Tammy Stone

This is ridiculous. I know of mortgage companies that are loaning for less than $60K. I'm not sure of all the specifics with you and your loan and what you're looking for... so some more specifics would probably be helpful, but I can give you some good referrals to other mortgage lenders if you so desire. - Wed Sep 10 2008, 10:07

Kate,
When people are desiring good family communities, they often look at school districts in the community. I'm guessing that since you asked for a family community, that you do indeed have kids in school. If I were you, I would do some research on our Grand Rapids and outlying school systems to get a good idea of where you may want to consider moving in the greater Grand Rapids area.
We have several great school districts but based on the Grand Rapids City Guides rankings, these are the top 5 school districts: 1) East Grand Rapids, 2) Forest Hills, 3) Caledonia Community, 4) Rockford Public, 5) Grandville, Jenison, and Northview (all tied for 5th). If you would like more information on these schools or the report, please feel free to contact me.

As you may have guessed, those school districts with the greatest appeal, usually come with a higher price tag and thus higher property taxes and therefore all these factors need to be considered when purchasing a home and living in a great neighborhood. Hope that helps. - Mon May 26 2008, 16:06

Each of the city neighborhoods has it's own unique appeal. It really depends on what you are looking for, and the neighborhood attributes that you are looking for as well as the school system. We have several great neighborhoods to choose from and like someone mentioned before, one of the best ways to find a neighborhood is to drive it and the surrounding areas. There are also several publications that talk about the Grand Rapids neighborhoods, give some demographics and their best features. If you would like a copy, I would be more than happy to send it to you.

P.S. Once you find an area that you may want to live in, research it on the web. There is a ton of information out there for you to take advantage of. - Mon May 26 2008, 15:56

There is much confusion about buyer's agency. When I meet with clients I usually go over Michigan agency guidelines. What's important to understand is that the agent who has a property is obligated to represent the best interests of the seller. So while they can write up an offer, they legally represent the seller UNLESS they become a dual agent and have you sign the dual agency form. In that case they represent both parties. This part can be tricky. Personally, since I would legally be representing both parties, I summon a "conference" where we can hash out all the details. I would obviously know the sellers bottom line, and the buyer's top price point so it works to get everyone together.

A buyer's agent obviously represents and looks out for the best interests of the buyer. In Michigan, commissions are split between the seller's agent and buyer's agent. The seller offers a buyer's agent commission to draw those agents that work with buyers to their house. By the agent getting paid a commission, he has the incentive to sell that house. So, YES the seller does pay the buyer's commission in order to get their home sold.

Also, many buyers wouldn't be able to qualify to buy a home if they had to pay a commission or fees to an agent plus the mortgage fees. By the seller paying this fee, it allows more buyers to qualify for more of a home. - Mon May 5 2008, 18:35

Jennifer... just remember that price, condition and location always come into play. With so many homes on the market, you need to see what you could possibly get for that house in the neighborhood that it's in, figure out the costs to rehab to see what your net result will be. There are tons of great deals around the area, if you can profit by $10-15,000.00, you are doing very well. Anything above that amount is gravy!
Another thing that I like to caution investors on is that you need to look at a home like a buyer would. There are certain characteristics that buyers will look for depending on the age of the home that tends to attract them. I work with a lot of 1st time home buyers and if you need any help or advice, call me anytime. - Wed Nov 21 2007, 08:57