allows children to get hands-on with typewriters, rotary phones, and various military uniforms. Outside of the museum is 19 acres of the park which has a playground, lighted basketball court, a soccer field, charcoal grills and nice pathways with decks and bridges. A quaint area for a family outing and many options for portraits.

Peck Street Park: Peck Street and Earl Avenue

The cutest place to take your little one for a wagon ride and hour on the tot lot. Two acres of park, flowers, large rocks and picnic areas, it’s a great choice for a weekly playdate.

Mill Race Park: 3370 Carlton Park

A former farm on-site at Mill Race Park offers a unique view of the 23 acre area. Enjoy some time walking through the natural space or play catch on the open green.

Ask any knowledgeable real estate agent in Hudsonville and they’ll confirm that Hudsonville is one of the fastest-growing areas in West Michigan. This deeply connected community proudly hosts an annual fair, a number of parks and a 76-acre nature preserve of wetlands, prairies and woodlands. As you venture out to explore your new home, check out the parks and playgrounds, so wonderfully maintained by the City of Hudsonville.

Hughes Park: 40th Street and Van Buren St

Enjoy a round of family disc golf with an 18-hold, 9-basket course open to the public. When you’re done, hit the beach volleyball court, basketball courts, ball diamonds and playground.

Hillside Park: Off of Highland Drive, Southeast of Hudsonville Reformed Church in the Creek View Estates subdivision

This neighborhood park features a small playground and plenty of room for kickball and races. Bring a volleyball and pack a lunch to enjoy in the pavilion.

Veterans Park: 3275 Central Blvd

The park features statues representing the various branches of the US Military and a Memorial Wall and Stone with plaques honoring local military personnel. It’s the home of the annual Memorial Day ceremony, too. 

Sunrise Park: 2600 Springdale St

Sunrise Park became a community gem in 2012 after the creation of the Rain Garden. The Rain Garden collects rainwater from the parking area and surrounding park, creating a large green space and promote a healthier environment. The park also includes covered pavilions, a tot lot for the young ones, a playground, ball diamonds, and a walking trail.

Check out the parks in Wyoming MI, and Grandville MI.

If you’re getting ready to put your house on the market, then you’ll want to know these home selling secrets straight from the real estate experts at HGTV. Selling your home can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right support, a skilled real estate agent, and a few insider tips from those who know the market and the home selling process best, you’ll be on your way to a smooth and successful home sale. Here’s what you need to know!

Minimize your stuff

A cluttered home is a total distraction when it comes to showcasing your home and one of the biggest deterrents to potential buyers. Too much stuff takes away from the visual appeal of your home and lessens a home buyer’s interest in what your home has to offer. Potential buyers will be too inundated with all of the things to really see the essence of your house and its highlights. Do yourself a big a favor and start decluttering before you ever put your house on the market.

Light it up

Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in the sunshine. Do what you have to do to make your house bright and cheery, thereby making it much more marketable and sellable.

Don’t over-upgrade

Quick fixes before selling always pay off. Mammoth makeovers, not so much. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market. Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. Get a new fresh coat of paint on the walls. Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ones. Replace door handles, cabinet hardware, make sure closet doors are on track, fix leaky faucets and clean the grout.

Sell your house not your home

One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. The more personal stuff in your house, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Get rid of a third of your stuff and put it in storage. This includes family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes. Consider hiring a home stager to maximize the full potential of your home. Staging simply means arranging your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space.

Stay show ready

Your house needs to be show-ready at all times, since you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door. You have to be available whenever they want to come see the place and it has to be in tip-top shape. Don’t leave dishes in the sink, keep the dishwasher cleaned out, the bathrooms sparkling and make sure there are no dust bunnies in the corners. It’s a little inconvenient at the moment, but it will get your house sold.

The first impression is the only impression.

No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach the house. Spruce up your home’s exterior with inexpensive shrubs and brightly colored flowers. You can typically get a 100-percent return on the money you put into your home’s curb appeal. Entryways are also important. You use it as a utility space for your coat and keys. But when you’re selling, make it welcoming by putting in a small bench, a vase of fresh-cut flowers or even some cookies. The little details matter.

1. Your Realtor is simply not good enough.

Not all Realtor’s are the same. National Association of Realtors shares 89% of all transactions are done by 11% of the Realtors. Almost 2000 new people have taken the test to get their Realtor’s license. A new Realtor does not have the education, strategies nor competencies to sell many homes. National Association of Realtors shares the average Realtor sells 3 homes a year. That’s like going to a dentist who fills 3 cavities a year. The best way to make sure you get the right Realtor is to interview at least 3 and ask at least these 4 questions. A. Do you have a team, on your payroll, consisting of an administrative person to handle all of the paperwork crossing every “T” and dotting every “I”, inside sales agent to respond to the buyers interested in your home 24/7 with in 2 minute response time and a marketing director that promotes your home professionally on hundreds of websites, runs social adds, google adds, circle marketing adds and calls, who all work to get top dollar for my home. B. Do you have a satisfaction and communication guarantee in writing? This guarantee gives you the seller complete control of the contract. Listing contracts have dates to abide by.  Some Realtor’s lock you into those dates no matter if they are doing what they said they would do or not. The bet Realtor’s have these guarantee’s so that if they are not doing what they said they would, then you have the right to cancel the listing agreement at anytime. C. Do you Guarantee me the highest sales price in writing?  This question helps you to understand the Realtor’s marketing plan and if they are willing to put their money where their mouth is so to say. Great Realtors always have Guarantee’s and are willing to put their neck on the line for you. D. Finally, ask yourself if your gut feeling is that you are interviewing someone who is a good person and truly cares about you and getting you the highest price for your home headache hassle free. Your gut is usually correct.

2. Photos are lacking quality.

Photo’s are a big key to getting interested parties to come view your home in person. They can make or break a home sale very quickly. A professional is needed to take HD, wide angel view at the correct exposure all complete with a floor plan, virtual tour, video plus sometimes drone is needed. Get this right or you will be limiting the amount of showings on your home.

3. Home repairs-touch ups are needed. 

Many times there are minor inexpensive things, (learned tricks of the trade so to say) that can be done which will make a huge difference in your home sale plus many times bring you a higher sales price. Great Realtors know these tricks and are always willing to share to maximize the return on your investment…..your home. 

4. Your home is not advertised properly.

Most Realtor’s put your home in the Multiple Listing Service, put a sign in the yard and hope for the best. Great Realtor’s have a specific marketing strategy that is tailored to your specific home. Every home is unique and should have a unique marketing budget on where and how to spend marketing dollars to get your home in front of the right buyer. It’s called pro-active marketing. Instead of trying to attract potential buyers to your home, great Realtor’s identify buyers for your home and then bring your home to them via internet, mailings, calls and texts.  

Are you in need of a Realtor who is going to put their best foot forward for YOU? Email us at info@boeveproperties.com to receive our credibility kit and see if we’re the right fit for YOU!

 Do you have any home selling secrets you’d like to share? We’d love to hear your experience and advice. Our comment section is always open!

Here are five reasons listing your home for sale this winter makes sense.

1. Demand Is Strong

The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing and able to purchase… and are in the market right now! More often than not, multiple buyers are competing with each other to buy a home.

Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.

2. There Is Less Competition Now

Housing inventory is still under the 6-month supply that is needed for a normal housing market. This means that, in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in the market. This is good news for homeowners who have gained equity as their home values have increased. However, additional inventory could be coming to the market soon.

Historically, the average number of years a homeowner stayed in their home was six but has hovered between nine and ten years since 2011. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move, as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. As home values continue to appreciate, more and more homeowners will be given the freedom to move.

The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until this other inventory comes to market before you decide to sell.

3. The Process Will Be Quicker

Today’s competitive environment has forced buyers to do all they can to stand out from the crowd, including getting pre-approved for their mortgage financing. This makes the entire selling process much faster and much simpler as buyers know exactly what they can afford before home shopping. According to Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insights Report, the time to close a loan has dropped to 46 days.

4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up

If your next move will be into a premium or luxury home, now is the time to move up! The inventory of homes for sale at these higher price ranges has forced these markets into a buyer’s market. This means that if you are planning on selling a starter or trade-up home, your home will sell quickly, AND you’ll be able to find a premium home to call your own!

Prices are projected to appreciate by 4.8% over the next year according to CoreLogic. If you are moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait.

5. It’s Time to Move on With Your Life

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?

Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

That is what is truly important.

With home prices on the rise and buyer demand still strong, some sellers may be tempted to try and sell their homes on their own without using the services of a real estate professional.

Real estate agents are trained and experienced in negotiation and, in most cases, the seller is not. Sellers must realize that their ability to negotiate will determine whether or not they get the best deal for themselves and their families.

Here is a list of just some of the people with whom the seller must be prepared to negotiate with if they decide to For Sale by Owner (FSBO):

• The buyer who wants the best deal possible
• The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interests of the buyer
• The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
• The home inspection companies, which work for the buyer and will almost always find someproblems with the house
• The termite company if there are challenges
• The buyer’s lender if the structure of the mortgage requires the sellers’ participation
• The appraiser if there is a question of value
• The title company if there are challenges with certificates of occupancy (CO) or other permits
• The town or municipality if you need to get the CO permits mentioned above
• The buyer’s buyer in case there are challenges with the house your buyer is selling

Bottom Line

The percentage of sellers who have hired real estate agents to sell their homes has increased steadily over the last 20 years. Meet with a professional in your local market to see the difference that he or she can make in easing the selling process for you.

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise

CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Insight report revealed that home prices have appreciated by 5.6% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 4.7% over the next year.

The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.

2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase 

Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have hovered around 4.8%. Most experts predict that rates will rise over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in unison, projecting that rates will increase in 2019.

An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. A year from now, your housing expense will increase if a mortgage is necessary to buy your next home.

3. Either Way, You are Paying a Mortgage

There are some renters who have not yet purchased homes because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s.

As an owner, your mortgage payment is a form of ‘forced savings’ that allows you to build equity in your home that you can tap into later in life. As a renter, you guarantee your landlord is the person building that equity.

Are you ready to put your housing cost to work for you?

4. It’s Time to Move on With Your Life

The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise.

But what if they weren’t? Would you wait?

Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide if it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer, or you just want to have control over renovations, maybe now is the time to buy.

If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings.

Source: Keeping Current Matters