February 2010

538 Bond #307 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Price Lowered!

Love living downtown in Icon on Bond!  This one bedroom unit has in-unit laundry as well as a covered parking space!  It also has secured entry, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a private balcony.  You can’t beat this!  Contact us today for a showing!

CELADON NEW TOWN – Open House Tuesday Feb. 9 11-1

Celadon New Town will be hosting an open house on Tuesday, February 9 from 11:00-1:00.

If you have never experienced the Celadon New Town Community, then now is your perfect chance!  With Attached Town Homes starting at $137, 000 and Detached Single Family Homes starting at $240,000, there is something for everyone!

Celadon New Town is built on the principles of New Urbanism, Fresh Architecture, Affordability, and Green Living.

Celadon also offers amenities, such as a community pool, amphitheater, walking paths, and playground.  There are also conveniently-located businesses such as Magnolia Salon, and The Crushed Grape Wine Store.  It is located just West of the Beltline behind Knapp’s Corner.

For more information, feel free to contact us.

What’s the difference between owning a House or Condominium?

Deciding whether to buy a single family home or condo can be a challenging decision to anyone in the market looking for a new place to live.   There are different structures that appeal to different lifestyles.  There are positives and negatives to both owning a house or a condo.

Condos are known for having easier upkeep.  While paying the homeowners fee every year can be an added expense; having no yard work, maintenance, or snow shoveling can save a lot of time.   Since condos are often built in large cities, their location can be extremely beneficial for homeowners working in downtown areas.  Single family homes do not exist in downtown areas.   Having a location close to work saves time and money that would otherwise be spent commuting.
Fees are often the major complaint of living in a condo complex.  Association fees month after month can be a significant cost to living in a condo.  Fees increases can be the outcome of the shared decision by a community.  Living within a homeowners association gives each owner a vote in each association meetings.   Often, meeting’s decisions can require an increase in fees to help cover the added expense of maintenance or new projects that the association deem necessary.
Houses are the most common choice in the United States as a place to live.  There are no association fees to be paid for maintenance. It is the homeowner’s choice to spend as much or as little money and time on exterior and interior maintenance.    Single family homes are friendly for families with children and pets.  Single family houses have potential for growth for expanding families by renovating an old living space, finishing the basement, or putting an addition on the house.   Houses offer a lot more freedom than condos or apartments do.
While houses usually allow for plenty of space and the right to free choices, there are many responsibilities homeowners have that would otherwise be taken care of living in a condo or apartment.  A homeowner can often choose to hire companies to maintain a house, but the majority of people find it cheaper to do the work themselves.  The work entails yard work, snow shoveling, cleaning windows, cleaning gutters, and many other maintenance issues within the house.   These maintenance costs get higher and higher as the square footage of the house rises.  The time spent on house upkeep can be significant.   Since most houses have bigger square footage than condos, there is more hot water, more electricity, and more heat needed to keep the house comfortable, which ultimately creates higher utilities cost.
There are many similarities and differences that need to be reviewed before deciding on whether to buy a house or a condo.  A person in the market for a new place to live needs to take the time to establish his or her necessities  in a new living space in order to determine the most suitable place to live.

Source:

http://www.lendingtree.com/smartborrower/buying-a-home/finding-a-home/buying-condo-versus-house/

Condos, Townhomes, Single Family-Differences in Living Spaces

Difference in Living Spaces:  Condos, Townhomes, and Single Family Homes

Many home buyers often do not understand the difference between condos, apartments, townhomes, and houses.  When looking for a future place to live, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the differences between these living spaces.  The difference happens to be more in the ownership than the structure themselves.

First, condominiums are individually owned units within a larger structure. The buyer also owns a percentage of property and shared facilities on the property. Condos owners own the interior of their unit.  Owners in a condominium complex are members of homeowners association which requires mandatory fees to cover maintenance for the shared property and facilities.  The complex has a master deed that states the percentage of ownership each condo unit has in the complex.  Condos can fit the needs of individuals, couples, and families.

Second, an apartment can be the exact same thing as a condominium. However, ownership in this form of living is different.  Apartments are owned by a single person or company who then rents out the living spaces to individual renters. Apartment renters, depending on the contract, will also pay maintenance fees to the owner of the apartment.

Third, a townhome buyer individually owns the unit including the exterior and the land that the unit was built on.   Townhomes also have separate roofs unlike the condos.  Townhomes are closer related to individual homes than condos.  They can include garages and small backyards that the owners are required to maintain.  Like condos, townhome owners also typically pay fees in for general maintenance of the complex. Townhomes can also be known as townhouses or row homes.  Townhomes are appealing to individuals, couples, and families.

Fourth, single-family homes are the most common form of ownership in the United States.  Single-family homes are detached structures that can be one, two, or three levels.  They often come with front and backyards. This style of living space generally appeals to single families needs.

Sources:

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20000629_condotwnhome.htm

http://www.ncrec.state.nc.us/publications-bulletins/condos.html#legal

505 Cherry St. SE #507 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Enjoy true condo living in Hillmount! Recently Remodeled, Only one owner sine 2007. This 2 bed 1 bath condo is perfect for those interested in Heritage Hill without the hassle of finding a great place to live! Beautiful in-set kitchen with snack bar and ample room for dining and entertaining. Unit also holds incredible tree-line views — one of the best in the area! Every season brings a new view and you can’t help but enjoy it! You MUST see for yourself! Unit also comes with personal storage unit, perfect for out-of-season items. Hillmount amenities include fitness center and rooftop deck with grills. See it today!

8630 Fawn Crest Dr. Alto, MI 49302

Home is priced to sell and ready for the perfect buyers! This beautiful walkout ranch is tucked away on 2.2 acres of land and allows you to experience country living in a neighborhood setting. The large foyer invites you into the great room, eating area/kitchen, which includes maple cabinets and stainless steal appliances. Enjoy the main floor laundry, beautiful master bedroom with bath and walk in closet. Walkout basement offers potential bedrooms and bath with one bedroom partially framed in and dry-walled. This home is very neat and clean, and conveniently located close to 96.

Open Houses for February 7, 2010

430 Union Ave NE Park Row Condos- Open House Sunday February 7 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Map Click Here

505 Cherry St SE Hillmount Condos- Open House Sunday February 7 from 2:00pm-4:00pm

Map Click Here