Four Reasons to Live in Forest Hills Michigan:

by Leave a Comment

Four Reasons to Live in Forest Hills Michigan:

Forest Hills is a great place to live and raise a family – or just enjoy life. People that live in this community know what it means to live in such a great area of West Michigan. For those that haven’t visited or are thinking of moving to the area, I thought it would be nice to know about some of the great things that Forest Hills Michigan offers.

 Forest Hills Public Schools

                Forest Hills has arguably the best school district in the state of Michigan. It is very well supported by parents and the community at large both financially and with involvement and participation from the entire community. Forest Hills consistently ranks at the top of school standardized test results like the MEAP test. Aside from earning high marks for their education standards, Forest Hills School District offers some unique education experiences. Two examples of this is “Good Willie” an environmental school that offers a unique approach to education. Also, the Chinese and Spanish emersion programs offer a larger world-view to education.

 Community

                Forest Hills offers an impressive variety of community centers for people to enrich their lives and well being. The local YMCA off of Forest Hills Ave. is a well maintained facility that people use for everything from continuing education to swimming lessons.

                A great place to stop and buy groceries is Forest Hills Foods located on the corner of Forest Hills Ave. and Cascade Rd. It offers a massive selection of foods rarely found in smaller scale community grocery stores. Additionally the cafe’ is a great place to get a quick cup of coffee or enjoy a bite to eat. If you’ve never been there stop by around lunch and you can see how much a part of the community Forest hills Foods is.

Arts & Culture

                The Forest Hills Fine Arts Center is a world class facility for creative endeavors. Featuring a beautiful theatre area, art galleries, and music performances from local and national acts throughout the year. An enormous benefit for anyone interested in taking an art class or who just likes to enjoy a show without a drive into downtown. However if the occasional city life is what you’re craving you’ll be glad to know that the Urban institute for contemporary Arts (UICA), the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and ArtPrize permanent location are just minutes away. 

The Outdoors

               There are numerous well maintained parks and trails throughout the area where people jog, bike, and enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, the baseball and soccer fields are well maintained and offer the community a safe and enjoyable experience with nature. The Thornapple River offers fishing and kayaking.

 Summation

                This list is just a “drop in the bucket” of the things available to the community of Forest Hills Michigan. Once you visit this area you won’t want to live anywhere else in West Michigan. If you would like advice on how to move to this great area of Michigan please contact me and I would be glad to be of service.

Forest Hills, 5 Bedrooms, 2 & 1/2 Bathrooms | $259,900

by Leave a Comment

This home, located in Ada and Forest hills Schools, has been meticulously maintained both inside and outside. There are 5 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and almost 2700 square feet of finished living space above grade. The traditional two-story home has spacious bedrooms and generously proportioned living areas. There have been tasteful updates that coincide with today’s design trends. The spacious kitchen opens to a large family room with fireplace. Sliders from the eating area lead to a cedar deck and expansive backyard. The kitchen has new countertops and stovetop, wood cabinetry, a home center and a neutral color palette. The half acre setting is park-like. This is a beautiful house, a tree-lined street and a location that is convenient to all areas of the city.virtual tour

Property Details

Status: $259,900
Listing Price: 7685 Whitburn Dr. SE
Address: Ada
City: Michigan
State: 49301
ZIP: Forest Hills
School District:
MLS #: 11052989
TFLA Sq Ft: 2,640
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 2.5
Garage: 2+Stalls Attached
Fireplace: Yes
Other

Northview, 8 Bedrooms, 6 & 1/2 Bathrooms | $1,200,000

by Leave a Comment

If you’re saving the best til last, start here and end your search. Once in a rare while will a truly wonderful home such as this be available. Built without compromise, this house reflects the best in architecture and craftsmanship. The French country residence is privately situated on 1.4 acres in the golf community at Thousand Oaks. Rooks Landscape designed and executed this award winning setting. The list of amenities is exhaustive and has everything on your wish list, and more. With more than 9,000 square feet of finished living space, each room is spacious and inviting. The gourmet kitchen includes superior appliances, tumbled marble floors, a walk-in and a butler pantry. There are both formal and informal living and eating areas. There are two bedroom suites on the main level and additional bedrooms/bathrooms on both upper and lower levels. The landscaping and in ground pool are exquisite. It is a world class residence with remarkable detailing and finishes.
virtual tour

Property Details:

Status: $1,200,000
Listing Price: 4410 Mystic Ridge Ct. NE
Address: Grand Rapids
City: MI
State: 49525
ZIP: Northview
School District:
MLS #: 12011421
TFLA Sq Ft: 9,000 +
Bedrooms: 8
Bathrooms: 6.5
Garage: 3+Stalls Attached
Fireplace: Yes, 4
Other Located in Thousand Oaks

Forest Hills, 4 Bedrooms, 3 & 1/2 Bathrooms | $299,900

by Leave a Comment

This house is located on one acre, on one of the most picturesque streets in Cascade Township and surrounded by homes of much higher value. Built by Ben Brinks, this 4 bedroom,3 1/2 bath, executive, walk-out ranch has almost 3000 square feet of finished living space. It has a newer roof, furnace, electrical and appliances. The 4th bedroom on the lower level is currently used as a reception area for an in-home business. The rooms are spacious and have architectural features that define space while keeping the floor plan very open. There is a neutral color palette throughout. The sun-drenched interiors have six sets of sliders that lead to an expansive deck and patio overlooking the park-like setting in the rear of the property. There are two, floor-to-ceiling brick fireplaces with raised hearths. The walkout lower level salon is easily converted to a 14 x 25 rec room. It has a fantastic location, Forest Hills School District and a meticulously maintained home and property.
virtual tour

Property Details:

Status: $299,900
Listing Price: 1936 Beard Dr. Se
Address: Grand Rapids Twp
City: MI
State: 49546
ZIP: Forest Hills
School District: $131,600
MLS #: 11046292
TFLA Sq Ft: 2,900
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.5
Garage: 2+Stalls Attached
Fireplace: Yes
Other

Forest Hills, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms | $225,000

by Leave a Comment

This free standing, detached, one-owner condominium has been meticulously maintained and beautifully updated. Located in Forest Hills School District and on a cul-de-sac within the development, you will find new countertops, new carpet, wood flooring and paint, new furnace & central air and new electrical. This former model unit in Sabal Pointe has two fireplaces, both with raised hearths. The rooms are generously sized and offer a wide range of versatility. The second bedroom on the main level is currently used as a den/study. The owner’s suite has double closets, walk-in shower and soaking tub. There is a large, well designed kitchen with eating area and ample cabinetry. The finished daylight lower level has a large family room, bedroom, bathroon and a large storage room. Sabal Poine is conveniently located within minutes of everything in Grand Rapids. It’s a great location and a beautiful neighborhood. You’ll find quality construction and functional design.
virtual tour

Property Details:

Status: $225,000
Listing Price: 1928 Thorn Run Ct. Se
Address: Kentwood
City: MI
State: 49546
ZIP: Forest Hills
School District: $102,100
MLS #: 12006920
TFLA Sq Ft: 2,370
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Garage: 2 Stalls Attached
Fireplace: Yes
Other Sabal Pointe Condominiums

Forest Hills, 5 bedrooms, 4 & 1/2 bathrooms | $450,000

by Leave a Comment


This former Parade Home, located within the popular neighborhood of West Village in Ada Twp and Forest Hills Schools, has been meticulously maintained both inside and outside. It includes 4200 square feet of finished living space and has 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 bathrooms. The floor plan is stylish and encompasses current trends for today’s living. The kitchen showcases a 10-foot arched island with matte black granite and plenty of seating. There is a large walk-in pantry, stainless appliances and Brazillian cherry hardwoods.
There is an den/study and a great room with a beautiful stone fireplace. On the second floor there is a generously sized study loft, 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. The daylight lower level is beautifully crafted with family room/fireplace, game area, bed, bath and storage. It is certified Green built and energy star qualified home. Many premium upgrades throughout. The surroundings are amazing and include geese, ducks, Blue Heron, red-tail hawk and many more.
virtual tour

Property Details:

Status: $450,000
Listing Price: 4924 West Village Trail SE
Address: Ada
City: Michigan
State: 49301
ZIP: Forest Hills
School District: $235,800
MLS #: 11033540
TFLA Sq Ft: 4,200
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4.5
Garage: 3+ Stall Garage
Fireplace: Yes
Other Located in the West Village

Forest Hills, 4 Bedrooms, 3 & 1/2 Bathrooms | $289,000

by Leave a Comment

This executive ranch-style home is located in Forest Hills Northern district and in the popular, upscale Ryann Ridge neighborhood. This craftsman-style home includes four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and almost 2900 square feet of finished living space. The bright, sun-drenched home has a smart and functional floorplan. The great room with fireplace opens to the chef’s kitchen with beautiful wood cabinetry & flooring and granite on the island. From the eating area there is a four season room that leads to a private cedar deck. The owners suite includes cathedral ceilings, walk-in closet, double vanity and many windows. The daylight lower level has a spacious family room, a fourth bedroom and plenty of storage. In addition to the manicured landscaping with underground sprinkling, there is a private, neighborhood park. Quality construction, creative design and fantastic location.
virtual tour

Property Details:

Status: $289,000
Listing Price: 4622 Catalpa Dr.
Address: Grand Rapids Twp
City: Michigan
State: 49546
ZIP: Forest Hills Northern
School District: $135,000
MLS #: 11025746
TFLA Sq Ft: 2,850
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.5
Garage: 2+ Stall Attached
Fireplace: Yes
Other

Forest Hills, 4 bedrooms, 2 & 1/2 bathrooms | $ 274,900

by Leave a Comment

Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this beautiful waterfront lot includes a huge private pond, sandy beach, professionally landscaped and two decorative patios. Entering the house, there is a 2-story foyer and great room with fireplace. The main level floorplan is spacious and uses architectural elements to define individual spaces. Each room has great views of the water and the woods behind. The kitchen is generously proportioned with center island, pantry, hardwoods and eating area. There is a main floor owner’s suite that has cathedral ceilings, two, walk-in closets and jacuzzi tub. The three bedrooms upstairs share a generously-sized bathroom. The walkout lower level has 1400 square feet of space that will give the new owner many options when finished. Considered to be the best lot in Ada Moorings and privately located within the popular Forest Hills Central neighborhood.
virtual tour

Property Details:

Status: $274,900
Listing Price: 762 Moorings Dr. SE
Address: Ada
City: Michigan
State: 49301
ZIP: Forest Hills
School District: $155,300
MLS #: 11022494
TFLA Sq Ft: 2,310
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Garage: 2+ Stall Attached
Fireplace: Yes
Other

Marketing your home for optimum on-line Visibility

by Leave a Comment

Many Real Estate Agents have some sort of presence on-line. Current trends in real estate require that you embrace the newest technology available to market your home for optimum visibility on-line. Many agents like myself use: websites, facebook, craigslist, and blogs to raise that visibility. However, it’s one thing to raise an Agents visibility but, an entirely different thing to raise the visibility of a clients’ home.

Optimizing my clients listings is what I focus on first and foremost.

When a client works with me on marketing their home their listing is placed on over 300 different real estate websites across the country – and internationally. Additionally, we use the newest tools available to market our clients homes on-line including: a custom domain name, custom made virtual tours, and we use the power of Keller Williams unmatched web marketing tools. This website is just one small example of on-line marketing in a broader campaign that is ongoing continuously. All of my marketing on-line is tailored towards selling my clients house and providing the best, most accurate information to potential buyers while making that information easily available through numerous means.

When it comes time to sell your home it’s important to ask the agents you interview what their marketing strategy is. Most importantly, whose interests that marketing strategy best serves.

Forest Hills, 4 bedrooms, 2 & 1/2 bathrooms | $224,900 |

by Leave a Comment

This meticulously maintained executive ranch in Cascade Woods has had many new updates. There is a new kitchen with granite countertops, wood cabinetry, new appliances and flooring. There are new Andersen windows throughout the home. Including the finished lower level, it has 3,500 square feet of finished space. All four bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms are located on the main level. There is a fresh, neutral color palette. This wooded lot,with fenced backyard, has been professionally landscaped and includes underground irrigation. The home is in a terrific neighborhood, Forest Hills Schools and private yet convenient to all areas of city within minutes.

Property Details:

Status: $224,900
Listing Price: 7456 Lime Hollow Dr. SE
Address: Cascade Twp
City: Michigan
State: 49546
ZIP: Forest Hills
School District: $105,100
MLS #: 11012106
TFLA Sq Ft: 3,500
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.5
Garage: 2-Stalls Attached
Fireplace: Yes
Other

virtual tour

3464 Monterey Hills Dr. • $35,000

by Leave a Comment

 
3/4 acre lot in the Forest Hills Eastern School District that is a very convenient location to schools, shopping, entertainment, dining and expressways. It is a smaller and newer neighborhood community that includes younger, active families.

Property Details:

Status: $35,000
Listing Price: 3464 Monterey Hills Dr.
Address: Grand Rapids Twp
City: Michigan
State: 49525
ZIP: Forest Hills
School District: $39,000
MLS #: 11008235
TFLA Sq Ft:
Bedrooms:
Bathrooms:
Garage:
Fireplace:
Other 3/4 Acre Lot

What motivates me and why?

by Leave a Comment

What motivates me?…a job well done.  I never settle for mediocrity.  There’s no room for it in my day…or in my life.  Doing my best affects my work and my family.  My daughters are in the last phase of high school…Forest Hills in Grand Rapids.  The school district has the highest test scores in the State of Michigan.  They don’t settle for “average”.  Smaller size classes and moderately-sized total enrollment allows kids to excel in a variety of areas, if they desire.  With the growth of Forest Hills District, we have seen Forest Hills Fine Arts Center affect the social and creative outlets for the citizens of Grand Rapids.The Cascade Library recently installed a windmill and solar panels to educate Forest Hills students the value of alternative energy and  going “green”.  Goodwillie Environmental School and the Spanish and Chinese Emersion Schools prepare Forest Hills students to succeed in today’s world.  Forest Hills Schools were far ahead of  the “No Child Left Behind” initiative.  Walking and bike paths, new and existing parks  the Thornapple River and new athletic centers create a healthy environment for people of all ages.  Forest Hills also offers great golfing and superb dining.  International businesses centered in Forest Hills and Grand Rapids, have produced some of the most philanthropic people in the world.  The new Medical Mile has placed us at the forefront of today’s healthcare.  It’s a GREAT place to be.  It’s a great place to learn, to grow, and to dream!