This has been the craziest winter I can remember (and I’ve been in the Grand Rapids area for many a winter).  One day the snow will be blowing and howling and the driving will be terrible, then the next day, the sun comes out – the snow melts and it’s so mild I don’t need to wear a coat.  I’m not complaining – it has really been the mildest winter I can remember with snow very sparsely scattered.  I do feel bad for the businesses that depend on a snowy winter (ski resorts, snowmobile resorts, restaurants and tourism surrounding the snow industry) and hope they can make it up yet this winter.

One unintended consequence of this “spring-like” weather is it has really gotten the “home buying juices” flowing in the marketplace.  As early as the first week of January, when typically the real estate market is dormant, our phones were ringing off the wall (ok – we don’t hang phones on the wall anymore – but I don’t have a saying that will work yet).  My listing showings are up from December and we are receiving offers on them!

Most folks don’t realize our real estate market is dependent on the weather.  This year our “Spring Market” has started way early.  Spring itself doesn’t really get here until March 20 – by then we will be well into the middle of our “Spring Market.”   The major cause of a “spring market” is the change in the weather from very wintry to sun, melting snow and a 15 to 20 degree rise in temperature.

The original premise really was that most folks have cabin fever after being home bound during the snow storms of winter – then when it begins to thaw folks are so sick of staring at their four walls they want to move.  Hmmm – not sure that is really the motivator – but do know there seems to be a psychologically positive attitude when we go from predominately dark days and little daylight to warmer days, sunshine and longer daylight.  That positive attitude often translates into thinking about moving – which is good!

One other premise folks have about selling in the spring is the school theory.  Years ago – if someone was being transferred by their company and they had a family – they often wanted to transfer during the Spring or Summer – with the idea they wanted to move in the summer so their children could start school in the fall.  This idea is not as relevant today since the new theory is transferring and moving during the school year is really better for the children – especially since most schools have really good immersion programs for new students – making them feel special and often pairing them with peer mentors.

So – It’s a Real Estate Spring Market early this year.  Don’t be left behind.  Interest rates are still at record lows.  We could really use some good homes to sell – so if you are thinking of moving and have a bit of cabin fever give me a call!

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Great Location!  Fabulous wooded cul-du-sac lot! Custom Built by Distictive Homes! Award winning Forest Hills Schools!  - This home has it all.

This lovely well cared for home features: Oversized white kitchen – Delightful main floor master suite with every convenience – Great Room with cathedral ceilings and a wall of windows looking out into your own nature preserve – Main floor utility room – Finished daylight lower level with another two bedrooms and full bath.

You will not find a more beautiful lot!   Loads of wildlife, beautiful mature trees, stream running alongside the property plus a quiet neighborhood.

Give us a call if you would like to take a look inside – or take a look at the virtual tour!

Pat Vredevoogd

Coldwell Banker AJS Schmidt

616 559-7241

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thanks to Suet Emma for photo

1.  Watch, Re-Watch, Memorize - It’s a Wonderful Life -

Oh My, there are so many similarities between George and his trials and us in today’s world – It’s hard to believe it’s the 65th birthday of this movie – every time I hear a bell ring I think of an angel getting it’s wings – still!

2.  Visit Frederick Meijer Gardens

…and be taken back to childhood among all the beautifully decorated Christmas Trees from all over the world.  It’s a magical land for children of all ages…don’t miss it!

3.  Drive your family through the 5/3 Ballpark and see the Nite Lite Holiday Light Show.

You drive through an area set up just for you filled with thousands of lights – one of the largest displays of lights in the Midwest!!  Hours are 6 – 10pm through January 1.

4.  Spend some time with your family -

a.  Talking:  ask the older ones to tell you stories of their Christmas experiences as they were growing up – get some good conversation going – it will warm your hearts and warm the hearts of those with something to tell (besides you might find out some really interesting things about folks you thought you knew well).

b.  Singing:  those old Christmas Carols (even Jingle Bell Rock) that everyone knows can be a very cohesive bonding time for families when they come together.

c.  Playing:  Hopefully a few feet of snow will fall before Christmas (I know – I know – we probably will just get a flurry or two) and everyone can go sliding, skiing, or just having fun making snow angels.  If no snow – oh well – walks, playgrounds or games in the park get your feet going and your heart racing!

Wishing All of You a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!   Feliz Navidad

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The Electric Cheetah Restaurant - Grand Rapids Michigan

Every once in a while I like to try the new restaurants in town and offer my opinion along the way.  Guy and I have had lunch several times but finally made it to the Electric Cheetah last week for dinner to celebrate Erin’s Birthday.

We’re very happy they now have a liquor license – although the root beer on tap was always wonderful (and still is).

The Electric Cheetah is located at 1015 Wealthy Street in an eclectic area of Grand Rapids - lots of new shops in really cool old buildings!

Here are the Top Three Things I love about the Electric Cheetah:

1.  Cool Healthy Menu…even when you’re munching on comfort food

OK – some maybe not be so healthy – my favorite starter is the Southern Raw Fries w/ Balsamic Vinegar.  These thinly shaved potato slices are somewhat fried (in a delicious way) and taste GREAT!  The Statler & Waldorf Salad is really good…Soups are homemade and delicious…Handcut sweet potato fries with rosemary seasoning (Yumm) with interesting dipping sauces.  Guy had the Ratatouille Dinner and found it healthy, interesting and good.  The desserts look fabulous (didn’t try) and the ultimate comfort food of “Milk and Cookies” bring a new meaning to the words.  These cookies are made from scratch and take 12 minutes to bake – so order them early in your meal and add organic milk to top it off.

2.  The Decor

What an eclectic scene inside the Electric Cheetah! There is a large bar for seating overlooking the entire kitchen – so, watch the cooks and be amazed.  Everything is open – plus loads of bright paintings on the walls – makes you feel like you are in Chicago or New York (huh? not GR?)

3.  The Staff

Everyone – from the busboys – to the wait staff – to the manager – were all super.  We had a bit of a wait when we arrived (6:30 on a Thursday night – glad to see they were busy!) so we sat at the bar and had the pleasure of meeting the manger, who got us a beer while we waited.

In addition to the Electric Cheetah – they also have a Soup Shop just down the street called Uncle Cheetah’s located at 1133 Weathy Street.  Guy just had to try it and yesterday he drove to Uncle Cheetah’s and got us some soup for lunch while I was on a Webinar – It was WONDERFUL!   I see from their menu they have a variety of “House” Grilled Sandwiches –  Oh Boy – Can’t Wait.

Let me know what you think when you try the Electric Cheetah!

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OK – I’ve refinanced and the rates are still dropping. Who could have predicted the rates for a 30 year fixed rate loan could drop below 4%???   So, now there are record low interest rates – why aren’t more people buying homes?    Good Question!

I have 3 quick guesses why folks aren’t buying even with these low rates:

1.  Banks aren’t lending like they used to.

We’ve swung from the practice of giving mortgages to anyone who was breathing (a good thing since it caused a good deal of the foreclosure crisis), to not giving really qualified folks mortgages due to more rules and regulations.  Don’t let this deter you!  We have some great lenders who recognize a qualified buyer and will work diligently with you to get you qualified.

2.  Consumer Confidence is a bit shaky.

With the number of buyers down, a new opportunity opens up for you – lots of homes with prices like we have not seen in years – couple this with these low interest rates and it is a fabulous time to buy.  There are many signs of a rebound – so stay tuned!

3.  It’ Fall

There is a perception in the marketplace it’s best to buy in the Spring – Not So!  As sellers head into the Winter months their motivation is even stronger to sell – so some great prices are available in the Fall Real Estate Market.

Don’t let these three things get to you this fall as you consider getting into the homeownership status.  Rates are GREAT!  Inventory is HIGH!  It’s a great time to buy your first home or your dream home.  Give us a call or send us an email for a complete search and home buying information.  Pat Vredevoogd Combs, Coldwell Banker AJS-Schmidt, 4488 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids, MI; 616-559-7241  pat@patsplace.com

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3125

Cute! Cute! Cute! –  Imagine an all brick bungalow on a quiet tree lined street…you would expect to see Beaver Cleaver playing out in the yard!   This special home sits on 2 lots in the award winning Grandville school district.  Hardwood floors, screened breezeway, beautifully appointed upstairs bedroom, updated oak kitchen – ready to have you move right in.

Great Opportunity!  Great Interest Rates!

Contact Pat at 616-559-7241 or pat@patsplace.com for a personal showing

Pat Vredevoogd Combs

Coldwell Banker AJS-Schmidt

4488 Cascade Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49546

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4236 Castle Dr. SE

Own your own Castle on Castle Drive – located within minutes of I-96 in the award winning Forest Hills School District.  3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, 2 stall attached garage – this 50’s ranch has charm and classy lines in a quiet suburban neighborhood.

Oh – and the setting is lovely with lots of plantings and mature trees.  Full brick fireplace wall plus soaring cathedral ceilings in the living room, picture windows, finished knotty pine rec room in the basement – are some of the things the seller loves about their home.

Contact us at pat@patsplace.com or give us a call at 616-559-7241 for a private showing.

Pat Vredevoogd Combs

Coldwell Banker AJS-Schmidt

4488 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

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It was in late August – the 28th to be exact - in 1963 –  when Dr. Martin Luther King gave his “I have a Dream” speech in Washington DC – 43 years to the day the Memorial on the Mall in DC was to be dedicated.   As all of us have learned over these past 43 years – a lot of things can happen that are out of our control – that turn the tide of history forever.

On April 4, 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King was shot by James Earl Ray in Memphis, Tennessee.

On August 27, 2011 Hurrican Irene blew it’s way into the Eastern Seaboard and for three days terrorized the Northeast portion of the USA – in fact causing the cancellation of the Dedication of the Martin Luther King Memorial.

Well, everyone has regrouped and despite an earthquake that week in DC and a hurricane that weekend – plans do go on – so, I’m proud to say I’ll be attending the re-scheduled Dedication of the Memorial.  I will be at the evening Gala on Saturday, the 15th of October and then attend the actual Dedication on Sunday morning.

The Dedication should be a celebration and a moving testimony to Dr. Martin Luther King and the legacy he left behind for us all.

I will try to keep everyone updated with photos and updates as I attend.  What are your memories of Dr. Martin Luther King?

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Former Cosmopolitan Magazine Home of the Year – this is the ultimate Family Home with the size and integrity of a Country Estate.  Photos are worth a thousand words – so, I’ll let them speak for me.  Enjoy the photo tour.

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First of all – Check out their website for all the activities, voting, tickets, and really…just anything you might want to know.  Make sure you make plans to get to “Town” and soak up all the fun, food, art and GR Pride you can.  Now – let me introduce you to three wonderful artists:

1.  Christy Vredevoogd (yes, she is related)

Last year I had a chance to re-connect with a long lost niece  (who I have not seen for over 25 years) – Christy Vredevoogd grew up in GR and now lives in Arizona.   She entered a fabulous piece in ArtPrize last year (loved those vivid colors) and is back this year at the Huntington Bank venue with what looks to be an amazing project…can’t wait to see the Cows and the Moon…Check it out and vote for Christy!

2.  Georgia Taylor – Client and Fellow Supporter of Baxter Community Center

Georgia is a special lady – who has participated in ArtPrize last year too – with an amazing painting on the wall of a retail shop on Division Ave.  The year before she also had a painting in the same spot.  The store has since closed and Georgia has moved on – this year collaborating with a group of young folks – Believe 2 Become – a mural at DeVos Place Convention Center –  I’m looking forward to taking a look and enjoying Georgia’s talent along with the crew who put this all together.  Good Luck Georgia…take a look and vote for Georgia!

3.  Robyn Bomhof

Not only is Robyn a great artist (take a look at her ArtPrize entry at “The Spot” at the Federal Square Building) but she is also President of the Grand Valley Artists and during ArtPrize is in charge of the art at the Huntington Bank Building – whew, I bet she’ll be tired before this year’s ArtPrize is over.  Robyn and her husband Jim are clients of mine and are fabulous folks to work for! 

Make sure you get into GR the next few weeks – take in all the art – meet the artists – eat well – smile a lot – ENJOY!…and let me know what some of your favorites are.

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