Lola Audu~Real Estate Broker/Owner Grand Rapids, Michigan Real Estate

One thing that can always be said about Grand Rapids, Michigan is that there's a little of everything for everyone when it comes to the weather. Today, winter snow lovers awoke to find that they had been blessed by the arrival of an early winter wonderland as a thick blanket of snow cover transformed everything into pristine whiteness.

This frigid blast of air matches the latest trends which have spread some icy tentacles across the Grand Rapids Michigan real estate marketplace too. October was a weird month. Watching the lurching, frantic financial roller coaster ride on Wall Street was the main event, but across the nation, the housing market was also plunging into new territory.

This was certainly the case for Grand Rapids, Michigan where foreclosure numbers for October accelerated to account for just under 65% of the total number of sales for the month. This was an an 80% increase over the same period of time last year! Dollar volumes and total inventory also declined. Given the incredible sequence of events on the national stage in which the auto industry was requesting an emergency bailout and the specter of thousands of more jobs potentially on the wire, it is perhaps remarkable that the results were not more grim.

The fact remains that homes are still selling. In fact, during the period of ‘black October', over 700 homes sold and closed successfully. Our office actually had one home receive 4 offers! Last month, Iwrote a blog post about the steps that homeowners need to address if they intend to sell their homes in this market. The advise given is still pertinent!

It's hard to predict exactly when this will end. Prior to the financial meltdown in October, I was encouraged by the drop in inventory levels and the increase in home sales even if they were distress sales as this indicated that we were going through the mounds of excess inventory which had increased our absorption rates to nearly a year.

There are still a lot of IF's. IF automobile industry does NOT collapse entirely and send another huge wave of homes onto the market, we will have time to catch our breath and continue the recovery which was just underway. IF new green jobs are introduced to take advantage of existing Michigan infrastructure and natural resources, the additional jobs will begin to nurse the flagging economy into a more stable status.

The thing about all the IF's is that they are entirely out of the control of the average person. So, what's to be done? Well, take care of the stuff you CAN take care of.

When winter visits the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, prudent individuals take cover and venture outside well protected. This advise should also be heeded in shaky economic times. Debt should be entered into very cautiously. This is not the time to over spend on credit cards or to increase credit card debt. House payments are a priority.

If you're considering a purchase, take advantage of the extensive inventory and $7,500 tax credit if you're a new home buyer to purchase a good deal which requires no more than 30% of your gross income to finance. Plan on putting money down. Save for a down payment and spare yourself the grief of continually living on the edge. If you'd like to sell your home, be realistic. Over-pricing in this market will cost you much more than pricing your home competitively.

What do I mean, well let's spell it out clearly...a year ago, the over-pricing penalty was about 25%, today it's closer to 40%. That's a huge penalty to swallow for not responding to current market conditions and not worth it when you think of the fact that simply pricing your home correctly would have saved you time AND money.

To end on a good note, let me leave you with this number, 10,250+. That's the number (give or take) of current listings on the market. While still a hefty figure given somewhat anemic sales, it's 11% lower than the inventory that was on the market a year ago. So, if you'd like to sell, there's somewhat less competition. If you're interested in exploring your real estate selling or investment options further, please give Audu Real Estate a call. We believe that adequate preparation and education can assist our clients in making prudent choices.

Related Posts:

The Secret Behind Multiple Offers on your home in Grand Rapids, MI

Lessons From a Rookie...How to Sell Your Home in 31 Days!

5 Things to Check Out BEFORE you Lease with an Option

I was whizzing down the street recently when I passed this profusely advertised home. The Question comes to mind...Could anyone have missed the fact that this home was for sale? Marketing a property is about more than putting a sign in the yard. Another good reason to trust the marketing of your West Michigan home to an online, internet savvy real estate professional in Grand Rapids, MI! Contact Audu Real Estate to explore the benefits of professional representation.

P.S. You can view more of Lola's randomly captured images by visiting her photostream on flickr

Today, I had the honor of being the Guest Speaker at the Women's Council of Realtors® Luncheon at the Watermark Country Club in Grand Rapids, MI. I arrived early to find the members already busy at work, manning the tables and decorating the hall.

Mary Mishler, the chapter President was attending to the final details and making sure everything was in order. There was a good vibe in the room and Mary indicated that registration for this luncheon was one of the highest of the year!

The Grand Rapids Chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors® (WCR) has provided real estate professionals in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area with a number of different educational opportunities throughout the year.

They have also been involved with projects which serve the community. Recently, WCR participated in the F.L.O.W. project which coordinated Free Landscaping for several homes which were owned by moderate income families in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The project combined the efforts of volunteers and local business leaders in beautifying local neighborhoods.

The Womens' Council of Realtors ® Grand Rapids, MI chapter has been graced with forward thinking, visionary leaders. Their meetings cover issues which are impacting the lives and welfare of agents today. They had asked me to speak about Social Media & Digital Technology and the ways in which professionals in the real estate industry could utilize these tools to thrive. My presentation lasted for about 30 minutes and covered information about significant consumer and generational shifts as well as practical ways in which Social Media can be used to generate business and build relationships.

It was so exciting to see a great turnout. Men & women from various areas of the real estate community including real estate agents, real estate brokers, lenders, stagers, builders, inspectors and appraisers came to learn about the manner in which business is being transformed with the aid of Social Media tools.

As I surveyed the room, I was struck by how fortunate we are to have women like Mary Mishler, the current Grand Rapids, MI WCR President, JoAnne Hatfield, President Elect for the Michigan Chapter of WCR, Donna Batdorf, the past President of WCR in Grand Rapids and Pat Vredevoogd-Combs, past President of the Grand Rapids Chapter of WCR, the Michigan WCR President and the 2007 President of the National Association of Realtors® in our midst amongst others. I am grateful to be a part of an association which produces leaders who are making vital contributions at the local, state and national level.

On the east side of the state, another Active Rain member was also educating members of her professional community. I just stopped by Kathy Tofts blog about Missy Caulks presentation in Ann Arbor, Mi yesterday. It was wonderful to see Missy sharing her vast knowledge and experience with agents in her area.

I'm looking forward to being with Missy and other agents in the Ann Arbor area in early December (December 11, 2008) to teach Continuing Education Classes in Blogging, Technology and Ethics.

It's wonderful to see how these grassroots efforts are providing real estate professionals with the information and tools that they desperately need in these tough times. I ended my session with the following statement. "Things are going to change. The question is will YOU be willing to make the change we need happen?"

It's great to see Michigan agents leading the way and advancing the progressive knowledge of these technological breakthroughs. In spite of all we're going through, Michigan remains an extraordinary place to live and work. I'm proud and thankful to call it home!

*Special Thanks to Michelle Gordon who kindly forwarded pictures of the event. My camera battery decided to sputter out just as the event started.

Michelle Gordon has also blogged about the event here...

Ed Vogt, a first time attendee to a WCR event blogged about her experience here...

Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved

Another Entry in the 'Lola's Favorite Restaurants Series'

Today, I'm going to be sharing my unique experience at a brand new Mediterranean themed restaurant in Kentwood, MI. This is also the story about the power of a referral and one man's creative approach to marketing his business through a test run. Read on...

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Word of mouth is the most effective form of advertising. My recent experience in identifying this unique new restaurant was no exception. La Crave Restaurant, a Mediterranean themed dining spot was recommended to my by a friend who was sure I'd like it. Since I was in Kentwood that afternoon, I decided to stop by the restaurant which is located in a small shopping plaza just west of Woodland Mall.

I got there after lunchtime, so things were pretty quiet. I intended to simply ask for a menu and order some take out for supper that evening. I was greeted by the owner of the restaurant who asked me if I'd like a sample platter while waiting. I was intrigued. This was a novel way to open a restaurant. Seated at a long table was another gentleman who was also enjoying a sample platter. I agreed. This was definitely better than simply ordering take-out.

The restaurant is fairly large; capacity is estimated by the owner to be approximately 99 at this time. The tables were decked out in colorful purple tablecloths and artware decorated the walls. The open kitchen allows you to see the chef at work behind the counter.

La Crave places a premium on freshness. The owner indicated that most of their produce comes from local providers. They also have a selection of healthy shakes and drinks to which patrons can opt to add natural protein whey. All meals are cooked to order.

My sample platter arrived in short order and included slices of Chicken Shawarma and Beef Shawarma with pita bread and a garlic dipping sauce. The owner explained that the meat is Halal, which makes it acceptable for people of the Muslim faith and is also considered a humane way to slaughter animals. I also sampled the Tabouli Salad and Fattuch which is a salad combination of tomatoes, green peppers, radishes, cucumbers, onions, lettuce and parsley.

The food was excellent and nicely seasoned. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. I witnessed several people stopping to pick up orders and the owner indicated that they provide Catering Services as well.

La Crave opened just six weeks ago. Some may remember the location as the former Adanus Restaurant. As with any new venture, there is still much to be done including the launch of their brand new website: www.lacraverestaurant.com. (*site was not functional as of 11/06/08) Based on my experience in sampling their food, I think this is one Mediterranean Restaurant worth checking out.

So, if you're craving for some authentic Lebanese food and you're in the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area...stop by for a visit. Their lunch specials are unbeatable! For $7.99 you can get a generous entree with your choice of rice or fries and a salad or soup.

Oh yes, one last thing...make sure you leave room for dessert. The menu includes the traditional Baklava, but also features warm comfort food favorites like Rice Pudding and Cream Caramel.

www.lacraverestaurant.com (site not yet functional 11/08)

Mon-Thurs 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sun 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

2923 28th Street, Kentwood, MI 49512 Telephone: 616-949-9449

When my eyes flicker open shortly before 7 a.m. in the morning on November 4, 2008, I briefly close them again, reflecting on what this day will mean by the time it ends at midnight.

Living within a Paradigm Shift is a peculiar form of excitement. It's an unsettling thing to be present when the earth of life's experience decides to metaphorically shift beneath ones feet. These are the moments when life reminds you that it has its own agenda; one which will not be defined by your personal fear, hesitation or pettiness.

It is that time in ones life where you must choose to step onto shifting sand with a belief that the drift will bring you to a better place in the end. That time when you are clear on one thing, refusing to step out in faith is akin to sinking downward in place.

On the threshold of this November morning, as America prepares to make Decision 2008, I'm preparing to create a little slice of personal history. I'm taking a brand New Citizen to the polls who will be casting her first vote. It's my mother, a woman of African descent who at 75 completed her bachelors degree, became a US Citizen and registered to vote.

The polling station in my precinct is normally a little sleepy affair manned by patient poll workers waiting for individuals to drift in. On this day, the parking lot signals that Change is abreast. It's full and I weave my car towards an edge of lawn to find a place to park. There is a sense of good expectation in the air. Folks bid each other "Good Morning" as we prepare to step in line.

The poll workers indicate that they've never seen anything like this before. I glance around me. I see the faces of America...young faces, children with their parents, an African American father with his toddler, older Americans, immigrants, folks on their way to work, and my mother...dressed in a smart beige outfit, befitting of the occasion.

After completing my civic duty with mom, my day takes me to various places. I drive by signs of support dotting the front yards of my community, their homes and cars. A group of students at an intersection waive signs urging people to remember to Vote.

I wear the proof of my action on my person...a little sticker which proclaims a simple fact, "I Voted."

Yes, I Voted. I Voted for the turning of a new chapter in my nations history. I Voted for the Responsibility we each have to do our part in creating a better future. I Voted for the Hope and Promise that is embodied in this beacon of Hope, this Shining City on a Hill whose flame continues to shine despite the enormity of the challenges that she faces. I Voted with gratitude for the promise of my place in the American Dream.

As I closed my eyes, well into the wee morning hours of November 5, 2008, the images that color my memory are vivid reflections in living color. Scenes from a night in which the map of United States started to wash itself in the merged brilliance of blue and red; revealing the royalty of purple's nobility and power to transform. Renewing my faith that our nation has the capacity to heal within the divides of east and west.

Images of two great men, one gracious in defeat and the other humble in victory. Images which capture a yearning of a people straining to break free of the chains of limitations and struggling to stem the tide which has set our nation adrift.

And flittering across the lens of my mind, there is one endearing image. This one of a woman who this day, claimed her place in the rich tapestry of a land we call home. Through her eyes, I am reminded again of the wonder of this extraordinary right that we each have to express a choice with clarity. This privilege to cast a vote within this sea of democratic tradition which defines the embodiment of our union of these United American States.

Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved