Relocation Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Rocks

Michelle Gordon — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:28:00 GMT

Grand Rapids has great culture! I was trying to find a way to share the culture with you - in a way that you can feel it like I do.

We have so much talent in this area along with people with a passion for where they live - Grand Rapids Michigan.

I think the struggling economy has only pulled us together more, and I have never been more proud to live here then I am today.

Young adults are a true asset to our community as they are very much part of our culture. Older adults like myself are supportive and encourage the young adults and children to express themselves.

We are a small town with big idea's, who act on their idea's and make things happen!

So in my effort of sharing the culture of Grand Rapids with you, I have a collection of video's for your viewing pleasure.........I hope you enjoy watching them as much I have.

If ever in the area and would like to learn more - contact me for your personal tour - showing homes and "show and tell" about Grand Rapids is one of the jobs I love to do!

CHEERS!

2010 Jammies - Local artist play thier music in PJ's

Pics of Grand Rapids - Turn up the music

Zombi walk - Holloween - This young man has a way to get people moving just with socail media - now working for Wood TV!

Photo History - nice smooth music with this one!

Art prize 2009 - Awesome event - coming back this year -2010 can not wait - good time to visit us!

Bush's Visit - you may not agree with thier views, but at least they have one!

If you goto YOUTUBE and search Grand Rapids Michigan - there is more there. These are just some of my favorites.

Are you feeling the cuture yet?

Bulletin 10 of 2009 the Inflation Rate Multiplier for 2010

Michelle Gordon — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:26:00 GMT

Bulletin 10 of 2009 the Inflation Rate Multiplier for 2010

Grand Rapids Michigan we are on the move!

Michelle Gordon — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:11:00 GMT

About Grand Rapids

57 Things about Grand Rapids

Michelle Gordon — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:45:00 GMT

57 Things to know abut Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Michigan - In the top 10!

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:36:00 GMT

Well, this is not the 1st time we have been noticed by a national net work and probably will not be the last. Last year we were on the today show as a great place to live and raise a family...............this time it was a little different.

Grand Rapids home sales are on the rise! We were number 5 on the Today's show list as a place you better buy now if you are looking for that "deal"!

I was telling some one the other day how I am not able to find the steal of a deal as easy as I could this time last year. I am now in bidding wars and homes are selling for over asking price. I have not had to compete for a home purchase in a while...............I have to admit it was fun!!!! I forgot how much fun that can be!

So when the Today show broadcasted this, it only confirmed what I was feeling as a Realtor. I really do feel like we are cleaning out the inventory of the bank owned homes..................well at least the "good ones" !

3 cities in Michigan were named................and in the top 10..............

Because prices are on the rise, if you are sitting on the fence waiting for us to hit bottom, I think you may of just missed it! So time to buy is now!

Watch the video

Waterfront living in Kent County – Thornapple River

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:52:00 GMT

I have to admit when ever I hold an open house that is located on the Thornapple river, I am always wishing I was the one on the pontoon boat that is passing by; instead of the one watching it! It just looks like so much fun and a great way to spend the day.

I love when the weather is turning, as a storm is rolling in and the waves get big, the trees sway from side to side…..it gets a little spooky, but I like it!

I also enjoy the warm sunny days, when you can ride on your pontoon boat or have a ton of fun on Jet Ski’s! The river seems to go on for ever so you never want to come back in side.

Now I am not really your out doors type of gal…………but I do enjoy water sports. However the fishing I hear is great! Many people who own properties on the Thornapple can fish right out their back door.

All shape and sizes (and price points) can be found on the River. My husband and I toured many areas of the Thornapple and found that where ever you are, what ever the price point, a sense of community is to be found. I liked that even thou you may have a home on 5 acres – the neighbors all still know each other and visit.

What is the most amazing to me is the country side that surrounds most of these properties. The wild life that can be view from your front window is priceless. I have to think people who home school have no problem finding subjects for science and biology as it is right out side.

I am a city girl, so yes these things amaze me as if I am seeing them as a child would for the 1^st time. Wild turkey……….YEP you may find wild turkey. I thought they just came frozen from the D&W! I had one cross my path and it scared me………….I laugh about it now. The deer is so much fun to watch………..better then a fish tank………..and every great while you may find an eagle flying over head.

What a great place to live………….Michigan offers so much and such a variety of choices. If you are moving to this area, you may want to check out homes near the Thornapple – as it is like no other.

Some facts about the Thornapple River

Moving to Sauatuck?

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:30:00 GMT

My husband I have just decided if we are going to buy our final home, that we will live in through our retirement this is the time to go for it. We have come to conclusion that the money saved on a home is worth the some what of a loss on our own home.

So we have been driving around and looking at different area's and trying to decide, where do we want to live. Hoping one day we will have Grand children we want to have a "destination home"! A place the grand kids will want to come to and visit, hoping that will bring them more often. Plus we would like our home to be some place we can relax and enjoy our selves, as we both work very hard and many times long hours. So we do not want a 2nd home to take care of (no time for this) just want to come home and say ahhhhhhhhh.

We started in the Kent county Grand Rapids area................we really liked the Thornapple river. Driving a pontoon boat on a Sunday afternoon, for a slow cruse, seemed like the way to go. Part of the river has an area that is considered the "lake" and has a very wide opening and is all sports. Many homes can be bought with a large lot or acreage. So very private - retreat like area's. For a while we thought this is the place! However after much discussion, we realized we really are city people and not sure we want to take care of all that "yard". However I have many clients who do find yard maintenance relaxing and somewhat therapeutic. I am finding that it feels like work.

So we have broaden our horizons - search area, and have reached out to the Holland/Saugatuck area. We are now in love. For us Holland is the ideal location. As it sits in the middle of Saugatuck and Grand Rapids, close to highways, not a far drive to Chicago.

Lake Macatawa on S Shore drive seems like the place to be for us. The lake runs into Lake Michigan, so you have the option of staying near the home and playing with your toys (all sports lake) or go for an afternoon drive up/down the coast. Great shopping and places to eat in Holland..............but again not too far to go if you want to change it up a bit and visit Grand Rapids or Saugatuck.

However what started me on this blog, was this amazing home I toured last Saturday in Saugatuck. This home has given me faith again in builders and the people who have a home built. I have to believe you can not build this home for what it is selling for. The attention to detail is outstanding, The landscaping alone is worth a million bucks.................(not really) but there is not a corner left undone, and done sooooooooo right you would not want to change a thing. The pictures on line do not do this home justice, although nice pics, but you just got to go see this home. From the gold leaf barrel entry way to the coffee station in the very large master suite, they have thought of everything. I have no vested interest in this home, but can not get it out of my head. However my desire to be right on the lake is greater then the desire to purchase this home. This home does have river access, that is a 20 minute drive on the Kalamazoo river that will take you to Lake Michigan. The home does sit up on a hill like property so the views of the river from the home are there.......... but really want to be able to park a boat in my back yard. There is a path down at the end of the street that takes you to your boat dock, so not far away at all....

This wonderful home is located on 6570 Heron Ridge RD............if Saugatuck is your location, and this home is in your price range, it is a must see for sure. Pics and listing

A new tax credit for home buyers in Michigan

Michelle Gordon — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:29:00 GMT

Just another opprotunity for home buyers - however only available in Michigan, here are the details:

MCC - Mortgage Credit Certificate Program



MCC - Mortgage Credit Certificate Program

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

This program is made available only through approved Lenders and is available for a limited time.
It is available to eligible borrowers on a first-come,
first-served basis throughout the State of Michigan.
Eligible borrowers must meet MSHDA income and sales price limits and in some cases, prior homeownership restrictions.

Homebuyers taking advantage of the MCC Program may qualify for 20% of their annual mortgage
interest paid to be credited against their year-end tax liability.
This is not a one time tax credit, but can be taken advantage of each year until the original mortgage is paid in full as long as the property remains the homebuyer’s primary residence. The homebuyer must apply for the MCC through a participating lender.

HOW DOES THE MCC PROGRAM WORK?

1. HOW WILL A MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE HELP ME PURCHASE A HOME?

MCC reduce the amount of federal income tax a homebuyer pays.
The estimated annual cost savings is calculated on a monthly basis to help homebuyers
qualify for a higher mortgage payment, and therefore a higher priced home-expanding home choices. MCCs are available to homebuyers who meet household income and home purchase price limits.

2. CALCULATING THE CREDIT

Total Mortgage Amount x Loan Interest Rate = Annual Inters

Annual Interest x MCC Rate (20%) = Tax Credit for the Year

Assuming a mortgage of $100,000 at 5.5% interest, the annual tax credit would be:

$100,000 x 5.5% = $5,000

$5,000 x 20% = $1,100 annual tax credit

The specific amount of the mortgage interest credit depends on how much interest you pay on the mortgage loan,
however, the amount of the credit cannot be more than your annual federal income tax liability
after all other credits and deductions have been taken into account.
The unused portion of the mortgage interest credit can be carried forward to the next three years,
or until used, whichever comes first. Please refer to IRS Form 8396 to calculate and claim your credit.

3. WHAT TYPES OF MORTGAGES CAN A MCC BE COMBINED WITH?

MCCs can be combined with conventional, FHA, Rural Development and VA mortgage loans. MCCs are not available with MSHDA mortgages or with refinanced loans.

4. WHAT REQUIREMENTS ARE THERE?

Federal, IRS and state regulations apply to everyone who obtains a MCC.

These include:

·        The homebuyer cannot have an ownership interest in a principal residence in the last three years, unless the home is being purchased in a targeted area.

·        The home must be a single family residence and used as a principal residence. A principle residence can include single family homes, condominiums and certain manufactured homes.

·        Because a tax credit is considered to be subsidy, homebuyers may be subject to a federal ‘recapture tax’. This tax may apply, if the home is sold within nine years with a gain on the sale. MSHDA recognizes that this may be a concern for individuals, so the Recapture Tax Reimbursement Program was created to reimburse borrowers for any recapture tax paid to the IRS.

Visiting Grand Rapids this 4th of July? Here are some activities I think will be fun!

Michelle Gordon — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:36:37 GMT

Grand Rapids has some of the most exciting and creative idea's that brings fun and enjoyment to everyone!

Here are some of my picks for the week end................

The Independence Day Water Balloon Fight:

This just sounds like a hoot!!! 2 teams - one blue team and one red team to battle it out with water balloons. People will be throwing water balloons for about 20 minutes and at one point thousands of water balloons will be in the air...............after all done the National Anthem will play! balloon fight

If you are thinking of moving to East Grand Rapids come join in the fun at their July 4th celebration. This is a good way to get to know the community as many will be out. A parade in the afternoon the fun and games on the lake followed by a great display of fire works. If you have never seen fire works over the water this will be a must see.............so pretty!

The public Museum

Now I did this with my daughter when she was younger.............they will have events going on from 7pm till the fire works go off..... you get front row seats to view the fire works. Many thing for the kids to do and see while they are there. This also their 11th annual fund raising event. Front Row for the Fire Works.

These are just a few quick picks however many more activities are happening and most surrounding area's will be having a their own celebration as well...................

Have fun with what ever you decide to do....................

Visiting Grand Rapids this 4th of July? Here are some activities I think will be fun!

Michelle Gordon — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:09:00 GMT

Wine and Art class

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:05:00 GMT

What a cool idea, and sounds like a blast.............this art class is offered by one of my F.L.O.W.artist. She is very talented! Here is the info:

Hi Everyone- It is time for Art Aids 3'rd annual wine and art event. Please set aside the evening of August 20th, we're aiming for live music and painting this year. More details to come. Also below you'll find more information on the class I'll be teaching on Thursday evenings for adults. Hope to see you all soon, Stephanie
Creative Learning (1200 E. Paris-next to CG's Cafe and Bill and Paul's) is hosting a series of ART WORKSHOPS for adults on Thurs. evenings, 6;30-8 PM in our art studio. Come for one class or as many as you'd like. Local artist, Stephanie Timmerman is our inspirational teacher.

This is a night away to be spend time with friends and create great art for yourself or as gifts. Bring in photocopies of your favorite or meaningful photos, wine labels, post cards, tickets, words, articles, etc. for added inspiration (if needed). Your masterpiece may be used as a painting suitable for framing, a transfer to fabric (for pillows, clothing, etc.), or a floor cloth. This class will be fun and you'll have a masterpiece when it's over. You may want to have dinner at CG's Cafe before class and bring your own favorite beverage if you'd like.

Cost: $15/session for all paints and paper. Stretched canvas, floor cloths, etc. extra.
To Register: Visit our website: www.creativelearningtoysandtools.com , stop in to the store, or call (616) 975-9019.

Prime location - EGR home for sale!

Michelle Gordon — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:13:00 GMT

This is the home you have been waiting for! Pinecrest Ave, one of the most desirable streets in EGR due to location. Walk to the elementary and middle school or the high school for all the foot ball games. I can hear the crowd cheering on the EGR Pioneers now! Boasting over 3,000 square foot of living space! This home offers so much to the new home owner. You enter the living room through double glass French doors. The spacious living room offers a large window seat and wonderful hard wood floors. Off the living room is one of the 4 season rooms currently being used as the piano room. The other 4 season room is surrounded by windows and currently being used as the office and features many built in’s. The family room off the back has a wet bar and wood burning stove for a great entertainment space. Off the family room is the screen in porch with the optional hot tub. The master bedroom suite is just that….a suite, a large bedroom with a separate vanity room and a bathroom. The lower level offers a bonus recreational room, butlers pantry, work room and laundry area. Boiler and water heater is 1 year old and all windows have been replaced and are newer. There are so many rooms in this house however a great feeling of open space. This home is perfect for the growing family, you will never need to move again, as the kids become teen agers the additional rooms will allow for all their friends to come and visit and let the adults have their own space at the same time. This property is more then a house, it is a home that sits in the heart of East Grand Rapids……..and home is where your heart is. Many move to EGR for the schools, lake, boutique shopping, restaurants, walking and bike trails. The location of this home puts all of this at your finger tips.

GRAND RAPIDS - We are in the TOP 5!

Michelle Gordon — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:42:00 GMT

Again and again Grand Rapids gets voted one of the most affordable places to live. We make the news time and time again, affordable living, a great place to raise a family and quality of life is just plain better then most places.

We have winter sports - places to ski, ice fish, ride snow mobiles...........We have the summer sports, sailing, boating, fishing, camping, shopping at great historic towns and a beach on the coast of Lake Michigan where you just hang out.

Grand Rapids has a very active down town - off Broadway shows, civic theater, live concerts and so much more..........all this and a great place to raise a family!

To read the most recent article click here

For more information on buying Real Estate in Kent county click here

The Parks of Kent County

Michelle Gordon — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:55:00 GMT

Yes, I am writing this blog about Kent County Parks in February when it still too cold to really enjoy all the the activites the parks have to offer. However I really do have spring fever. May it be that the Real Estate market right now feels like a spring market or that it has been a long cold winter and I am ready for some warm out door weather activities. I think maybe a little (okay a lot) of both!

When our kids were young, we would take them to the park often. We would feed the ducks, visit art shows and play on the swing sets. However, Kent County Parks offer more today then what was offered 20 yers ago. We should take advatage of what they have to offer.

Currently there are 41 parks, trails and/or undeveloped green spaces in the Kent County Park system, totaling 6333 acres. 10 of which are open in the winter:

Douglas Walker
Johnson ((Henry)
Lamoreaux (Donald J)
Long Lake
Palmer
Pickerel Lake
Rouge River
Seidman
Twonsend ( Warren)
Wabasis Lake Park

The rest of the Parks open May 1st - among other things you may rent out the parks - open or enclosed shelters for you personal or business events.

I feel parks are very important to a community. It makes for a better place to live. A place you can go with your famliy, a place to take your dog(s) (yes we do have a dog park) and a way to keep our comunity beautiful.

I have personally visited Millennium and Richmond Parks. And hoping the Kents County Parks Foundation will bring back Garfield Park's pool. I think the city parks are very important. As the homes that surround these parks have smaller yards and the kids can walk to the park and have somewhere to go in the summer.

There are many ways ot get involved...........and donate your time.

Lets all visit a park this year!

Here is to a early spring!

Buying a HUD home in Kent County

Michelle Gordon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:25:00 GMT

A very successful HUD sale/closing

It has been a while sense I have sold a HUD home, and now they are just as much a part of our market as any other listing............they are not just the "cheep run down" homes anymore.

My 1st time home buyers and I went shopping for a home............so many to see, so much inventory! When we stumbled on this 4 bedroom 2 bath home in a very nice residential section of Kentwood.

What a great house! listed at $109,000, HUD appraisal 120,000 sold a few years back for $145,000, and I could comp it out easy for for $135,000, We purchased the home for $97,000 plus ALL closing cost and pre-paids paid for by seller (HUD).

We also used HUD's FHA $100.00 down payment FHA program. Now you still need the earnest of $1,000 on this home, and I was warned that HUD has restrictions of what Closing Cost and Pre-paids they will pay. So I warned my client, that they may not get that $1,000 back..............consider it an investment in your home purchase.

Well we placed an offer.............there were mulitble offers and they came back saying none of the offers quit reached their bottom line and giving everyone a chance to re-bid the home............so we did and WON!

Now the work really begins..............there is much follow up and attention to detail. Every "i" needs to be dotted and every "t" needs to be crossed. Follow up - Follow up.

This home was a little easier as it was a newer home and there were no lead base paint issues or any repairs needed per an FHA loan..............a very good home to start with.

Now I will skip to the closing....................we had a final HUD sent to the seller (HUD) as they review and make any corrections needed. The HUD that was approved by the lender showed my client coming in with $800.00. By the time HUD was finished..........my clients were getting a check BACK for $900.00!

We were soooooooooo happy! They really did buy a home for $100.00 out of pocket.

I am now on my 2nd one................more difficult, as it is an older home with some "issues" but I now know the direction I need to go, and who to talk to, and also feel good about HUD doing what is right for the buyer! They are very over worked, so I still make sure I do not fall through the cracks.........

However buying a HUD home may be the best deal out there right now if you are buying the home as owner occupied and using a FHA loan.

If you are moving to Kent County and want to learn more about the HUD program and can read more here, or give me a call or drop me an e-mail and will be more then happy to help.

A Christmas turkey for Skytron

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:38:00 GMT

This is one way to get your Christams turkey!

Skytron, a local business here in Kent County got their Christmas turkey early.

A 30# wild turkey crashed through two (2) 1/2 " commercial grade glass windows at their office yesterday morning. The office that it chose to disassemble belongs to a manager who is on vacation! He then ransacked another's office and used his desk as a men's room. Turkey was released (after being chased for 25 minutes) and then roosted in a tree nearby.

I do feel sorry for the office dog, Bear, he's quite distressed as he is still tracking the turkey scent throughout the office. Poor guy.

Kent county has several turkey farms in the area. It is not uncommon to find one who has gotten loose. I have many times had to wait for them to cross the street!

Skytron - However the turkey left the show room un-harmed!

Founded in 1972, Skytron is a privately owned and operated company, with the world headquarters based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Skytron distributes state-of-the-art medical equipment for a variety of healthcare settings and hospital departments.

Links:

Skytron

New article

Get out of the car NOW!!!!!

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:08:00 GMT

Here is a news paper article that really made me laugh!

Energy Efficient Lending here in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Michelle Gordon — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:47:00 GMT

I was reading a fellow WCR members blog here on active rain. Angie Ridley on "Green Lending" and was so excited to hear about this program. I decided to do my own research and find out how this is done here in Grand Rapids.

Energy efficient lending is a good way to make home energy efficient while buying a new home or refinancing.

Here is the scoop:

Once you have found a home you want to purchase (or decide to re-fi) you need to let your lender know this is the program you want to use.

When the appraisal is being done, this is generally when the energy efficiency home inspections are done.

The energy home inspector will conduct a series of test and give you a written report of what should/could be done to make your home energy efficient and estimated cost on the repairs that need to be done. He will also give you an estimate on your savings per month on your utilitie bills if you do the work.

The lender will now add this amount to the home loan and request a loan amount for the total......... purchase price of the home and the repairs. The home has to appraise for at least this amount.

Once this is done, a certified energy efficient contractor will bid the job. (You can get several bids). Now you have true numbers to work with and the loan amount is adjusted.

After closing, the repair money is held in escrow at the title company to be paid out to the contractor once the work is done.

Some facts and links about Energy efficient lending:

Local Energy Efficient Inspector

North Point Bank- Jeff Brom - Jeff has done several of these loans. North Point not only provides this loan service but they live it. They are the 1st LEED Certified building in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Jeff says this does not take any longer then any other loan, he can get it done in 6 weeks and he can do this program with FHA or a Conventional 5% down loan. They also portfolio loans for the right person.

Your debt to income is little different because they take in concideration your savings, and consider this income!

Jeff's Email - jeffb@npbank.com

DTE Energy rebates - Yes you can also get a rebate from DTE for making your home energy efficient.

Information from HUD on Energy efficient loans.

Tax Credits for energy efficient homes.

Energy Star information....................get the scoop on what product qualify.

Relocation the emotional stress

Michelle Gordon — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:54:00 GMT

Relocation can be very stressful. Yesterday I was showing my clients home to a couple who is moving here in the next few months. Their agent had worked very hard to have a nice day of showings, with homes that "fit" their needs.

One of the things for sure is they wanted to be in East Grand Rapids. "He" is moving back..............he has lived here before and is very excited about moving back.

They are moving here from a large city, and I assume this is where she is from.

They had 7 homes to tour, mine being the 7th..................(they had a few hours break between the first 6 and mine). She never came to the showing, she stayed in the hotel..................very upset about the move. EGR is not what she is used to. She does not want to move.

I imagine this last trip to find a home to buy was pretty much of a bust for them and the Realtor. Thats okay for the most part, sometimes you do not know what you want till you see it..............meaning if you did not know it was an option you did not know to ask for it.......................so I always say it takes as long as it takes!

I have relocated all of my life................moving to a place where I have no friends or family. I relocate well! However I will admit it is easier when you have kids.....................you meet people faster and your involvement in the community comes easier.

When you relocate to a place that is unknown to you and you do not have children getting involved in the social aspect is a little harder. That is why finding the right Realtor is important to the move! Many may say they are qualified because they took a class. However understanding the needs of a relocation client is very important. It is NOT just buying a home.

When my husband and I relocate we take these steps to assure (as much as possible) a successful move.

1. Who ever is getting the job transfer interviews for the job. Make sure you like the company. Pay and benefits could be outstanding, however if you do not like the people that work there - eventually those things will not matter and you will look somewhere else.

2. Before excepting the job, take a trip to the new location.................if children are involved, do not tell them yet. You have not made the decision to move yet, no need to get every one excited till the decision has been made.

3. When you go to check out the area...................Do not do this by yourself. Involve a Realtor or someone from the company who can show you around. And not like a tourist.......................It is great to get a few homes to look at while there the 1st time, in several different area's....................so you can see the norm of the different area's to kinda of narrow down the area's you like. This will allow you to concentrate on certain area's that you like when you look for a home seriously.

4. Consider renting for at least 6 months in the area you like to make sure this is the purchase you want to make. No matter how much research you do nothing seems the same 6 months later...................the job and the area included.................make sure you love everything as much as you did when you first started!

5. If not renting 1st, make a list of what you are looking for in a neighborhood................schools, shopping, land, easy highway access. Also what you are looking for in a home. A 3 part list..............A. Must haves in a home B. Would like to have in a home C. Must not have in a home. If you could make this list as complete as possible this will help your Realtor to pick the right homes for you to look at and make your trip worth wild.

6. What are your outside interest? What are your or your families hobbies? Get a few names and numbers of some local residents that have the same interest as you and connect. Let the locals tell you about the area...IE: My son is a great hockey player........we need a to know about the hockey teams in the area. What ever it is you do that makes your life complete...............make sure the new area offers these things as well.

7. You decided to move and want to tell the kids..................if teenagers are involved, make sure you have material about the area with their interest. In my experience (personal and professional) this age is the hardest to move. They are leaving their friends. Assure them they can get involved in the same activities in the new area. Younger kids really do not understand what is happening. There is a god book out by The Berenstain Bears about moving.

8. After you have done your homework and have decided to make the move, find out what other services are available to you to make the move smoother:

A. Move planner? We have a local service here who coordinates the physical move for you. They connect with the movers, make sure they arrive on time, make the floor plan in the new house and meet the movers at the new home to make sure the unpacking is taken care of.

B. Local storage area

C. Job resources for your spouse

So yes, moving can be stressful but if done right it can be fun and very successful.

10 Million dollars for foreclosure homes coming to Kent County?

Michelle Gordon — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:42:00 GMT

I saw on Fox news last night that Kent County has applied for a 10 million dollar grant to "fix" the foreclosed homes in the area, and put construction crews back to work.

This is very positive news for our area! I am praying and hoping this grant makes its way to us. I am happy to see the city officials taking action.

We do need to make a grass roots effort in restoring the area's that have been hit hard by this declinging market.

10 Million may sound like a lot of money, but in reality it is only enough money for about 100 homes. However if used wisely and spread it around to neighborhoods..........it could create a chain reaction and home owners that live in these neighborhoods will fix up their home as well, or maybe a home buyer will be more inclined to buy in the neighborhood as they can see the beginning of a "new" neighborhood.

To read the article on line click here.