New ‘2030 District’ vows to slash downtown energy use by 50 percent

An Mlive article released December 14, 2015 by staff writer Jim Harger is the latest example of how Grand Rapids, Michigan continues to be a leader in the field of greening, conservation, and cooperation. It is encouraging and refreshing to see local business leaders take part in such a forward-thinking initiative.

2030-district-mlive

“Can downtown Grand Rapids cut its total energy, emissions and water use by 50 percent in the next 15 years? That’s the goal set by Grand Rapids 2030 District, a collaboration of private and public groups. It’s part of an effort that includes 11 other North American cities…”

Full article here.

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The “What’s My Home Worth” Troll

“What’s My Home Worth?” A marketing hook equally brilliant and meaningless. A report automatically generated with the click of a button gives you a round number based on municipal records and sometimes other general data. What it accomplishes effectively is adding your name to a list of contacts that is sent to those who offer to pay for it.

Magic Home Evaluation Button

Magic Home Evaluation Button

Why not make the most important decision in the home selling process for yourself: Which local listing agent will you choose to hire? 

“Free Market Evaluations” do exist. These are a basic, stage-one component of what your agent of choice will do for you, usually with 12-24 hours. Insight varies depending on the agent. 

Thinking of selling? Good timing! I’d like to offer you a free, personalized market report on your home. Then we can meet to discuss its implications, have a Q&A, and talk proactive strategy. 

Here are links to my most recent listings and their results:

407 College SE
Listed $249,900, Sold Full Price, Discount for Inspections issues, $248,700, 3 Offers
Facilitated cleaning and refinishing hardwood floors.

110 East Elm
List $114,900, Sold $120,000, 3 Offers

1435 Colorado
List $127,000, Sold $129,900
Facilitated cleaning, painting, and refinishing hardwood floors

130 Ann Street
List $110,000, Sold $111,650, 2 Offers

321 Diamond NE
List $147,000, Sold $155,000, 5 Offers

505 Cherry SE #203
We purchased for $109,900 in 2014
Sold for $127,000 in 2015.

Services I Offer:
Analysis, Repairs & Renovation through my company, Advice on Staging, Advice on your next step

Referrals I Offer:
Staging, Major Repairs, Appraisals, Lenders

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Grand Rapids MI: Almost the Best Place to Own a Home

According to this survey published on Porch.com, the Grand Rapids area is the second-best place in the US to own a home. A local poll shows that residents are pretty happy with second place, but we’re still coming for you Denver.

Here are the stats.

best place

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Pete Interviewed by Fox 17 / Problem Solvers

Fox 17 News contacted Pete for comments on a rental scam happening in Grand Rapids. It ran as a popular “Problem Solvers” segment on July 14, 2015:

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Rental scams online are nothing new. However, a Grand Rapids realtor warns of a more sophisticated scheme. It starts with people posing as property owners or property managers.

“They’ll meet at the property. They’ll have a way to have gotten keys, made duplicates and let you in through the front door. Or they can break a window and break in just like any other theft,” Pete Bruinsma, with Grand Rapids-based Life Cycle Property Management said.

After the walk-through, the thieves take a cash deposit…

Full Article & Video Here

ad-cube-ad

 

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Yun Says Buy

Full Article Here at Forbes.com

Chief economist of NAR (National Association of Realtors) recently shared current data on owning vs renting in Forbes.com, in an article titled “How Do Homeowners Accumulate Wealth?”

Heres an excerpt and a link.

“The differences between buying and renting are massive.  According to the Federal Reserve, a typical homeowner’s net worth was $195,400, while that of renter’s was $5,400…”

yunii

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Congrats Nhung Pham and Family!

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1323-springdale

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Interview with Grand Rapids Superintendent Shows Optimism for Future of Education

Great article today in Rapid Growth. I’d urge you to subscribe if you haven’t already.

Call it a comeback: Grand Rapids Public Schools on the upswing, poised to thrive

Excerpt:

Under Weatherall Neal’s leadership, her team sifted out three goals for the Transformation Plan:

  • Ensuring children reach their academic potential with equal access to high quality schools and the most talented principals and teachers
  • Replicating and expanding what’s working and stopping what’s not
  • Offering quality choices that are academically and financially sustainable

rapid

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Local University GVSU a Best Value in the Midwest

Wood TV 8 Reports that Grand Valley State University has been named a top university in the Midwest and a best value by U.S. News and World Report.

In the Best Colleges 2016 publication, GVSU ranked third for “Top Public Regional Universities in the Midwest” and 14th for “Best Value in the Midwest…”

gvsu

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Factory Renovation Update

I recently stopped by to gape at these renovations at Nu-Tran, and couldn’t believe the amount of progress in such a short time! I had to take some photos. We found a great deal on this Wyoming MI industrial space, outdated, dark, used only for storage in recent years, and purchased for a good price. Nu-Tran was formed, and the owner and his crew transformed the place into a fully-functioning commercial furniture design, sales, and manufacturing company within mere months.

chanh-i-e

before:

chanh-pre-e

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Renovation Recognition

Natasha, Brad and I were so happy to find this adorable historic Garfield Park home in 2010. At the time it was an unlisted estate property with lots of work to be accomplished and lots of potential. It is so fun to see great efforts rewarded, congrats guys! Photo gallery at ApartmentTherapy.com

natasha

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