Thursday, October 1, 2009

Featured Listing

4606 Fenwood
Plenty of room in this 5 bedroom 2.5 bath home with a huge fenced in back yard. This home is well cared for with many updates which include brand new kitchen, windows and doors. The entry has custom built lockers and the custom kitchen features maple cabinetry and granite countertops. The lower level has recently been finished with two more bedrooms, an office, large rec room and a huge laundry room with full bath. All the appliances stay with this move in ready home.

Did You Know?

that your RE/MAX agent has access to a roster of thousands of professional realtors worldwide to assist clients with their moves? The ability to make agent-to-agent referrals has always been a powerful and unique benefit of RE/MAX. If you are relocating to another area, whether it be across the state, across the country or around the world, your agent will connect you with another qualified, professional realtor to assist you with your real estate needs. Our Web Roster allows your realtor to personally select a another RE/MAX agent who will be a good fit for you. The goal of every RE/MAX agent is to make your moves as smooth as possible and we work together to make it happen!



Pending Home Sales Rise Again

Pending home sales show a sustained uptrend, rising for four consecutive months with very favorable housing affordability and a first-time buyer tax credit boosting activity, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Pending Home Sales Index is a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed. The last time there were four consecutive monthly gains was in October 2004.



Affordability at a high

NAR’s Housing Affordability Index remains at historic highs. The affordability index is the highest on record dating back to 1970. “Under these conditions the typical family would devote only 14.6 percent of gross income to mortgage principal and interest, which is one of the lowest percentages on record. The Home Affordability Index is a broad measure of housing affordability using consistent values and assumptions over time, which examines the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates, and family income. The first-time buyer tax credit also is benefiting the market. Strong activity by entry-level buyers is helping to absorb inventory and allow some existing owners to make a trade, Existing-home sales should trend up through the end of the year, with normal local market differences.

(Summary from the Grand Rapids Realtor. The Voice of Real Estate in Grand Rapids. The official publication of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Fall Decorating


Autumn is soon arriving in all its natural splendor, and with the crispness of fall the foliage explodes with color. Everywhere you turn a brilliant array of earthy colors meet the eye. This is a time to decorate your home with all the warm colors, vibrant hues, and rich textures of the season. Bringing a bit of fall’s beauty, bounty and color into your home can be a simple and enjoyable task.

Autumn is the season we most associate with nature. For inspiration with color, look to pumpkins, haystacks, cranberries, and fall leaves. Autumn displays her earthy browns, brilliant reds, liquid amber and orange, pear gold and muted yellow. Autumn décor is capturing the beauty outside and recreating it in your home. For a fun afternoon adventure, take your kids or grandkids outside to gather grasses, seedpods, twigs, fallen leaves, pinecones, acorns, bird nests, interesting gourds and squashes, cattails, goldenrod, berry branches and other fall plants in bloom or turning color. All you need to do is open your eyes and capture this
natural beauty.

Decorating the Front Porch with Accents from Nature

pumpkins Fall is a time for cooler temperatures and extraordinary color, and it can be a great time to enjoy the scents and the ever-changing beauty of the season. When fall arrives, do not put away the outdoor chairs, tables, and outdoor decor. Instead, consider the following creative ways to decorate and update a front porch for fall. This will provide a welcoming entrance and a comfortable place to sit on warm fall days and crisp fall evenings.

Natural accents are some of the best when decorating for fall, and the bounty of the season can become part of the decorating scheme. Select small gourds of various shapes, colors, and patterns, and place them in a beautiful wicker basket. Set the basket on a side table or along side a front porch step. Better yet, fill two wicker baskets with colorful gourds. Place the baskets on both sides of the top step to welcome guests and add color to the front porch.

Fall offers flowers with some of the most vibrant and unusual colors, and fall mums are an excellent choice for decorating a front porch. Mums are available in uncommon hues, and pots of beautiful blooming fall mums along with striking green foliage make a lovely fall display. Select pots in neutral colors of graduating sizes, and fill them with eye-catching fall mums of various colors. Plant hardy trailing vines around the mums, and place them on front porch steps from smallest to largest. The largest pots should be placed on the walk leading up to the porch.

Add a wreath on your front door to feature warm, earthy tones and textures. Replace the rug at your front door with one that reflects the incredible fall colors found in nature. Decorating with a natural floral display that is bursting with the colors of fall is a great way to welcome guests.

Autumn Home Interior Accessories
fall candle blog Though pumpkins, gourds and leaves are traditional fall touches and should be included in any autumn décor, try to incorporate more subtle items to create an overall fall feel to your decorations. Using fall colors to spruce up everyday items in your home can include switching out your regular accent pillows for ones in fall colors, hanging a fall-colored shower curtain and towels, using a bronze tablecloth, or picking up a few mahogany or gold-toned frames for displaying photos, instead of your regular silver or black.

An essential part of autumn décor is aroma. Walking into a home where you can smell pumpkin spice or the sweet aroma of apple pie baking is priceless. Candles are always a nice fall touch. Use copper or brass candle holders for a rustic autumn accent. And of course you’ll want a few pumpkins, gourds, or fruit on a long woven basket or wooden tray. Add berry clusters, seeds and nuts, fall fruits, autumn leaves and flowers to make a colorful fall garnish. The great thing about candles is the wonderful variety of colors, scents and shapes you can find. Add a subtle scent of pear, grape, or other smells of fall to reach beyond just your sense of sight; you can add a whole new dimension to your room with the right scents. When the seasons change and winter approaches, we want to soften and warm our home. This is where fabrics become so important in giving a room the right seasonal cues. Fabric is the essence of fall decorating. Use it to warm and soften your interior. A handmade quilt draped over the back of a sofa invites guests to come in, sit down and relax. A knit blanket at the foot of a bed makes you feel comfortable when you get into bed. A shag throw rug softens the natural stone bathroom floor.

Creative Fall Flowers
fall dec blog Give your dining table a fall harvest look with your own unique autumn tablescape. A fall tablescape or floral arrangement makes the perfect centerpiece for your dining table. Be sure to keep your floral design low so that people aren’t separated by it; this is one of the most common mistakes people make when designing floral arrangements for the dining table.

Fall bouquets are great for decorating a table in your entry or foyer, end tables and coffee tables in your family and living room spaces, giving your guest bedroom and bathrooms a fresh look for the autumn season or adding a focal point on display shelves in any room in your home.

Fall fruits such as grapes, apples and mini pumpkins can make great fall tablescapes and floral arrangements. Use candles or votives to give your fall tablescape an added touch of color and warmth. Pumpkins are a fall favorite and make a great base for flower arrangements; you can cut the top to create a vessel inside which you can place floral foam to support your flowers, using sunflowers, orange or red roses, berry branches and dried grasses to design your arrangement.

Wicker baskets are also great for fall floral designs; try using chrysanthemums, sunflowers, tiny pumpkins, white gourds, gerberas, acorns, dry ferns and other natural fall plants to create a decorative fall basket. Use a mat of moss on a table or fireplace mantel to create a nice base to arrange orange and white pumpkins in various sizes and shapes, using one larger pumpkin as a focal point, with smaller sugar pumpkins, fruits, etc. arranged around it. Gourds, mini pumpkins, pottery and woven baskets make a great fall vignette.

You can do it! Brighten your home with touches of the season. Display your fall flower arrangements prominently where family, friends and guests can enjoy their natural beauty and get into the spirit of fall. A small amount of time invested now can bring months of pleasant echoes throughout your family’s home!

Special Thanks to Pat Pols for this wonderful article

Autumn Home Improvement IV

Organize your Storage Space
closet blogStorage is an often-overlooked home improvement project, but it is especially important if you are
expecting guests during the winter holidays. Whether your home improvement projects are aimed at reducing your winter heating costs or beautifying  your home, now is the time to start!

Autumn Home Improvements III

blog wreathReplace Indoor and Outdoor Lighting
As the evenings become longer and the cold winter dreary weather approaches, a project that includes updating both indoor and outdoor lighting can provide an inviting environment and if energy saving lighting is used can save energy. Upgrade your house to CFL light bulbs. This can be done at any time during the year, but it is especially helpful to reduce energy costs in the fall.


Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Some cities require a smoke detector in every room. Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them
when daylight savings ends. Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and water heater. Test all of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work. Buy a fire extinguisher or replace any that is more than 10 years old.


Paint Interior Rooms
As summer comes to an end and you start to spend more time indoors, the new appearance, as well as a warmer, inviting feeling of a fresh coat of paint will help to push off those dreaded winter blues. Add a touch of  color and brightness.

Autumn Home Improvement II

blog fireplaceInspect Furnace, Fireplaces, and Clean the Chimney
A furnace inspection provides a much needed piece of mind. Make sure your inspection includes carbon monoxide detection. The inspections and annual cleaning should include changing filters. These small checkups will help to avoid unexpected problems during the coldest winter months.

Increase your House’s Insulation                                                                                                                Even if you can’t afford to insulate the whole house, adding another insulating layer in your attic provides
significant energy savings. New siding also has an added benefit of adding another layer of external insulation.


Install Smart Thermostats
These thermostats can be programmed to lower and raise the heat in your home depending on what you are
doing. For example, it might lower the temperature before bed, and then raise it an hour before you wake up in
the morning. It can be programmed to lower when you go to work, and even to stay on all the time if you’re home.  They cost around $50 and are well worth the investment.

Autumn Home Improvement

blog front door Fall is a great time to embark upon home improvement projects, especially those that don’t break the bank. These top fall home improvement projects are typical projects that homeowners should consider before winter. Winter has a way of sneaking up on us, but if you start thinking of these home improvement projects now you can enjoy a warmer, more beautiful home that is more energy efficient and safe.

Replace Windows and Doors
This low cost project can be as simple as replacing caulking and seals to reduce heating costs. Based on the age of your windows and doors, consider a total replacement for the highest energy efficiency benefit. Replace your windows if they are more than 10 years old. Windows are the pathway through which most house heat escapes. Not only do new windows increase energy efficiency, but they also increase house resale value. Go for the highest insulating factor you can afford. Repair or Replace the Roof Fall is the best time to have a contractor look at the roof and determine if any trouble spots are present and could become an issue during the winter months.

Clean or Replace Gutters
Gutters that are not working properly can cause interior damage. To prevent costly repairs later, replace those older gutters. Gutters are a big pain if they become clogged or, even worse, fall from the house. Ideally, maintenance should be done before the leaves fall.


Fill the Cracks
Gaps, cracks and holes in your home can result in serious
loss of heat through the winter, so try filling them in as a fall home improvement project.

Local Market Update

Did you know…

that your RE/MAX agent has access to a roster of thousands of professional realtors worldwide to assist clients with their moves? The ability to make agent-to-agent referrals has always been a powerful and unique benefit of RE/MAX. If you are relocating to another area, whether it be across the state, across the country or around the world, your agent will connect you with another qualified, professional realtor to assist you with your real estate needs. Our Web Roster allows your realtor to personally select a another RE/MAX agent who will be a good fit for you. The goal of every RE/MAX agent is to make your moves as smooth as possible and we work together to make it happen!

Pending Home Sales Rise Again

Pending home sales show a sustained uptrend, rising for four consecutive months with very favorable housing affordability and a first-time buyer tax credit boosting activity, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Pending Home Sales Index is a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed. The last time there were four consecutive monthly gains was in October 2004.

Affordability at a high

NAR’s Housing Affordability Index remains at historic highs. The affordability index is the highest on record dating back to 1970. “Under these conditions the typical family would devote only 14.6 percent of gross income to mortgage principal and interest, which is one of the lowest percentages on record. The Home Affordability Index is a broad measure of housing affordability using consistent values and assumptions over time, which examines the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates, and family income. The first-time buyer tax credit also is benefiting the market. Strong activity by entry-level buyers is helping to absorb inventory and allow some existing owners to make a trade, Existing-home sales should trend up through the end of the year, with normal local market differences.

(Summary from the Grand Rapids Realtor. The Voice of Real Estate in Grand Rapids. The official publication of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors)

Monday, June 22, 2009

Curb Appeal - First Impressions

First Impressions
You only have one chance to make a first impression! You have probably heard this saying before as it relates to someone’s impression of you as a person. This concept is also true as it relates to another’s impression of your home. First impressions are everything! Curb appeal is the look and feel you get from the appearance of your home and yard. It’s a first impression of what’s inside your home. With great curb appeal, you create an inviting place to call home.

A Book’s Cover
Have you ever judged a book by its cover? Most of us have judged something according to what has been presented on the outside. This also holds true for prospective buyers looking at houses as well. Good curb appeal is essential to marketing your home to potential buyers. Another area to consider is the use of the internet in the world of real estate. Buyers are presented with a wide range of choices and an endless amount of information. The most powerful and influential information is the photos of the home. Curb appeal must shine through on excellent quality photos online. Many home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house based on its curb appeal—the view they see when they drive by or when they see the photos of your house online. If their interest is not piqued the first time, there is little or no chance the buyer will choose to view your property later.

An Appealing Package
Just like in a supermarket, the item with the appealing package catches the eye of the buyer. The basic idea is to present an image that buyers find irresistible. Create an image that beckons them to come inside and see what other excellent features the home has to offer. Curb appeal is an expression of the care with which the home has been handled over the years and a statement of the pride which you as an owner take in the home. Buyers like to see that an owner has pride in their home because if they purchase it, they want to be able to have that same pride.. Your sense of pride in the home is readily evident in the way you present it for sale, so make sure that you give your home the attention it rightfully deserves. You can help make sure they want to come inside your house by spending some time packaging your home.

A House, not a Home
Emotion counts as much as logic when you’re buying a house. The irony is that when you’re the seller, you must detach yourself from emotion. It’s often difficult to look at your own house in the same way buyers do. You are so accustomed to how it has always been, you don’t see the imperfections. The first step is to stop thinking of the property as your home. Think of it as a house, a commodity you want to sell. Stand across the street and take a good look at your house and yard. Walk towards the house, looking around as if it were your first visit. What is your first impression? What are the best features? How can you enhance them? What are the worst features? How can you minimize or improve them? Another suggestion is to ask a friend to give you their opinion. Of course, don’t let their answer affect your friendship; an honest response may help you sell your home quicker and for more money! Your realtor will also be able to give you many helpful suggestions.

Clean Up and Pick Up
Enhancing your curb appeal is based on the enhancement of the good features and the minimization or improvement of what is not-so-good. Homeowners often add too many details, thinking this will improve curb appeal. The opposite is usually the case. The two main concepts to remember is clean up and pick up. Make a list of the problem areas you discovered. Tackle clean up and repair chores first. After that, put some time into projects that make your home and yard more attractive. A fresh coat of paint on your house will bring new life to your home. There are times when adding elements to your landscaping can improve curb appeal, but there are other time when removing something may be even more effective. Landscaping should enhance your home’s appearance, not hide it or take attention away from it. De-cluttering is just as important outside as it is inside!

The Front Entrance
The front entrance of your home deserves special attention. If your entry simply consists of a concrete slab and a door, it is not being used to its full potential. Your front entrance says a lot about the rest of your home, so you want it to feel warm and inviting. A porch can pique people’s interest, so add some decking, handrails or stairways to lure people to your door. An attractive sidewalk will also lead them right to your door! Think of your door as a friendly welcome to your guests. A fresh coat of paint, a new doorknocker and new hardware will give new life to your door. Decorate it with a seasonal wreath and put out a welcome mat to make visitors feel at home.

Lasting Impressions

By the way, even if you won’t be selling your home, it’s smart to keep curb appeal in mind whenever you make home and garden improvements. These are great ways to enhance your home and yard even if you plan to stay in your home. They will make you feel good about where you live and you will enjoy your beautiful home – an inviting retreat for your family and friends!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

RE/MAX Balloon



RE/MAX Balloon Fleet

A company image seven stories tall! The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon fleet has more than 100 balloons flying in nearly two-dozen countries across the globe. It's one of the largest hot air balloon fleets in the world, and the largest fleet in North America.
Around the globe, the red, white, and blue balloons emblazoned with the RE/MAX logo participate in balloon meets, highlight charitable and business promotions, and drift above athletic events.

And as the size of the actual fleet continues to grow, images of the tricolor RE/MAX Balloon logo multiply through every visual form of advertising and promotion. The RE/MAX Balloon, its logo form, and the accompanying "Above the Crowd"® slogan are all increasingly equated in the public mind with the RE/MAX organization itself.

The First RE/MAX Balloon
Admittedly, when RE/MAX first began its relationship with hot-air ballooning in 1978, the motivation was pretty straightforward: as a fledgling real estate network we needed a marketing image that would get noticed.

Just five years old at the time, RE/MAX already held more market share in Denver, the network's birthplace, than any competitor. Word of mouth was spreading fast about the network of highly experienced real estate agents who were proving to be more experienced, productive and knowledgeable than anyone else on the scene.
But market studies showed that among consumers in general, name recognition of RE/MAX ranked well below many lesser competitors.

Meanwhile, in New Mexico, a few RE/MAX agents and their regional leaders dreamed up the idea of entering a red-over-white-over blue RE/MAX Balloon in the 1978 Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. The RE/MAX ground crew wore jackets with patches that read, "Above the Crowd"®, a phrase devised by an Affiliate. And as often is the case with hot-air balloons, the RE/MAX Balloon really grabbed some attention. Plus, the imagery meshed perfectly with the RE/MAX network's emphasis on innovation, freedom and leadership.

RE/MAX International executives in Denver enthusiastically adopted the balloon image as the corporate logo. Within a year, Colorado had its own RE/MAX Balloon, and featured it prominently in a local television campaign. Within four months, RE/MAX held top name recognition in the Denver market.

Promotion and Advertising
Besides highlighting promotional events, RE/MAX Balloons fly at all the major - and many minor - hot-air balloon meets across North America. RE/MAX Balloon pilots introduce school classes to ballooning, and couples ask to be married in the balloon.

The average RE/MAX Balloon makes 65 appearances a year, each event averaging more than an hour, for a fleet total of about 6,400 hours of advertising - equal to nearly nine months of 24-hour flying.

The network's major graphic symbol, the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon image appears on "for sale" signs, bus benches, billboards, in print advertising and television commercials. It is one of the most widespread and recognizable images in business marketing.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

May Newsletter - First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

First Time Homebuyer's Tax Credit

Please call me to take advantage of this great opportunity

How much is this credit?
Lesser of 10% of the cost of home or $8,000

Who can use this credit?
A first time homebuyer is defined as someone who did not own another home at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase. (For married joint filers, both must meet the 1st time homebuyer test to take the credit on a joint return.)

Who can’t use this credit?

• Individuals with Adjusted Gross Income of $75,000 and $150,000 on a joint return (Phases out above these caps)
• You buy your home from a close relative. (Spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild)
• You stop using your home as your main home.

What homes are eligible?
• It must be your principal residence.
• The home must be located in the United States.
• Vacation homes and rental properties are not eligible.
• For new construction, the “purchase date” is the date you occupy the home. So the move in date must be before December 1, 2009.

When do I have to purchase the home?
To be eligible for the tax credit, you must purchase a home between January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

How long do I have to own the home?
If the home is sold prior to three years of ownership, the tax credit must be repaid. (This provision is designed to prevent “flipping” homes in order to get the credit.)

When can I claim the credit?
It can be claimed on your 2008 Tax Return (to be filed by April 15, 2009), an amended 2008 Tax Return, or your 2009 Tax Return.New developments are happening now regarding when your credit can be claimed.
The Federal Housing Administration will soon be allowing bridge loans or cash advances of the tax credit to be used as a down payment or for closing costs. See your lender for specific details or contact me for a referral.

WIN A $15 Gift Card
Which city had the first public school, college, and newspaper of the 13 colonies?

Email Answer to triviaanswers@live.com, random winner drawn June 22 out of correct entries

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Thursday, May 21, 2009

New Listing!


New Listing 11401 Linden Dr. NW in Marne!! Check it out!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Adding a Water Feature



Night lighting is something that you should revisit in your outdoor considerations adding a water feature. The sounds made by a waterfall are equally as desirable as the visual affect. The style of the fall, affects the sound it makes. Noise will be made by the disrupted water hitting the rocks at various levels.

An echo chamber can be put in place by creating a void behind the falls, the deeper the chamber, the louder the echo becomes. The sound is also relative to the thickness of the stream of water coming over the falls, the thicker the stream, the louder the sound.

A formal plunge is a smooth sheet of water with very few air bubbles, dropping vertically off the rocks and free falling over most of its height. This style makes the least amount of noise.

Cascade falls are formed when the water stays in contact with the rock that is sloping and there are many small vertical drops, spaced closely together, reminiscent of stair steps.

Another falls appropriately named for the shape is the horsetail, which is a long column of free falling water three to four times higher than it is wide.

Rapids are usually characterized in streams or creeks where loose stone dams up the water and the grade changes happen over greater horizontal distances causing the water to pool and rush around the rocks.

Existing conditions should dictate plans for a future water feature. If you plan on flowering aquatic plants, your pond will need to get at least six hours of sunlight a day. Keep in mind that hot sunny conditions and excessive wind will cause water to evaporate faster. Sunlight and shade can deal different challenges, algae growth becomes an issue in full sun, and water clarity can be a problem if there is too much shade. A nice balance of full sun areas, but having dappled shade over parts of the water feature gives the fish a place to cool off as well as offers a seating area in a cool spot for guests. A sheltered area becomes important where winds can be a problem. Winds speed evaporation and blow debris into the pond; they can also knock over tall water plants. If no protected spot is available, an evergreen or solid fence would be a suitable screen or windbreak.

Another trick to ensure that the water feature looks a bit less contrived is to hide the point where the water originates. To see a stream running from behind a group of trees bordering the wood line gives the sense that it could be a natural creek. Instead of showcasing the pond as the focal point of the views, camouflage the pond so visitor catches a glimpse and their curiosity is piqued. This creates the interest of a destination in which to travel to and enjoy the sights along the way. Reflection is an important view that is sometimes overlooked. Still water makes a perfect mirror in which to double the display of flowers and fall colors to enhance the visual show. We hope some of these thoughts or ideas inspire you this year as youconsider your landscape needs.

At Twin Lakes Nursery, our design team, with over 130 years of combined experience create landscapes that fit our unique west Michigan environment. We work with you to develop plans that fit your unique situations. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your landscape needs. Please call us at 616-949-5230 or visit us online at:twinlakenursery.com

BY DAN PASTOOR, TWIN LAKES NURSERY
References cited: “Complete guide to water gardens ponds and fountains” Kathleen Fisher, Hardscape Magazine Sept. 2005 issue “Know your waterfalls” Gary Whittstock


THINGS TO CONSIDER FIRST:

GOAL
What is your ultimate goal? What mood are you trying to create, what feelings would you like to evoke?

SPACE
How do you use the overall space? Where do you feel drawn to sit, and how much room will you need there? What are the circulation patterns for the walkways?

LAND
What is the lay of the land? Where would the water naturally run if it had always existed? Where would grade changes make sense and not seem obtrusive?

FOCUS
Will you view the water feature from the inside? What will the views be from where you will sit outside? What frames the water and where will your focal points be?

Landscaping and the Outdoor Room

Two areas are more noticeable today than five years ago. One area of continued interest and excitement is the whole area of water gardening through use of ponds, waterfalls, streams, etc. The other area that continues to surge is the outdoor room. Perhaps this high degree of interest in developing the outdoor room is a result of the economic times in which we find ourselves. Families are spending more time entertaining at home and in the backyard. Also, some people who had plans for building new homes a year ago are now reconsidering their options and instead are remodeling and upgrading their current homes.


The outdoors for many people begins when the patio doors are opened. The space immediately adjacent to the home, whether it be a deck or patio, is a transition zone between the interior of the home and the exterior. Begin by creating a new brick paver patio or a deck constructed with recycled materials. The important thing to remember at this stage is to plan for adequate space for this area. A good practice is to lay out tables and chairs in order to visualize just how much space you will need. Remember to allow for traffic flow around the furniture and consider traffic patterns as you plan.

To maximize the atmosphere in this outdoor room, clients today are asking for many of the conveniences they have inside their home to be brought outside. One of the biggest changes on the outdoor cooking scene is the emergence of the outdoor kitchen. Even smaller decks and patios are sporting stainless steel outdoor barbecues with warming ovens and side-mounted pot burners. The serious homeowners are building grills into brick bays and adding sinks with running water.


In this northern climate, the outdoor living season can be relatively short. The advent of the wood burning fireplace with its free standing chimney creates an opportunity for extended family activities during the cooler spring and fall seasons. The new lines of furniture are an asset to an outdoor room. The over-stuffed, indoor style of furniture is now made for outside and is able to withstand exposure. This makes for a very comfortable sitting environment and puts a beautiful finishing touch on your outdoor room.

Night lighting is also something that you should revisit in your outdoor considerations. While night lighting is not new, the newer lighting systems are more dependable and offer many interesting styles of lights. Also, there are new LED designs that are both energy efficient and include processors that can change colors on demand.


Relaxing in a hot tub continues to be a very poplar and enjoyable family activity. A hot tub addition is especially fun for the smaller backyards where a pool or larger deck/patio is not an option. The well designed smaller space with a hot tub nestled in the corner off of a small sitting patio can be a great outdoor room, and the hot tub can be used especially during the winter months to extend the investment throughout the year. The new hot tubs have more jets and sprays and improved options for lighting, stereos, etc. These models also are built with better insulation to reduce operating costs, and utilize friendly chemicals to simplify maintenance.


Beyond the outdoor room, we see trends that complement family activities and more time spent at home. If you have an existing pool in your yard, look at the pool area with a critical eye. Perhaps an upgrade or expansion to the pool area will bring new life to this area and make it more functional and user friendly. Perhaps the plantings around the pool don’t look that great anymore and could use a makeover. Evergreen trees can screen off an undesirable view or provide privacy. Often these upgrades and renovations breathe new life into the outdoor room.

Also evolving is the installation of sport courts and artificial turf play areas and putting greens. These improve your existing space, provide more entertainment options for your family and make your home the place kids like to spend the afternoon.


At Twin Lakes Nursery, our design team, with over 130 years of combined experience create landscapes that fit our unique west Michigan environment. We work with you to develop plans that fit your unique situations. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your landscape needs. Please call us at 616-949-5230 or visit us online at:twinlakenursery.com

BY DAN PASTOOR, TWIN LAKES NURSERY


References cited: “Complete guide to water gardens ponds and fountains” Kathleen Fisher, Hardscape Magazine Sept. 2005 issue “Know your waterfalls” Gary Whittstock

Monday, March 9, 2009

NEW LISTING IN HUDSONVILLE




4245 Creekview Hudsonville MI 49426

Welcome to this beautiful two story located on a large lot on a quiet cul-de-sac in Hudsonville. As you walk into the foyer you will notice the quality construction, large living room with vaulted ceiling and a main floor office/den. The main floor also has a large kitchen with pantry and snack bar. The entrance from the garage is roomy with plenty of storage and a convenient main floor laundry room. The upstairs has two baths, three bedrooms with one being a master with walk-in closet and private bath. The lower level features a full bath, family room and a rec room. Extras include a storage shed with electric and water, deck and surround sound on the main floor and master bedroom. All the appliances stay with this move-in ready home.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Byron Township / Byron Center

Byron township was established in 1836. It is 36 square miles and has a population of 17,553 according to the 2000 census.

The Byron Center Chamber of Commerce was established to promote business growth and development. They host many activities for the township some of which include the 1st annual Christmas Walk 2008, Golf Outing, Scholarships, Leadership Recognitioin Award, Relay for Life in partnership with the American Cancer Society, and blood drives. The biggest event for the township is Byron Days. As most resident know, it is always the last weekend of July and includes a parade, 3-on-3 contest, concerts, fireworks, softball tourney, flea market, and pancake breakfast.

The Township is home to four parks as well as Kent Trails.

Whistlestop Park allows for Baseball, Softball, Walking, Soccer, Football, Volleyball and Picniking.
Bicentennial Park has Tennis courts, Basketball courts, Baseball and Softball fields and Skate Park.
Cutler Park has Tennis, Play area, Baseball, and Softball.
Douglas Walker Park includes a shelter, baseball field and soccer field.
Kent Trails crosses many townships and cities. It is 15 miles of non-motorized trail, great for walking, biking, and skating.

Byron Township also has many programs for all of its citizens. They have computer and water colour classes for seniors, fitness class for adults and tons of youth programs. Byron Center is a home of AYSO and Little League.

Byron Center Public Schools as well as Byron Center Christion Elementary and Middle School and South Christian High School all call Byron Township home.

Byron Township Library is an member of Kent District Library. Check out the link for hours of operation.

Fire needs are served by Byron Township Fire Department which has paid on-call employees as well as Cutlerville Fire Department which has three full time fire fighters during weekdays and on-call weekends.

Kent County Sheriff's Department serves as the police presence in Byron Township.

The "Byron Bugle" is a quarterly newsletter that is sent to all resident keeping them apprised of all of the townships activities. The link will lead you to past newsletters if you need to catch up!

All in all, Byron Township is a small area that has many qualities worthy of a second look and is a wonderful place to call home.

Monday, February 16, 2009

City of Grandville

The City of Grandville has a "Charting New Courses" slogan. Their core valuels are Faith, Family, Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.

In 2008, Grandville celebrated it's 75th anniversary. During the celebration weekend, the mayor had the opportunity to dedicate Lee Street Park and then 500 resident continued the celebration at Fire Department.

Grandville has 16,500 residents and an amazing fire department. Check our the link for the full details and pictures of the vehicles they use to keep the city safe. The department also is involved in block parties, national night out, CPR training, open houses, pre-school tours, and safe kids coalition.

The police department has grown to 28 officers. Extensive commercial growth in the south end includes the Rivertown Crossings Mall, one of the largest malls in the state. The area around the mall now includes many new restaurants and other new businesses. The mall and other new businesses have made Grandville one of the top attractions in West Michigan. Each year, over 14 million people visit the mall alone with many more people visiting the other area businesses. The police department growth has kept crime rates low and quality of life high.

Downtown Grandville holds a gem! The Grandville branch of the Kent District Library.

The city has many parks including Wedgewood Park. It has a nice play area for the kids, covered pavillion for picnics and a rock lined creek which is a beautiful place for picture taking. Also, plenty ducks to feed!

The City of Grandville has an extensive school system, including public and private schools.

Since the opening of Rivertown Crossings Mall, which houses tons of stores, there has been an astounding influx of fine dining resturants including Kobe Steakhouse, Applebees, TGI Friday's, Red Robin, Logan's, Texas Roadhouse, Outback steakhouse, Carabba's, and Olive Garden.

Client Testimonials

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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Great Selling Experience

"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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Experienced and Helpful

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

- David and Michelle 2088 Jaclyn


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Trustworthy and Professional

"John is a great realtor. He is knowledgable, trustworthy, and professional. We look forward to doing business with him again."

- Investors

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Realistic Goals

"My unreal optimism mixed with John's realism make us a good pair."

- Investor

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Helping Hand

"John was the best, he worked hard and we appreciate him for everything he did for us."

- Cathy Claflin Melvin Ct.

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Love my new home

"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.