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Trusted West Michigan Realtor

Your Trusted Real Estate Guide in
Greater Grand Rapids MI

Thinking About Selling Your Home in 2024? What to do now to prepare.

Selling your home can feel like a big undertaking, but it can also be a really exciting and rewarding experience. If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market within the next year, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself so that you aren’t rushing to do everything at the last minute. I want to share with you some tips and advice that I give to my clients to get you started and feel confident about the process. So, let’s dive in!

  1. Start with a plan: The first step in preparing to sell your home is to make a plan. Determine your timeline for selling and moving, set a budget for any necessary repairs or upgrades, and research local Realtors to find the best fit for your needs.
  2. Declutter and organize: Before putting your home on the market, it’s important to declutter and organize your space. This means removing excess clutter, packing away personal items, and organizing your closets and storage spaces. A clean and organized home will make a better impression on potential buyers. Less is best!
  3. Make necessary repairs: Make a list of any necessary repairs and upgrades, such as fixing leaky faucets, replacing outdated appliances, or repainting the walls. Make sure to tackle these projects now to ensure that your home is in the best possible condition for when you are ready to sell.
  4. Boost your curb appeal: The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. Invest in landscaping, paint the front door, and make sure the exterior of your home is clean and well-maintained.

By taking care of this work up front you will be prepared to hit the ground running when you are ready to get your home listed. Need advice on finding a Realtor that best fits your needs? Click here for tips on finding the right real estate agent.

Is Condo Living Right For You?

Have you been thinking about simplifying life? Many people get to a point where they’d rather travel, spend time with friends/family or enjoy their hobbies than invest their time and efforts in maintaining their home. If this is you, condo living may be the right fit. Consider these factors before making your decision:

  1. Lifestyle: Condo living can be great for those who want a low-maintenance lifestyle. You won’t have to worry about outdoor maintenance, such as mowing the lawn or shoveling snow. This can be particularly attractive for retirees or busy professionals. On the other hand, if you enjoy spending time in your yard or having more space to yourself, a condo may not be the right fit.
  2. Cost: While condos can be less expensive than a single-family home, they also come with monthly fees for things like maintenance and amenities. Make sure to factor in these costs when considering if a condo is within your budget. Additionally, you’ll want to factor in any costs associated with selling your home, such as real estate agent fees and closing costs.
  3. Location: Condos are often located in urban or suburban areas, which can be great for those who want to be close to amenities like restaurants and shops. However, if you prefer a more rural or secluded location, a condo may not be the right fit.
  4. Space: Condos typically offer less space than a single-family home, which can be a challenge if you have a lot of belongings or need space for visiting family members or hobbies. Make sure to consider the amount of space you need when deciding if a condo is right for you.

Choosing to shift to the condo lifestyle can be a big change, but for many it is a great fit and allows them to simplify life and have time to do the things that they enjoy. Looking for more info about the process of downsizing to a condo? Reach out to me, I’m happy to help!

How to Handle the Stress of Buying a Home in a Competitive Seller’s Market

Buying a home in a competitive sellers market can be an incredibly stressful experience. With limited inventory, multiple offers, and bidding wars, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. However, with a few strategies and tips, you can navigate the home buying process with confidence and ease.

  1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage One of the best ways to reduce stress when buying a home is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a clear idea of your budget and what you can afford. Additionally, it will help you move quickly when you find a home you love, as sellers are more likely to accept offers from buyers who have already been pre-approved for a mortgage.
  2. Be Prepared to Act Quickly In a competitive sellers market, homes can sell quickly, sometimes within hours of being listed. This means you need to be ready to act quickly when you find a home you love. Have your pre-approval letter, down payment, and any other necessary documents ready to go so you can make an offer as soon as possible.
  3. Work with an Experienced Real Estate Agent Working with an experienced real estate agent can make a huge difference when buying a home in a competitive market. A good agent can help you navigate the market, find homes that meet your criteria, and negotiate on your behalf. They can also help you stay calm and focused during the stressful parts of the home buying process.
  4. Don’t Get Emotionally Attached to a Home While it’s important to love the home you buy, it’s also important to avoid getting emotionally attached to a specific home. In a competitive market, it’s possible that you may lose out on a home you really wanted, even if you offered a high price. If this happens, try not to get too upset. Remember that there will always be other homes on the market, and the right one will come along.
  5. Consider Making a Strong Offer In a competitive market, it may be necessary to make a strong offer to stand out from other buyers. This could mean offering more than the asking price, offering extended possession after close at no cost, or agreeing to a quick closing date. However, be sure to only make an offer you can afford and that makes sense for your budget.
  6. Have Patience and Stay on Track So many home buyers start to get frustrated and start grasping at straws for home options when they do not feel that enough homes are available that meet their criteria. Do not run all over the place looking at homes out of your target area, out of your budget or are missing your must haves. This will cause more burnout and not get you any closer to your home goal.
  7. Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care Buying a home can be a stressful experience, so it’s important to take breaks and practice self-care. Make sure to take time for yourself to do things you enjoy, like exercise, meditate, or spend time with friends and family. This will help you stay calm and focused during the home buying process.

Buying a home in a competitive sellers market can be a stressful experience, but with these tips, you can navigate the process with ease. Remember to stay focused, work with an experienced agent, and take care of yourself throughout the process. With a little patience and perseverance, you’ll find the perfect home for you and your family.

Should You Buy A Home Listed “as is”?

I feel like one of the most confusing terms used in real estate is the concept of selling “as is”, so let’s simplify it. The most general use of this term is that the seller is selling the property in its current condition, without making any repairs or renovations.

Should you consider buying a home listed “as is”? These three tips will help you decide if this option is a good one for your home buying goals:

  1. The Price Should Reflect the Condition: It’s convenient for the seller to put the home on the market and list it “as is”. In order to get top dollar for the home the seller would have had to put in all the work to attract a buyer in that market. As a buyer looking at a home that needs work that the seller is not willing to do, make sure that the home is priced considerably lower than the competing homes on the market. If the sellers are still trying to get average market value for the home, they may not be realistic about selling at this point.
  2. Consider the Cost of Repairs: While the seller may not be willing to make any repairs or offer credits, understanding the cost of repairs can help you determine if the property is worth the investment or just too much of a project for you at this time. When you write an offer you can use the estimated cost of repairs to back up your offer price.
  3. Understand Your Financing Options: Many lenders require that certain repairs or renovations be made before financing can be approved, which may not be possible with a home listed “as is” if the condition is poor. You may need to consider alternative financing options or be prepared to make repairs out of pocket. There are financing options that allow for you to finance in the repairs needed, ask your Realtor to put you in touch with a great lender that can explain what this type of program has to offer.

Overall, purchasing a home listed “as is” can be a great opportunity for buyers, but it’s important to carefully consider all of the potential implications. I cannot stress highly enough the importance of hiring a professional Realtor to guide you through this process. They will have resources for you and a process to simplify your home buying experience.

Best Practices for use of Video Surveillance Cameras While Selling Your Home

So this day in age in home and front porch door bell cameras are super popular. I, myself have one. It’s great for many things. Tracking when packages are delivered, looking to see who is at the front door before deciding whether or not you will answer it, preventing porch theft, monitoring your baby while they are in the crib, etc.

Now lets talk about whether or not it is appropriate to have these types of devices recording while your home is for sale. In the Grand Rapids, Michigan area the market where I work, they address audio surveillance (not necessarily video) during showings, open houses and inspections.

Audio Surveillance. Seller understands that the use of an audio surveillance device during showings, open houses, or inspections on the property may result in a violation of state and/or federal criminal wiretapping statuses. Broker recommends that Seller disable any audio recording devices during showings, open houses and inspections.

It does not say anything about limiting video. Furthermore it only recommends that you disable the audio during showings, open houses and inspections, mainly because you could be breaking wiretapping laws that the state and/or federal government have in place.

This is important to note for potential buyers. When touring homes do not assume that the sellers have turned off the video and/or the audio on the cameras in and around their home. Most sellers are likely to follow the rules however some may be willing to risk it and keep them on.

I tell my buyers to be careful what they say when looking at homes. You never know when the seller is listening in and it can make the difference between the seller being inclined to be acceptable or negotiable to your offer (if they hear something negative they may be offended). In addition it could possibly make your negotiating position weaker if you make an offer lower than the ask price, yet the sellers heard on their audio recording that you were willing to do anything you could to buy the home.

Best practice recommendations:

If you are a seller, turn off the audio when potential buyers are in the home.

If you are a buyer, assume that the sellers have the video and audio on while you are in the home. Do not say anything you do not want them to hear.

10 Tips for Relocating to a West Michigan

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Hey there, future West Michigan residents and newcomers! If you’re getting ready for a move to this fantastic region, I’ve got your back with some awesome tips to make the transition smooth as butter. From finding your dream spot to getting all the paperwork squared away, moving can be a breeze with the right know-how. So, here are 10 top-notch tips to rock your relocation game in West Michigan!

1. Get Your Research On Before diving into the scene of West Michigan, let’s do some detective work. Check out what neighborhoods vibe with you, where the action’s at, and what job opportunities are on the horizon. Dive into online resources and chat up locals for some real-deal insights about living in this vibrant region.

2. To Buy or Not to Buy? This is your canvas—time to decide if you’re renting or owning in the West Michigan area. Whether you’re in it for the long haul or just feeling out the vibe, a local Realtor can be your compass in this decision.

3. Organize Like a Pro Making a move might sound daunting, but a little prep goes a long way. Make a checklist of to-dos, set yourself some deadlines, and gather all those important papers in one safe spot for your West Michigan adventure.

4. Keep What Sparks Joy Before you pack, channel your inner Marie Kondo and declutter your life. Toss out stuff that doesn’t align with your new adventure in this stunning region.

5. Pack Like a Champ Ready for packing? Let’s be smart about it. Create an inventory, tag those boxes, and snap pics for future reference. And hey, go for smaller boxes with the heavy stuff—it’s a game-changer for your journey in West Michigan.

6. Don’t Forget Your Furry Friends Got pets? They’re part of your crew too! Plan pet moves with pit stops and plenty of treats. They’ll be explorers of this area in no time.

7. Call Up the Utility Squad Prep for your new chapter by giving a heads-up to your utility providers. A little heads-up ensures everything’s ready to roll when you make your debut in the West Michigan region.

8. High Five Your New Neighbors Get ready to make pals! Knock on doors, invite neighbors over, and bond over your new digs. Plus, they’ll know all the best spots around.

9. Be a Local Explorer Once you’re all settled, it’s time to hit the town. Discover the gems, from the local coffee shop to the coolest hangout spots.

10. Embrace the Vibe Adjusting to life is like riding a bike—takes a little time, but you’ll get there. Make your space homey, meet new faces, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Whether you’re crossing states or just neighborhoods, I’m all in to make your move a breeze. Reach out at 616-293-9952 or lizopatic@gmail.com for the lowdown. Let’s dive into your awesome adventure together!

SOLD! 11287 Westlawn Dr, Canadian Lakes MI

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11287 Westlawn Dr, Canadian Lakes MI 49346, $425,000, 2 beds, 2 baths, 1,528 square feet, 0.32 acre lot. This gorgeous home sold for $400,000!

Rare opportunity to own your lakefront paradise with gorgeous views! 115′ of frontage on Far West Lake with a beach area and dock. Inside you will find an open floor plan, hardwood floors, spacious kitchen with an island and new stainless steel appliances, main floor primary bedroom, huge upper level bedroom, open loft area perfect for additional sleeping space or office area, baths on both levels, sunroom, gas fireplace, lots of natural light. Oversized 2 stall attached garage, patio, located at the end of a cul-de-sac. Experience the good life in Canadian Lakes. Explore the 730+ acres of waterways (340 acres of all sports water) & enjoy all the recreational opportunities in this community including private beaches, golf courses, pickleball courts, pools, a dog park & so much more!

Canadian Lakes Info: https://canadianlakes.org/

RE/MAX SunQuest Realty 616-949-6980

When Selecting a Home Lender Choose Local

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Attention, home buyers! If you’re currently on the hunt for a lender, I’m going to let you in on a not-so-secret tip… 

Always. Choose. Local. 

Buying a home is a HUGE decision—and so is the lender you work with. Local lenders are more likely to provide you with stellar service because their reputation is at stake. Not to mention, your hard-earned dollars will often be recirculated within your community. So basically, it’s a win-win-win! 

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of using a local lender.

Pros:

  • Local expertise- you want someone who understands the market where you are purchasing. Each area has it’s own nuances that Realtors and local home lenders are educated about.
  • Personalized service- Like any service based business, local lenders will want to make sure that you are well taken care of to impress you and your Realtor. Most hometown lenders build their business on referrals and their reputation. If things go south with an out of town lender, they have much less to lose if you are unhappy or if things do not work out.
  • Support the local economy- There is a reason that there are support local movements. It feels good to support the businesses that are the lifeblood of the community.
  • Possible lower fees and interest rates- It is important to understand your rate and what costs are involved with the purchase. Bigger banks may come with higher fees.
  • Increased confidence in your offer from the listing Realtor & Seller- Reputation is everything. The listing Realtor will feel much better about the service and attention your file will have with a local lender. Again, local lenders are much more likely to get the job done smoothly!

Cons:

  • Longer lender search- It may take a little more time to find the right local lender. There is some convenience in calling your National bank and talking to their lender on call immediately. I highly recommend reaching out to a trusted Realtor that you know to ask them for a list of their favorite lenders.
  • Fewer loan options- Big banks and national mortgage companies may have more programs available for you to choose from.
  • Less brand recognition- You may not recognize the name of the local lender right away. This is just because they don’t spend the big dollars on advertising and promotion that the national lenders do.

Choosing a lender that will get the job done is very important. For a list of 5 questions you should ask potential lenders click here.

What You NEED to Know About Buying a Home Contingent Upon Selling Your Current One

You’ve weighed the options of selling before buying or buying before selling. You have finally decided that buying a new home with a contingency of selling your current home is the best way to go.

I’m going to be real…this is going to be stressful and complicated but SO worth it when you are sipping coffee on the back deck overlooking your gorgeous new back yard.

The best way I can help keep the stress level down is by breaking it down to bite sized steps. This will help you feel more “in control” during the process. Keep in mind this is a general overview. When we meet at your consultation we will put your personalized plan in place. I will give you more details as we go along and promise that I will be holding your hand the whole way.

Let’s start with a little review. Contingent Offer, what does that mean? A contingency is a provision of the contract that keeps the agreement from being fully legally binding until a certain condition is met. In this article we are specifically referencing the contingency of selling and closing the buyer’s current home prior to closing on the sale of the new home that they are purchasing.

Here we go breaking it down…

  1. Meet with your Realtor to discuss the market value of your current home and your goals for the next home.
  2. Contact a trusted mortgage lender. Discuss with them the amount of mortgage you will need to buy the next home and provide them with the approximate proceeds that your Realtor estimated for you.
  3. Determine if your goal is possible and worth it to you to continue with the process.
  4. If the numbers and information are in alignment, go through the formal pre-approval process and have your Realtor help you determine what needs to be done to your home so that you can put it on the market immediately once you find “the one”.
  5. Search for a home
  6. Go under contract on a home
  7. Put your home on the market
  8. Accept an offer on your home.
  9. Mortgage process on both sales.
  10. Close on homes, current home first and possibly both on the same day.
  11. Possession- turn over your home and move into the new one.

Ready to get the ball rolling? Start with step 1. Click here to schedule a consultation!

Upgrade Your Life by Downsizing Your Home

You’re ready for a new chapter in your life and not sure that your current home fits in this chapter or not. Some of the most popular reasons for downsizing include.

  • You are not using most of your living space.
  • You’d like a different style of home or floorplan because your lifestyle has changed.
  • Your yard and landscaping are getting to be a burden to maintain.
  • You want to simplify your life so that you can focus on more important things.
  • Your wants and needs have changed since you first moved in.

Now you’ve committed to the change. Let’s talk about the journey and steps to take to get to your new and improved chapter.

The first step is deciding what type of home are you looking for. Do you want that cabin on the lake, a spacious condo with an open concept floor plan, a new construction ranch home, a home in a warmer state? There are so many options!!

The second step is to determine if your goal is possible at this time. Find out what your current home is worth on the market. Determine what the cost will be to purchase your new home. Do the numbers work? Are there properties on the market that fit your wants/needs and are in your budget? Is there a market for your home right now?

Step three is to come up with a game plan and put it into action. The market (and a great Realtor) will help you determine which strategy is best.

  • List your current home then look for a new one once your home is under contract.
  • Buy your new home (cash, bridge loan, new mortgage), then list and sell your current home.
  • Look for a new home. Once you find the right home, write an offer contingent upon you selling your home. If your offer is accepted, list and sell your home.
Let’s Meet to Get the Journey Started!