Monday, November 3, 2008

City of Hudsonville

The City of Hudsonville is called “Michigan’s Salad Bowl” due to its early trucking and farming activities.

It was named after Homer E. Hudson, who moved here in 1848. The Hughes family owned the land where Hughes Park is now located.

Hudsonville is the 3rd Largest City in Ottawa County.

The 2000 census showed a population of 7160.

It is located 168 miles from Chicago.

Gary Byker Memorial Library sponsors many activities including Adult Book Discussion and Child Storytime.

Hudsonville Nature Center has 76 acres of nature preserve.

Hudsonville has Hughes Park, Sunrise Park, Hillside Park, and Veterans Park. Hughes Park has basketball court, tennis courts, horse shoe pit, softball fields, kids play area, Frisbee golf, and sand volleyball court.

Hudsonville has a extensive school system as well as private schools.

Hudsonville is the home of Hudsonville Fairgrounds, a weeklong fair with far ranging activities for kids and adults.

Click Here for Hudsonville Weather

Places to Stay: Baldwin Oaks Campground
Amerihost Inn
Super 8 Motel

Click here for Property and Land Search and Current Tax Search for the City of Hudsonville

Hudsonville has its own Fire Department and is provided with police services by Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.

Attractions: Hudsonville Lanes

Resturants: Noel Resturant and Gifts
Hudsonville Grille
Rainbow Grille
Pizza Ranch

Curb Appeal 101:

+ Grass weeded and trimmed
+ Flowers, Flowers, Flowers
+ Driveway Clean
+ Mailbox Straight
+ Porch Clean
+ Pots of blooming flowers on porch
+ Front path cleaned and clear
+ New doormat, preferably black, semi-circle or oval is best
+ Front door immaculate
+ Remove all signs (no solicitation, do not disturb) except for WELCOME
+ Address numbers visible from across the street
+ Doorbell gentle not jarring
+ Shiny firm doorknob, lock and key work easily


Courtesy of www.realestatepro.com

Friday, October 31, 2008

Stage Your Home for Next to Nothing

  1. Clean, clean, clean. Methodically clean top to bottom, room by room, the entire house, especially the bathrooms and kitchen.
  2. Outside/Yard: It is an extension of your home. Wash windows inside and out. A well manicured lawn and weed free landscaping reflect the time you have spent to make your home look inviting. Don’t forget the back yard, make an outdoor living space with patio furniture and potted plants.
  3. Living Room/Family Room:
    1. De-clutter book shelves, add a vase, bowl, or candle to give visual interest. You will be moving soon anyway so begin by packing books you do not use. Go ahead and stack some books horizontally to break up the rows.
    2. Re-arrange furniture to create intimate conversation areas. Don’t be afraid to angle furniture away from walls.
    3. Get high traffic carpets cleaned. Don’t hide beautiful hardwood floors with carpet or large rugs.
    4. Swap out family pictures for neutral prints or a mirror. You want buyers to picture themselves in the house, not your family.
    5. Although bright bold colors seem to be the fashion of the day, all buyers may not have the same taste. If you have a room that is especially colorful, a fresh coat of neutral paint (cream, beige) may be in order.
  4. Kitchen/Dining area:
    1. De-clutter and organize kitchen cupboards. Pack away seasonal dishes, extra serving platters, anything you don’t use on a daily basis. Overflowing cupboards give the impression that there is not enough cupboard space.
    2. Organize pantry/food storage. Discard old, out of date items and make it look neat and clean.
    3. If you can make your dining room table smaller and still eat your meals, take out extra leaves to make your dining area look larger.
  5. Entryway:
    1. These are usually the most high traffic areas in the house and also the first thing a buyer sees. Give the walls a fresh coat of neutral paint.
    2. Stand outside the front door and look up and around. This is what the buyer will see first, make sure porch/steps are clean and clutter free. The front door may need a fresh coat of paint. Check to make sure the knobs, locks, and doorbell are in good working order.
  6. Master Bedroom:
    1. It is important that the master be warm and inviting. De-clutter and de-personalize. Add a vase of flowers, candles, or potpourri for a resort feel.
    2. You may need to purchase a new duvet cover, something luxurious looking and neutral in color.
  7. Kid’s Bedrooms:
    1. In case you can’t guess: DE-CLUTTER.
    2. Only keep the toys that are absolutely necessary. Pack away all the extra toys, blankets, and stuffed animals.
    3. Although you may not notice it yourself, baby rooms have a distinctive odor. Clean it good and use an air neutralizer/freshener.
  8. Bathrooms:
    1. Make them Q-tip clean, toothbrush in the cracks clean. Re-caulk tub and shower.
    2. Think hotel. Nice shower curtain, coordinating hand towels and soaps. Get rid of all the extra soaps, shampoos, etc out of the shower.
    3. Toilet lids down!!
  9. Closets: Pack away off season clothing and anything you are not using. Clean, organized closets are a must. An interested buyer will open everything and will probably think you take care of the rest of your home if your closets are immaculate.
  10. Pets: If you have them make sure cat boxes are outside and pet dishes out of sight.
  11. If you have a bunch of wedding or house warming gifts that are still packed away, this may be a good time to get them out. Example: A nice pair of crystal candlesticks is a good exchange for a family picture in the bedroom.
  12. Last but not lease. Use your nose. Eliminate any smells especially bathrooms and laundry room. Bake a cake or pie to fill the house with a welcoming aroma.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Welcome to my Blog

In the following weeks, I will be exploring the benefits of different local neighborhoods. I plan to include information on school districts, parks, community activities, taxes, libraries, and much more so you can be familiar with different areas. I also will be including pictures and updates of various activities and events. Feel free to sign up for updates, link to my blog, or leave a comment. Make sure you check out the different tools on the right hand column as well as visit Trusted Professionals. Have a great weekend.

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Better than expected

"Since the family lives out of town, we are grateful to John for making the sale of our mother's house very managable for us. John listened to our needs and met them all. He was considerate, knowledable, coordinated all the details , and , communicated with us throughout the whole process. Having you take care of the house went better than expected from out of town."

- Anne Baker 2517 Borglum

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"After trying to sell our house on our own, it was a relief to list it under an experienced realtor. John sold our house much quicker than we could have imagined."

- 3009 Barry St

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"The experience of buying a home was very good, the help was very much appreciated."

- David and Michelle 2088 Jaclyn


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- Investors

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- Investor

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Helping Hand

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- Cathy Claflin Melvin Ct.

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"I worked with RE/MAX to buy a house. They were very professional and unbelievably helpful. John DeVries helped me find my house and it's amazing how much he helped me. It didn't matter what my schedule was, he kept working hard and showing me houses until we found the right home. I am so happy with it and love it already. Thanks RE/MAX and John"

- Caleb Byron Rd.