4 Steps to OWNING the Outdoor Space in Your Grand Rapids Home

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SummerSummer is here, and it’s great to be outside!

Well, if you like your outdoor space, that is.

Unfortunately, many people don’t take advantage of their yard, porch, or balcony because they don’t enjoy the area.  Perhaps it’s too cluttered, or simply feels too small.  Maybe yard work and landscaping seem overwhelming, and you’re not sure what to ‘do’ with it.

Have no fear!  You don’t need to be stuck inside with your A/C or box fans all summer.  You can love your outdoor space, and make it one of the best parts of your Grand Rapids home.  So where do you start?

 1.  Make ONE Goal

First, figure out what is most important to you for your outside area.  Do you want to be able to make dinner on the grill?  Do you want a fun play-area for your kids?  Do you just want a slip and slide?

Whatever the case is, start with ONE goal.  It can be very overwhelming to try five things at once.  A single target is much easier to hit! Continue reading “4 Steps to OWNING the Outdoor Space in Your Grand Rapids Home” →

3 Great Places to Grow Your Grand Rapids Real Estate Network

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Grand RapidsWant to flip houses or own rental properties?  Great!  The world can use more quality homes for people to buy and rent.  But as we’ve mentioned in previous posts, you can’t do it alone.  You will need to work with realtors, appraisers, title companies, inspectors, and many more folks in order to be successful.

If we work together, we can all achieve more.  Here in Grand Rapids, we have a great advantage – there are some great groups around!  Here are three you should check out if you want to grow  your Grand Rapids real estate network.

We are involved in all three of these groups, and get great value from each.  So jump in!

1.  Rental Property Owners Association

Otherwise known as the RPOA, this is a group that focuses on helping landlords and real estate investors succeed.  As of this writing, they are the largest landlord association in Michigan, and are able to offer a wide variety of benefits and services. Continue reading “3 Great Places to Grow Your Grand Rapids Real Estate Network” →

4 Things Carlsbad Caverns taught me about the Grand Rapids Real Estate Market

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CarlsbadThe world loves to show us a lesson, and then sit back and wait to see if we’re paying attention.  With a little time, perspective, and analysis, sometimes those lessons can sink through even the thickest skulls (like mine).

Recently, I was lucky enough to go on a great road trip out west with some of my family.  We made a lot of amazing stops, and now that I’ve had some time to process, I realize that our fantastic trip was ripe with lessons.

Life isn’t divided into ‘work time’ and ‘vacation time.’  It’s all part of one life!  So as I reflected on our stop at Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, I realized that this amazing natural wonder had taught me a lot about the Grand Rapids real estate market.

1.  It was here long before us, and will be here long after.

Carlsbad Cavern is a 31 square mile subterranean limestone cave system, formed over 200 million years ago.  The formations have developed and grown over that time, and created something truly beautiful.   Continue reading “4 Things Carlsbad Caverns taught me about the Grand Rapids Real Estate Market” →