{"id":739,"date":"2015-08-26T10:30:29","date_gmt":"2015-08-26T10:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/?p=739"},"modified":"2015-09-05T19:14:31","modified_gmt":"2015-09-05T19:14:31","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-and-selling-real-estate-in-grand-rapids-mi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehoneybeehomes.com\/home\/the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-and-selling-real-estate-in-grand-rapids-mi\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling Real Estate in Grand Rapids, MI"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Ultimate<\/a>Buying and and selling houses can be tricky. \u00a0Here in Grand Rapids, MI, we have a huge variety of markets and sub-markets, wildly different seasons, and enough options to make your head spin. \u00a0Do you buy a historic home in Heritage Hills, or a brand new build in Walker? \u00a0A side-by-side duplex in Kentwood, or a 3\/2 in Wyoming?<\/p>\n

What about the Kalamazoo, Portage, or Parchment areas? \u00a0Am I crazy to consider a rent-to own, and will a new build be way too expensive? \u00a0All of the questions can drive you nuts.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, we can cut through the clutter. \u00a0If you\u2019re looking to buy or sell a house in Grand Rapids, MI, or the surrounding areas, read on!<\/p>\n

How to Find Real Estate Deals<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"How<\/a>Let\u2019s start on the purchasing side. \u00a0Where do you start if you want to find the right home for your family (or the perfect investment)?<\/p>\n

The \u2018Tried and True\u2019: <\/em>\u00a0First, you can talk to a Realtor. \u00a0The right Realtor can provide a huge boost to your home search. \u00a0Since they work in your local market every day, they often get wind of great deals before they hit the MLS. \u00a0In addition, many homes are easier to access if you have a Realtor on your team. \u00a0They can show you a dozen houses in a day if you like. \u00a0Visit this page for great tips on picking the RIGHT Realtor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The \u2018Tech Savvy\u2019:<\/em> \u00a0The internet has a huge number of sites where you can look up available homes for free. \u00a0Zillow.com<\/a>, Trulia.com<\/a>, Realtor.com<\/a>, FSBO.com<\/a>, and ForSaleByOwner.com<\/a>, are excellent places to start. \u00a0Looking through these sites can give you a great idea of what is available here in Grand Rapids, MI.<\/p>\n

The \u2018Do-it-Yourself\u2019: <\/em>\u00a0If you are willing to put in the work, you can find and create your own deals. \u00a0While this is more of a commitment, these \u2018diamond in the rough\u2019 properties often wind up being great deals. \u00a0Many of the best deals and homes aren\u2019t listed on the MLS, so you\u2019ll either have to find your own motivated sellers or know someone who does. \u00a0Which leads us into our next point\u2026<\/p>\n

How to Find Motivated Sellers<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Finding<\/a>There are many fantastic ways to find motivated sellers. \u00a0But first, what creates a push for a quick sale in Grand Rapids, MI?<\/p>\n

Most often, this motivation comes from a big life change. \u00a0A new job, a marriage, a cross-country move, or a change in financial situation are just a few examples. \u00a0When you find folks that need to move quickly, you can help them avoid a lot of stress with a well-timed offer.<\/p>\n

Wouldn\u2019t it be nice if people would just hang a sign around their necks announcing status as a motivated seller? \u00a0Unfortunately, finding these folks usually requires some digging. \u00a0Here are just a few ways to identify motivated sellers in Grand Rapids.<\/p>\n

Driving for Dollars:<\/i> \u00a0Sometimes, the houses themselves tell you when the owner is motivated. \u00a0If you\u2019re looking to buy in a particular neighborhood, drive around the area regularly. \u00a0Look for homes in need of some care. \u00a0Long grass, piled up newspapers, notices on doors, and a lack of upkeep might indicate that the owner is just too busy to keep up with the house. \u00a0Contact the owner of the home, or leave your information at the house for them<\/p>\n

Direct Mail:<\/em> If you have a certain area in mind, you can send mail (yes, real mail, with stamps and everything!) to the homeowners in that area. \u00a0Some people may be tired of being landlords, while others have just been considering selling their homes for years. \u00a0If you reach them with a well-timed letter, you can really help them.<\/p>\n

Online Advertising:<\/em> \u00a0There are many ways to advertise for real estate online. \u00a0Google Adwords<\/a>, YellowPages.com<\/a>, Bing Advertising<\/a>, and Facebook Ads<\/a> are just a few of the many, many options available to you. \u00a0The costs can run high, but if you find a great deal, it is well worth it.<\/p>\n

Probate Sales\/Tax Sales: <\/em>\u00a0In Grand Rapids, MI, you can find great properties at local tax sales. \u00a0If you want to go this route, make sure you learn about the proper procedure for making bids on properties. \u00a0In addition, probate courts often sell property in accordance with the family\u2019s wishes. \u00a0Follow up with yours to see what is available.<\/p>\n

Craigslist:<\/em> \u00a0On the Grand Rapids<\/a> and Kalamazoo Craigslist<\/a> sites, look through the postings. \u00a0You have to do more leg work to research and follow up with the leads, but you can find some great houses if you look hard enough. \u00a0Also, try creating your own posts to request the type of home you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n

Lawn Signs: <\/em>\u00a0If you are in Grand Rapids or Kentwood, MI I can\u2019t recommend this, because there are ordinances against posting signs around town. \u00a0However, if you are in an area that allows lawn signs, this can be a great way to get the word out.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve found a great, motivated seller, what next?<\/p>\n

How to Work with FSBO Sellers<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"How<\/a>When you\u2019re working with a FSBO seller, think of them as your partner. \u00a0They have a problem they need to solve (getting their house sold), and you can help them by purchasing their home. \u00a0By developing an open, honest, and cooperative relationship, you create a win-win situation.<\/p>\n

Remember that if you\u2019re working with a motivated seller, they are likely dealing with a stressful situation OTHER than their home. \u00a0So be kind! \u00a0Be open and honest about your intentions, and be willing to sit with them and talk through their issues. \u00a0By having good conversations with them, creative solutions often become clear.<\/p>\n

If you are able, consider creating multiple offers for the sellers. \u00a0That way, they can consider ALL of their options, such as land contracts, cash sales, traditional offers, lease options, and more.<\/p>\n

Always follow up with the seller. \u00a0Be available to communicate, and respond quickly. \u00a0Follow through on your promises, and answer all of their questions.<\/p>\n

You likely won\u2019t be able to help everyone you talk with. \u00a0However, by creating a solid professional relationship, you have a great chance of creating a win-win situation.<\/p>\n

How to Buy a \u2018Rent-to-Own\u2019 Property<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Rent<\/a>Rent to own properties, also known as lease options, can be a great choice. \u00a0If you need time to save up for a down payment on a mortgage, would like to improve your credit score, or just want to try the neighborhood before committing, look into rent to own properties<\/a>\u00a0closely.<\/p>\n

First, many properties are advertised as rent to own or lease option houses. \u00a0The Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo Craigslist pages have many available. \u00a0In addition, when you dig through the other listing sites mentioned above, you\u2019ll find that a lot of them are available for lease options. \u00a0Typically, you will have to contact the owner or Realtor to find the terms the seller would consider.<\/p>\n

In a rent to own house, you will make regular rent payments to the seller, because you are leasing their home. \u00a0However, you also have the option to purchase the home for a set amount of time. \u00a0Once you qualify for a loan, you can close on the home as you normally would.<\/p>\n

Make sure you use excellent paperwork (I highly recommend using an attorney), and have a clear agreement from the beginning.<\/p>\n

Remember that a lease option transaction is an ongoing relationship. \u00a0You and the other parties will be working together for at least a few months, while payments are made and you work towards closing. \u00a0Before you sign any paperwork, make sure that you are getting into business with the right people. \u00a0A good professional relationship will help all of your interactions run smoothly.<\/p>\n

For more information on rent to own houses in Grand Rapids, visit this page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How to Sell Your House Fast as FSBO<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Selling<\/a>In Grand Rapids, MI, you can successfully sell your home quickly FSBO. \u00a0If you want to really dig in to this topic, check out our page on selling your home quickly \u2018For Sale By Owner.\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

For now, though, we will hit some of the high points. \u00a0First, do your research! \u00a0It is very important to understand the sale process, and the steps you will need to get your house closed. \u00a0This is not complicated, but pick up a good book on the process. \u00a0Amazon.com<\/a> has many available.<\/p>\n

Next, make sure you are pricing your home correctly. \u00a0You can start with online research to get a good ballpark figure. \u00a0Try Zillow.com<\/a>, Trulia.com<\/a>, Realtor.com<\/a>, Homes.com<\/a>, and Redfin.com<\/a>, among others. \u00a0Search for RECENTLY SOLD houses within about half a mile of your own. \u00a0Then, narrow down by the number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, square footage, lot size, and features.<\/p>\n

Find the houses that have sold in the last six months that are the most similar to yours. \u00a0Look at the range of sold prices for those homes. \u00a0This is your likely listing price range.<\/p>\n

It is very common to overprice your home when selling FSBO. \u00a0Overpricing will cause the house to sit for a long time, which can be very frustrating. \u00a0Don\u2019t fall into this trap!<\/p>\n

Next, stage your home for sale. \u00a0Make your home clean, tidy, and inviting. \u00a0Make easy for buyers to picture themselves living in your house. \u00a0For a great walkthrough, visit this page on staging your home<\/a>. \u00a0Next, practice showing your home, so you are ready when the first buyer walks through the door.<\/p>\n

Marketing may be the most important element of selling your home quickly FSBO in Grand Rapids, MI. \u00a0Make sure you have excellent photographs, even if you need to hire a photographer for an afternoon. \u00a0Write a unique and interesting description of your home, so the buyer understands what is special about your house.<\/p>\n

Post your home for sale online. \u00a0Most buyers begin their search on the internet, so get your home in front of them! \u00a0There are many options available, such as FSBO.com<\/a>, forsalebyowner.com<\/a>, and flat fee MLS listing sites, each with its own pros and cons. \u00a0You should also invest in a quality lawn sign, so people driving by know you\u2019d like to sell.<\/p>\n

When offers start coming in, be ready. \u00a0Know your price limits in advance, and stick to them. \u00a0The negotiation process can take a long time, and some buyers will try to nickle and dime you all the way to the closing table. \u00a0Be honest and fair with your negotiations, but don\u2019t give away the farm either!<\/p>\n

When it comes time to close, contact a real estate attorney and a title company. \u00a0These two will help you successfully navigate to the closing table. \u00a0Make sure to get recommendations or references, and check these folks out thoroughly.<\/p>\n

For a more in-depth description of the process, visit this page on selling your home FSBO<\/a> in Grand Rapids.<\/p>\n

How to Work with Realtors and Brokers<\/strong>
\n<\/b>
\n<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Working<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/b>The right Realtor can be a wonderful partner. \u00a0The wrong one can cause frustration, headaches, and a lot of wasted time buying and selling a house. \u00a0So how can you make sure to choose the right Realtor<\/a>?<\/p>\n

First, get references. \u00a0Talk to people who have recently bought or sold houses, and get their opinions. \u00a0Go to your local REIA (there are some good ones in Grand Rapids) and talk to the members. \u00a0Or, at the very least, find some online reviews.<\/p>\n

Once you have a few references, make sure the Realtor or broker is an expert in your type of house. \u00a0If you\u2019re an investor looking for a duplex in Rockford, find a Realtor who has worked with investors in the area. \u00a0If you\u2019re looking for a starter home in Wyoming, choose someone who has done a lot of transactions in your price range and target area.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a $50,000 fixer-upper, and the person only has experience in $1,000,000+ transactions, they are probably not the right choice for your situation.<\/p>\n

Make sure the Realtor you choose is an excellent communicator. \u00a0There is a lot of back and forth in a real estate transaction, and you don\u2019t want to work with someone who is hard to reach (or never calls you back).<\/p>\n

Ask the Realtor about their systems. \u00a0They should be able to clearly communicate their listing, marketing, staging, and closing processes. \u00a0You should feel that these systems will be sufficient to help you successfully buy or sell a home.<\/p>\n

Remember that you will be working with the Realtor for a few weeks at least. \u00a0Make sure you get a good \u2018vibe\u2019 from them. \u00a0If you are able to have an effective professional relationship, things will be much less stressful.<\/p>\n

Once you have found the right Realtor, treat them with respect. \u00a0They are professionals, and earn their money by helping others. \u00a0Communicate with them clearly, and be responsive. \u00a0Follow through with your promises. \u00a0Be honest about your goals and limitations, and help them to help you.<\/p>\n

When you have found a great Realtor, make sure you express your gratitude, and spread the word about their service. \u00a0Referrals are an essential part of their business, and they will really appreciate it.<\/p>\n

How to Boost Your Credit<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Boost<\/a>If you want to get the best mortgage rates and qualify for the home of your dreams, having good credit is essential. \u00a0But if your credit isn\u2019t as solid as you would like, don\u2019t despair. \u00a0There are a lot of great steps you can take to improve your credit score in Grand Rapids, MI.<\/p>\n

First, work hard to understand what makes up your credit score in Grand Rapids. \u00a0Your FICO score, which is used by many lenders, is judged on the following elements:<\/p>\n

35% \u2013 Payment History
\n30% \u2013 Amounts Owed
\n15% \u2013 Length of Credit History
\n10% \u2013 Types of Credit in Use
\n10% \u2013 New Credit<\/p>\n

As a result, your credit score reflects years of payment and borrowing history. \u00a0Make sure your score is as high as it can be by reviewing your credit report, and searching for errors.<\/p>\n

In Michigan, you are legally entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus – Experian, Transunion, and Equifax. \u00a0Rather than buying the hype about \u2018free\u2019 credit reports that require you to sign up for a credit monitoring service, go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This site will allow you to get your credit report, for free, legitimately. \u00a0If you want to be really savvy, check one bureau\u2019s report every four months. \u00a0That way, you get an update 3 times a year, and you can successfully monitor your own credit.<\/p>\n

Address any errors on your report<\/a>. \u00a0Contact the lender, utility company, or credit card company directly, and report any incorrect marks. \u00a0This alone can really help your score.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve addressed any errors on your report, make sure you\u2019re set up well for the future. \u00a0You can\u2019t change past issues, but you can establish great habits moving forward.<\/p>\n

Create systems to pay your bills on time, such as auto-pay (available with most banks and credit unions) and\/or calendar updates. \u00a0Pay down your existing debt, starting with the highest-interest debts. \u00a0Keep your balances on your existing credit cards below 30%, and avoid opening or closing new cards as \u2018tricks\u2019 to improve your score.<\/p>\n

You can also use the help of a credit counselor. \u00a0However, make sure you\u2019re working with a legitimate one. \u00a0Check the Michigan Attorney General\u2019s office for this guide on avoiding scams<\/a>, and the Federal Trade Commission\u2019s page on choosing the right credit counselor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit our page on\u00a0improving your credit score<\/a> in Grand Rapids, MI.<\/p>\n

What You Need to Know About Our\u00a0Business<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Honeybee-Homes-Logo.png\"<\/a>\"Honeybee<\/a>At Honeybee Homes, we are local real estate investors located right here in West Michigan. \u00a0We buy and sell real estate in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and the surrounding areas.<\/p>\n

We specialize in fast closings, and pride ourselves on being honest, hard working, caring, responsive, and reliable.<\/p>\n

We see ourselves as problem solvers, not salespeople. \u00a0We never deliver \u2018hard pitches\u2019 or pressure anyone to sell, and we are open and honest throughout the process. \u00a0If you are interested in selling your house in Grand Rapids quickly, we would love to hear from you.<\/p>\n

We also love to create great relationships with other real estate professionals. \u00a0If you work in the industry, reach out and we\u2019ll work to find ways to work together.<\/p>\n

In Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

We hope this guide has been helpful and informative. \u00a0For more information on these topics, or anything related to real estate, please contact us at (616) 606-3390, or at info@thehoneybeehomes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Good luck, and go get \u2018em!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Buying and and selling houses can be tricky. \u00a0Here in Grand Rapids, MI, we have a huge variety of markets and sub-markets, wildly different seasons, and enough options to make your head spin. \u00a0Do you buy a historic home in Heritage Hills, or a brand new build in Walker? \u00a0A side-by-side duplex in Kentwood, or Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,18,16],"tags":[12,8,15,9,10,11,13,14],"class_list":["post-739","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-grand-rapids-mi-homes-for-sale","category-grand-rapids-mi-houses-for-rent","category-grand-rapids-mi-real-estate","tag-fsbo","tag-grand-rapids","tag-improving-credit","tag-kalamazoo","tag-michigan","tag-real-estate","tag-real-estate-investing","tag-rent-to-own"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling Real 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